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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“Both Governments, as co-guarantors of that agreement, have a responsibility to act when the Assembly cannot. <BR /> <BR />The entire cultural package agreed in New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) symbolises respect for diversity, tolerance and mutual respect for each other's identity and culture. I respect those of a British tradition and a unionist tradition in the House and in our wider community. I have tried to demonstrate that in my role as deputy First Minister over the past 17 months. Language is fundamental to nationality, agus mar sin beidh Acht Gaeilge againn. The official recognition of the Irish language in this state, the repeal of draconian laws preventing the use of Irish in the courts and the appointment of a commissioner all represent parity of esteem.”
“The protocol's purpose is to limit the impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland, to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the all-Ireland economy and to avoid a hard border North to South. With access to both the British and EU single markets, our agriculture, retail and manufacturing sectors are ready to grasp the benefits of that market access and to fill the gaps in the supply chain, create jobs and strengthen our economy. <BR /> <BR />We have seen the DUP resist rights. I do not expect that to change. I will work with the other parties in the Assembly and the Executive to achieve a progressive social reform agenda for women, children, Irish language speakers and newcomer communities. There is a requirement under the Good Friday Agreement for equivalent standards of protection of rights on the island of Ireland, North and South.”
“We can voice our views and take decisions collectively in the best interests of the people whom we are elected to serve. People want mature political leaders who will get things done. <BR /> <BR />In taking the Pledge of Office, I am fully committed, in the interests of the whole community, to working in the Executive Office with Mr Givan, as First Minister and deputy First Minister and joint heads of Government. Our mission is to deliver on public services: health, education, jobs and the economy. <BR /> <BR />We will not share common ground on a Brexit that a majority of MLAs rejected and the majority of citizens democratically voted to oppose. The protocol is a consequence of Brexit, which was championed by the Tories and the DUP.”
“Together, we must mount a case to secure funding from the British Government to rebuild and transform our incredible public health service. Our people, and the heroic health service workers whom we are blessed with, deserve nothing less — nothing less. Our economic sector and its workers have faced a double whammy in recent times with the impact of the uncertainty created by Brexit and the unexpected onset of COVID. Therefore, recovery is now key. <BR /> <BR />Each of the five parties in the Executive has a distinct identity, a different outlook and different policies. Parties of the right, centre and left are in coalition government that is, undoubtedly, challenging to steer. We do not and will not always agree, but we are adults. We can get around the Executive table. We can give our perspectives.”
“<BR /> <BR />As an Executive, our top priority is our response to COVID-19: ensuring the continued successful roll-out of our vaccination programme across the population; and rebuilding our economy to sustain jobs and livelihoods. The five Executive parties have shown over this very challenging period that, when there is a unity of purpose, we can tackle the biggest of challenges and get our society through. <BR /> <BR />We have monumental challenges ahead that will require that same unity of purpose and the same urgency. They include tackling the totally unacceptable hospital waiting lists that have left people crucified, in pain and without hope. We must immediately set about addressing those issues together.”
“Tá mé an-sásta glacadh leis an ról seo. I confirm that I am willing to take up the office of deputy First Minister. I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in the 1998 Act. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members of the Assembly for the special sitting today to allow the process of nomination for First Minister and deputy First Minister to proceed. I wish the Ministers who have vacated their post in the past week well for the future. I thank them for their efforts over the 17 months since the political institutions were restored, as they and the Executive responded to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect lives and livelihoods. I welcome the MLAs who have taken up ministerial office in the past week in the Department for the Economy and the Department of Education and the junior Minister who has taken up post in the Executive Office.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I am.”
“All of us in the Chamber have been called upon to lead. That means leading and delivering for everybody. It means delivering power-sharing that is truly grounded in fairness and inclusion. That is certainly what I am here to do. I hope that we have willing partners with which to do so, because you cannot build power-sharing on broken promises. You must deliver upon agreements that are made. I am committed to doing that. I hope that others are, likewise, committed to doing it. <BR /> <BR />Finally, Arlene, every best wish for the future. I really hope that you get some special time with your family, regardless of whether they want to see you.”
“<BR /> <BR />Arlene, I wish you, your family and your beloved mother, whom you have spoken about on a number of occasions, the very best for the future. I hope that you get to spend more time with your family. I note the words in your final statement. You talked about the need for everybody to work together, to deliver for everybody and to come at things from the view that there is more that unites us than divides us. All those things are really important. This morning, I was reflecting on what I said in the Chamber when we re-established power-sharing. I talked that day about needing to work together on the basis of openness, transparency and accountability, in good faith and with no surprises, and that remains the position today. That is the only way in which we can share power together.”
