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 PEACE PLUS programme is in jeopardy because of the actions of your party. PEACE PLUS funding of £1 billion — much-needed investment — is in jeopardy because of the actions of the DUP. The political stability of the Assembly and Executive is under threat because of the actions of the DUP.”
“That means that we need to be joined up. We need to see maximum coordination and alignment on these issues, particularly when it comes to records. The sealing of records is crucial if victims and survivors are to get the full information and the complete story about what happened to them, which they have been denied for so long. Church and state need to be held accountable. On the sealing of records in particular, the Executive and the Irish Government need to work together to show that we are listening and will take action together.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I agree absolutely about the need for that connected, joined-up, all-Ireland approach, particularly on this sensitive issue. I raised the issue of mother-and-baby homes at the NSMC meeting back then. As you referenced, things have changed in that we now have the report. I commend the panel for the work that it did to get us to this point and, crucially, the victims and survivors for their input into that work. <BR /> <BR />There is a clear North/South element to this. It is really important that we are joined up here because the practices in those institutions, whether it be forced labour, forced adoption or abuse, happened across this island. We all know and can recount many stories of mothers having their babies removed from their arms and moved across jurisdictions without their consent.”
“I hope that, later this week, when the EU puts its proposals on the table, that is worked through and we have a Joint Committee meeting as soon as possible, as that is the forum in which to resolve the issues. Instead of posturing publicly in press statements and all the rest, let us settle on solutions. That is what I am trying to do.”
“We have a protocol as a direct result of Brexit — the Brexit that you and your party championed. It is the hardest possible Brexit, which you and your party championed. I encourage the Member to work with those who are trying to find pragmatic and reasonable solutions to the outstanding issues. There are ways through, and that is through what was agreed. The British Government signed up to the protocol. Your party was part of that arrangement, so let us find solutions. <BR /> <BR />The business community here does not want waffle or nonsense; the business community wants certainty and stability. It wants us to find solutions and a way forward.”
“I encourage all Members who are committed to working together and delivering for the public to work together, and that includes attending North/South Ministerial Council meetings, British-Irish Council (BIC) meetings, the Assembly Chamber and the Executive, because the totality of relationships is crucial.”
“I thank the Member. Simply: yes. In recent weeks, a number of meetings have been cancelled. The North/South Ministerial Council meeting on agriculture and languages was prevented from going ahead because the DUP literally did not turn up. The deliberate blocking of business by the DUP represents a serious failure to comply with the law and the ministerial code. I will not go into that matter, because, obviously, as we speak here today, court proceedings are under way. We await the outcome of that. <BR /> <BR />People cannot play politics with the Good Friday Agreement. You do not get to pick and choose which parts you will work. Either you embrace it and work with others, or you do not. In this case, the DUP is refusing to do that. We await the outcome of the legal challenge, and then we will decide on the next steps.”
“In particular, it was about looking toward the future and recovery and at how we could work collectively on recovery when coming out of COVID. We will face all the same societal and economic challenges across the island and, indeed, across these islands, so there is a lot of scope for us to work together in the future.”
“It was a more general briefing on our joined-up approach. We talked about where we were with the vaccination roll-out at that point in time, and, obviously, things have changed between then and now. The Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) engage on a weekly basis; I believe that is still the case. There is engagement at a ministerial level, and there has been engagement at North/South Ministerial Council level. <BR /> <BR />We will have plenty of time in the future to reflect on how coordinated and joined-up we were and whether that was effective enough throughout the pandemic. There will be plenty of time for an analysis of that. However, because the conversation at the meeting was more broad-ranging, it was more about how we need to be as joined-up as possible.”
“There is one barrier to progress here, and it needs to be removed because we need to see the funding delivered on the ground to key organisations. At this moment in time, many of them are unsure about keeping their staff on and the certainty of their projects into the future. All those things are in jeopardy. We are talking about important money that will be invested in our communities, and the delays need to stop. We need to see things progressed, and we are running out of road in our ability to do that.”
