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 44 of 113.
“The way that they are to be financed is a matter of concern. The Levelling Up Fund, which you referred to, is to be financed using spending power that was promised to us in the spending review, and the Shared Prosperity Fund is to be a replacement for our income from EU programmes. Urgent clarification is required to ensure the effective delivery of this funding locally. It is essential that the Executive's reviews and spending priorities are taken into consideration in the delivery of these funds to ensure that there is maximum benefit and delivery from the support that is provided.”
“That approach directly bypasses the devolved structures, so it is a matter of concern that the Westminster Government approach clearly does not build on existing and well-established structures that we have in line with the Executive's agreed position, nor does it give the Executive or our Ministers the normal role that they would have had in devolved functions.”
“I do indeed. The delivery arrangements for the Levelling Up Fund and the Shared Prosperity Fund pilot programme cut across the responsibilities of a number of Executive Departments. The Executive continue to consider the impact of the loss of EU funding and the approach to replacements in Whitehall Departments. <BR /> <BR />It is very clear that the British Government intend to use the financial assistance powers in the Internal Market Act to deliver those funds intended as EU replacements and funding streams where we would have expected to receive Barnett allocations.”
“It will take a very different approach like a task-and-finish approach, so it should allow us to be able to look at areas where we can collectively work and be able to find ways to do things better and more speedily. <BR /> <BR />We have 11 live work sectors across a whole range of things. Those are: creative industries; digital inclusion; drugs and alcohol; early years; energy; environment; housing; social inclusion; indigenous, minority and lesser-used languages; and transport. There is a lot of work being done around the future of the Council and how we can work more collaboratively and share information. That is advantageous to us all.”
“It was useful that we were able to meet in person at this time. We were able to have a very frank conversation around where we all are with the COVID crisis, but we are very much looking towards the future and other ways that we can work together. <BR /> <BR />There have been four virtual ministerial meetings, including a joint housing and collaborative spatial planning meeting held recently. The housing and collaborative spatial planning work sectors are chaired by our Executive colleagues, so there is a lot of work going on there. There is also a lot of work going on around the misuse of substances. That work sector will be renamed drugs and alcohol, and there is a lot of work going on there. <BR /> <BR />There is a lot of conversation and work being done around a review of how we work.”
“<BR /> <BR />We want to keep making progress, but the best way that we can do that is by going steadily, continually making progress and getting the maximum number of people vaccinated. I will keep repeating this message: please encourage people to come forward and take up the vaccination.”
“We have prided ourselves on taking our own path, based on our own information and advised by our own Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser, and that remains the case. <BR /> <BR />With regard to the announcement yesterday, personally, my view is that it is far too much far too soon, albeit we want to keep making progress, and we want to keep lifting the restrictions where we can. Our Executive will met this Thursday, and our Executive will decide collectively on our next step. <BR /> <BR />With regard to the issue of masks that the Member referred to, the Health Minister and the Chief Medical Officer have been very clear in saying that we are not there yet. That will be up for discussion on Thursday, but I will be supportive of that view.”
“I thank the Chair of the Committee for his question. He is right to reflect that people are still worried about the pandemic and about the fact that, with the new delta variant becoming our dominant strain, people are right to be cautious and anxious. However, I always point to the positive, and the positive is that the vaccination programme is rolling out very well, and we need to continue to see uptake. I encourage all Members to use their good office to try to promote the uptake of the vaccine because that is our best defence. <BR /> <BR />Boris Johnson made announcements yesterday, and, as I noted in the statement, throughout the pandemic, all member Administrations of BIC have, at different times, been in different positions and taken different paths.”
“They welcomed the fact that, despite the pandemic, the British-Irish Council had continued to meet by virtual means. Ministers considered a number of potential developments that would further develop the role of the Council in responding to new and emerging trends and challenges and in promoting its objective of positively strengthening links and relationships among the people of these islands. The latest BIC annual report has now been published on the Council's website. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Council noted the secretariat's 2020-21 end-of-year report and welcomed the publication of the Council's annual report for 2020-21. The next summit will be hosted by the Welsh Government later this year. I commend the statement to the Assembly.”
