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 63 of 113.
“Businesses and investors will be concerned about energy costs and ensuring a consistent supply that meets the needs of modern industry. We need to ensure that that vital aspect of our economy is not undermined in the negotiating process. <BR /> <BR />The importance of issues that affect our agri-food sector must also be considered by the British Government. As well as the important matter of a replacement for CAP funding, they must pay close attention to the agricultural community's concerns about the potential for additional burdens and costs. The industry needs early guidance on any adjustments that it will need to make, and consumers too will look to the British Government to make adequate provision for any necessary assistance or mitigations.”
“We want to be equally clear now, as we were in 2016, that it is critical to our economy that our businesses are able to retain their competitiveness. Slowing businesses down or putting the costs of doing business up is not in anyone's interests, including consumers'. <BR /> <BR />Our membership of the EU has provided substantial financial aid towards infrastructure, agricultural subsidies and other grant aid. The First Minister and I will be working closely with the Finance Minister to ensure that the British Government are fully aware of the importance of replacing those funds so that many critical projects may continue to benefit our communities now and into the future. <BR /> <BR />Energy is also a key priority for us, given our position in a small and isolated market.”
“It was clear then, as it is now, that there could be no return to the borders of the past and that any border could not be an impediment to the movement of goods, people and services. It is now absolutely imperative that we redouble our efforts to develop and rebuild a modern, competitive and sustainable economy and to safeguard jobs.”
“We now have a restored Executive and a fully functioning Assembly, North/South Ministerial Council and British-lrish Council, which is what our citizens want and what we who are elected to the Assembly want. Our shared determination is that those institutional arrangements will continue with much more vigour, going forward. It is our responsibility as elected representatives to work together to ensure that the rights and entitlements of our citizens are protected and that we deal with the challenges posed by Brexit for the good of everyone. <BR /> <BR />Members will recall that our Brexit priorities were set out in the letter that the then deputy First Minister — the late Martin McGuinness — and the First Minister sent to the Prime Minister, Theresa May, in 2016, and I note that other Members have referred to that.”
“There is no doubt — the First Minister said this in her opening remarks — that it is for different reasons that we come to this position today; nonetheless, it is significant that we are in the space that we are in. <BR /> <BR />It is of no surprise that our objection is shared by our colleagues in the Scottish Government, whom other Members have referred to today, and Wales, which will vote tomorrow. It is no surprise at all that this objection is felt across Scotland, Wales and here. Brexit is unprecedented: no member state has left the EU before now. It is only 11 days until we exit the European Union after 47 years of membership. Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and the restoration of power-sharing in 2007, the Union has provided significant financial support to the peace process under the Peace and INTERREG programmes.”
“I thank all Members who have contributed to the debate. It has been a fairly constructive debate in terms of our shared opposition to Brexit being foisted on us. It is clear across the House that there is widespread support that we should not agree to give our consent on the matter. I note the comments from Ms Sugden about it falling on deaf ears in terms of what the British Government will do on the back of this, but, nonetheless, it is really important, and both the First Minister and I felt that it was right and proper for the Assembly to have its say on the matter. We also agreed that we should recommend that consent is not given, and I am glad that that is the response, in the main, that Members have contributed to the debate today.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I confirm that we wish to take the Department for Communities, and I nominate Deirdre Hargey MLA as the Minister.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I nominate Conor Murphy to the post of Minister of Finance.”
“We have two years left of the mandate: let us go out and make a difference.”
“We need to improve our competitiveness through investing in our public structures, our public services and our infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, as we approach the centenary of partition, let us not refight the battles of the past. It is time to bring people together. We can open doors, let the future in, give people hope and give our young people opportunity. It is my sincere hope that 2020 is a time of real change that reinvents the optimism and the hope that we have experienced before but our young people have not. It is time now for parties to have courage as we all choose hope over fear and enter a new era of politics in this society. I wish all Members the very best, particularly all the new MLAs, and I welcome and congratulate all the Ministers who will be appointed into government today.”
