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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“Ministers noted that discussions on commitments had taken place at NSMC sectoral meetings and bilaterally between Ministers where the commitments are being advanced outside NSMC structures. They noted the commitment of both Administrations to the delivery of the A5 western transport corridor and that the next steps for the project would be informed by the interim report from the public inquiry. The Council noted that both Administrations continue to work together to progress the Ulster canal restoration project and the Ulster canal greenway. Phase 1 of the restoration is now complete, and phase 2 will commence in 2021. The design, engineering feasibility and pre-construction stages of phase 3 will also commence in 2021.”
“Ministers noted the role conferred on the NSMC to submit proposals to the Specialised Committee concerning the implementation and application of the protocol. It was agreed that officials should work to develop an appropriate mechanism for Ministers to agree for referring proposals to the Specialised Committee. <BR /> <BR />The New Decade, New Approach commitments were discussed at the plenary meeting. The Council noted that the NSMC plenary meeting held on 31 July 2020 outlined a way forward on aspects related to the commitments. It was requested that the relevant Ministers and their officials take forward discussions on the commitments, including, where appropriate, through the work of the NSMC sectors.”
“Ministers recalled that, at its previous plenary meeting, on 31 July 2020, the Council recognised that the jurisdictions have a common interest in minimising disruption to trade and economic activity on the island and noted that discussions have taken place across the various NSMC sectors on the implications of the UK withdrawal from the EU. We noted at that time that, in the light of the ongoing negotiations, full clarity of the impact on cooperation in a number of areas was not yet available. The Council agreed that, irrespective of the outcome of negotiations, engagement between the Administrations on the matter should continue within the structures of the Council and elsewhere, taking account of the evolving position.”
“Ministers recognised the impact of the pandemic on society and the economy in both jurisdictions and welcomed the measures put in place by both Administrations to support communities and businesses affected by the crisis and to assist economic recovery. The recent progress made in the development and roll-out of the vaccine was welcomed. The Council noted the NSMC health sector meeting on 2 October to review ongoing cooperation in responding to the pandemic. It noted that the impact of and response to COVID-19 has been considered at all NSMC meetings. Ministers agreed that future Council meetings would continue to consider how agreed collaborative approaches can contribute to the promotion of economic and social recovery in a COVID-19 context. <BR /> <BR />The Council then discussed the implications of Brexit.”
“The Council expressed its sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic and commended citizens in both jurisdictions who have complied with the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic and their efforts and perseverance in helping to manage the outbreak. The NSMC expressed its gratitude to all those who have contributed to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly front-line health and social care workers. It expressed its appreciation to the wider workforce of essential workers who have kept various services and facilities operational even in the most challenging of circumstances.”
“We noted that, having regard to COVID-19 restrictions in both jurisdictions, meetings took place via videoconference and that in-person meetings would resume as soon as public health conditions permitted. The Council noted that each sector had considered a wide range of issues, including COVID-19 recovery, priorities and work programmes and the implications of Brexit, as well as various sector-specific matters. <BR /> <BR />The Council was briefed by the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Dr Michael McBride and Dr Tony Holohan, on the public health situation and the ongoing close cooperation in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers discussed the measures being implemented in the two jurisdictions to protect public health and to limit the transmission of the virus.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the resumption of NSMC sectoral meetings and noted that meetings have taken place in all NSMC sectors since the last plenary meeting in July 2020.”
“The Council was advised that the North/South Language Body accounts for 2018 had been certified and would be submitted to a future meeting and that the field audits for the 2019 accounts had commenced in both agencies. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC agreed to meet again in institutional format in May or June 2021 as required. <BR /> <BR />That concludes the report on the institutional meeting. I will now continue with the report on the plenary meeting. <BR /> <BR />The twenty-fifth plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council was held by videoconference on 18 December 2020. The Executive were led by the First Minister and me, and we jointly chaired the meeting. The Irish Government were led by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD.”
