Claire Sugden
East Londonderry · Independent · Northern Ireland
“That is, gosh, almost 35 years ago, yet we are still having the conversation in 2026. If I were to speak to that eight-year-old girl, I would tell her, "When you are 40, Claire, this will not even be a consideration for you". Sadly, however, it still is. It is deeply disappointing that, when we had an opportunity, it was not taken.”
“Indeed, I tabled an amendment to that Bill to achieve the desired outcome, but, sadly, the opportunity was not taken. One of the strengths of the Assembly is that Committees can identify where Executive legislation has fallen short and produce their own practical, targeted solutions.”
“Frankly, we should be listening. Sometimes, we talk about equality in broad terms, but the Bill reminds us that equality is often about practical things. It is about removing unnecessary barriers from everyday life and ensuring that opportunities and choices do not depend on arbitrary differences between schools.”
“That is ridiculous. The point that we should all pay attention to is that of girls feeling less exposed. We should focus on that even if there were no other reasons to pass the legislation. Girls simply want to get on with their school day without having to think about something that most boys take for granted.”
“That meeting was a reminder that issues that can appear small to adults — there have been adults who have asked why the Assembly is legislating on this — can be issues on which we need to legislate. When people do not behave appropriately, we as a legislature have a responsibility to legislate.”
“Around one in seven couples in Northern Ireland experiences fertility problems, yet Northern Ireland continues to offer one of the most limited publicly funded fertility services anywhere in the United Kingdom. Couples face lengthy waits, restricted eligibility criteria and fewer publicly funded IVF opportunities than elsewhere.”
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“That is not something that the Government can do alone, and indeed, they need to support parents in doing that. <BR /> <BR />Nothing has been done as yet, but I am keen to look at this. Other Members have raised it with me, and it is one of those issues that unless we start tackling it now it might be difficult to get on top of later.”
“However, I do agree that this is a multiagency approach, not only with the PSNI, but also in our schools, in the Department for Communities, and in the Department of Health. We need to look at all Departments to see where these crimes can impregnate themselves, particularly amongst our children and young people. <BR /> <BR />I appreciate the Member's highlighting this important week for parenting. Parents and families have a responsibility to understand what their children and young people are doing whilst they are online. It is not always easy. We conduct a lot of our activity on smartphones, and children, I am sure, do not like you looking over their shoulder, but there needs to be a sense of trying to educate children and young people to the dangers that they face online.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I have had no specific suggestions about what legislation we need to put in place to better tackle this issue.”
“I think it was said that 70% of the population now accessed material online, and, undoubtedly, the majority of them are children and young people. There is a definite need to provide a more targeted focus. When I visited the PSNI's e-crime safety unit only last week, that focus was happening, but much more needs to be done. It is almost one of those issues that I am not sure we will ever get on top of, because it is so colossal, but, as a Government, we are looking at how we can mitigate it in as many circumstances as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Yes, I believe that there is a renewed focus on child sexual exploitation, particularly online forms of it. We are becoming more aware of the nature of these offences, and current legislation, such as the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 and the disclosure scheme on child sexual exploitation, enable us to militate against them. I take on board the Member's comments that it is something that we need to have continued focus on, because these are our children and, often, when the bedroom doors are closed, we are not aware of what they are doing. We have a responsibility, both as a Government and as parents, to ensure that we keep our children safe online.”
“Many, including those in the Member's constituency, will deliver a diverse range of initiatives in local schools and communities this year to keep the awareness of children, young people and, indeed, their parents heightened to the dangers that can and do lurk online.”
“A review paper is currently under development. A range of protective measures are already in place including sexual offences prevention orders, statutory notification requirements and child protection disclosures. The Probation Board for Northern Ireland delivers a range of programmes to convicted sexual offenders, one of which specifically targets those who have made, possessed or distributed indecent images of children through electronic media. Policing and community safety partnerships across Northern Ireland also play a key role in educating our children and young people to stay safe online.”