“To cite a few examples, digital transformation has been essential to the delivery of our public services and is becoming the norm; sustainability efforts have been enabled through new ways of working; and a greater and very important focus is being placed on the mental health of the population. <BR /> <BR />Administrations at the summit also discussed the latest political developments across their jurisdictions and noted the recent elections held in a number of the jurisdictions. Ministers provided an update and engaged on a number of topics of mutual interest, including the EU-UK relationship. <BR /> <BR />Ministers took the opportunity to reflect on the period since the establishment of the British-Irish Council and on how the Council had evolved to adapt to a changed context.”
“Other Administrations are, like us, operating and planning for recovery in a still-evolving situation, as the vaccination programme progresses but new variants emerge. All recognised the need to remain alert, flexible and responsive as external factors change around us. <BR /> <BR />A common theme of the members' reports was the way in which the crisis has acted as a driver for change to ways of working, and that has created changes in approach that are irreversible. Societies have had to innovate rapidly, and positive developments have taken place that may not have occurred without the challenge of combating the impact of the pandemic.”
“The focus of the summit was on recovery from COVID. It is important that, as we move through recovery, we do so both informed of and learning from the approaches being taken across member Administrations. Our engagement in the British-Irish Council enables that to happen. <BR /> <BR />Ministers discussed the impact of COVID-19 across member Administrations and reflected on the need for approaches to recovery that are sustainable and that address the potentially long-lasting impacts. The Council also discussed areas of coherence across member Administrations for recovery, as well as planning for potential future impacts of COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to all the BIC Administrations, as it has done globally.”
“The British Government were led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove. The Government of Guernsey were led by the Chief Minister, Peter Ferbrache, who also attended virtually. The Government of Jersey were led by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré. The Irish Government were led by an Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. The Isle of Man Government delegation was led by the Chief Minister, Howard Quayle. The full list of delegates who attended the summit is attached to the copy of the statement provided to Members. <BR /> <BR />This was the first summit to be hosted by the Executive since 2013, and we were delighted to host the meeting in Fermanagh. We welcomed the attendance in person by representatives of other Administrations despite the difficulties imposed by travel restrictions.”
“The Welsh Government delegation was led by Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, who attended virtually.”
“I wish to make the following statement on the thirty-fifth summit meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC), which took place on Friday 11 June 2021. I hope that the Assembly will understand that recent events regarding the position of the First Minister meant that it was not possible to make this statement as promptly as is customary following a summit. <BR /> <BR />The summit was hosted by the Executive and attended by the then First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, and by me as deputy First Minister, as well as by Minister Poots, Minister Swann, Minister Mallon, Minister Long, Minister Murphy, Minister Hargey, junior Minister Kearney and former junior Minister Lyons. They have agreed that I will make this statement on their behalf. <BR /> <BR />The Scottish Government delegation was led by Nicola Sturgeon.”
“The Member is, of course, referring to the recent statement by the Loyalist Communities Council. I will cut right to the chase: that statement was completely unacceptable. As I said, the Irish Government play a very constructive role here. Such organisations should not exist 23 years after the Good Friday Agreement was signed, never mind issuing threats in the media. That statement should be withdrawn, and all the organisations that are behind it should leave the stage once and for all.”
“The Irish Government are, of course, welcome here, and they will continue to be so. Irish Government Ministers and officials have every right to be here. In fact, they have a responsibility to be here due to their statutory role in the North through the North/South Ministerial Council and as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements. They also provide funding to many cross-border and Northern-based projects. Their role in the North is well established, democratically endorsed and valued across the communities.”
“You are absolutely right that T:BUC commits us to improving community relations and to continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. The displays of sectarianism, intimidation and intolerance, which we see more of at this time of year, fly in the face of that commitment and should be condemned. The Member is also correct that all political leaders have a responsibility. We have individual responsibility and a collective responsibility. The clear message that must be heard from the Chamber is that we stand together to confront intolerance, intimidation and sectarianism in all its manifestations.”
“We need to do more, and I am committed to doing more to try to build a truly inclusive and rights-based society that promotes equality, values difference and cherishes diversity.”