“<BR /> <BR />The next section of the meeting dealt with corporate governance matters for a number of North/South bodies. The Council approved the following plans: the North/South Language Body corporate plan for 2017-19; the North/South Language Body business plans for 2018, 2019 and 2020; Waterways Ireland business plans for 2020 and 2021; InterTradeIreland’s corporate plan for 2020-22; and InterTradelreland’s business plan for 2021. All plans had been completed in accordance with agreed guidance issued by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and had been agreed by the sponsor Departments and Finance Ministers. Ministers noted that the annual report and accounts for the North/South Language Body for 2016 and 2017 had been laid before the Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers noted the discussions that have taken place at NSMC sectoral meetings with the aim of ensuring that the work programmes in the various NSMC areas for cooperation remain up to date and reflect the priorities of the Executive and the Irish Government. The Council will continue its consideration of work programmes at sectoral meetings in early 2021. The Council agreed that Ministers should regularly review work programmes to ensure that they reflect the priorities of both Administrations. It was noted that the NSMC had previously agreed that consideration of longer-term sectoral priorities was required and that a paper on this will be brought to a future institutional meeting. The Council then approved the appointment of a number of board members to the North/South implementation bodies.”
“<BR /> <BR />We discussed matters relating to North/South bodies. The Council noted that the North/South bodies continue to deliver on their remit, as outlined in the agreement of 10 March 1999, and that the NSMC maintains oversight of the work of the bodies. Ministers noted that the bodies have now been in existence for over 20 years and recognised that there have been changes to their operating environments during that time. It was agreed that officials should review the operating framework of the bodies to explore whether they remain appropriate and bring forward recommendations if required.”
“A group of senior officials from both jurisdictions has been established to maintain strategic oversight and progress delivery of the projects, focusing on connectivity and infrastructure, research and innovation, and investment in the north-west and border communities. The group will meet regularly and provide updates on its work to both Administrations and the NSMC. <BR /> <BR />Ministers noted the Shared Island initiative and the associated Shared Island Fund of €500 million to be made available up to 2025. It has been established by the Irish Government to support investment in new shared initiatives, including the delivery of commitments outlined in 'New Decade, New Approach'. Updates on the various NDNA commitments with a cross-border dimension will be provided to future NSMC plenary meetings.”
“Ministers noted that the Council has included the implications of Brexit and areas for cooperation in each of the NSMC sectors and that Ministers agreed that they and their officials will continue to engage to ensure that cooperation is maintained following the end of the transition period. The Council noted that senior officials from the Executive Office, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs will meet regularly to discuss issues arising from Brexit and will provide regular updates to both Administrations and the NSMC. <BR /> <BR />Our next priority was the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) commitments. The Council noted that discussions have taken place on a number of New Decade, New Approach commitments with a cross-border dimension at the NSMC sectoral meetings and bilaterally among Ministers.”
“We discussed a number of priorities, and, given its importance at this time, we focused on the impact of and response to COVID-19. The Council noted that COVID-19 issues were discussed at all NSMC sectors, including the impact on those sectors and how to promote economic and social recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers welcomed the engagement and commitments to date across both jurisdictions in responding to COVID-19, particularly in health cooperation, and noted that both Administrations will continue to cooperate, whenever it is practicable to do so, to ensure the best response to the challenges posed by COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />We discussed Brexit.”
“<BR /> <BR />The twelfth North/South Ministerial Council institutional meeting was held at the NSMC joint secretariat offices in Armagh on 16 December 2020. The Executive were represented by the First Minister and me, and the Irish Government were represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD. The First Minister and I chaired the meeting.”
“Before I start my statement, may I add my words of condemnation to those spoken in a previous item of business on what happened to the Multicultural Association building at the weekend? Obviously, we all condemn it in the strongest possible terms and send a strong signal from the Executive and the Assembly that it is vital that all in society take a stand against such hatred and intolerance. <BR /> <BR />In compliance with section 52 of the 1998 Act, I wish to make the following statement on the twelfth institutional meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which was held on 16 December, and on the twenty-fifth NSMC plenary meeting, which was held on 18 December. The First Minister and I have agreed that I will provide the report.”
“I have described it as the decade of opportunity, because the decisions that we take now will determine the future of another generation. I want to see, and will work every day to see, all of Ireland, once again, back within the European Union.”
“We know that at least 700,000 people born in the North hold an Irish passport and that about 200,000 of those made their first application after the Brexit referendum. I welcome, therefore, the Irish Government's announcement that they will fund students from the North, regardless of what passport they hold, to participate in the hugely popular and successful ERASMUS programme. I had pressed the Government on that, as well as on funding the European health insurance card scheme, which I expect to be facilitated. That practical cooperation and collaboration on a North/South basis must continue, and be strengthened. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, this is not the end of the road; it is a turning point. It is a defining moment in the history of Ireland. The future belongs to us all.”
