Michelle O'Neill
Mid Ulster · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“We are shocked and deeply saddened for both the victim of the horrific incident in north Belfast and the people who have been impacted on by the disorder that we have witnessed since. There is absolutely no justification for racism, violence or intimidation.”
“It is the latest chapter in a political psychodrama. It has been playing out in Westminster for forever and a day but particularly over the past 10 years. Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of Brexit, which inflicted so much damage to the wider economy. We are now on the verge of having a seventh British Prime Minister in 10 years.”
“We cannot look at things in isolation. Whether it is the refugee integration strategy, the framework or the legislation, all those things need to move together and at pace.”
“I agree with the Member about the ugly language that was used to describe some people in our community. Like the Member, I have met many people from the black and ethnic minority community in recent times. I do that on an ongoing basis, but I did so recently given what happened over the last number of weeks.”
“There is not just one answer to it, as the Member knows. We need to come at it from every angle. That could be a policing response initially, for which additional funding was secured. I agree that this is the third year in a row in which we have had that type of racist behaviour on our streets. Likewise, I would describe it as a pogrom.”
“Building on that progress, the Executive Office is contributing £3·3 million towards the Derry on the North Atlantic Museum, which is due to open in 2027 and will further enhance Ebrington’s role as a heritage and tourism destination. <BR /> <BR />Ebrington is also continuing to develop as a vibrant events space.”
The complete record
Every one of 5,636 lines we hold for Michelle O'Neill, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 25 of 113.
“It is important that I set out and address the legitimate concerns that are being raised, because it is an important matter of public concern. It is important, first, to state that Michael McMonagle's actions are utterly reprehensible, and he is being held fully accountable under the law. His crimes have inflicted significant harm on his innocent victims, and there is nothing more reprehensible than the abuse of a child. <BR /> <BR />In August 2021, when Michael McMonagle informed Sinn Féin of his arrest and questioning concerning serious criminal offences, the party took decisive action. In line with our child protection policy and human resources handbook, he was immediately suspended from party membership and his position as a press officer, with his employment terminated in June 2022 when his contract ended.”
“The issues that have arisen over recent days result primarily from the actions of two former press officers who have now resigned from their employment and from Sinn Féin. <BR /> <BR />I now want to set out clearly and comprehensively the circumstances surrounding the departure of those two press officers. In that regard, Mr Speaker, I am asking for your indulgence to allow me the space and time to do so.”
“First, let me address directly the issue of confidence in my office, which has been posed in this question, and let me be crystal clear on this point: I am absolutely and totally committed to ensuring that the strongest and most robust child protection and safeguarding processes and policies are in place. Everything that I do as First Minister is guided by that fundamental commitment. As a mother and as a grandmother, I assert my absolute determination, political and personal, to protecting all children and all other vulnerable people. <BR /> <BR />In my work in the Executive Office, I have prioritised and focused attention on the needs and rights of victims and survivors of childhood abuse, and of children and young people more generally.”
“No doubt, the £290 million investment for the Derry City and Strabane District Council growth deal marks another huge milestone for the north-west. It will be transformative in terms of job creation, infrastructure, education, tourism projects and investment in our communities, and I believe that the potential of every city, town and community across the area that it covers will mean that such huge opportunities for the north-west in general will be created. When you combine it with the work that is being done in the Magee task force and on regional imbalance, you can see that the deal is a game changer in the collective effort to ensure that there is proper regional balance in the north-west.”
“It was a fantastic event last week, and it was great to be there and be part of the signing of the growth deal, particularly given the negative publicity around the growth deals in the days prior to that. I was delighted and did not want the event to be overshadowed by the negativity, because we have work to do collectively to fight for the Mid South West and the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deals.”
“If anything in TEO can be done to assist, we are more than happy to do it. However, the general point about all of us in political leadership trying to use our influence on things like this is very important. Usually, a better solution is found when it comes organically from the ground.”
“Sorry, I am not aware of the ins and outs of that. All those who work in local communities, particularly those who work in interface areas, need to work together to ensure that, where our young people are being distracted in such ways, we can take them on a different path. I definitely commend a lot of the good work that is done by community groups and people on the ground who work with young people daily. I hope that that does not become a constant feature and that there is a way to find a resolution to what is happening.”
