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 Chief Medical Officer has also commissioned a rapid review of the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a clear understanding of the effectiveness of the initial and ongoing response, and to capture the lessons learned to improve our response to any future resurgence of the virus.”
“<BR /> <BR />From 18 March, TEO established a COVID-19 operations room, or hub, to provide information and analysis, and to raise issues relating to public health services across the North. The hub coordinates activities across Departments and reports to the Executive. It is important that the hub remains in readiness to deal with any potential further waves and any concurrent civil contingency emergencies that may arise. The COVID-19 hub has been scaled down since 15 June. A small number of volunteers have been retained to operate in a maintain-readiness mode. <BR /> <BR />Work will continue in the coming weeks to ensure preparedness for any future necessary stand-up, with full stand-up test runs provisionally scheduled for the autumn.”
“The risk from COVID-19 remains and none of us wants to see a second wave of this deadly virus or to be in a position in which restrictions have to be reinstated, as has been the case in Leicester, Galicia and Catalonia. We will be monitoring the impact of the relaxations closely, and we will be prepared to reintroduce restrictions if that is considered necessary to control the virus. A key tool in preventing a second wave is the test, trace and protect strategy. That will play a key role in containing transmission as more relaxations are introduced. If anyone is contacted by that service, they must act on the information provided and self-isolate or get tested as appropriate.”
“The Executive have started the process of developing a recovery framework that will have a particular focus on achieving effective health, economic and societal recovery. We expect to announce more details about that shortly.”
“Since early March, the management of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Executive’s number-one priority. Our objective has been to help keep people safe and to support those who have faced real hardship as a result of the pandemic. The extraordinary measures that we have had to put in place have worked well and, whilst we must not be complacent, we are now at a key point where attention can begin to shift from purely controlling the public health response towards planning for recovery. <BR /> <BR />Over recent weeks, it has been possible to ease many restrictions and, with the publication of an indicative timeline for further easements, people and businesses can begin to plan ahead.”
“I breathe equality, every day. I believe in equality. I practise equality. I bring it into every aspect of my work, every day. Thank you.”
“It was also agreed that we would continue to participate in the new scheme for the next year, even though the current crisis places constraints on it, but it is important that we continue to do what we can. Our officials continue to liaise with the Home Office and the strategic migration partnership on the implications of the current crisis, and we will consider the potential for continued participation in due course. I am happy to keep the Member updated on all of that.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right. In October 2015, we committed to welcoming, by December of that year, between 50 and 100 refugees under the Syrian vulnerable persons resettlement scheme, with the expectation that further groups would arrive on a phased basis. The twenty-fifth group of refugees arrived on 6 February, this year. That brings the total number to 1,815. A further group of 93 individuals was due to arrive on 16 April, but, obviously, that was postponed because of the current situation. The scheme was due to come to an end following the arrival of the twenty-sixth group and has been consolidated into a new global resettlement scheme that was announced by the British Home Secretary on 17 June, last year.”
“A review of the delivery model of the minority ethnic development fund is nearing completion. Work is ongoing again with the Department of Education to identify ways in which we can tackle racist bullying in schools. In the coming months, we plan to consult on a draft refugee integration strategy. We are also considering proposals for ethnic monitoring to help to identify potential inequalities and any underlying causes. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to take on board any concerns that the Member has. I am happy to receive them at any time with regard to how we can improve things and do all that we can collectively to stamp out racial inequality.”
“We all have a job to do to make sure that we stamp out racism in society. We all have a job to do everything that we can. That is the responsibility of us all as political representatives. The fact is that the racial equality strategy covers the period from 2015 to 2025, and, as is acknowledged in the strategy, we are under no illusion about the size of the challenge that is in front of us in tackling racial inequalities. That will require time, effort and resource. <BR /> <BR />The racial equality subgroup has been appointed, along with the racial equality champions in each Department. Obviously, that is good. We continue to work closely with them to implement the key actions in the strategy. In addition, a review of the Race Relations Order 1997 and relevant aspects of other legislation is under way.”
“The racial equality strategy provides a 10-year framework for action by Departments and others over the period 2015 to 2025. We continue to implement the key actions in the strategy, working closely with the racial equality champions in Departments and the racial equality subgroup, which officials meet regularly. At present, we have no plans for a formal review, but we will continue to monitor progress and emerging issues to inform successful implementation of the strategy.”
“My position on that issue is clear and on the record. I spoke in the House yesterday; I will speak again later today. I have spoken in front of the Committee for the Executive Office. I have spoken to the media. I have spoken at the party leaders' forum. My position is well rehearsed. I am glad that we are in the position that we are in today with regard to lifting the restrictions. I am glad that we have been able to make continual rolling easements. I hope that we can continue to do that into the future. I will continue to lead us through that.”