“In the immediate term, we need to ensure that there is full support for those sectors that will struggle, despite today's deal, and we need to look at how the North's voice can be heard at an EU level in the coming years. I am very open to discussing with others in the Chamber the ways in which that could be facilitated, including through observer status for the Assembly within the European Union. <BR /> <BR />Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, there is an inherent right, for those born on this island, to Irish citizenship, and, by virtue of that right, to citizenship of the European Union. Citizens who enjoy that right must be afforded the benefit of their citizenship.”
“Nobody from any political quarter wanted us to crash out of the EU after the transition period ends tomorrow, with no terms of departure or future relationship with the EU, and over a cliff edge, coupled with the impacts of COVID. Therefore, although the fine detail of the trade and cooperation agreement has to be carefully analysed, there will be relief that a trade deal has been agreed, that special arrangements have been secured for the island of Ireland, as encapsulated in the Irish protocol, and that that will be implemented in full. <BR /> <BR />There is also a level of certainty for businesses, but there remains much more work to be done in the weeks and months ahead by the British Government on trader support.”
“<BR /> <BR />The pro-Remain parties in the Assembly, with others, have successfully defended the interests of citizens, workers, businesses and civic society by working together to protect peace, jobs, economic stability and people's livelihoods. That is reflected in the Irish protocol. It is the solution to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. It protects the all-Ireland economy and the GFA, in all of its parts, gives us access to the EU single market and the British internal market, and keeps the North aligned to the EU on regulations and standards. The protocol is secured, and will be implemented in full and operational from 1 January 2021.”
“I will finish my point. They recognised that the British Army military installations that had been built and reinforced from the 1970s onwards were symbols of division and symbols of conflict. They recognised that the common travel area, full EU membership and the peace process combined meant that, 22 years ago, customs posts and immigration checkpoints on the Irish border were demolished. They also recognised that people's daily life in the border region had been transformed and that the invisible border on the island of Ireland had become the greatest symbol of peace. Thankfully, our international allies recognised that any reversal of any of that would have had hugely adverse economic, social, political and security impacts on people in the border communities and across the island as a whole.”
“<BR /> <BR />However, many, throughout the course of the debacle, have seen the enormous political and practical benefits that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement (GFA) brought, in helping to safeguard citizens, businesses and society here from what would have been a much more catastrophic situation than the one that we find ourselves in today. The 27 member states that make up the EU, along with the United States Congress, recognised the value and success of the Good Friday Agreement. Importantly, they recognised that our special and unique circumstances required a bespoke solution. They recognised that, prior to the Good Friday Agreement, security checkpoints existed on the border between the North and South of Ireland. They recognised that the British Army military installations that had been built and reinforced —.”
“The first thing to say is that, for over four years, we have, regrettably, been exposed to the worst kind of toxic political discourse from Westminster and a Tory-inspired Brexit. The Tories have no mandate and no regard for the interests of the people here; the people that we all represent in the Chamber. There is no good Brexit for the people of the island of Ireland from whatever tradition or culture they may come. Brexit has caused huge division, instability, uncertainty and fear. It has stretched British-Irish relations after almost two decades of trying to renew that relationship between our two islands. For those of us who are opposed to Brexit, it has threatened those rights and entitlements that, as EU citizens, we benefit from, enjoy and, in many ways, have probably taken for granted.”
“Again, it is really disappointing that there was not a higher level of aspiration to achieve a better deal on SPS in the negotiations. It is important therefore that we continue to engage through the governance structures. <BR /> <BR />Parcels were mentioned. Over recent days, many people have experienced the fact that they cannot get parcels delivered. That will have implications for small businesses that rely on that service as a way to secure goods and services. <BR /> <BR />These are all huge issues that we have raised and will continue to raise. All those things demonstrate that we are at a turning point, with much more work to be done. <BR /> <BR />I want to make some remarks as vice president of Sinn Féin.”
“For example, a number of Members referred to roaming charges, and it is correct to say that surcharge-free roaming, when travelling to EU and EEA countries, will no longer be guaranteed from 1 January, but we understand that mobile operators have stated that they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies, and we look very much to them in the time ahead on that. <BR /> <BR />Members rightly raised concerns about access to labour. Declan McAleer referred to the fact that this will cause huge challenges for many industries, not least the agri-food industry. It is really disappointing to say that our needs have not been reflected in the Government's immigration policy. However, we will continue to press on those issues. <BR /> <BR />SPS was raised.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many Members have today recognised the importance of EU funds to our economy and the peace process. The Executive Office will work closely with the Finance Minister to ensure that the British Government are fully aware of the importance of replacing those funds and to ensure that the new shared prosperity fund will provide support to the many excellent projects that have benefited our communities. <BR /> <BR />Members picked up on a number of points that require clarity.”