“We needed to deliver on power-sharing, which needs to deliver good politics for everybody. It also needs to be about tackling waiting lists, reforming our health service and educational reform. We were committed to doing all those things. Obviously, however, the pandemic hit within a short number of months, and we very much put all our efforts and energies into trying to chart our way through that, which has been no mean feat. It has been extremely challenging. Arlene and I were certainly thrust into working very closely together over that time, to the point where Arlene joked at one stage that we were in each other's bubble. We were trying to do our best. That is the long and short of it. We worked together and alongside all our other ministerial colleagues to try to do our best to lead us through the pandemic.”
“I want to make a few brief comments. I commend Arlene for all her years of public service. Being in public life is, as we all know, not an easy job at times. As Arlene acknowledged, it can be very challenging, with many highs and many lows. Public life is even more challenging for a female. Many sacrifices are made, and we have to deal with the additional burden of the misogyny that exists in society. If there is one thing that I can say that we have done well together, it is that we highlighted that on numerous occasions in taking up many platforms. <BR /> <BR />We came back into the restored Executive 17 months ago, although it feels like it was a lifetime ago. When we stood in the Chamber and made our public commitments on working together, it was very much a day of hope.”
“Yes. The majority of parties in this Assembly, as well as the wider public, broadly supported the Stormont House Agreement legacy architecture as the only way to deal with the legacy of the conflict. They also rejected at that time any form of amnesty or statute of limitations for state forces. The British Government are absolutely setting their face against that democratic will as they pursue what is an unacceptable, unilateral course of action.”
“The British Government's approach to legacy matters generally is a cause of deep and far-reaching concern. Placing themselves or their own forces above their own laws will have major implications for confidence in the rule of law, and in the administration of justice. It is also, quite significantly, a slap in the face for victims, many of whom have campaigned for decades to get truth and justice. The way to deal with the legacy of our past is not through the provision of amnesties but through mechanisms that were agreed and negotiated at the Stormont House Agreement. The Government need to stop blocking that process and start implementing it.”
“Again, thanks. The COVID crisis and the battle against the COVID pandemic have shown the importance of collective action, and that that approach works. That is precisely the approach that we need to take to the issue of waiting lists. We cannot allow patients to be left facing such long and distressing waits to get the care that they need. It impacts on their physical and mental health, on their families and on their own well-being. I have already proposed at the Executive that we come together and make this a collective priority. That is crucially important if we are to get to grips with the situation in our health service right now.”
“We need to work to support the Health Minister, the health system, and all our healthcare workers, who we could not have got through the past 15 months without; they have just been amazing and outstanding.”
“Thanks for the question. Of course, we are all acutely aware of the enormous pressure that our health service is under, and the unacceptable, long waiting lists that many patients are facing. The difficulties in our system did not just arrive because of COVID. They have been building for some time. They are the direct result of years of underfunding and Tory austerity, and they have left our health service very much weakened. There is an onus on us all in political leadership to act now, decisively and collectively, to address this crisis in the health system, and to do all that we can to modernise and transform our healthcare system. <BR /> <BR />There cannot be any political point-scoring on this issue; it is far too important. This is people's health.”
“Yes, I absolutely agree. It is so important that we work across Departments but also with industry, because it has been decimated. Whilst every sector has been hard hit, the tourism and hospitality sector has been particularly hard hit. It is really important that as we build for recovery, we do so in tandem, working with the sectors to address what they need, and then trying to find ways to deliver that for them.”
“A number of key themes have emerged as a result of it: labour market recovery, tackling inequalities, the health of the population and green recovery and sustainability.”
“We are continuing to work our way through our recovery plan. It is broken down into three sections: the health response; the short-term things that we can do to try to boost the economy; and the longer-term plan that incorporates the Programme for Government. There is a lot of work going on as we speak across all Departments, because all Departments will have a role to play in the recovery piece. We intend to have a plan that will be implemented over a 24-month period. We have, as I said, a number of significant interventions. I think that 63 recovery interventions have been identified, all of which are cross-cutting. We believe that they will accelerate the recovery and benefit all our citizens.”
“As a post-conflict society, we have a responsibility to use our example to demonstrate that fundamental principles such as equality and human rights are key components of any successful peace process. As members of that international community, we also have a responsibility to demand that international law be upheld. At present, it is very clear that the Palestinian people continue to be denied equality and rights, while Israel continues to flout international law through its illegal occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza. The UN and the EU should therefore uphold their own rulings by ensuring that Israel face sanctions for its actions.”