“At its meeting on 25 June, the Executive announced a range of indicative relaxations that included the resumption of further close-contact services, such as tattoo parlours, from 6 July. I am pleased that that decision was ratified by the Executive on 2 July, and tattoo parlours are now permitted to open with effect from yesterday. <BR /> <BR />A range of guidance is available to help businesses to prepare for a return to operation, including guidance on making workplaces safer that has been prepared by the engagement forum: 'COVID-19: Working Through This Together'. In addition, the British Government have produced workplace guidance for close-contact services, and advice and guidance is available from trade and professional bodies.”
“With your permission, a LeasCheann Comhairle, I will ask junior Minister Kearney to answer the question.”
“It is so important that we deal with the past in a way in which we can command the support of the majority, and I think that the Stormont House Agreement was a way for us to do that. I certainly have a personal, political view of the Secretary of State's statement on 18 March, and I know that your party shares that view. In my opinion, the approach taken is an act of bad faith, and we need to deal with legacy issues in a way that is inclusive, respectful of what everybody wants and finds a way forward, because we do not want to burden the children of today with legacy issues.”
“'New Decade, New Approach' contains significant and comprehensive commitments to legacy issues. The First Minister and I have not made any joint representations on legacy issues in our role as First Minister and deputy First Minister to the Secretary of State since he made his statement on 18 March. However, we intend to meet him this Thursday, and that is one of the issues that will be on the agenda.”
“The powers have all been worked out and will be part of the job description and everything that has been set out in relation to the public appointments process. I am glad for the victims and survivors community that a permanent person will be in place, because that is important in moving us to the next stage. There are outstanding issues that the victims want to see addressed. I want to see that happen, so we need to move on from an interim advocate to a permanent advocate. I am happy to provide the Member with written details of the powers, remit and responsibilities of the advocate.”
“The public appointment competition for the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse was launched on Tuesday 9 June. The competition was publicised widely, with advertisements in local and national press as well as communication through various social media platforms. Victims and survivors’ groups were also notified of the launch. The closing date for applications was noon on Friday 3 July, and it is anticipated that the commissioner will be appointed in late summer. The competition will be conducted in line with the principles and practices of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' code. Hopefully, that answers the question.”
“The Member is right to raise concerns about the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, which would, as we all know, represent a dramatic change of circumstances across these islands. The Good Friday Agreement must be upheld, and there cannot be a hard border on the island of Ireland. The Executive, for their part, considered operational readiness at their meeting on 15 June and agreed that a programme of readiness planning should be coordinated across all Departments. That will include planning for no agreement or a limited outcome from the future relationship negotiations with the EU. It will take into account the fact that the protocol will be implemented regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.”
“The majority of the requirements for the implementation of the protocol are reserved matters. However, the agri-food requirements fall within the Executive’s devolved competence, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is working intensively to ensure that those obligations are met. <BR /> <BR />We remain committed to doing all that we can in relation to the protocol to secure the best possible outcome for our citizens and businesses and the least possible disruption to our economy and trade, North/South and east-west.”
“I am a bit confused, because the last question asked me a supplementary. Is it for the junior Minister to answer that question?”
“I could not give the Member an update on police numbers. Obviously, all of the NDNA commitments, I think, have probably in some way been stalled because of the response to COVID-19 and the efforts there. However, with regard to the recruitment of additional police numbers, we can refer that to the relevant authority — if it is the policing authority or whoever — to make sure that you get that information.”
“Whilst the management of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Executive's number-one priority over recent months, some of the NDNA proposals are already being progressed at a departmental level, such as the implementation of the redress scheme for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse and work to legislate in respect of rights, language and identity matters, which are been advanced through our Department. <BR /> <BR />Looking forward, the Executive will soon have the opportunity to consider the totality of the NDNA proposals as they move to bring forward a new Programme for Government, which now also needs to incorporate robust COVID-19 recovery measures for key sectors in the context of the available resources for the new financial year.”
“The 'New Decade, New Approach' document contains a wide range of proposals that, taken together, constitute an ambitious and challenging package of measures to be taken forward. There are over 200 proposals, and they include major transformation programmes in education, health and social care, as well as significant infrastructure projects and cross-cutting recommendations, for example, in relation to housing provision, climate change and childcare.”
“With your permission, a LeasCheann Comhairle, I will ask junior Minister Kearney to answer the question.”
“Yes. The board opened for applications on 31 March. Some seven weeks later, the first compensation payments were made within the timescale that was set out by the president. That was a significant milestone for victims and survivors, who are now starting to receive the compensation that they are long overdue. As of 21 June, 199 applications had been received, 70 Hart applications and 129 non-Hart applications. Of those, 149 were online applications. We are grateful to the president of the HIA Redress Board for the continuing prompt assessment and payment of applications and to the solicitors and groups who support applicants. It is encouraging that, even at this difficult time with all the COVID-19 restrictions, applications are still being completed, submitted and assessed.”