“There will be interactions between them that will need to be monitored carefully to ensure that there are no unintended consequences. <BR /> <BR />We want be equally clear now as the then deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the First Minister were when they set out in their 2016 letter to the then Prime Minister, Theresa May, that it is critical to our economy that our businesses are able to retain their competitiveness, North/South and east-west. It is critical that they do not incur additional costs that could lead to the relocation of businesses or increased costs for consumers here. The agreement does not mark the end of our representations on the issue but recognises that this will be a continuing priority for the Executive in the weeks, months and years to come.”
“Therefore, as we move forward it is essential that we are represented appropriately and proportionately in the governance structures of both agreements if the continued interaction between the agreement and the protocol are to be taken into account. <BR /> <BR />As many Members acknowledged in the course of the debate, the lateness of both this agreement and the Joint Committee decisions on the protocol presents an enormous challenge for our businesses and society to know exactly what they need to be prepared for. The development of clear guidance and communications will be vital in the next period to ensure that any impact is minimised. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the agreement is complex, and implementation will be a challenge and probably an evolving process. The agreement will be implemented and will operate alongside the protocol.”
“<BR /> <BR />The conclusion of the negotiations and this agreement marks the end of one phase, but it certainly opens up the beginning of another. Since the referendum result in June 2016, this has been a particularly difficult road to travel. Whether or not you agree with the decision to leave the EU, it is now our responsibility as elected representatives to work together to ensure that the withdrawal agreement, including the protocol and the future relationship agreement, are implemented in a manner that protects our citizens, businesses and economy. <BR /> <BR />Dealing with the challenges posed by the implementation of this agreement and the protocol is one area where citizens will look to us to work together for the good of everyone.”
“I want to speak with two hats, first as deputy First Minister and then as vice president of Sinn Féin. <BR /> <BR />It is evident that there are widespread differences across the House on the decision to leave the EU. However, there is agreement that it was in no one's interest to leave the transition period at 11.00 pm on 31 December without having a deal in place. The Executive have been unified in their commitment to secure the best possible outcome for our communities, businesses and citizens. It is clear that an outcome under which we would have been required to trade under WTO terms would have been disastrous for our economy, particularly for the agri-food industry. Many Members referred to the real-time implications for that industry.”
“We hope to have that information this week, and then we will be able to collate it and put it into the public domain. <BR /> <BR />Also, the issue of students needs to be clarified again. The universities are doing great work on testing to allow students to come home, but, again, we should put that out there in black and white so that people can see in one source exactly what the current circumstance is.”
“I wish your mother the very best and hope that she comes through COVID-19. Last week, the Executive looked at a whole range of questions and answers that we can put into the public domain to help people to understand and make their own plans for Christmas. One of the areas missing last week, which the Health Minister told us he would bring a proposal on this week, is what visiting will look like for nursing homes in the Christmas period.”
“Some people will not take advantage of the relaxations, but it is for everybody to make up their own mind, based on their personal circumstances, and decide what is right for them and their families. Our message is that we are allowing some flexibility, but please think of the health service and think about the implications for what might come in January if we let our guard down too much.”
“It is such an important time, and I am grateful for the earlier question from Chris Lyttle. It is important that we give people hope. I am glad that, last week, we could announce that the Executive have agreed that up to three households will be able to form an exclusive bubble for five days between 23 and 27 December. For us, that is a balance, as we know that any relaxation comes with an increased risk. <BR /> <BR />Our health service is still under huge pressure, as we know, and that will be the case into the new year. Even at Christmas, we are asking people to be sensible and to please prevent the virus from spreading. So be as safe as possible if you get together.”
“My position is very clear. I have stated very clearly that I am more than happy to speak to the PSNI when something is arranged. At the weekend, people were asked to leave the beach for a reason, which is that COVID-19 is rife and we need to try to get on top of it.”
“I have come before this House and the Committee on many occasions and have amply dealt with the issue. On the PSNI inquiry into the funeral, I have cooperated from the outset and will be available to the PSNI when it sets a date for a discussion.”