“Thanks for the question. Yes, the DUP's actions are putting at risk £1 billion worth of investment across a whole range of areas. We need to have the NSMC meeting that is due to happen later this month. That is the forum and the vehicle for which to clear this paper. The Finance Minister has submitted to the Executive our paper, and it has been signed off on the Irish Government side.”
“The protocol will remain, and, I hope that, collectively, through the mechanisms that were agreed in the withdrawal agreement, the Joint Committee is the forum through which we can find solutions.”
“I hope that, when the EU sets down its proposals for the areas where we all want to find solutions, they are embraced by your party and by the British Government. For the business people, the farmers and everybody in the economy here who is desperate for some certainty and stability, I hope that we get to that point. I am hopeful about that happening in the week ahead, but let us not play games, electioneer and talk to the party faithful.”
“First, if the Member wants to talk about ownership, let us talk about who owns Brexit. Let us talk about who acted against the best interests of the people here. It was the DUP that helped to deliver Brexit. It was the DUP that rejected every form of Brexit. It was the DUP that helped to deliver the hardest possible Brexit. Therefore, the rest of us worked to find solutions and mitigation of the worst excesses, and therein lies the protocol. <BR /> <BR />There are pragmatic solutions to be found around some outstanding issues around the protocol, but start injecting a wee bit of honesty into your contribution and be honest with the public. The protocol will remain. There are issues that need to be resolved, and let us find solutions. I hope that there is progress later this week.”
“Also, there was an announcement last week by the Irish Government on increased investment in the Shared Island Fund, and, again, that is all in jeopardy because of political posturing and electioneering by one particular party. That has to stop. We are here to do business, but that means that you have to work every part of the agreement. I am certainly committed to power-sharing, and, likewise, I expect that others bring that same approach. The boycott needs to end.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Yes, I absolutely agree. It undermines not only the agreement but delivery on crucial key projects. No party here has the luxury of cherry-picking or choosing which parts of the agreement they wish to operate. All three strands are equally important, and North/South cooperation is fundamental, not least to get action and progress across a whole range of issues. We have the PEACE PLUS programme, which I referred to. That is £1 billion worth of projects on the ground. That is a lot of employment and a lot of investment in our areas, and that is in jeopardy because of the DUP's stance.”
“I thank the Chairperson of the Committee for his question. I support the infrastructure commission. I have made that clear to the Minister. The Minister for Infrastructure has been engaging Executive colleagues to find a way forward. I hope that that is successful. When we look towards the future and the challenges that we face, investment in infrastructure will be crucial for our recovery and planning. I referred to a number of big, exciting projects in the statement, and we can do many more things. I hope that we can get progress on the infrastructure commission as quickly as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council approved an indicative schedule of future NSMC meetings and agreed that the next NSMC plenary meeting will be held in December 2021. <BR /> <BR />That concludes the statement, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“Ian Doherty and Conor McGuinness were appointed to the board of Foras na Gaelige for the period 30 July 2021 to 29 July 2026. Mr McGuinness is to serve as vice-chairperson of the board for the period up to 29 January 2024. The Council also appointed Trevor Wilson to the board of the Ulster-Scots Agency for the period 13 December 2021 to 12 December 2026. Nóirín Hegarty was appointed as director of the board of Tourism Ireland, a company limited by guarantee, and as vice-chairperson of the board for the period from 19 December 2021 to 18 December 2026. Alan Lewis was appointed to the advisory board of the Food Safety Promotion Board for the period 30 July 2021 to 29 July 2026. The Council also appointed Danny Kennedy to the board of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission for the period 30 July 2021 to 29 July 2026.”