“I very much welcome the publication of the task force report last week. The task force, spearheaded by Stephen Kelly, was one of the first things that our Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, established when he took up office. The delivery of 10,000 students at Magee is an Executive priority, and it is one that we are all determined to deliver on as part of our work to promote regional balance. It is a strong sign of intent, and it demonstrates that progress is being made. It is a really exciting opportunity to further establish the north-west as a vibrant place to live and study. If we work together with all partners, we will deliver a first-class university in the region.”
“Yes, it is good news for the teaching and support staff that an agreement has been reached on a fair wage. That comes down to the old adage that we get more done when we work together. I commend the Finance Minister and Education Minister for the work they did together to constructively find a resolution to the matter. The industrial action had been going on for a long time, and all credit to the support staff in our schools and to the teachers who worked together to achieve what they did in the end. I commend them for that, because they deserve fair pay and good working conditions. I commend the approach of the two Ministers who worked together and that of the education and support staff.”
“No, we do not have any kind of in-depth detail, but, of course, I participate in all the bodies and groups. There are quite a lot of them right now, but I continue to participate in them where I believe that doing so will be to the betterment of the people here. We know, on a high brow, what has been suggested, but we do not have the detail of what an agenda would look like, where we would participate or how we would do so. Certainly, we will attend when the date has been settled.”
“We have just been given an exploratory date. The British Government are trying to pull it together, but nothing has been confirmed yet. They seem to be proceeding with setting it up.”
“Absolutely. The economic benefits speak for themselves. We need to get on and get the stadium built now. The construction of Casement Park will be a huge benefit for west Belfast and the local economy, but the benefits will also be felt more widely. It has significant meaning for Gaels, for job creation and for growing our economy. We must now move on and get it done. I am determined to make sure that that is the case.”
“This is about the economic potential that will come from investing in the site and what the stadium facilities will mean for Gaelic games, the local economy and job creation, so we need to push forward and get it done. It has gone on for far too long. The time is now. The Euros, unfortunately, have passed us by because of inaction. We are now in a scenario where we must move forward and get Casement built.”
“Yes, I do. The Friday before last, when the British Government made a number of announcements that were not in the interests of people here, it was a poor start to any kind of reset that the new Government wanted to have with us. They need to do better. Casement Park must be built. It is a flagship Executive project to which the British and Irish Governments have committed. We know the quantum of funding that is available from the Irish Government and what the Executive have set aside. We now need to see the British Government fulfilling their commitment to get Casement built, if they want to be a partner in that, as I hope that they will be.”
“I want to find a way to get political agreement that allows that huge opportunity to be opened up. The prize for doing so will be job creation, money in people's pockets and economic growth. Those are all things that we all strive towards.”
“It is very much for the board to develop the plans. That is its remit. It has come together as a corporation. Previously, it had plans, but, given the political nature of the site, those have not progressed. Let us hope that we are in a different space and in a spot where we can advance those plans. We have had the initial conversation with the board. Its members talked at a very high level around some of the areas in which there is, they think, potential. A lot more work has to be done on the detailed plans for, for example, the road into the site. We have to have political agreement in the first instance in order to get the site opened up, but I want us to achieve that. I want to find a way that lets us all maximise the site for the good of everybody and that protects the listed buildings.”
“I am not sure that that has come to my desk. I will check it out and let the Member know.”
“It is a very simple message, and it is one that we have delivered since we have come into office: we are open for business. That message resonates with people. It is important that we give that message of political stability, that we have a plan to grow our economy, and that we have plans to really showcase the strengths that we have here. We have a lot of strengths and things to be proud of, including the aerospace industry, manufacturing and advanced manufacturing. We are so strong in quite a number of areas, so our message will certainly be that we are very much open for business and that we have access to both markets, which we must now exploit to the benefit of all the people whom we collectively represent.”
“Yes. I believe that we received an invitation towards the end of last week. When we met the Chancellor last week, that was one of the areas that we discussed. We think that we have a unique selling point. Now we need to make sure that we maximise that. If we are to grow our economy, we have to take every avenue and opportunity that is open to us. I think that the organisers are just trying to settle on a date for when that might be.”
“Perhaps the Member is not sure, but the job of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee is to look at the functioning of these institutions and how they work and whether we can improve things, do better and reform. My team is there, participating with all the other parties to bring forward ideas and trying to progress areas in which we strengthen how we do business. We have always been up for that, and we will continue to be in the Committee.”