“Educating the public on how to keep safe online and prevent cybercrime is a high priority for government. The Get Safe Online website is an ongoing resource that provides advice, including a specific section on safeguarding children. This year’s Get Safe Online Day was on 18 October, and an associated awareness campaign urged the public and small businesses to make every day safer by treating online security as essential "life admin". I had the opportunity to visit the PSNI’s e-crime centre, where it was clearly demonstrated that there are considerable challenges in safeguarding children and young people against the associated dangers of online exploitation and grooming. <BR /> <BR />The Marshall report on child sexual exploitation contained recommendations for my Department, including the need to examine a range of legislative issues.”
“The correct mechanism for delivering progress on the challenging issues that result from the separation of prisoners at Maghaberry is through the action plan in response to the three-person panel report.”
“I cannot support a motion that focuses on a time frame rather than on the right solution. We have committed to a solution through Fresh Start: a high-level series of actions to be taken in response to the recommendations made by the three-person panel. <BR /> <BR />Mr Attwood made comments about the action plan and progress. As I stated, there will be an independent review. I do not have a time frame for you today, but it is not sitting on a shelf. We are developing it. The terms of reference are in development, and work is progressing. The action plan is a high-level acceptance of our commitment to tackle paramilitarism. It is not an easy issue, and there is no overnight fix or even a five-month fix. It is irresponsible to expect anything sooner.”
“In the meantime, I am fully committed to delivering on the panel's recommendation on separation, which is to revisit the framework and arrange for an independent review to be carried out. <BR /> <BR />I do not disagree with the intent of the motion: we should aspire to end separation, and we have already committed to ending all paramilitarism through Fresh Start. Maybe it will happen in nine years, but it needs to happen in a more peaceful and safer Northern Ireland. We must not underestimate the current severe threat that has claimed the lives of two prison officers and threatens officers daily. Members are correct: we need to address separation. However, the focus needs to be on the right solution in the safest environment for prison officers and wider society.”
“It is clear to me, however, that, as long as prisoners who refuse to integrate into the normal prison population remain, it is my duty to ensure that the safest possible conditions exist for staff and prisoners. I believe that forcing those prisoners to do so would have a serious disruptive effect on the good order, discipline and security of the prison as a whole. <BR /> <BR />As I stated, the three-person panel report noted that our ultimate aim must be to secure the end to a separated regime for paramilitary prisoners, but it is only in the context of a more normal and peaceful society that a proper discussion about the timescale for an end to separation can take place.”
“Work has also begun to identify individuals with the necessary skills to lead the review. When complete, the review will provide me with a report and recommendations on the future of separated conditions in the Northern Ireland Prison Service. <BR /> <BR />In summing up, I want to make a number of points. I absolutely recognise the difficulties associated with operating a separated regime in Maghaberry prison and the daily challenges that it presents to staff and to operational work. Accommodating prisoners in normal, integrated prison accommodation is the most appropriate approach to the management of prisoners in Northern Ireland, as it provides the best opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community on release.”
“<BR /> <BR />Importantly, the independent three-person panel report recognised that the time is not yet right to end separation. It noted, however, that the ultimate aim must be to secure the end of a separated regime for paramilitary prisoners as we move to a more normal and peaceful society. I agree. Having noted that this is a longer-term commitment, the panel recommended that the DOJ revisit the framework related to the separated regime and arrange for an independent review to be undertaken to examine the operation of the regime. I have accepted the panel's recommendation and have instructed officials in my Department to develop terms of reference for an independent review and to identify the stakeholders that will need to be engaged in the process.”
“That response demonstrates the Executive's intention to develop a strategic approach to this programme of work, and, for that reason, the action plan is based on the four themes set out in the three-person panel report: promoting lawfulness, support for transition, tackling criminal activity and addressing systemic issues. <BR /> <BR />The action plan outlines a combination of approaches to tackling paramilitary activity and the associated criminality. It recognises the importance of a strong law enforcement response to the threats created by the issue, whilst noting the need to support communities in transition and to focus on preventative work, particularly with young people who may be susceptible to becoming involved in paramilitary activity.”