“Yes, of course I do. I take the opportunity to congratulate my party colleagues in the Dáil for getting the motion to pass, which means that the Dáil now stands as the first legislature in Europe to state categorically and without equivocation that Israel has carried out the crime of annexation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Such solidarity is more than just symbolism, because, as the question states, it is important for democrats to speak out against the crimes that are being perpetrated daily on Palestine, not least the recent onslaught against Gaza, which resulted in such horrifying loss of life and destruction. International solidarity played a key role in defeating apartheid in South Africa. That same approach is needed to defeat apartheid in Palestine.”
“It is a matter for the DUP whom it decides to nominate and put forward. I am committed to power-sharing, and I hope that others are committed to power-sharing. Strong commitments have been made to deliver all the NDNA commitments, including those on the Irish language and the other culture and language pieces, and they must all be delivered. I expect every political party that sits around the Executive table and shares power to work together to make sure that all those things are delivered.”
“I have no desire to hold anybody hostage. I have a desire to make politics work. I have a desire to have political commitments that were agreed on delivered. I have a desire to see an Irish language Act, and nobody has anything to fear from that. I have a desire to see all NDNA commitments delivered, and I have a desire to see a more inclusive society. I encourage the Member to try, for once, to see his way to working with others to try to build a better society.”
“Yes. We are running out of time. We have a short window of opportunity left in the mandate. Therefore, it is important that we get on with delivery of the legislation now and that the public get what they expect, which is that the political agreements that were made are delivered on.”
“Yes. Let me take the opportunity to commend An Dream Dearg again for its campaign and all campaigners on the Irish language for their determination to stand up for their rights. They have had a colourful and inspirational campaign. They celebrate the language and make it very clear that it has something to offer everybody in society. I commend them for that. <BR /> <BR />The commitment to the Irish language Act and strategy was a key component of the 'New Decade, New Approach' document back in January 2020, alongside many other commitments. We now need to see delivery on the legislation, because there is a responsibility on the Assembly and Executive to legislate to protect the rights of Irish speakers without any further delay.”
“Yes. That is important. We hope that we sent a strong message to the deaf community, particularly throughout the COVID crisis when we had sign language with our public announcements every day. We hope that that helped to go some way to bridge the communication gap. Obviously, we all have a responsibility to ensure that we bridge any communication gaps and do whatever we can to get our message out, because everybody in society is entitled to hear that message.”
“Yes. The Member was probably not in the Chamber when I answered a question on that earlier. I absolutely agree with her that it is important that we get all the legislation to which we have committed through the Assembly. We have a short period left in the mandate. Now is the time for delivery, particularly as we move out of dealing almost solely with the COVID pandemic.”
“The Member, of course, is talking about something that may not occur. I hope that it does not occur and that we find a way forward to make politics deliver for everybody, so that all citizens feel as though their voice is heard in the Assembly and Executive. I am committed to power-sharing. I hope that others are, too. I am also committed to delivering on all the political commitments that were made.”
“Yes. Last January, we found a way in which to come back in, do business and share power together. It is important that everybody lives up to the political commitments that were made. We need to make politics work for everybody. We can do that only by working together.”
“If the British Government were serious about a Levelling Up Fund, they would increase the Executive's Budget so that we could work to stimulate economic activity, rebuild public services, tackle waiting lists and everything else that we have, and recover from the COVID crisis and years of Tory austerity.”
“I thank the Member. We are due to receive only about £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund for this year. It will not be transformative for our economic performance, particularly, as the Member referred to, when we have a standstill Budget from Westminster.”
“I thank the Member for his comments, and I will take that on board in our deliberations.”
“Whilst recognising those serious limitations, it is also important that applications are submitted to ensure that we do not lose out on any of the money that is available to us.”
“The First Minister and I have written to the Westminster Government on behalf of the Executive. We have been seeking urgent clarification of the Executive's role in applying to the Levelling Up Fund and the assessment of applications. That clarity is urgently required, given that the closing date for applications is 18 June. In our response, we also set out that it is essential that the Executive's views and spending priorities are taken into consideration to ensure that there is maximum benefit and opportunities from that expenditure. The approach to the fund clearly does not build on existing and well-established structures in line with the Executive's agreed position, nor does it give the Executive or our Ministers their normal role in the funding of devolved functions.”
“I will ask junior Minister Kearney to answer the question.”
“I do not think it is a matter of balance; it is about a true reflection of a difficult and harrowing past. As the political leaders of today, we have to find a way to heal the wounds of the past, build bridges and help people to have access to truth and justice. The only way we will do that is by working together.”
“I assume you are referring to the pension. I have not seen what the Justice Minister said, so I cannot clarify it, but I will be happy to respond to the Member in writing. We have made joint requests for funding for the pension because they are policy decisions that were taken at Westminster, so, according to the British Government's statement of funding policy, they should fund the scheme. Given that we are not sure of the scale or quantum of the pension, we need that financial support. We have made that case.”