“We have made significant progress in delivering the Together: Building a United Community strategy. A number of headline actions have been achieved: more than 24,000 young people have taken part in T:BUC camps; five Urban Village areas have been established; four shared education campuses have been approved and are progressing; 10 shared neighbourhoods are providing 483 new homes — that has been completed; over 6,000 young people have participated in the Peace4Youth programme; over 26,000 young people have engaged with the Uniting Communities Through Sport and Creativity programme; and the number of interface barriers has been reduced by 14. Although that represents huge progress, huge societal challenges remain around dealing with sectarianism. Together, we can deal with those challenges.”
“As I said, the Irish Government, the British Government and all local parties signed up to the New Decade, New Approach political agreement. For a party to vote against one of the key commitments within that agreement does not demonstrate a faithful approach to its implementation. However, bad faith cannot be a blockage to the access of na Gaeilgeoirí, or anyone else, to their rights. We have to find ways around bad faith, as we did with Acht na Gaeilge and the wider language and culture package.”
“Yes, absolutely. I am fully committed to New Decade, New Approach. That is the basis on which power-sharing was restored in January of last year. All the parties and the two Governments signed up to it, so there is clearly an obligation on all of us to ensure that it is implemented in its entirety. NDNA is a compromise: there are parts that we like and parts that we do not like, but that is how compromise works. It is not up for renegotiation or cherry-picking; it is to be implemented. I take my commitment to NDNA very seriously, and I want all parties to step up in a similar vein to make sure that we all work to make power-sharing work.”
“Some of the narrative around the protocol clearly flies in the face of reality and is directly contradicted by the fact that many businesses are seeing and utilising the advantages with which the protocol provides them. It has provided us with a special and unique status that should be embraced. Of course, there are issues that need to be addressed in a pragmatic fashion and solutions need to be found, but that does not change the fact that the protocol is necessary. It was agreed and it needs to be implemented, and we need to give businesses the certainty and stability that they tell us every day that they crave.”
“The protocol is necessary to provide the protections that businesses, farmers, retailers and manufacturers need. Together, we need to put our efforts into ensuring delivery of the protocol, as agreed, maximising the advantage to businesses here of unfettered access to British and EU markets and making sure that we work to iron out the issues that need to be resolved because we have to deal with the consequences of the Brexit that we neither wanted nor voted for.”
“There is no Executive agreement on Brexit, but the appearance of Maroš Šefcovic at the Committee was a positive development. It is really important that he hears at first hand that the DUP does not speak for the North on Brexit or the protocol. On the EU's part, it shows positive intent that it is prepared to come to the Assembly to listen to our locally elected representatives and hear the reassertion of our continued support for the pragmatic implementation of the protocol and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement. His contribution today demonstrates the constructive approach of the EU to mitigating the negative effects of Brexit on the island of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />We can never forget that we have the protocol because we have Brexit, which was not our wish and was imposed on us.”
“I agree with the Member. When people have taken the time to engage and take part in programmes, they need to have continuity and want assurances that they will have that. Engagement across Departments happens at official level; there has not been ministerial engagement on it. I am happy to provide that detail to the Member in writing.”
“With any programme that we take forward, we need to make sure that there is a balanced approach and that we are supporting everybody regardless of their background. It is really important that, as we roll out any projects, we take on board the learning as we go. There has been a review, so that needs to be taken on board, and I very much welcome that being put into place. You have asked before about different projects under Communities in Transition and the progress that has been made. We are moving to an open procurement process in line with procurement policy around new projects. We have to learn lessons from all these reviews. I am very happy to write to the Member to provide her with more detail on how that will be implemented.”
“First, as the Member knows, there is no collective Executive view on Brexit. There are differing views. Obviously, the DUP has its view, and others have their view. My view is that Brexit is bad all round. From its very inception, it was bad. There is no good to come from it. However, there has been mitigation in the form of the protocol, which gives us some protections and also gives us opportunities. I believe that the EU has shared proposals on resolving the issue of the supply of medicines, the licensing side, medical devices and veterinary medicines, so let us hope that there is a resolution on that issue.”
