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.”
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“I thank the Member. I know that he is passionate about the site. We want to work with the council and our partners to ensure that we maximise the site's potential. The deputy First Minister and I will be up there in June, and we will talk to partners about how we can progress some of the areas to which I have referred. If we are going to open up the site more, bring in more events and do so in partnership, it is important, obviously, that the site is inviting and is somewhere where people want to go and spend time, because the benefits that that will bring to the wider north-west, particularly the impact on local communities, are clear for us all to see.”
“The Member will know that we had a debate in the Assembly when we talked about the enormous potential of the site. I am absolutely determined to ensure that we grab that with both hands and open up that site for all the tremendous economic, social and cultural benefits that can come from it. I look forward to working with the Member and other Members as we regenerate that site for the benefit of all the people whom we collectively serve.”
“I thank the Member for his continued interest in and promotion of the site. As I mentioned, many types of community, arts-based, sporting and charity events occur there. It is really important that Ebrington continues to be well used to maximise its social and economic contribution to the city and the north-west, because we know that that comes with enormous benefits. Maximising the site's potential is best done in partnership with the council and local businesses. Where opportunities present themselves or even, indeed, where requests are made, we will, of course, consider them, especially where there is a significant benefit to the city.”
“We really want to help promoters and local groups to be ambitious, showcase local talent and attract major artists and visitors to the region. Soon, we will be calling for expressions of interest for large-scale events up to September 2026. <BR /> <BR />That level of ambition is enhanced by a focus on inclusion. Ebrington is used year round by local people and groups for community, sporting and charity events, large and small. We really want to support that also. Building on views expressed by political, community and business representatives during our recent engagement work, a series of public events will now take place in June to explore better ways of working together that will realise the full potential of the Ebrington site.”
“Ebrington has been transformed. Future developments, such as a new museum for Derry, will strengthen its economic, social, tourism and cultural impact and value to the city and the north-west. That potential will be enhanced by an inclusive and ambitious approach to creative and cultural events at Ebrington. Next month, the YES Festival will feature the creative work of women from 18 European cities and renowned female artists. Support from the Executive Office is enabling a major outdoor art installation and community activities on the square that will showcase the diverse creative opportunities for the site. <BR /> <BR />Good partnership working with Derry City and Strabane District Council has supported an events programme for 2024, including linkages to citywide events and festivals.”
“Yes. I can confirm that significant work has been undertaken by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) in the development and implementation of the £1·14 billion Peace programme so far. That aims to build on the work of the previous Peace and INTERREG programmes, and I welcome the huge impact that it will have in promoting economic and social cohesion and supporting peace and prosperity. I am very pleased that the programme opened for funding calls in June last year and that programme implementation is progressing well. A significant number of funding calls have already opened and closed, and I understand that, in the remaining investment areas, calls are scheduled to open throughout the remainder of this year. There is huge potential for projects to be taken forward under the Special EU Programmes Body.”
“I strongly encourage Members to get a look at the exhibition so that they can see the kind of practical collaborative efforts that have been brought forward and the benefits and advantages that the North/South bodies have brought to our people.”
“Yes, this is the 25th anniversary, as you acknowledged. It is a significant milestone in the profile of the work of the bodies and what has been achieved. There have been some very significant achievements over that period, and it is important that they are profiled and publicised. It is also important that we continue to build on those achievements when we look towards the next 25 years and what can be achieved. <BR /> <BR />Members may be aware that the bodies have launched an exhibition in the Ulster Museum. It is titled North/South 25, and it will be on permanent display in the lecture theatre at the Ulster Museum throughout 2024.”
“It was discussed more in a high-level strategic way in the context of building our economy, and that will be one of the component parts if we are serious about building our economy. It was discussed in the vein that it is something that we, as an incoming Executive, want to prioritise and work on. We restated our Executive commitment to doing something on childcare and bringing forward an appropriately funded and accessible childcare package. That was the way in which we discussed the issue. Again, it is one of those areas that will follow through into the sectoral meetings, and there will be much more discussion about that then. It was for us to state our priority, and, likewise, the Irish Government addressed their approach to the issue.”