“I have always been clear that I am here because I want to be. I am here because I want to govern. I am leading the Executive, developing a Programme for Government and bringing forward strategies to try to make people's lives better. I am fully committed to making the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement work, including the Executive and the Assembly.”
“We have to do everything that we can to ensure that we celebrate the richness of the diversity of the people who have made here their home, and those who were born here. We very much want to have it in our community.”
“Thank you for that. <BR /> <BR />I absolutely concur. The racism, violence and intimidation that we have seen on our streets in recent months is a challenge to each and every one of us who wants to build a shared society here, with equality and respect at its heart, and a better future. As an elected body, we also need to have that approach to promoting and upholding that. I do not think that we will ever lose sight of the damaging and lasting impact that the crimes that we witnessed have had on victims, their families and our communities. It was harrowing to watch, and it is not acceptable. The zero-tolerance message that we sent out over the summer is vital. We need to keep driving home the fact that we are not going to accept that behaviour in this place that we call home. We say no to intolerance and hatred.”
“If the Member has any particular areas of concern to raise or would like to talk to me, I am more than happy to hear from her, because the EA has advised us that housing them in that type of accommodation for a short period will cause unnecessary disruption to families. We just have to be careful and work our way through the situation as best we can. If there are any particular cases that the Member would like to raise with me, I am more than happy to hear about them.”
“I can give the Member an assurance that we will do everything that we can. Where any particular issues arise, we will always want to know about them so that we can respond appropriately. <BR /> <BR />On the question of access to school places for asylum-seeking children, the Education Authority (EA) will no longer intervene to support them to secure a school place in the initial four-week period, owing to a fear of their moving on and children being moved from school to school. There is perhaps a challenge there. It is therefore important that we be sensitive to all those things and that we get this right.”
“A further element of our Strategic Migration Partnership work has focused on building a picture of community cohesion and service availability in a number of local locations. Phase 1 has been completed, and the Home Office is using that work to inform asylum dispersal here. In a similar vein, officials led a multi-agency working group to address move-on pressures and to help facilitate the transition for those who are gaining immigration status to live here. We will continue to work closely with our cross-sectoral partners to build on those successes and to strengthen engagement and communication in that area further.”
“Since assuming responsibility for the coordination and engagement functions of the previous Strategic Migration Partnership, the Executive Office has worked in conjunction with partners to support asylum seekers and refugees and their integration into the community. That involves officials engaging with the relevant agencies to consider often challenging asylum and resettlement policies and to represent local interests to the Home Office on policy plans and implementation, such as room-sharing policies in asylum accommodation. <BR /> <BR />Following the recent unrest, officials set up cross-sectoral meetings with statutory bodies, voluntary partners and the Home Office, thus ensuring that key information was shared.”
“I commend the Finucane family, who have been campaigning for over three decades to get access to truth and justice. They were due that public inquiry but had been let down at every turn by successive British Governments. I commend Geraldine Finucane for her bravery and courage in keeping going for all these years. What I want for the Finucane family, I want for every family.”
“<BR /> <BR />More generally, it is important that we support all families to get access to truth and justice. As we can see from the court ruling on Friday, the Labour Government's intention to go down the route of retaining the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which does not command the support of the victims and survivors' community or human rights organisations, has now been found to be completely and fundamentally flawed. We need to find a way for all families to get access to truth and justice. We need to find a way in which to help people heal. That is different for different families. We once had that with the Stormont House Agreement, and we need to get back to that point. <BR /> <BR />I think that the Member was referencing the decision on the Finucane case.”
“The Victims' Payments Board (VPB) is working closely with victims' groups to keep the scheme under review and to look for ways in which to improve throughput of cases. I know that a number of Members have been raising concerns about the fact that some individuals have been in the system for so long. It is quite a distressing time for anybody who is going through the process. I assure that Member that, to try to speed up the process, we are looking at all areas, including at having a review of operational effectiveness and performance. We are exploring improvements to the overall victim journey through the assessment process. We are doing workshops with victims' groups on improving the process. We are also working with NIJAC to bring the board up to full complement.”
“I can say that we have made initial decisions in respect of the appointments process. We have been able to make some progress there. Officials are working to provide further advice to Ministers, including information documents for each of the competitions as well as details of selection panels. The development of that competition documentation is at an advanced stage. Officials are also finalising the selection panels for the competitions. Once those are agreed, a competition initiation meeting needs to be conducted for each of the competitions. That will allow officials to provide finalised paperwork for Ministers. Subject to that agreement, the competition process can then be launched. I hope that that will happen in the immediate period ahead.”