“Again, we need sustainability here, and our local industry and business community need the opportunity to plan into the future and to take benefit from our unique access to two markets. Some more-technical discussions are under way, and I am hopeful that we will see positive progress on this recent issue, but I want to see a fulsome response to all the issues. Let us find the resolutions, and let us work on the opportunities.”
“First, I welcome the fact that Commission vice president Maroš Šefcovic met MLAs today. That was a very good exchange, I believe, over a considerable period of time, and I hope that, during that conversation, there was a balance put on the fact that the protocol is mitigation and is the best effort that we have against the worst excesses of Brexit. Maroš Šefcovic will have an opportunity today to hear from all the other MLAs, and I welcome the fact that a positive response on the extension for chilled meats is expected. That is good, and we should bank that, but we need longer-term solutions, and I hope that we can find those solutions in the period ahead. I also note that there are some other areas of progress.”
“A LeasCheann Comhairle, with your permission, Minister Kearney will take this question.”
“With your permission, a LeasCheann Comhairle, junior Minister Kearney will answer question 4.”
“We owe it to people to take the opportunity to learn from a very negative experience, to take the positives and to run with them into the future.”
“A core and central part of our recovery strategy has to be addressing social inequality and looking after the most vulnerable, the lonely, those in housing need, families living in poverty, those with a disability and workers on low incomes. We need to be serious about doing things differently and more effectively, and it means listening to people. If one thing stands out to me from the course of the pandemic, it is that we can do things differently and more speedily. We can be more responsive. <BR /> <BR />We need a plan for inclusive growth. We need to develop a new focus on community wealth-building to create a better and more sustainable economy by strengthening our communities, creating jobs and having sustainable development and local business networks. The Executive, as a whole, are committed to doing that.”
“In short, yes. Absolutely, we have an opportunity in front of us that we must grab with both hands. I agree with the Member about the need to tackle the high levels of poverty, inequality and disadvantage that existed prior to COVID and which have had a bright light shone on them now. I am particularly aware that the social and economic impact of the pandemic has fallen hard on women, and we see that daily. Many women are in low-paid, precarious employment, and many others have lost their job. There has been a rise in domestic violence and abuse during the pandemic, and it has been alarming to see the level of domestic violence. <BR /> <BR />As we step our way out of the restrictions, the focus has to be on developing a more sustainable and strategic response that can break the cycles of poverty, exclusion and inequality.”
“I do not underestimate and absolutely value the importance of physical activity for our young people, particularly after 15 or 16 months of lockdown and not being able to take part in youth services, sport and everything else that they would otherwise have had the opportunity to do. Thankfully, we are in a better place today. <BR /> <BR />The Member raises an issue that is the policy responsibility of the Department of Education. It would therefore be for the Minister of Education to bring forward a proposal on it. I would be open to looking at such a proposal. If you want the Executive Office to look at it in conjunction with the Education Minister, you may wish to send us a note.”
“That is the position that we have taken all the way through. We will continue to keep the situation under review, but, all things being equal, we hope to be able to progress those things on Thursday, provided that doing so is supported by health advice and science.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I know that, in his previous role, he was keen for that issue to be progressed. I am pleased to say that, although the reopening of youth services was delayed — we entered a delay phase — because of the emerging data on the delta variant that we are all conscious of and worried about, we will revisit that issue on Thursday 1 July. Issues that will be revisited include live music, residential stays for youth services, the opening of theatres and indoor seated venues, the resumption of conferences and exhibitions, and allowing walk-ins to close-contact businesses. <BR /> <BR />Alongside that, officials are working towards next week's Executive meeting and what we can potentially bring forward then. We are always mindful of and informed by the medical and scientific advice.”
“Where issues of consistency or inequality of application are identified, the responsible Department is expected to amend the proposal or bring forward a further proposal to remedy it.”
“The process for the relaxation of restrictions is outlined in our pathway out of restrictions. The process works through the Executive's COVID-19 task force and the cross-departmental working group, which acts as an advisory panel to the task force. Departments bring forward fully assessed relaxation proposals that relate to their areas of sectoral responsibility, outlining the evidence for the relaxation and the consultation that they have undertaken with stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />The proposals are then discussed and considered by the cross-departmental working group. Through that analysis and discussion, each Department has the opportunity to review the proposals, with a view to identifying any cross-cutting issues and providing input into collaborative approaches where there are interdependencies between possible relaxations.”