“It is disgraceful, disgusting and does not meet any human-rights standards by any stretch of the imagination. The issue has arisen only in the past number of days, so it was not discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council. However, suffice it to say, we should all support a system that is fair, efficient, compassionate and can be enforced. There is no doubt in my mind, as I said yesterday during Question Time, that Ireland cannot become a casualty of the horrible Rwanda legislation that the Tories have brought forward in England.”
“I am on the record as having called out the British Government's approach in the Rwanda Act.”
“I am aware that the Member has submitted questions about the resourcing of the North/South bodies. I remind him that those bodies are jointly funded by the Irish Government and the Executive and that they are an integral part of the jigsaw that makes up the Good Friday Agreement institutions and the relationships across these islands. It is important that, as public bodies, they are properly resourced to do their work. In general terms, the resourcing of individual bodies is a matter for Ministers, and such bodies continue to be developed collaboratively by Executive colleagues and their Irish Government counterparts.”
“Yes, I agree. There is enormous potential there, and our Minister with responsibility for tourism, Conor Murphy, is determined to advance that project.”
“It was discussed. It is another important infrastructure project for both Administrations. The Irish Government announced further Shared Island funding for the construction of the bridge back in February. We know that the bridge will facilitate cross-border active travel, including through further development of the network of greenways and of local connectivity. Again, like the A5 project, it is a project that has been in the making for many years, so it is great to see progress being made. No doubt, the communities in Down and Louth who have campaigned tirelessly for progress will be delighted that their hard work is bearing fruit and that we are seeing advances.”
“As the Member can see from my statement, we discussed research and innovation and higher education in the north-west, the North/South research programme and the North West Strategic Growth Partnership. The Economy Minister spoke at the meeting, particularly about his plans for a task force, which he subsequently announced. I look forward to that work continuing in order to ensure that we do everything to support the university's expansion. The task force will, in time, produce the road map that will enable us to do that. We had a strong commitment from the Irish Government on their approach to the area and to working with us on building research and innovation and higher education more widely in the north-west.”
“That was not discussed, because the discussion was at a higher, more strategic level, but it will be discussed at a sectoral meeting. Absolutely, we can all concur that having access to Horizon Europe is where we all wanted to be, so I am glad that we are back in that spot.”
“Another area in which we have common ground in trying to grapple with is our desire to ensure that our young people want to stay here and build their careers here when they come out of education. We want to stop that trend. Those are areas where we can continue to collaborate.”
“Yes. Again, one of the early conversations that we had was about supporting businesses and growing trade — that is a key priority for all of us in the years ahead — and how we are all committed to addressing regional imbalance. We have shared priorities in promoting economic growth, job creation and improving skills, all of which we discussed in a broad way at the meeting. We have similar barriers to people entering the workforce, including childcare, which was also briefly touched on. <BR /> <BR />We are keen to support local businesses as they grow, take the next step and venture into other markets, whether that is on the island, in Britain, in the EU or beyond. Obviously, Invest NI will play a key part in that, and I welcome the work that it is doing with InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland to deliver support in innovative ways.”
“No. That issue will be taken forward in the sectoral meetings involving the Department for the Economy and the relevant corresponding Department.”
“That issue was not discussed at the NSMC, but I am absolutely on record as saying that all families are entitled to truth and justice in whatever form and from whatever quarter that comes.”
“I was delighted that there was a commitment from the Irish Government to work with us on that learning, expertise and research. As we know, it is about much more than just Lough Neagh; it is about all the tributaries and everything that contributes to the situation that we find ourselves in. This is a time for learning together and taking on the challenges together. I know that we will continue that conversation and work in the NSMC.”
