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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“The inquiry will then decide whether and how it wishes to publish that report. When it comes to lessons learned, I can assure you that guidance has been given to all newly appointed Ministers and spads as to what is expected.”
“The purpose of the whole public inquiry is to learn lessons and make sure that any lessons that need to be learned are taken on board and the mistakes never repeated. I want to be very respectful of the process of the independent investigation, as the inquiry asks us to be, but I can assure the Member that we have fully participated with providing any information that has been requested for the purposes of the inquiry. I am glad to say that oral hearings for module 2C of the inquiry will be begin in Belfast on 29 April and will run for three weeks. It is really important that we respect the process. In the fullness of time, I have no doubt that we will come back to this in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />The Member asked about lessons learned. In the first instance, the investigation report has been given to the inquiry.”
“<BR /> <BR />On 20 December 2023, the head of the Civil Service commissioned an independent technical analysis of devices that had been allocated to former Ministers and special advisers in NICS. The analysis of devices is ongoing, and the COVID inquiry will be advised of the outcome of that exercise.”
“In August 2023, TEO notified the module 2C inquiry team of a potential loss of data from Civil Service mobile devices supplied to Ministers and spads that may be relevant to the terms of reference of the public inquiry. The group head of NICS internal audit service was commissioned to undertake a fact-finding investigation into how some mobile devices returned by Ministers and spads came to be reset. The report, dated 7 December 2023, was shared with the module 2C inquiry legal team on 8 December. The terms of reference of the NICS mobile device fact-finding investigation stated that, if analysis of the mobile devices by an IT specialist was required to determine the status of each device and retrieve information where possible, that would be undertaken as a separate exercise.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, junior Minister Reilly will answer that question.”
“As a rule, we as a society should be as open and as welcoming as we can, particularly to anybody who is fleeing persecution or a war-torn zone. Again, we can speak to our officials about that to make sure that we are as welcoming as we can be and that we support people who need our support. That is the decent to do in any good society.”
“Consultation on the draft strategy ended on 21 February 2022. The analysis showed strong support for the proposed vision and for the outcomes. Work to date has included establishing appropriate structures to support an effective and joined-up approach across government, which Ms Nicholl raised; providing support for Ukrainian arrivals; facilitating the allocation of dispersal funding to enhance local support and services for asylum seekers; implementing regional immigration advice services; and developing an orientation package. Alongside that work, officials have been collaborating with other Departments to develop thematic delivery plans. The next step is for officials to bring the final refugee integration strategy and associated plans to the Executive for agreement in the coming months.”
“Thank you for that. I share that view. It is so important that we are joined up and coordinated and that everybody is working to the same plan. The Strategic Migration Partnership did cease to function, as you said, but we have worked with the Home Office to cover some of those functions. It is important, now that we are up and running again, to take a fresh look at that to see whether there is anything else that we can do to improve how that functions. If it is not the partnership, what does it look like? I am happy to continue to engage with the Member on that.”
“The Department has, however, secured funding from the Home Office for refugee employability and integration projects, and, in the 2024-25 financial year, councils will each receive £50,000 for projects to support refugee integration. <BR /> <BR />The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) is a member of the SPG, and the Department also chairs a regular council engagement group. Through both forums, officials will continue to engage with councils and to provide an update when further information on funding is available.”
“With the agreement of the strategic planning group for refugees and asylum seekers or, in the short version, the SPG, the Department allocated £1·54 million of Home Office full dispersal funding to local councils that has been and continues to be used to support the ongoing development of asylum infrastructure and improve services available locally. The Home Office has yet to confirm full dispersal funding instructions for the 2024-25 financial year, and officials continue to press for urgent clarity on that. The funding quantum is likely to be limited. While we are keen to continue to enhance the support available at council level, the SPG will need to consider the full range of needs before the allocations are made.”
“The short answer is, obviously, yes. We have enormous opportunities now open to us, including the use of dual market access, that allow us to grow our exports and attract higher-quality foreign direct investment (FDI). We should promote our reputation as a world-class destination: somewhere to live, work, study and invest. We are working with our officials to identify priority areas for international engagement, thematically and geographically. We also plan to work with our partners across the globe to promote our international objectives and bring benefits and prosperity to all of the people who live here.”
“When arrangements are made for official travel, they are always in the context of the joint nature of our office. Speaking personally, I believe that it is incumbent on all of us to use every voice that we have to raise the plight of the Palestinian people and advocate peace and a settlement. I think that all of us watch on with horror at the slaughter there, day on day. It is important that we express our desire for our example to be a shining example of how you can achieve peace.”
“We are fully committed to delivering on that pledge in all aspects of our public duties.”
“As First Minister and deputy First Minister, we have taken the Pledge of Office required of all Ministers. In that pledge, we have agreed to:”
“I assure you that it is just in the past two weeks that we have been formally around the table discussing a Programme for Government. We will bring that forward as quickly as possible for scrutiny in the Chamber. Prior to the restoration of the Executive, there were numerous conversations with the head of the Civil Service around priorities and what things potentially would look like, but that is no substitute for an official Programme for Government, which we are working our way through. I hope to be able, in the coming weeks, to talk in the Chamber about that at length.”