“In addition to that, Ministers approved the revised 2020-21 business plans for both agencies of the North-South Language Body and recommended the revised budget provision for Foras na Gaelige and the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2020-21. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the process for the recruitment and subsequent appointment of a chief executive officer for Foras na Gaelige, subject to already established NSMC and Finance Department procedures, and approved the interim arrangements that will be put in place to manage the business of the agency in the event that a candidate is not in post before 2 December 2021. <BR /> <BR />Ministers also agreed the terms of reference for an independent organisational review of the Special EU Programmes Body. <BR /> <BR />A number of appointments were made to the boards of North/South bodies.”
“The Council considered a number of corporate governance matters in respect of North/South implementation bodies. The Loughs Agency 2020-21 business plan, which has been completed in accordance with agreed guidance issued by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and agreed by sponsor Departments and Finance Ministers, was approved, and the 2021 budget/grant provision of £5·147 million was recommended. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed that the term of appointment for the post of chief executive of the Loughs Agency will be permanent. The Council also approved Tourism Ireland's 2020-21 business plan and recommended the 2020-21 core budget/grant provision, reflecting the change to the established ratio for 2020-21.”
“The final detailed programme proposals will be submitted for approval to both Administrations, the European Commission and the Council at the earliest opportunity.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council agreed that New Decade, New Approach commitments should remain on the agenda of relevant NSMC sectoral meetings and that further updates will be provided to the Council at future NSMC plenary meetings. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC recalled that both the Executive and the Irish Government noted draft programme proposals for a PEACE PLUS programme prior to the launch of a public consultation on the proposals. Ministers noted that a public consultation on the draft programme was held by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) from March to May and that it received over 400 responses. The exact quantum of the PEACE PLUS programme has yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be in excess of €1 billion.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council noted that a statement of updated strategic priorities for the north-west region has been submitted to the NSMC by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council to inform the ongoing engagement by both Administrations with the north-west strategic growth partnership. Ministers noted that discussions on arrangements for a further phase of the north-west development fund are under way, that an additional allocation of €1 million will be provided by the Irish Government this year to extend the current phase of the fund and that consideration is ongoing in relation to arrangements for a second phase of the fund.”
“Ministers noted that discussions on all-island research hubs are ongoing between all stakeholders, including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department for the Economy, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and that there was broad agreement on thematic priorities. The Council noted the commitment of €40 million from the Irish Government's Shared Island Fund for a new five-year North/South research programme to foster collaboration between higher education institutions across the two jurisdictions.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers noted that work is being undertaken by Leitrim County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to take forward the development of the Sligo to Enniskillen greenway as a joint project. That will include the issuing of a tender for technical consultants in April. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC asked that senior officials from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department for the Economy continue their cooperation and outreach to stakeholders around higher education provision in the north-west region.”
“Ministers noted the commitment of €3 million from the Irish Government's Shared Island Fund to bring the Narrow Water bridge project to tender stage on the basis of existing design plans and reiterated the priority that both Administrations attach to that project. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC noted that the Department of Transport is progressing the review of air connectivity and that it has engaged with project stakeholders, including representatives from Cork Airport, City of Derry Airport, Dublin Airport and the two Belfast airports, as well as with the Department for the Economy and the Department of Transport. Substantive analysis has been completed. The review documentation is being prepared and will consider regional connectivity, sustainability and climate change.”
“Ministers also noted that the approval of €1 million of funding from the Shared Island Fund has enabled the acceleration by Waterways Ireland of phase 3 pre-development work to the point where three substantive subsections will be brought forward for funding approval later in the year. It was noted that the Ulster canal greenway, which covers a 22-kilometre section of greenway along the route of the disused canal from Smithboro in County Monaghan to Middletown in County Armagh is progressing and that an application for planning permission has been submitted for the Monaghan to Middletown section. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the joint launch of the all-island strategic rail review by Ministers Ryan and Mallon in April 2021.”
“Specifically, they included noting that the interim report from the Planning Appeals Commission on the delivery of the A5 Western Transport Corridor was published on 16 March 2021, together with the Department for Infrastructure's response to all the recommendations made by the commission. <BR /> <BR />It was noted that both Administrations continue to work together to progress the Ulster canal restoration project, for which the Irish Government provided funding of €12·2 million through the Shared Island Fund, and the rural regeneration and development for phase 2 of the project from Clonfad to Clones. It was noted that substantial completion of the main infrastructure work is expected in 2023.”