“Yes. That was one of the first areas that we discussed at the NSMC. Given the significance of the issue and the need for shared learning, expertise and research, we discussed, in the margins of the meeting and in the meeting itself, how we want to continue to face the issue together. I anticipate that we will continue to engage closely on it. <BR /> <BR />We specifically highlighted and discussed the challenges that we jointly face and the strenuous efforts that are in place to overcome the difficulties in Lough Neagh; how it is essential that we continue to work together across all Executive Departments and across the island in addressing the challenges that arise as the result of climate change; and how we need to take action across all sectors to address the troubling trends that we see.”
“There are a number of vacancies that have to be progressed over the coming months. I do not have the actual figure. We were able to make some appointments of chief executive officers. At the sectoral meetings in the coming weeks and months, individual Ministers will bring forward appointments to each of the boards. I will provide the actual number to the Member in writing because I do not have the figure in front of me.”
“That level of detail will be discussed over the course of Minister O'Dowd's deliberations on the PAC findings, which are in front of him right now, but also at the next transport sectoral meeting. I absolutely agree that it is time to get the road built and to get spades in the ground and advance the project. It will provide enormous benefits for the people in that part of our community because of the issues I have highlighted about road safety and the number of deaths that have occurred on the road. It is time to get feet on the ground and make sure that the road is built, and I concur with the Member on that.”
“I am sure that Minister O'Dowd will want to take the matter forward at the next NSMC transport meeting, because it is a key infrastructure project that, we know, will transform and save lives. The project will be better for everyone, so it is important to advance it.”
“Yes, absolutely. It was an area that we discussed. Updating the road is a priority not only for the Executive but for the Irish Government, who recently committed €600 million towards the project. We all know that the number of tragedies that have occurred on that road is absolutely shocking. While we met that morning, news came in of another person who lost their life on a stretch of the A5. That highlights and underlines why we need to urgently upgrade that dangerous road in order to save lives and ensure that no other family suffers the heartbreak that far too many families have endured. <BR /> <BR />The Infrastructure Minister, our colleague John O'Dowd, and his officials are considering the findings of the final report by the PAC and are actively considering the next stage in due course.”
“I do not have the detail of the company to hand, but I am happy to provide that information to the Member.”
“When we see progress on the greenway work, which will be completed this summer, we need to keep building on the potential to extend it even further to help to boost tourism and our local economies and to provide a resource that can promote active travel and recreation. There are huge benefits, and we will continue to see those develop in the years ahead.”
“I concur that the Ulster canal project has huge momentum. It has been a long time in the making and the development. The momentum of the canal restoration project, with both Administrations working together, is a fine example of how to progress such a huge infrastructure project that brings so many benefits for communities. Significant construction work is ongoing in the Clonfad to Clones phase. It will be completed in the next few months. <BR /> <BR />There is the potential for expansion of the greenway work. Heather Humphreys and others, particularly our representatives in the area from across the parties, are promoting its further expansion.”
“There are the practical pieces and infrastructure investment, but there is also investment in communities and in people who do good work on the ground. I look forward to all that work across the piece being restarted and rebooted through the sectoral engagements.”
“The Act was not discussed in any kind of detail at the meeting, but I suspect that, as all the sectoral meetings happen, we will have the opportunity to promote and advance some of that work, particularly on good relations. Some of the Shared Island Fund initiatives that have been announced in recent times will help foster and build good relations in communities.”
“There are many opportunities when it comes to our tourism offering, protecting our environment and tackling climate change. The mechanisms are now in place across all the sectoral interests to allow us to develop effective solutions to many of the issues.”