“In this new Administration, we must have shared values and policy objectives set out in a new Programme for Government. Yesterday, our nurses and healthcare workers had to take industrial action. Let us make that the last day they have to do that. This Executive will move immediately to settle the ongoing healthcare workers' pay parity dispute. Our health service is in crisis and demands our urgent attention. Waiting lists are unacceptable, and the health service needs reformed: we have a big, big job of work to do. As we face into the great uncertainties of Brexit, it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to develop and rebuild a modern, competitive and sustainable economy in which we open doors to trade, investment, jobs and tourism. We need decent jobs that value workers and protect their rights.”
“We will apply the full powers and resources available to us to address the major issues of the day faced by all those whom we represent. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the historic official recognition of the Irish language in this state. The guarantees for the language in law represent meaningful parity of esteem for the community from which I proudly come. It also means that the equality, mutual respect and all-Ireland approaches enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement are being embraced and that we deliver on the promises of 1998 to a new generation of young people. Today, we have a basis on which to move forward in building a fairer society and to build good government. We will institute necessary reforms across the board in order not only to get things done but to get things right.”
“Resistance to equality caused the Executive to fall. A refusal to embrace citizens' identities and rights left people frustrated, angry and divided. That cannot be repeated. Today, each of us is called to lead; to build common cause for a society that makes room for and gives respect to every citizen; to deliver a power-sharing Government that is truly grounded in fairness and inclusion and has the courage to lead from the front in these times of change. Our politics must embrace civic society. Trade unions, the voluntary and community sector, businesses, academia, farmers, church leaders and students all must have a permanent place and a space to advise, input and hold the Assembly and Executive to account. We must work together to solve the problems that face this society.”
“We can do this while maintaining our independent, distinct political identities and working in the best interests of all the people. That is my firm commitment. After three years without functioning institutions, the five parties are here to form a new Executive. It is my hope that we do so united in our determination to deliver a stable power-sharing coalition that works on the basis of openness and transparency, accountability and good faith and with no surprises. <BR /> <BR />I am really honoured to follow in the footsteps of my dear friend and comrade Martin McGuinness. Taking up the position of deputy First Minister as joint head of Government, I, too, pledge to follow the example that he set by actively promoting reconciliation and building bridges that we all can cross to end sectarianism and bigotry.”
“Similarly, I see no contradiction in unionism working the existing constitutional arrangements whilst rightly taking its place in the conversation about what a new Ireland would look like.”
“I also say comhghairdeas on your new position, a Cheann Comhairle. I look forward to your leadership in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />This is a defining moment for our politics here. From today, the parties represented in the Chamber undertake to cooperate in every way that we can in order to rebuild public trust and confidence in, and engagement with, the Assembly and its Executive. Our mission must be to deliver good politics. Our mission must be to deliver on health, education and jobs for everyone, right across our communities. <BR /> <BR />I see no contradiction whatsoever in declaring our firm commitment to power-sharing with unionism in the Stormont Assembly whilst also initiating a mature and inclusive debate about new political arrangements that examine Ireland's future beyond Brexit.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Deimhním go bhfuil mé toilteanach glacadh leis an ról seo. I confirm that I am willing to take up the office of deputy First Minister, and I affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in the 1998 Act.”
“<BR /> <BR />As a key figure in the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement and in all subsequent negotiations, Alex has always demonstrated at all times his determination and commitment to encouraging discussion and dialogue. Serving as a Committee Chair, he provided a platform for debate. He gets business done, all the time making sure that he shows no fear or favour to anyone, and I am sure that that is exactly what he will bring to the role. He will bring all his enormous experience and years of dedication to political life to the position of Speaker. I also have no doubt that he will act at all times with determined professionalism and impartiality. I urge Members to support Alex Maskey for the position of Speaker of the Assembly, the Ceann Comhairle.”