“That is still in development. We are working our way through the detail of it. It is important — I think that your colleague raised concerns about this — that it is open to all Ministers so that everybody has access to it. It is under policy development, but the House will have a chance to scrutinise what is being proposed.”
“I am happy to meet anybody who writes in and requests a meeting. It is important that, regardless of whether we agree or disagree on things, we are able to have conversations.”
“I do not have the detail of that process, but it is under way. I am happy to confirm that in writing to the new Chair of the Committee. I wish you well in your role.”
“Again, there is no escaping the fact that Tory austerity has badly damaged our public services. The Executive have clearly outlined serious concerns with our current financial situation. We are funded below need, but, as I said, I am glad that all Ministers are united and speak with one voice on the fact that we need to be properly funded. The Executive have written to the Government and the Treasury to call for a discussion on a long-term funding stability plan. We need to have an urgent, ongoing discussion with Treasury, because it is critical that we are given the right resources so that we can put our finances on a more stable footing. We have to get that fundamental right.”
“There is no doubt that, while we work towards our Programme for Government and immediate priorities, of which there are many to deal with, it is important that we get the basics right with the fiscal framework. That is why we have identified that, and I am delighted that we enjoy cross-party support to make the case for a proper financial arrangement here. That is ongoing work, and it will, obviously, have implications for how we fund all the programmes that we have, whether in the Executive Office or across the other Departments. <BR /> <BR />I have no doubt that, over the course of time, we will have much more to say to the Member about what that actual budget looks like, particularly as we develop next year's Budget.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are in the process of developing and agreeing an immediate set of priorities for the Executive, and we will, of course, update the Assembly in due course.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. With your permission, I will answer questions 1 and 10 together. <BR /> <BR />Priorities from the last mandate remain important to us. We will bring forward the 'Ending Violence against Women & Girls' strategic framework and press ahead with the important programme of work on mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses. Those are crucial issues, but they are set against the backdrop of a very difficult financial position. The Executive's most immediate priority is the stabilisation of public finances, and we are in ongoing communication with Treasury and the Prime Minister and are calling for our public finances to be placed on a sustainable footing.”
“I assure you all that our determination will not waver in ensuring that we establish a proper funding model that delivers on the needs of the people whom we collectively serve.”
“I will hand over to her, but I will finish by saying this: it is unjust to say to our citizens and taxpayers that they have to pay more while they are waiting to get into the health and social care system that they need today; that they have to pay more while special education is rationed and children's lives are being blighted; and that they have to pay more while our schools and infrastructure crumble and decay. I am really pleased that this is our day-1 effort, and I am really pleased that the House stands united in its rejection of unfairness and in support of the position that has been taken by the Executive. I thank Members for all of that and for the passion with which they have spoken.”
“I welcome you to your new role. You have been appointed Chair of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. There is big work to do there, and, no doubt, you will fight the fight for the farming community. I would like to do that with you. We will have many challenges to grapple with, but, if we do not fix the fundamentals of the funding formula in its entirety from this day-1 position, we will be in trouble when it comes to dealing with all the things that we need to deal with, not least the climate catastrophe that we now face. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister also wants to contribute to the debate.”
“There is no doubt that that is another huge issue that the incoming Executive and all of us with mandates will have to grapple with.”
“If we had been funded according to need during the spending review period, we would have had an extra £500 million a year to spend and would not have that debt today. Thirdly, the deal contains a so-called "needs-based factor". Those are carefully chosen words: "needs-based factor". They have avoided calling it a fiscal floor, because it is not one. In fact, it is a fiscal ceiling, and it may take up to 20 years before that funding formula brings us up to the level of need. How can that be fair? How is it fair to condemn us to ongoing instability, trying to plan and deliver key public services in a hand-to-mouth existence? That is not even the worst of it, because the unfairness of the deal is compounded by asking citizens to pay more while services continue to deteriorate.”
“I think that we have heard enough. <BR /> <BR />We have scrutinised the deal and looked past all the rhetoric that I referred to. We held the deal up to the light, under which its flaws are clear to see. In particular, I want to take on three of the claims that have been made that, quite simply, collapse when put under some sort of scrutiny. First, it is claimed that the deal has enough money to settle public-sector pay claims, but the pay element that was put on the table lasts for only one year. Secondly, it is claimed that the deal allows us to settle the debt created by underfunding, but that debt, in itself, is unfair, because it would not have arisen had we not been underfunded in the first place.”