“It is not an easy balance to achieve. <BR /> <BR />The motion refers to the Executive's action plan on tackling paramilitary activity, criminality and organised crime. I fully agree that the three-person panel report and the Executive plan provide important context for the discussion of the motion. Members will be aware that the Executive published their action plan on tackling paramilitary activity on 19 July. The plan set out our initial response to the three-person panel report on disbanding paramilitary groups and sought to draw together the recommendations made by the panel and the commitments made in Fresh Start.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also the case that prisoners in separation require a disproportionate amount of senior management attention. As reflected in the motion, Maghaberry is unique. It is a large, complex prison, and the requirement to provide a separated regime is, undoubtedly, a significant contributory factor to that complexity. Management decisions are made in the context of intense public and political scrutiny, and it is often necessary to balance considerations in respect of issues such as controlled movement and searching arrangements against ensuring that a safe and secure environment is maintained. It also means addressing the impact that such decisions may have on the safety of staff inside and outside the prison and the impact that managing a resource-intense separated area has on the rest of the prison.”
“Whilst prisoners held in separation account for less than 5% of the total population of 919, the management of separated accommodation places significant pressures on the Northern Ireland Prison Service in a number of ways, including the staffing resource required to manage this challenging group of prisoners; the ability to establish and maintain a stable, normalised regime without impacting on safety and security; and the provision of services and interventions that meet the needs of that segment of the population. Those are the real challenges that operational staff in Maghaberry face daily, and I wish to put on record my appreciation of their continued dedication and professionalism. Prison officers serve the entire community in Northern Ireland, and I am so grateful for their commitment and dedication to that service.”
“I am committed to ensuring that specific training continues to be provided to maintain staff resilience and to prevent conditioning; that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that officers working in separated conditions are rotated on a regular basis and have the opportunity to work in different areas of the prison; and that, where needed, prison officers are provided with the appropriate supports and services to prevent this environment from having an impact on their mental health and well-being. <BR /> <BR />Notwithstanding the impact on staff, operating a separated regime within the confines of a normal prison presents other significant challenges.”
“The determination of prison staff and management to continue to deliver a positive and constructive regime against such a challenging backdrop must be commended. I will listen to the people on the ground so that I can best understand how to support them and how I can ask my Department to support them. <BR /> <BR />Maghaberry can be a stressful environment to work in, and I want to make sure that adequate support is made available to all my prison officers in this respect.”
“<BR /> <BR />As far as possible, the Prison Service strives to deliver a regime consistent with that of the integrated population, whilst cognisant that many of the prisoners are in custody because they have committed very serious offences. However, as the motion notes, there are consequences to operating a separated regime, and it is most despicable that some members of our society have sought to use it as justification for attacks on prison staff, including the awful murders of David Black and Adrian Ismay. Attacks such as these and the ongoing intimidation of staff are of grave concern to me and are entirely unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />I know that working in such an environment can have a far-reaching impact on the lives of the staff affected and their families.”
“I want to be clear from the outset that, contrary to opinion, the arrangements for separation in Maghaberry are very different from those that existed previously in prisons in Northern Ireland. A key principle of Steele was that the Government would never again concede complete control of landings in a prison, as had happened at the Maze. Separation at Maghaberry prison today is not the same as Maze-style segregation, which allowed prisoners to be unlocked continuously and saw the withdrawal of staff from the landings. The Prison Service ensures that the separated landings, as is the case with the rest of the prison, are controlled by staff and not by prisoners. There will not be a return to Maze-like conditions.”
“The Secretary of State also has responsibility for setting the criteria under which applications for separation are considered. However, the operation and management of the separated regime are the responsibility of the Prison Service. It is provided at Maghaberry prison with Bush House for loyalist prisoners and Roe House for republican prisoners. There are 42 prisoners in separation: 16 in Bush and 26 in Roe.”