“Tá áthas mór orm Alex Maskey a mholadh mar Cheann Comhairle. It is my real pleasure to nominate my friend and colleague Alex Maskey for the position of Speaker of the Assembly. Alex is someone whose professionalism, dedication and commitment have embodied his involvement in politics for many decades. Alex served as the first Sinn Féin councillor on Belfast City Council and later as the first republican mayor in the history of Belfast. In both roles, he always demonstrated a willingness to represent all citizens equally. He is a tireless and fearless advocate for those most in need in our community. Alex has always reached out right across our society and proved that he can be a voice for everyone.”
“A Cheann Comhairle, I nominate Alex Maskey for the position of Ceann Comhairle, Speaker of the House.”
“Yes, I can absolutely confirm that. I am not a clinician, I am not medically qualified and I would never want to make a decision on what child gets access to any life-saving drug or clinical trial. It has to be based on medical considerations, and I would never interfere in that.”
“What is most important here is that the families be engaged with, that the communication issue be addressed and that they get all the information and the fullest of support that the health service can provide them with at this time.”
“I was very happy with the tone of the questions so far, because we have to be very sensitive to this issue, so it is unfortunate that you are trying to use it to electioneer. These are four families who are in a very difficult situation as a result of their children's diagnoses, which can be life-threatening for some of them. We therefore have to be very sensitive to the needs of these families. <BR /> <BR />Regarding the drug and getting into the clinical trial, as I said, the drug is not yet licensed. We do not want to build false hope that the clinical trial will benefit all those children, because we do not know. You are not qualified to make that assessment and neither am I, but I am very clear about that. These are clinicians' decisions to take, and that is how they should be taken.”
“I said I would publish it before the end of the month, and I am still on course to do that. We are finalising all the details, but I will take the opportunity to publish it, as I said I would. It is part of the wider transformation programme that I have already set out and that we need to see brought through, because we have to transform the health service. We have all well rehearsed the arguments for why we need to do that. Part of the transformation programme has to be to tackle waiting lists to build public confidence. I am on course to publish the plan.”
“That is something we can all agree on, and the concerns of parents about communication are valid. We will rectify that, and, as I said, all families will be engaged with directly by the trust and, in turn, by the clinicians on their own child and particular circumstances. They will be given the fullest information possible to allow them to make a decision on the future health support for their child.”
“I am sure it is very difficult for all the families involved, so we need to be very sensitive to the issue. I can give an assurance that all those families will be properly engaged with, and if there is a route for them to get into this trial and it is beneficial medically for their child, the clinician will have to arrive at that decision in conjunction with the family.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Again, I make the point that it is, ultimately, for clinicians to decide who gets access and to decide on the allocation of resources to provide this drug. We know there are a lot of additional needs involved in being able to provide the drug. Let us be very clear: it is not a money issue, in that sense; this is a drug that is not yet licensed for use in the North. As I said before, it has been made available to one child as part of a special programme. It is definitely not a question of there being a lack of funding to supply the drug. Decisions on the use of the clinical resources in hospitals are, quite properly, for clinicians to make. <BR /> <BR />Needless to say, these are families in very difficult circumstances and the children have very challenging needs.”
“It is important we do not raise expectations, because you and I are not medically qualified to decide which child should have the drug or access to the trial. If clinicians decide that is the case, that is who should make the decision. <BR /> <BR />I think it is important that, because this is so sensitive, we do not raise expectations with families. I am glad the families will now have an opportunity to talk to clinicians about their individual circumstances with the medically trained people who are qualified to make the decision and give them access to the trial, if that is what is suitable for their child.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Again, a member of my team has met all the families involved to discuss their individual circumstances. Obviously, everybody's condition will have different circumstances. This is a clinical decision; it is not for me to make a decision on who should get what drug or who can get access to the trial. I want to make sure that these families, who are dealing with very complex and challenging conditions, are given absolutely every support and every lifeline possible, because that is what we are talking about. <BR /> <BR />I think there has been a breakdown in communication. We need to rectify that problem, and I have asked the trust to do that. I am glad the families will be engaged with and offered a face-to-face meeting on Thursday so that they can get the full facts and details.”
“My Department has raised these concerns with the trust, which in turn has assured me that urgent action will be taken to make contact with the families involved. I understand that direct contact will be made this Thursday with the families, offering a face-to-face meeting with the clinical team in the children's hospital.”