“With your permission, a LeasCheann Comhairle, junior Minister Kearney will answer this question.”
“The Executive Office is committed to ensuring that we bring forward all the NDNA commitments. That is the collective responsibility and will of the Executive. The implementation of many aspects of the political agreement that brought us back to power-sharing has been delayed. I am committed to delivering on those. We have to pick up from dealing with the COVID crisis before we can advance many of those things, including the language and cultural pieces and all the other issues that have been set out. There are, maybe, 200 commitments in NDNA, and we need to see progress on them all.”
“I have been very keen to see that Bill progress for some time. It is vital legislation that will allow us, in the first instance, to improve outcomes for children and families in need, looked-after children and care leavers. It will provide greater opportunities for children and carers to experience permanence and stability, and it will also place a greater focus on children and young people's rights. That is what we owe to all the children who await adoption. I am pleased to report that progress has been made through the Executive, and we can now move on to the next stage of modernising our adoption laws. That is great news for children and prospective parents. It will move forward to the next stage in the Assembly, when Members will have a chance to debate the merits of the Bill and deal with it in its entirety.”
“Thanks to the Member. Of course, it is incumbent on us all to make this a welcoming society and somewhere where we all live and feel comfortable, and have a roof over our head and a job. Although we have the racial equality strategy, there is much more that needs to be done. We need to bring forward all the social inclusion strategies. It is about having an inclusive society that is valid in every part of your life. We will certainly not be found wanting in trying to shape things and build the better future that all our society deserves, including people who have come here and made this place their home.”
“A public consultation has concluded, the findings of which will inform decisions on the final shape and content of a new PFG outcomes framework, which we hope to bring forward very shortly.”
“The 'New Decade, New Approach' document sets out an ambitious package of measures that covers a broad range of social, economic and cultural issues, all of which are important. The Member will know that the Executive's focus has been on managing the COVID-19 pandemic and charting the path for recovery. As we continue to move forward, we are committed to delivering all of TEO's NDNA commitments and moving on the things that have been delayed. <BR /> <BR />Our Department has made good progress on a number of issues, including providing support for victims and survivors of historical abuse, the conduct of Executive business and EU exit. The Executive will have the opportunity to consider the totality of the proposals in the context of the ongoing work to bring forward a new Programme for Government (PFG).”
“We cannot stand still for one second, because the stakes are so high. The public depend on those of us elected to this democratic Assembly to get on with the job, and that is what I intend to do.”
“<BR /> <BR />I had the opportunity to host the British-Irish Council meeting last Friday in Fermanagh, in which eight Administrations from across these islands participated, joining hands in solidarity in our fightback against the deadly virus, which has, sadly, taken the lives of so many of our people and brought tremendous hardship to every family during this time. The Executive will meet after the sitting to discuss COVD-19 and the current situation, and we will be briefed by the Health Minister on the delta variant and any implications that it has for the current restrictions that are in place to protect public health. Tomorrow, the First Minister and I will host the plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in Armagh. <BR /> <BR />We have prevented a political vacuum this week.”
“It set out 80 commitments that need to be delivered by us all and without delay, including tackling health waiting lists, providing supports around the mental health of our young people, tackling educational underachievement, the expansion of Magee university, the delivery of Casement Park, the delivery of the A5 major road project, an increase in police numbers and much, much more. The success of one depends on the success of others, including as well the Assembly, the Executive, the British-Irish Council (BIC), the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the operation of cross-border bodies.”
“Taxpayers who use Irish in their everyday lives, including those who educate their children through Irish-medium education and who wish to access public services through Irish, should be able to do so. In public administration, that is a service not a special privilege. Only two days ago in the Chamber, however, the DUP voted against a translation service that was explicitly agreed to in the New Decade, New Approach political agreement. That represented bad faith and a lack of leadership, and it really is not acceptable. As a society, we are only going forward. We are certainly not going backwards. The process of change will not be stopped by anyone, including the DUP. <BR /> <BR />New Decade, New Approach provided the basis on which to restore all the political institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.”