“However, it is important to remember that the review was commissioned in response to violent clashes between rival groups in the integrated population in Maghaberry prison at that time and in the face of a dirty protest by some prisoners. <BR /> <BR />As Members are aware, decisions on who can be admitted to separated conditions are made by prison staff acting under the direction of the Secretary of State.”
“<BR /> <BR />In accepting the recommendations of the Steele review team report in 2003, the Government at the time committed to providing separate accommodation for paramilitary prisoners who, on the grounds of their personal safety, wished to be held apart from prisoners belonging to other paramilitary groups and those who belonged to no such groups. The rationale for that decision was that separation provided the best option for improving conditions at Maghaberry prison, particularly in relation to the safety of all staff and prisoners. <BR /> <BR />Some may question the efficacy of that decision and cite the challenges that operating a separated regime in Maghaberry has posed since its introduction in 2004 as evidence that it was a flawed decision.”
“I would like to thank Mr Beattie and Mr Beggs, for bringing this very important issue to the Assembly, and the proposers of the amendment. I welcome the opportunity to debate this issue in the Chamber today. It is something that we often tend not to talk about, but it is important that we do. <BR /> <BR />The Northern Ireland Prison Service has a very important role to play in keeping Northern Ireland safe against the backdrop of a continuing threat from dissident republicanism and all types of paramilitarism. No one should underestimate the considerable challenges that arise from having separated areas for paramilitary prisoners in Maghaberry prison.”
“— with associated training for staff. <BR /> <BR />We all have a role to play in this, because we are all affected by domestic abuse, and we have a responsibility to speak out against it: only then, will it end.”
“The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is taking forward initiatives such as the ONUS Safe Village initiative and the ONUS Gold Award status including the development of a workplace charter on domestic abuse —”
“Since going live in May 2013, over 2,500 individuals have been referred to the Rowan, and I have no doubt that the excellent work of the centre has contributed to an increase in reported sexual crimes. <BR /> <BR />We have an opportunity to commit clearly to working together to address domestic abuse, rape and sexual crime. As elected representatives, we have the opportunity to raise these issues in our constituencies through, for example, ensuring that our offices are safe places for victims of domestic and sexual violence to approach and seek support. <BR />In my East Londonderry constituency, my office has been designated as a safe place.”
“Yes. I appreciate the comments of the Chair of the Committee for Justice. Indeed, when we bring these issues to the Committee, I would be keen to delve further into the areas that he raises because there are difficulties in the system, and it is important that we acknowledge that if we are to be effective in trying to tackle domestic abuse. <BR /> <BR />I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a facility for those who have experienced sexual violence. The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre was established in May 2013, jointly funded by the Department of Health and the PSNI. It offers a range of services and support to victims of sexual violence.”
“It is important that I say that moving this forward is not just a job for the Executive or the Assembly but for the wider criminal justice family.”
“As I co-chair that group, I will be fully engaged in the development of all future action plans. I anticipate that members of the inter-ministerial group can, by working together over the lifetime of the strategy, provide the direction needed to make a significant difference to these issues. A cooperative approach is essential if the awareness raising, early intervention and preventative action that are necessary to address these issues are to be effective. <BR /> <BR />I note the concerns raised regarding prosecutorial decisions and advise that that is a matter for the Public Prosecution Service to consider. I meet the DPP regularly and am quite happy to share the views of the House on this area.”
“It builds on the good work that has been done to date, including the setting up of a victim and witness care unit that provides a single point of contact for victims to receive information about their case and have their needs assessed for additional support. <BR /> <BR />We will shortly pilot the prerecorded cross-examination of vulnerable and intimidated victims and witnesses, which could include victims of domestic and sexual abuse and violence. That will enable victims to give evidence ahead of their trial away from the main courtroom and their abuser in a place where they feel supported. <BR /> <BR />The inter-ministerial group on domestic and sexual violence and abuse oversees the delivery of the new strategy. I am pleased to co-chair that group along with Minister O'Neill.”