“We also recognised the impact of the pandemic on society and the economy, and we welcomed the measures put in place by both Administrations to support communities and businesses affected by the crisis and to assist economic recovery. Ministers welcomed the significant progress in the roll-out of vaccines, which has played a key part in the gradual reopening of society. The Council noted that the response to COVID-19 was considered at relevant meetings of the Council and that, where appropriate, sectors will continue to consider how agreed collaborative approaches can contribute to the promotion of economic and social recovery from the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Positive developments in the delivery of New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) commitments were noted.”
“We also noted that an annual report on the work of the NSMC during 2020 had been published. <BR /> <BR />The Council was briefed on the current public health situation and the ongoing close cooperation in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers discussed the current position in the two jurisdictions, including progress on the roll-out of vaccines. The Council recognised the significant loss and challenges experienced by so many as a result of COVID-19. Ministers reiterated their appreciation to all those involved in responding to the pandemic, particularly front-line health and social care workers and those in the wider workforce who kept essential services and facilities operational.”
“The Olympics have now passed, but I take the opportunity to commend the athletes on their performances and to say how proud we are of every one of them. <BR /> <BR />The Council received updates on the NSMC meetings that had taken place since the previous plenary meeting. They included meetings in the health and food safety, trade and business development, transport, inland waterways and education sectors. Ministers also noted that cooperation between the two Administrations continues across all the NSMC sectors and that further updates will be provided at future meetings. Ministers also noted that the intention is to return to in-person meetings of the Council at sectoral level, taking account of public health guidelines, as soon as it is safe to do so and that the joint secretariat will arrange future meetings on that basis.”
“In compliance with section 52C of the 1998 Act, I will make the following statement on the twenty-sixth North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) plenary meeting, which was held on 30 July 2021 at the joint secretariat offices in Armagh and by videoconference. The First Minister and I have agreed that I will provide the report. The Irish Government were led by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, who chaired the meeting. The Executive were led by First Minister Paul Givan and me. All Executive Ministers, with the exception of Minister Swann, attended. <BR /> <BR />At the meeting, Ministers expressed their best wishes to all athletes from the island of Ireland who were competing in the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo and to those who, at that time, were preparing to compete in the upcoming summer Paralympic Games.”
“I assure the Member that I will be more interested in my party's approach to the election than I will be in that of others. I will put my manifesto to the public, and I will ask for their support for progressive change and for dealing with issues such as health, housing and jobs. That is how I will set out my stall; it is for others to do what they wish.”
“We are here to deal with today's most challenging issues. The issues that are weighing most on people's minds are hospital waiting lists, the health service and the process of getting out of COVID and into recovery. It is about jobs, health and housing. The public want us to be very much focused on those in the time ahead.”
“The simple answer is this: yes, I can confirm that the office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister is a joint office. It has joint authority and the joint ability to take decisions. One does not operate without the other, so that is certainly the answer. I note a lot of the commentary around the issue. My only desire is to do right by the public who elect us.”
“Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. It is really important that we had that discussion. I am more than happy to work with the Infrastructure Minister, as I have done consistently. If a climate summit is what we should do, I am more than happy to receive a formal proposal, which the Executive Office has yet to receive.”
“It is hard to hear when people are mumbling away. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we had that discussion.”
“First, last week's presentation was a direct response to the Infrastructure Minister's ask for a discussion on that issue. Perhaps the —.”
“It was very informative. We had a presentation and an opportunity to question the guests who had come along. I am quite sure that the presentation is not a secret and that we can probably send it to Members. I will clarify that, but I imagine that it is OK to do so. It was a very detailed presentation on the opportunities and the need to be ambitious and to support rural communities. All those things were discussed in the round. It was timely that we had that conversation, particularly in advance of the upcoming summit.”