“I absolutely agree with that. It is such an important forum. I am so glad that it is back up and running. There are huge opportunities for us to share initiatives through the various sectoral meetings. I could not think of what those meetings were called when I was answering Matthew's question. A huge volume of work will be taken through those bodies now that they are operational again. <BR /> <BR />It makes a lot of sense for us to adopt shared practices and strategies on our small island. Many of the challenges that Ministers face across the board are shared challenges. There are also opportunities, however. You referred to health: we can see the many benefits of cooperation, particularly on health facilities. Children's cardiac care is a huge example of how cooperation pays off for citizens here.”
“The two Ministers will bring forward proposals from their respective Departments on how they will publish the final review in the coming months and then on how it will be taken forward.”
“I concur that it is great to see the North/South bodies and institutions up and running again. It was very much an opportunity to refresh and restart them. <BR /> <BR />The strategic rail review is hugely important, and that vital work continues. It is important that both jurisdictions come forward with their proposals for how they will take forward the review. There was an absolute recognition at the meeting that improving our rail network has the potential to drive economic growth and promote environmental sustainability. I look forward to the relevant Ministers bringing that forward through their area of work at the next North/South ministerial apparatus meeting.”
“The NSMC then appointed board members to the Food Safety Promotion Board and Tourism Ireland and agreed that appointments be made to fill the remaining vacancies on those boards and the boards of other North/South implementation bodies at future NSMC meetings. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC then approved a schedule of future sectoral meetings, a meeting in institutional format and the next plenary meeting in quarter 3 of this year. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I place on record our thanks to Mr Tim Losty, the previous joint secretary to the North/South Ministerial Council, who retired in May 2022.”
“The NSMC reappointed Gina McIntyre as chief executive officer of the Special EU Programmes Body and approved the reappointment of Seán Ó Coinn as chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed into post the newly appointed and reappointed chief executive officers and thanked Niall Gibbons, the former chief executive officer of Tourism Ireland, and Ray Dolan, the former chief executive officer of Safefood, for their significant contribution in providing leadership and direction to the work of those bodies. The NSMC also thanked the interim chief executive officer and designated officers for their leadership and important contribution to the work of the North/South implementation bodies and Tourism Ireland.”
“An allocation of an additional €1 million from the Irish Government was provided to the north-west development fund, which allows expenditure on the current phase of the fund to extend to March 2025. The NSMC agreed that commitments under NDNA should remain one of the agenda items of relevance to the NSMC sectoral meetings and that further updates would be provided to future NSMC plenary meetings. <BR /> <BR />The Council then considered a number of CEO appointments for the North/South bodies. The NSMC appointed Gary Kearney to the post of chief executive officer of the Food Safety Promotion Board and approved the appointments of Sharon McMahon as chief executive of the Loughs Agency and Alice Mansergh as chief executive of Tourism Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that, in November 2023, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs announced €70 million in joint funding to create two new research centres on climate and sustainable resilient food systems. The NSMC was advised that the North/South Research Programme, established in 2021, had granted €37·28 million to projects to date. Ministers noted the ongoing engagement of both Administrations with the North West Strategic Growth Partnership. A plenary meeting of the partnership took place on 30 November 2023.”
“The Council received an update on higher education provision in the north-west region and noted that, in June 2023, subject to due diligence, the Irish Government committed up to €44·5 million from the Shared Island Fund to the construction of a new teaching and student services building at Ulster University's campus in Derry and that that implements the Irish Government's commitment under the NDNA agreement for capital investment in the campus to expand higher education provision in the north-west region.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that a tender process for the main construction works contract for the Narrow Water bridge was conducted in 2023 and that Louth County Council expects to award the contract to the successful bidder in the first half of 2024. <BR /> <BR />Ministers also noted that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department for the Economy continue to work closely with Atlantic Technological University and Ulster University on the potential for future collaboration, skills provision and research and innovation. There is a particular focus on the key drivers of human capital and innovation in driving strong economic development in the north-west region.”