“Ultimately, I want to improve the experience of victims so that they are treated as we would all want to be treated if we were in their shoes. I take Mr Beattie's point that this needs to be an education; it needs to be a change of mindset. We need to educate young boys that it is not OK to treat women in a particular way, and we need to educate girls that it is OK to say no. <BR /> <BR />The victim charter, placed on a statutory footing in November 2015, advises victims of crime about their entitlements as well as the standards of service that they can expect when they come into contact with the criminal justice system.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am aware that significant work will be required to embed this new offence and that that will of course require the provision of training and guidance for all relevant criminal justice practitioners against the backdrop of a challenging financial environment and limited resources. Nevertheless, I assure you that I am committed to ensuring that the offence is implemented effectively in Northern Ireland, and my officials will work with practitioners to identify the training and resources needed as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />In addition to the introduction of a domestic violence offence, I am committed to raising awareness and to achieving the changes in attitudes that are necessary to end violence against women, children and men.”
“This domestic abuse offence will recognise the repetitive nature, behaviour, and cumulative effect of domestic violence and abuse on victims and the devastating impact that it can have on mental health. The disclosure scheme will provide potential victims with the right to ask for the disclosure of relevant information that will enable them to make informed decisions about continuing their relationship. My officials will brief the Committee for Justice on these subjects later this month, and I welcome its views and opinions on how we can take this forward.”
“The consultation sought views on whether a specific offence should be created to capture patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour in intimate relationships, in line with the proposed new definition of domestic abuse contained within the draft stopping domestic and sexual violence and abuse strategy. Having considered the responses to the consultation, I have now committed to bringing a domestic abuse offence and a domestic violence disclosure scheme to Northern Ireland. In the light of the previous debate, I am also considering how we can incorporate stalking into the legislation.”
“The vision of the strategy is to have a society in Northern Ireland in which domestic and sexual violence are not tolerated in any form; where effective, tailored preventative and responsive services are provided; where all victims are supported; and where all perpetrators are held to account. It is a challenging vision but one that I believe is achievable if we work together as an Executive and an Assembly to effect positive change and improve the lives of thousands of women, men and children in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />In producing the strategy, there was extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of interested groups, including statutory, voluntary and community sectors and, indeed, the victims themselves.”
“That is definitely something that we should consider because, as many Members noted, this is not for me alone, or for the Health, Communities or Education Ministers or even for the entire Executive. It is for this House and wider society in Northern Ireland to shine a light on this dark shadow. <BR /> <BR />Domestic violence is a unique crime that requires a unique response, and, as an Executive, we have already made efforts to address domestic and sexual violence and abuse through the previous tackling violence at home and tackling sexual violence and abuse strategies, which were published in 2005 and 2008 respectively. But we must to do more. In March 2016, following Executive endorsement, the Departments of Health and Justice published the stopping domestic and sexual violence and abuse strategy, a new strategy to address both issues.”
“Often, women fear the repercussions of coming forward. One woman told me that she did not press charges against her abuser for fear that he would "come back and finish her off" as punishment for reporting his actions. Another said she had endured so much already that she could not bear the thought of reliving her drama in court. She wanted her ordeal to be over so that she and her child could get on with the rest of their lives in peace. <BR /> <BR />That is why I am committed to enhancing the current justice system to encourage victims to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be protected not just from their abuser but from the trauma of re-victimisation. I take on board the comments made by the SDLP about the support services available.”
“In 2015-16 the number of rape incidents recorded increased by 5·8% to 780 and other sexual offences increased by 13·3% to 2,257. <BR /> <BR />I believe that this upturn in reporting illustrates an increase in victims’ confidence in the support services available to them as they seek protection and justice through initiatives now in place, such as the multi-agency risk assessment conferences and the Rowan centre. This is to be welcomed. However, it is widely accepted that domestic and sexual violence continue to be under-reported. From talking to representatives from the voluntary and community sector, such as Women’s Aid, who provide front-line services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse, and to the victims of violence themselves, I have learned that there are a number of reasons for this.”