“We are determined here to work together and try to fight a better case for public services. I look forward to the battle that we have ahead. We are all well motivated to do that because we believe in trying to make public services work and, in turn, support public-sector workers.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many Members have reflected on the fact that the Prime Minister described the offer as "generous" and pointed to the headline figure of £3·3 billion. To a public-sector worker who is struggling with the cost of living, £3·3 billion sounds like a lot of money. I can see how someone looking on who is struggling to put food on the table, a teacher who has been forced to go a food bank or someone who is struggling with the cost of living in general and has had no pay rise would think that it is a large figure, but large is not the same as fair — that is the distinction. <BR /> <BR />The Government had hoped that we would be lured or bowled over by that headline figure and rush to accept it without due diligence. I hear the Member at the back saying that we should all just suck it up and accept it. That is not how we roll.”
“We are sending a clear message to the British Government in Westminster that we are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness and equality. We are asking for funding that reflects the needs of the people whom we serve. We are asking for a funding model that is taken for granted in Scotland and Wales but is being denied to us. We will make our case to the Westminster Government with determination and commitment. Just yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, and we put that to him directly. We presented him with a letter setting out all the facts and evidence: clear evidence from the independent Fiscal Council that our funding is below need; and clear evidence that this is the only devolved Administration being treated in this unfair way. The Government, however, still seek to ignore that evidence.”
“We might have a difference of opinion on or different approaches to some of it. For today, what is significant is that we are united in what we are trying to achieve, because, on some matters in life, it really matters to be united. Some matters are so fundamental and profound that they bring together all shades of political opinion. I am glad that this is one. <BR /> <BR />The unfair and unjust treatment of public-sector workers and the public who rely on them is one issue that falls into that category. As I said, I was heartened to hear the voices of support for what has been tabled and the cross-party support from all parties in the Executive, the official Opposition and other Members. I thank everybody for the support and unity that were shown today.”
“Thank you for agreeing that I and the deputy First Minister may respond to the motion. I know that that is not the normal practice, but we thought that, given the significance of the issue and our shared desire to highlight its significance, it is important that we both speak. We discussed that at the Executive meeting. <BR /> <BR />It is our wish today that a very clear sign be sent out that we have a shared view of the importance of the matter and a shared determination to secure a fair and just outcome for all our people. I thank all Members for their contributions today, many of which, from all sides of the House, were made with passion and commitment. There is no doubt that this is a broad church, with a broad range of views on many of the areas that we will, no doubt, go on to debate in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
“It is my privilege to nominate my colleague Carál Ní Chuilín for the position of Principal Deputy Speaker. Carál is no stranger to many of the MLAs who are in the Chamber, having been here since 2007 and having held many roles, including as a Minister across several Departments and as Chief Whip. Those roles gave her enormous experience of the operation of this place — the institution itself. <BR /> <BR />I have worked with Carál for many years. She has always been a determined voice for not just the people of north Belfast but those in the marginalised sections of society. I have no doubt that, when called upon, she will bring maturity and respect to her new role. She will be a valuable support to you, as Speaker, and a huge asset to the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted to nominate her not as Deputy Chief Constable today”
“I nominate Carál Ní Chuilín for the position of Principal Deputy Speaker.”
“We choose the Committee on Procedures and nominate Sinéad Ennis as vice chair.”
“We choose the Assembly and Executive Review Committee and nominate Pádraig Delargy.”
“We choose the Standards and Privileges Committee and nominate Philip McGuigan.”
“We choose the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee and nominate Declan Kearney as the Chairperson.”
“I choose the vice chair of the Communities Committee and nominate Ciara Ferguson.”
“I select the Justice Committee and nominate Deirdre Hargey as the vice chair.”
“I choose the vice chair of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and I nominate Declan McAleer.”
“We select the vice chair of the Committee for Education, and we nominate Pat Sheehan.”
“I select the Committee for Communities, and I nominate Colm Gildernew.”
“I select the Committee for Health and nominate Liz Kimmins as Chair.”
“We have a lot of work to do, and, certainly, I know that we are up for that. <BR /> <BR />I am also mindful of this morning's news headlines about the Children's Hospice. I know that we will all be concerned and will all want to do our very best for the hospice service, particularly given that it deals with children going through such a difficult time. I have spoken to the Health Minister. He, I and, I am sure, the deputy First Minister will want to do everything that we can to be as supportive as we can of the hospice, and I have communicated that to the hospice this morning. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former Taoiseach John Bruton, who, we have just been notified, has sadly passed away. We send his family and friends our condolences at this very sad time.”
“I thank the Member for bringing the issue to the House this morning. I am very mindful of her own family situation, and I offer my best wishes to her husband, Dale, whom she has spoken publicly about previously. <BR /> <BR />I extend my support to the King and wish him the very best and a speedy recovery in his journey. Over the last 12 hours, since yesterday evening, when the news became public, the issue has hit home, as others have said, to so many families. We are all acutely aware of all the people who are going through a cancer journey. Few of us in society have not been touched in some way in our family or friend circles, and it can be such a devastating time for so many people. I am so glad today that we are here and are back to business. We have work to do to deliver on our cancer strategies here.”
“I choose the Department for Infrastructure and nominate John O'Dowd.”
“I choose the Department of Finance and nominate Dr Caoimhe Archibald.”
“I choose the Department for the Economy and nominate Conor Murphy.”