“<BR /> <BR />A strategic environmental assessment, including a public consultation, is being carried out on the draft report of the all-island strategic rail review in 2023. The final report will be published, with recommendations appropriately incorporated, pending approval in both jurisdictions. The NSMC noted that the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure continue preparation for projects to be funded under the PEACE PLUS programme, which includes improvement of the Dublin-Belfast rail link through the replacement and expansion of the Enterprise rail fleet to provide for sustainable rail stock and reduced journey time.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that both Administrations continue to work together to progress the Ulster canal restoration project; that substantial completion of the main infrastructure works of phase 2, Clonfad to Clones, is expected in quarter 2 of this year; and that the estimated completion of all phase 3 elements, Castle Saunderson to Clonfad, subject to funding, is 2028-29. The Council was advised that the main infrastructure work on the subsection between Clones and Clonfad of the Ulster canal greenway is expected to be substantially completed in quarter two of 2024 in parallel with the completion of the Ulster canal blueway and that the subsection between Clonfad and Gortnacarrow is anticipated to be delivered in 2028-29.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the announcement in February by the Irish Government of funding of €800 million for Shared Island investment priorities, including €600 million for the A5 western transport corridor, as well as funding for the Narrow Water bridge, an hourly rail service between Belfast and Dublin and the completion of the cross-border Carlingford greenway. Ministers received an update on the A5 western transport corridor, including the fact that a public inquiry into the scheme was reconvened in May/June 2023, that, in October 2023, the Department for Infrastructure received the final report from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) and that Ministers and officials are carefully considering its findings and recommendations.”
“<BR /> <BR />We then received an update on the various New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) commitments with a cross-border element. The NSMC welcomed the positive developments in the delivery of the commitments and noted that the Irish Government and the Executive will continue to work together, including through the North/South Ministerial Council, to deliver key infrastructure projects that will deliver social, environmental and economic benefits to improve the lives of people across the island.”
“It was agreed that, building on the learning from the response to the pandemic, officials in both jurisdictions should continue to consider civil contingency planning and resilience arrangements across both jurisdictions and that an update should be provided at a future meeting. Ministers noted the significant challenges faced in both Administrations in addressing climate change and the loss of biodiversity and agreed that all NSMC sectoral meetings will consider those issues so that a report of the discussions can be brought to the next plenary meeting. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the North/South Ministerial Council and the North/South bodies and that that will be commemorated during the year.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council then discussed environmental challenges, including those facing our watercourses, such as Lough Neagh, and agreed that both jurisdictions would share learning, expertise and research. The Ministers went on to discuss the fiscal outlook for each jurisdiction, and promoting economic growth, skills and job creation is a key priority for both Administrations. Ministers discussed relevant areas relating to trade and business. <BR /> <BR />The next agenda item was a progress report from the NSMC joint secretaries that provided updates on the NSMC meetings that had taken place since the previous plenary meeting and outlined the work taken forward in each of the NSMC sectors, including the North/South bodies.”
“In compliance with section 52C of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the 27th plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which was held at the NSMC joint secretariat offices on 8 April 2024. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister and I have agreed that I will provide the report. The deputy First Minister and I led the Executive delegation, and the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, led the Irish Government delegation. The meeting was chaired by the deputy First Minister and me, and all Executive Ministers attended. <BR /> <BR />At the start of the meeting, Ministers offered their sincere condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Dr Peter Smyth, a former joint secretary to the NSMC from June 2002 until October 2005, who sadly passed away on 11 February 2024.”
“We cannot continue to be hamstrung by the Tories, who are stripping out public services day by day. I want us to do more and do better, and I think that we can, but we need the finances to be able to do so. Getting to a proper funding model will be an ongoing theme, to which, I think, we are collectively committed.”
“That is the battle for us from day one. We need a proper funding model. Our public services have been decimated for over 13 years by Tory austerity. It is not just here: it is the same picture in England, Scotland and Wales. The Tories have decimated public services across the piece, and that has led to the running-down of our public services. We have a battle on our hands, but it is a battle that the public, rightly, expect us to fight.”