“The appointment of a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors is essential to inform the development of policies and to help ensure that the longer-term needs of victims and survivors are represented by a strong, independent voice. We are keen that a new commissioner is appointed as soon as possible and are pleased to inform the Chamber that we have instructed our officials in the Executive Office to formally proceed with the appointment process. Officials are now at an advanced stage with the preparations required for the recruitment competition, and we anticipate that it will be formally launched in the autumn. We remind Members that the appointment process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. It is estimated that the process may take a number of months.”
“We need to look at how we can lift everybody in society up and how we can have an inclusive society, because we live in an ever-changing and much more diverse place. I want us to live in a fair, welcoming and inclusive society, and I know that everybody in the Chamber is elected to do that work too.”
“That is not exactly related to the question. However, a number of events will happen. The deputy First Minister and I have been invited to events to celebrate 26 years of the Good Friday Agreement. We will have a number of events. Perhaps it would be better if I wrote to the Member to note what those are. <BR /> <BR />We should be proud of the people who stepped forward and created peace and the conditions for peace. We should, as we did for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, reflect on what was achieved, the fact that those people stepped forward and got us to the point where we had the Good Friday Agreement and how grateful we are for that. Our job, as the political leaders of today, is to keep building for the future and towards the next 25 years.”
“I remind the Member that TEO was not involved in funding the museum. Obviously, the Gasyard is different, and we are proud of that investment. There has been a lot of public commentary on the museum. Whilst we are not responsible for the content, TEO contracted Ulster University to provide additional assurance on the information that was shared in the content steering group and the development of the museum narrative. Ulster University and the National Lottery Heritage Fund confirmed that they were content that that had been met prior to construction works commencing. Like with all these things, it is much better to try to resolve them in a conversation as opposed to megaphone diplomacy.”
“I assure the Member that I am absolutely delighted that our Department was involved in funding and supporting the extension and refurbishment of the Gasyard Centre. I just referred to the employment that that created, what it means to the area and the fact that the community has access to support services in the area. That is fabulous. We stand over and are proud of that. <BR /> <BR />TEO provides no direct funding for the Peacemakers Museum. Therefore, that issue is between the family and the museum.”
“TEO funded the extension and refurbishment of the Gasyard Centre, directly impacting the centre's ability to meet community needs. It now employs 19 staff directly and approximately 50 staff indirectly to ensure that the community has access to support services in the local area, with an array of projects on offer throughout the calendar year. The Peacemakers Museum hosted in the centre was funded solely through the Heritage Lottery Fund. An internal review was carried out under the raising concerns policy. The outcome of the internal review was independently reviewed by group internal audit and fraud investigation services. The conclusion of both reviews was that there was no breach of the capital process regarding Gasyard Development Trust’s proposal.”
“Of course. In my answer to the previous question, I said that it is important that everybody feels prosperity and feels that they are invested in. I absolutely concur with the Member that we need to see the anti-poverty strategy published and put into action. I commend the Department for Communities for its work to take that forward and to get it published so that we can see that action. <BR /> <BR />People are struggling. The cost of living has been so challenging. The decision taken in London on the winter fuel payment compounds that problem for a lot of older people. We need to see the publication of the strategies. The Programme for Government includes reference to the inclusion strategies, but we need to see them published. I am committed to that and share the Member's desire for the strategies to be published.”
“That area of work is separate from the Programme for Government in so far as it has already been completed. The Member will know that there was consensus on some areas and not on others. Now, however, we are looking for the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) report to be wrapped up in the wider review of Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC). It is important that we find a way to drive forward on the areas on which we agree and wrap that up with T:BUC, for example, and that we look at what that might look like. The Member knows that there may be areas on which there will not be political agreement. There may be a role for the Assembly in relation to how some of those areas are taken forward.”
“Delivering regional balance is core to the intent, vision and ambition underpinning the Programme for Government, and that means targeting resources and locating services where there are clear deficits but also better connecting people to their public services and to employment and educational opportunities. <BR /> <BR />To deliver those objectives, we need to make the right investments in the right place and at the right time. Of course, that will be challenging, but we are dealing with a legacy of historical underfunding of public services; we know that. However, I am convinced that, when we work together, we can overcome those challenges and ensure that there is a fair spread across the piece, with everybody feeling that they are being invested in and that the Executive is committed to regional balance.”