“A number of schemes are paying out grant aid at the moment, and whilst we are asking people to close their doors, it is vital that they be financially supported. We hope that continued progress is being made on both schemes across the Department of Finance and the Department for the Economy. We need to get that money into people's pockets now. I assure the Member that those who have been affected by the recent wave of restrictions will also be included in the financial support package.”
“Yes, I certainly can. It is such a frustrating time for many people. There are many contradictions and anomalies in the regulations, so I share those concerns. We tried to mitigate that somewhat by allowing click and collect in order to allow people some opportunity to be able to sell. However, I fully accept the challenges that there are for the business community right now.”
“I am on public record as saying that the decade of centenaries opens up the debate on all the seminal events that shaped the direction of Ireland and, indeed, Britain, and the relationship between the two islands. For me, 2021 should be inclusive. It should be about how we include everybody in the conversation about the continued transformation of society and how we can make things better. For me, it certainly presents an opportunity. Whilst I will certainly never say that there is anything to celebrate about partition — it has failed everybody across the island — I do not want 2021 to be defined by rancour or division. I certainly want it to be about a forward-looking conversation, the future and how we can do that and make things better together.”
“As the Member knows, we received the report back on 17 July. It covers a wide range of complex and challenging issues that have remained unresolved and have impacted on our society for many years. The junior Ministers met the former joint chairpersons of the commission in order to discuss the report, and we are considering the final report. We will decide on the appropriate next steps, including a decision on the publication of the commission's report, in due course.”
“I will just concur with Mr Lyttle. Absolutely, and 2020 has been a desperate year all round on many fronts for many people. We all acknowledge readily that many people are struggling right now as a result of everything that has happened this year. Let us all hope that next year will be a better year, and let us all work together to make that the case.”
“— all the little boys and girls out there will really want to know the answer. I can confirm that the elves have confirmed to the Executive that Santa is getting ready, Dancer, Prancer and Rudolph are ready to go, the presents are packed and Santa will be here. They also said that all the boys and girls need to be very good, because there are just 25 more sleeps before Santa is here.”
“That is an excellent question, and I am quite sure that —”
“As I said, I think that all of us in political leadership have an onus to do our utmost to move society forward and to make sure that we avoid refighting battles of the past. I encourage all of us in the Chamber, as political leaders, to do so.”
“As an Irish republican, I will contribute constructively by setting out, with confidence, our inclusive, positive vision for the future, where our mission is to bring all the people of this island together, not to keep us apart.”
“Brian Stanley deleted his tweet, which was inappropriate and insensitive; he has apologised, and I accept that. We all have a responsibility in this decade of centenaries to remember and commemorate the past in a respectful manner. There is an onus on all of us in positions of political leadership to do our utmost to move this society on, to avoid refighting old battles of the past and to conduct our politics in a way that is respectful and which does not threaten anyone. <BR /> <BR />During this decade of centenaries, we are marking the key seminal events that have clearly shaped the direction of Ireland and the relationship between Ireland and Britain, over the past 100 years. We must set out our analysis, experience and narrative of the past 100 years in a way that is honest, while doing so in a way that does not deepen division.”
“Last week, the First Minister and I announced the task force, and the task force is about bringing together all the Departments in looking at how they can play their role in making sure that we deliver mass testing and a vaccine right across our communities. We have excellent infrastructure here to be able to deliver both programmes. We want to bring Departments together, and councils will certainly have a role to play. We have so many community facilities to use if required. Councils have played their role, as have communities, the whole way through the pandemic. It will take cross-departmental work and a huge lift on behalf of everybody, but that is why we announced the task force to do that very piece of work.”
“We will have a range of vaccinations, with access, I think, to seven different vaccinations. We will receive our Barnett consequential for all that. A mass vaccination society offers us the best protection against COVID and the best hope for moving beyond COVID.”
“As I set out earlier in Question Time, the vaccine programme certainly offers us the best hope in our fightback against the pandemic, and great strides forward have been made. There will be a roll-out plan over five different phases, with the first phase being nursing homes, care home staff and over-80s. That is deemed to be the most vulnerable category. It moves on to over-65s and under-65s who are vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />The roll-out of the vaccine is very positive news. I do not want anybody to get carried away, because it may take us until next summer to have it fully implemented, so we still need to be vigilant and to follow the public health advice. However, this is a brilliant step forward, great strides have been made, and I commend all those who got us to this point.”