“I can assure the Assembly that the Hart recommendations will be implemented fully. The Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Board has been established and opened to applications on 31 March. That is ahead of schedule. It has made awards of compensation, and I commend the dedicated work of the board and the staff, led by Mr Justice Colton, during the COVID-19 restrictions. <BR /> <BR />The competition to appoint the statutory Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse recently launched. The closing date was 3 July, and it is anticipated that the commissioner will be appointed in late summer. Work is progressing on the Hart recommendations not requiring legislation. They include an apology, a memorial, provision of services and engagement with the responsible institutions on contributions to the redress scheme.”
“You are right: the Justice Minister wrote to the First Minister and me, advising that, should the Executive Office decide, her Department would be willing to administer the scheme and she would take the work forward. Whilst the designated Department has yet to be agreed, DOJ compensation services has agreed to assist TEO at official level with key tasks including key process requirements; potential staffing structures; data management, including the development of a data protection impact assessment and privacy notice; and a review of the draft application form. There is still an awful lot of work to be done in developing a scheme that looks after all those who need a payment.”
“As I said, we are working our way through the detail of all of that, but, for the record, let me be very clear: I want to see a victims' pension scheme being paid and in place for all those injured as a result of the conflict.”
“I can assure the Member and all the victims who have been anxiously waiting for the scheme for far too long that everything that can be done to have an appropriate scheme in place is being done. We are working our way through the detail. I am sure that the Member can accept the fact that there is a lot of ambiguity around the detail. We do not have confirmation of funding from Westminster, and that is extremely important because the scale of what is proposed is so significant that due diligence has to be done in terms of the Executive Office and its role. There is a lot of ambiguity around the detail of what has been proposed.”
“We share that disappointment and will work to do all that we can to get the scheme delivered as soon as possible.”
“The Executive agreed to release an additional £2·5 million to advance necessary preparatory work for the scheme. There is a shared view that Westminster has an obligation and must deliver on its responsibility to support funding for the scheme, and efforts are continuing to resolve that issue as swiftly as possible. <BR /> <BR />The First Minister and I have made it clear that we are committed to addressing all of the outstanding issues. The Westminster regulations came into force on 29 May. Further time, however, is required to deal with each of the outstanding issues and establish the necessary arrangements for the operation of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />I know that this is deeply disappointing for many victims and survivors who need the support.”
“A LeasCheann Comhairle, with your permission, I will answer questions 1, 6 and 11 together. <BR /> <BR />Significant work has been undertaken by officials to date on the delivery structures for the victims' payment scheme. However, important issues remain to be resolved, including the designation of an Executive Department to exercise the administrative functions of the board on the board's behalf, the source of funding for the scheme and the clarity on how exceptions are to be interpreted. A series of discussions has taken place with officials in relevant Civil Service Departments in relation to the administration of the scheme. That work is ongoing, with further discussion to happen this week. <BR /> <BR />Security of funding of the scheme has not yet been confirmed.”
“As I said, I take my responsibilities very seriously. I am so glad that we are in the space that we are in today, with so many restrictions having been lifted. We have been doing that on an almost daily basis for weeks and months. We continue to make progress on that, and I want us to continue to get back to normal life as best we can and prepare for whatever comes down the road at us. For now, our focus has to still be on battling COVID-19, building recovery, building our economy and making sure that there are employment opportunities, getting our children back to school and making sure that there is sufficient childcare so that people can go to work. We, as a collective Executive, have to take on all those challenges.”
“There are people who have lost loved ones during the pandemic who perhaps are feeling hurt. I have said, and I say it again here today, that I would never seek to compound anybody's grief. For that, I said that I was sorry, and I stand over that. I have spoken with many families who have lost loved ones during the pandemic; I have supported them through the pandemic and will continue to do so. <BR /> <BR />So, we need to be careful. I am very happy to speak in the Chamber; I have spoken, as I said, at the Executive, in front of the scrutiny Committee and in the media, and I am more than happy to answer all these questions. However, I distinguish between families who have lost loved ones, and their hurt, and the charges that are levelled towards me that are about politics and not the law.”
“The answer to that question is not in doubt because that is exactly what I believe: everyone is equal.”
“Where we were in March, April and May, and where we are today, is a very different space — thankfully, because we are able to lift more restrictions. <BR /> <BR />I am glad, and I hope that that continues. I welcome the fact that, even today, we have been able to agree to more restrictions being lifted to allow for weddings and baptisms. Those are significant and important things that we have been able to do. We still have a wee way to go, and we will just have to work our way through it.”