“Thank you to the school and you for the invite for Thursday night. The prize-giving put a big premium on investing in our young people and was a positive event. It was great to be there and to be part of the awards ceremony for all those amazing young people. <BR /> <BR />I 100% agree with what you said about regional balance. The new Executive have very much focused on regional balance. The previous question was about how the Maze/Long Kesh (MLK) site can benefit everybody: that is crucial. We must share prosperity and the benefit that can be found from investment. The strengthening of our local economy, support for our local businesses and investment in infrastructure have to be felt fairly across the North.”
“The public consultation opened on 9 September and will run for eight weeks. An equality consultation opened on the same day and will run for 12 weeks. Surveys are available on the Executive website, enabling people to provide feedback on the draft Programme for Government, as are its accompanying impact assessments. In-person and online events have been scheduled to enable people to find out more about the process. Further details of the events are available on the Executive website. In addition, we will continue to explore opportunities to engage with sectoral partners in order to gauge their thoughts on the document.”
“Yes. When we reflect on the site, we are talking about how we can benefit everybody and how everybody in our local economy can benefit from what could be a catalyst for investment, economic growth, job creation and everything that the whole site could open up. We need to have a political agreement on how we progress that. Obviously, the board will develop the plans and will work its way through all the areas. It set out for us its broader thinking on where it is heading, but we do not have a t's-crossed-and-i's-dotted plan at this stage. Suffice to say that there is a political will and a commitment to find a way to realise the site's full potential and benefit everybody.”
“The MLK Development Corporation seeks, as far as possible, to make sure that it is ready for future development. That includes continuing to consider possible approaches to the regeneration of the site and a road map for the future. In that context, the corporation has held discussions with National Museums, as recorded in its board minutes. Those became public some time ago. We understand that it is about how National Museums might be able to contribute on the basis of its experience of working with historic and listed buildings. No firm proposals have been put to National Museums for consideration yet, so no decisions have been made, but it is fair to say that the corporation seeks, through due diligence, to maintain its readiness so that, when we have a way forward, at least it has advanced some of the work.”
“It is a huge, albeit challenging, opportunity for us, and I am committed to working with the deputy First Minister, Executive colleagues and, indeed, all parties in the Chamber to deliver on the potential of the site.”
“I thank the Member for the question. Earlier this year, the deputy First Minister, the junior Ministers and I visited the Balmoral show. We were back on-site in July and had a full tour of the site again. As I said, we met the corporation. It was a good opportunity for us to take stock and reflect the feeling, from the Assembly's recent debate, that we were committed to trying to unleash the site's potential. We wanted to talk to the board about its thoughts on a road map for the site's development. Its potential is clear for us all to see. The immense benefit that it would bring to our local community and local economy is not lost on anybody. The scale of the investment will be huge, but the cost of doing nothing would be much greater. We must tap into that.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the time frame, given that the infrastructure is quite large and that it is a large project, we will not turn it round overnight, but there is certainly a political will to work together to develop the site. In the Executive Office, we are collectively committed to ensuring that we do so.”
“When we had a debate on the issue previously in the Assembly, I think that we collectively joined up and said that we want to maximise the potential of the site so that it can be a huge catalyst for economic development and growth, and that is very much aligned to our Programme for Government targets on economic growth. <BR /> <BR />We can do all of the above. We can find a way to unleash the site's potential, being sensitive to the listed buildings and making sure that we develop the site as best we can. We have had the initial meeting with the board, and we intend to continue that engagement. We are also talking to our officials.”
“The future use of the listed and retained buildings will form part of that wider discussion, and we have been very clear that we must build on the common ground that we all share so that we can realise the potential of the site for the benefit of all. We are absolutely committed to working with the corporation in order to achieve what we think is the site's huge potential.”
“First, I would like to mention the other listed buildings that are on the Maze/Long Kesh site, namely, the World War II hangars, which the Ulster Aviation Society occupies. The Ulster Aviation Society participated in the European Heritage Open Days on 14 and 15 September and attracted 7,000 visitors to its collection. The Ulster Aviation Society collection is a fantastic example of how listed buildings can be preserved and brought back into use. <BR /> <BR />We had the opportunity to meet the board of the MLK Development Corporation in July to hear its thinking on a road map for the future. We will discuss next steps with officials in due course.”