“This is a very sensitive issue, as these families are dealing with very difficult diagnoses of SMA and their children have very complex needs. I understand the concerns of those families involved and their request to have their children enrolled in the extended access programme of nusinersen, the potentially life-changing drug, to treat spinal muscular atrophy, and I am fully sympathetic to their concerns. <BR /> <BR />Clinicians in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust made a clinical decision to use the extended access programme to provide this drug in an individual case to treat SMA. On this basis, the extension of this programme is a decision for the clinicians in the Belfast Trust. Like the Member, I am aware of the concerns of parents of children with SMA about the communication.”
“As I said in relation to the transformation journey that I have embarked on, it is as disappointing for me as it is for anybody else. However, the plan is there, the strategy is there and a lot of work was done in the first seven months. I had set out a number of key issues which we would deliver in year 1, and we are well on our way to delivering all of them. For me, that is the key. It has to be about that transformation. We have to deliver real and meaningful change. I have been up for it. I think that anybody who works in the health service can see that I was up for that transformation.”
“I take my responsibility very seriously. Since I have come into post, I have been out, I have been engaging and I have been talking to patients, carers and staff, anywhere that anybody wanted to chat, about their current issues and feelings about the health service. I very quickly picked up on the key issues that needed to be addressed. I have set out the transformation journey; I have set out the direction of travel; I have set out a plan on how we can transform the health and social care system. People have really got on board with that plan. There absolutely is goodwill for it, and people want it to work. Unfortunately, because of the scenario that we are in, we cannot deliver, or, at least, it is going to be interrupted.”
“Fermanagh is another issue on which I am in ongoing conversation with the board. The board is actively engaged with neighbouring GPs to try to provide services, and it is looking at the best configuration of those services. Nobody is sitting on their hands. That work is ongoing, and we are making sure that we are planning for the future. We know the challenges in Fermanagh; they are actively being worked on.”
“I can keep rehearsing it if you wish: we are in this scenario because of the arrogance of the DUP, its lack of integrity, and its failure to listen to the public on the latest RHI scandal. I do not want to be here, but, unfortunately, we are.”
“The board is working with the practice and with local GPs to find a solution to the Glenarm situation. I believe that we can find a solution to covering the practice that is to be vacated. There are solutions. We are working in advance and making sure, as I said earlier, that we are planning for change that we know will happen, such as potential resignations that are coming down the line. We are making sure that all the things are in place. That work is ongoing; the board does not stop working. It will continue to work to make sure that we have something in place for Glenarm and for the wider Cushendall and east Antrim area. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the Budget, I am as disappointed as anybody that I cannot continue with my transformation journey.”
“This is about patients and about making sure that they know that what can be provided for them is being provided. We are all responsible for that. I can give that assurance.”
“There are arrangements in place in terms of a phone triage service. That can be provided no matter where you are. The board is confident that that arrangement works. It works for Dalriada; it is happy to provide the service. It is part of the interim solution to provide services for people. I cannot stress enough that we should not scaremonger; let us give patients the comfort that they need. If people are sick and need services, they deserve to be supported and get all the information possible. I make sure that that happens, and I will make sure that they receive letters to confirm exactly the case that we are in. I will make sure that, every day I am in office, we will work to provide a permanent solution. However, let us be very clear: a temporary, interim solution is in place.”
“Back-Bench Members can shout all they wish. The reason we are in this situation is DUP arrogance, pure and simple.”