“The black-and-whites were stewards at the funeral to try to prevent the thousands of people who were there from joining the cortege. That mitigation was, obviously, put in place by the organisers. <BR /> <BR />On the issue of previous protests, we are lifting restrictions here so quickly. I do stand over everything that I have ever said. Just to put that on record. We have lifted restrictions so quickly here. We are in a place now, as we reverse our way out, that we always knew was going to be more difficult than going into things because shutting everything down is simpler, in a way. Where we are now, lifting restrictions and making changes, and doing it all at breakneck speed, as we have said in the House on numerous occasions, things continually change. Where we were in June and where we are today are two different spaces.”
“As I said, I take my responsibilities very seriously. I will continue to lead us through the pandemic no matter what comes at us. We have come through difficult days, particularly over the past four months. This has been one of the most trying times that I think any of us in political leadership have come through. I will continue to play my role. I will continue to do everything that I can to protect the public and lead us into a recovery. That is the space that we are in now. I will play my part in all of that.”
“I say to the public listening at home that it is important that they have walked this journey with us and that they need to continue to walk this journey with us, and I will continue to walk with them. <BR /> <BR />I am determined to continue to lead us through this pandemic, just as I have done day and night for the past four months. I will continue to make sure that we do everything that we can to protect the public and lead us into economic recovery, which is where we need to be focusing our efforts right now.”
“I can confirm that the PSNI has not been in touch with me, and I am more than happy to cooperate with any PSNI officer who may wish to speak to me.”
“Yes. I am happy to say that we want and need to have a commissioner in place. The position has been recruited, I believe, and the last I heard was that the person could be in post in August. Yes, that is part and parcel of what we have established. We need to have the commissioner in place.”
“We are in a space where we can start to think about recovery, building to the future and making sure that we have prosperity. We are in for a challenging time. That will take a collective effort from the Executive, and I will certainly continue to play my role in that.”
“At the time, I recognised that you had lost someone, and I recognise that it was a difficult time for anyone who had lost someone. Grief is difficult at any time, but it was particularly difficult during the pandemic when, at times, it was not possible for people to have a support network and the comfort of people round them. That will probably have an impact for a long time on your grieving process. I have said it, and I say it again — I have no reservations in saying it: I never wanted anybody's grief to be compounded; that was never my intention. I have led us through the pandemic, and I will continue to lead us into the recovery phase, because that is the space that we are in. Thankfully, for three days in a row, no one has lost their life to COVID-19.”
“I thank the Member. I do not believe that we need a statutory inquiry into anything. There are regulations in place, and those who are in charge of enforcing them should do their job, and we should let them do their job.”
“We are legislators, and we develop the regulations, and, obviously, enforcement is a matter for the PSNI. We will let them do their job. They will make their assessment on all of that. It was always going to be the case that thousands of people would want to go along to the funeral of Bobby Storey, given the huge figure that he was. The organisers tried to limit the large crowds that were expected to attend by providing online streaming of the funeral for people to watch from the comfort of their own homes and by placing socially distanced stewards along the route of the funeral to ensure that the large numbers present did not join the cortege.”
“As a result, we have, now, reached a key turning point in the management of the crisis, where the Executive's attention is able to move away from purely controlling the public health response towards planning for economic health and societal recovery instead. <BR /> <BR />We have come a long way in a short time. It is great that we are, now, able to carefully reverse our way out of the restrictions. That remains the case now and will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. COVID-19 is still with us. I will continue to lead us through the crisis and into recovery, and I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues.”
“That has required a huge effort from all those who are involved, and there have been very many; the health service, health and social care workers, teachers, essential retail staff, those who provide key local government services, industry and employee representatives, and church leaders. People in every sector — public, private, community and voluntary — had to stop their normal work and working practices abruptly in order to join the fight against COVID-19 and help to manage the risks and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The progress that has been achieved is due entirely to everyone's support and concerted efforts.”
“We have huge challenges before us and really important work to do. I believe firmly that all the parties in the Executive are committed to that and to ensuring that we have stable power-sharing after three years without functioning government. We have, certainly, made good progress on that despite all the difficulties. My commitment is to continue that work. <BR /> <BR />Since the middle of March, the management and response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Executive's number-one priority. Our objective throughout all that has been to help to keep people safe and to support those who faced real hardship as a result of the pandemic.”
“As I have said, and I say to the Member again, I take my responsibilities very seriously, as joint head of Government, a public figure and a holder of public office. Again, I can say, absolutely, that I would never set out to compound any family's grief. I encourage Members not to play on that: I would never hurt anyone intentionally. The past four months have been a hugely difficult time for everybody, particularly those who have lost and buried loved ones, and have had to do that all by themselves because of the restrictions at the time. I would never compound any family's grief. I have said that I am sorry for that.”