“In short, yes, I do. As I said, the legislation to bin the bedroom tax and to amend the welfare mitigation scheme by closing the loopholes is ready. The money has been budgeted for it. There is no reason for delay. The Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, is ready to get it done. The bedroom tax is a Tory attack on those most in need, whether they live in Coleraine, Belfast or Ballymena. It affects everybody equally. It is time for the issue to be dealt with. I want to see the Executive make progress on that issue and to see the blockage ended. I want to see the Communities Minister bring forward the legislation and bin, once and for all, the bedroom tax. That is where we need to be at. Some political parties say that that is their public position, but legislation is the way in which to confirm that to be the case.”
“I assure the Member that the blockage does not rest with me.”
“I thank the Member for her question. When we talk about the Tories, welfare cuts and targeting the most vulnerable are the issues that come to mind. The implications of all their actions have been to make it so difficult for people just to survive, to put food on their table and to heat their home. It is therefore time to bin the bedroom tax once and for all. Dealing with that issue has been stalled and delayed for far too long. Despite the best efforts, and I mean the best efforts, of the Communities Minister to bring forward legislation that would put it to bed once and for all, the issue has failed to get on the Executive agenda, and that is really not acceptable. It is for those who have blocked the matter from getting on to the Executive agenda to explain the rationale behind their position.”
“Here we are, almost at the end of September. We have made huge strides forward in responding to the pandemic, and I want to continue with that progress. I have led us, through the Executive, and taken the right approach to support the health service and support our people by protecting lives and livelihoods. That remains and will continue to be my focus. We continue to make progress, and we need to create a sustainable way forward and bring in preventative measures that take us through the winter months and take the pressure off our health service. That should be the focus of everyone in this Chamber instead of going down rabbit holes again.”
“First, you are right in your assessment that I am not a fan of the Tories, nor will I ever be. Secondly, the reasons for that are purely political and ideological. They prioritise the needs of the few against the needs of the majority of citizens. The stringent cuts that we have had to deal with are a result of budget cuts since the Tories came into power. There are many reasons for the health service crisis, but one of the major contributory factors has been that the budget for health has been cut for far too long. My opposition to the Tories is purely on that basis. In political discourse it is important that we try to be as courteous as we can when making our political points. That is certainly the approach that I take.”
“With your permission, Ceann Comhairle, I ask junior Minister Kearney to answer that question.”
“The bureau will have a key role to play. We were making real strides before the pandemic. We had a huge — major, in fact — increase in tourism from China. That work will need to continue apace, particularly as things start to open up and opportunities come again. We look forward to the day when we can get back to the tourism sector enjoying a strong economy. There are lots of opportunities for us to maximise the number of tourists from China coming here. It will be key that we work across our councils, the Executive and Invest NI, particularly on the economic opportunities. There is great scope for positive progress to be made in tourism in the years ahead.”
“Ministers, TEO officials and the bureau continue to work with the Chinese consulate here and government departments in China to develop and maintain market access for a number of companies in the agri-food and farming sector, particularly as we move towards more easing of COVID restrictions there. TEO, the Executive bureau in China and Invest NI are working with Ulster University and the Confucius Institute on a research project to provide advice and information to organisations in the early stages of doing business in China, and to encourage organisations to consider China as a target market in the upcoming period.”
“I thank the Member for his good wishes. They are very much appreciated. I am glad to say that I am doing well. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for his question. Our bureau in Beijing continues to engage with key economic contacts in our partner provinces and agencies in China to discuss ongoing economic cooperation following the COVID pandemic. The bureau is working with Invest NI, through our partner provinces in the north-east of China, in preparation for a future trade mission. That will include working with a number of our councils and the friendly city agreements that we have in that region. <BR /> <BR />The bureau has also supported Invest NI, and a number of our local businesses have been able to attend trade shows in China.”
“With your permission, again, Mr Speaker, junior Minister Kearney will answer that question.”