“The reality is that in order for people to have confidence in the tough decisions that need to be taken for transformation and where we need to go, they needed to have confidence in the integrity of these institutions, that decisions are being taken for the right reasons, and to know that the Ministers taking decisions have integrity and equality at their core and that they do not disrespect the issues of —”
“As the Member rightly said, we had a good relationship and engagement with the Health Committee, which I welcome. I absolutely believe in taking the politics out of health; it is the only way to deal with the issue. Going forward, I am as wedded to that transformation journey as I ever was. I have very much enjoyed my seven months as Health Minister. I believe that the transformation journey and the Delivering Together document, which most people were able to sign up to, is the most positive work that the health service has seen in quite a number of years. People were up for the change; they were up for the transformation. However, the reality is —”
“I thank the Member for her contribution. I agree and am as disappointed as you are or anybody else is about this contract that we thought was secured but has now fallen through. Nobody is more disappointed than I am. I thought that patients could finally feel comforted by a permanent solution. We do not yet have a permanent solution, but I believe that one is there. We must make sure that people feel assured by the temporary arrangements; that is the responsible thing to do. We must make sure that people and patients feel assured that what is there now is clinically safe, there are services in the practice for patients, and the board will continue to monitor it. <BR /> <BR />We have to find the longer-term solution. I believe that we can push the boundaries and do things that have not been done before. The Southern Trust needs to step up.”
“<BR /> <BR />I say this to all Health and Social Care staff who have been taken to the top of the hill on the transformation journey: I want to get back to my desk. I want to make these institutions work, but they can work only on the basis of equality because that is the only way in which people will have confidence in the decisions that I take as a Minister or, for that matter, any Minister takes.”
“We were going to change the picture on the focus on primary care, including GPs and multidisciplinary teams. The fact that this will now be interrupted because of the scenario we find ourselves in is as disappointing to me as it is to you. <BR /> <BR />We are in this situation because people need to have confidence in these institutions. When you take tough decisions about transformation, education or any service, people need to have confidence in the integrity of these institutions and in the integrity of the Ministers of these institutions. Unfortunately, we are in this scenario because of the actions of the DUP and its continued arrogance. For me, that is the biggest issue in relation to the lack of a Budget.”
“I agree with you about keeping patients informed; they need to know exactly what is happening. A letter will be going out to them to inform them about the current situation. <BR /> <BR />You are right about the transformation journey. In Delivering Together, I set out the direction of travel for the next 10 years. All parties more or less signed up to that vision, and that is the transformation journey that we all recognise that we need to go on. It was also recognised very clearly across all staff, patients and the people with whom I engaged that people were starting to get excited about the transformation. They knew that it needed to happen and was long overdue. For the first time, people could start to see a way forward and the need to change radically how we do things.”
“I am telling you that, as I stand before you today, clinician teams, medical teams, nurses, doctors and pharmacists are in the practice trying to provide the best possible service and the board continues to monitor it. I cannot say it any other way. It is a temporary solution. I want a permanent solution. I will use every bit of my best efforts to make sure that I find that permanent solution. I have done so continually and will continue to do so for as long as I hold office.”
“I am elected, so I believe that I am in politics. Let us be very clear about one thing: I believe in people power. If the people wanted to go to the streets, I absolutely support that. I would be with them on many occasions and have been over the years, so that is not a problem. Let us not pretend that there was some sort of attempt to dampen down the protest that may or may not have happened. I would not have had a problem with the protest happening: if people are that concerned, they can make their voices heard. That is not a problem. <BR /> <BR />Do not scaremonger. I am telling you that absolutely everything is being done.”
“Unfortunately, for his own reasons, he has decided that he cannot fulfil the contract. We are now in a situation where, again, a contractor is absent. You are absolutely right: it is not of my making, but it is absolutely my determination to fix it.”
“You can ask me a question and accept my answer or not; it is entirely up to you. The message that I want to send to patients is that absolutely everything is being done to make sure that there are clinician teams, medical teams, nursing staff and pharmacists all in place to provide the service in the meantime whilst we find a permanent contract. <BR /> <BR />It would not be in my interest to stand up and make a statement confirming that I had a contractor if I did not believe that I had a contractor. At that time, when I issued the statement, it was, first, to provide the clarity about the situation that you had all been asking for and, secondly, to make sure that those patients were informed and knew exactly that something would be more permanent. At that moment in time, that is exactly what the contractor said that he could do.”
“That is unhelpful. We should not scaremonger. Patients are worried, and we should all accept that. The best thing that you could do as an elected representative is to assure those patients that everything is being done to make sure that they have a service.”