“Thanks to the Member for that question. I acknowledge the bravery, determination and resilience of the Ballymurphy families. They have been vindicated in their pursuit of truth, and they now deserve to see justice. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the British states fears accountability, and that is why it has unilaterally and, indeed, cynically abandoned its commitment to the Stormont House Agreement. Let me say that any amnesty proposals that seek to put state forces beyond the law are not only a real slap in the face to victims but a further statement that the British Government have clearly abandoned their Stormont House Agreement and NDNA commitments.”
“Since 2017, the NIO has led on implementing the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms.”
“As I have said, I recognise the potential of the site, and I hope to find a resolution that will see the site developed. The societal, economic and reconciliation potential of the site is immense, and we should work together to deliver on that.”
“Thanks to the Member. I think that you are right when you talk about the shared history and the significance of the H-blocks and the site in our shared history. Across our community, the site evokes strong views and painful memories of loss and imprisonment. The story of Long Kesh provides a lens into our recent history and conflict, so preserving the history of the site while maximising its economic potential is a clear signal and a challenge that, together, the Executive can deliver for all our people. In 2021, we must together see the site as a gateway to opportunity. Let me again say that I see the potential for regeneration and revitalisation of the site, and we need to maximise the social, economic and reconciliation potential.”
“Thanks to the Member for his question and comments. We all recognise the immense potential of the site, and there is so much that can be done there, so I hope that we can find a resolution that will see the site developed in a way that will maximise its potential. The board continues to keep under review the possible approaches to regeneration of the site, and that allows it to provide us with advice and options for the future. It is important that we carry out the ongoing essential maintenance and ensure that the buildings are safe, watertight, secure and that the site remains ready for development in due course. As I said, I hope that, going forward, there will be an agreement that allows us to develop the potential of the site to the max.”
“I am aware that there is to be a meeting on 2 June with the local council, and I have no doubt that the issue of representation will be raised. I am sure that there can be good engagement at that meeting.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right that there are currently six board members and one chair, with four board member vacancies. We recently agreed to extend the appointments of the chair and members for 18 months, until September 2022, to ensure that the site is effectively managed while we consider its future. We have also asked officials to start the process of filling the vacancies on the board, and we hope to have the new board members in place before March 2022. That will provide continuity when the current members reach the end of their term.”
“We recognise the economic, historical and peacebuilding potential of the Maze/Long Kesh site and will endeavour to find a way forward that will maximise that potential. The timeline for redevelopment and the matter of whether that redevelopment can contribute to recovery in the immediate term will depend on the detail of any resolution reached.”
“I am very much committed to an inclusive society. In this Building, where we are all elected. we have been given a mandate by the public. It is really important that we see ourselves reflected. Unfortunately, there is an imbalance in this estate at this time, but let us work together to make it a more inclusive place. Let us find a way to have a conversation about how we do that so that we demonstrate respect. No one has anything to fear from demonstrating respect and no one has anything to fear from parity of esteem. I am committed to that. Why not join me in trying to deliver that?”
“I concur with the Member and have the same passion for seeing those things being delivered. The public rightly expects the NDNA commitments that were made to be delivered. There is no doubt that we have been sidetracked by having to deal with the pandemic. That has put a lot of things off the timeline in which you would expect to see them come through. As we come out of the COVID crisis, and hopefully into better days, it is time to focus our efforts on bringing forward all the other pieces of legislation that were committed to. There is a small window left in this mandate, and we need to move at pace to bring forward the maximum possible number of pieces of legislation.”
“Let us bring everybody together — the political parties, trade unions, patient representatives and policymakers — to make a plan, identify solutions and work together to transform the health service so that it delivers for everybody. That is what we all ultimately want. There is no doubt that the health service has been starved of funding for many, many years. We need to find solutions, get people access to the healthcare that they deserve and transform our health service.”
“I thank the Member for raising that point. It is something that I have been vocal about over the past number of weeks. I do not think that there is anyone in the Chamber who will disagree that our waiting lists are totally unacceptable. Likewise, it is unacceptable that people are struggling to get access to GPs. At the Executive meeting, last week, I made a proposal that we come together and apply the same approach to the waiting list situation as we have taken to fighting against the pandemic, because it has to be brought under control. I proposed that we have a health summit, or whatever you want to call it, that brings together all the political parties — we have to remove the politics from this very serious issue.”
“The Member will be aware that that was part of the commitments that the British Government made. They are progressing legislation to bring that into line with the commitments that were made in the 'NDNA' document.”