“She said, "Even if I could have got away, where would I have gone? I had no one." Consequently, many victims, both men and women, suffer in silence, with no hope of an escape from their situation. <BR /> <BR />We have seen such tragedies in our own community in the recent past. Since 2010, 22 women and 10 men have lost their lives to domestic violence in Northern Ireland. In my view, the death of one person is one too many, and we must act now to stop this. PSNI statistics note that approximately 28,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in 2015-16 — the highest level recorded since the data series began in 2004-5. Around 3,000 sexual offences were recorded in 2015-16 — an increase of 11·3% compared to the previous year.”
“When the victim is elderly or lives in an isolated rural community, seeking help can become even more challenging, for a variety of reasons. Often a woman’s self-esteem and confidence have been totally eroded by her experiences. Her abuser may have convinced her that the abuse was her fault, that no one will believe her or that she is useless and will not manage on her own. One woman told me, "I covered it up for so long because I was embarrassed and ashamed. I am an educated woman, and I was ashamed that I had allowed it to happen." Another said, "Every time it happened, he made me feel like it was my fault, that I deserved it." One woman talked about how her partner had systematically isolated her from her family and friends, cut off access to her finances and prevented her from using a car.”
“It can be extremely difficult to leave an abusive partner, and the woman may, for example, fear what her partner will do if she leaves, particularly if she has children. Evidence has shown that the point of separation is the time when a victim is most likely to be killed or seriously injured. She may not have access to money or anywhere to go or may not know where to turn to for help.”
“Statistics provided to me by Women’s Aid indicate that, in 2006, approximately 32,000 children were living with domestic violence in Northern Ireland and, in 2014-15, 13 babies were born to mothers living in refuges. Clearly, that is evidence that we need to do more. <BR /> <BR />Many victims are unaware that what they are experiencing is domestic abuse. Some may argue that the abusive man or woman has just lost control. The truth is that that person is very much in control and their actions are designed to intimidate and frighten their victim over a sustained period with a view to denying their personhood. I often hear the comment, "If it was that bad, why not just leave?" Other Members mentioned that.”
“It does not discriminate with regard to age, marital status, race, ethnicity or religious group, sexual orientation, social class, disability or geography. It affects women, men and those from the LGBT community. Some Members speculated why people commit domestic abuse. It is not something I understand. Perhaps alcohol is to blame, as suggested by Lord Morrow. It could also be addiction, mental health issues or trauma. Perhaps the perpetrators were victims themselves. <BR /> <BR />Whether we realise it or not, every one of us in the Chamber will know someone who is suffering at the hands of a violent and controlling abuser. It may be a family member, a work colleague, a friend or even an acquaintance. Let us not forget the hidden victims: our children. I am glad other Members mentioned them.”
“However, the psychological abuse that is imposed on victims is what tends to break them. Abuse, whatever form it takes, has a devastating impact on victims, and it is well-evidenced that the negative impact of psychological abuse and coercive control can be just as traumatic as the experience of being physically attacked. I know from speaking to survivors of domestic abuse that the compound effect of sustained physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse can be totally life shattering. <BR /> <BR />Domestic and sexual violence and abuse can affect anyone, no matter where they live or how much money they have. Equally, perpetrators of domestic abuse are as likely to be lawyers, doctors, accountants, politicians and those who are unemployed. Domestic violence knows no boundaries.”
“It can be mental and emotional abuse; controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour designed to isolate, manipulate or terrorise a victim into complete fearful obedience; physical and sexual violence and rape; or a combination of all those. It can result in death. None of those behaviours is acceptable. None should be tolerated. Domestic violence and abuse is not a one-off incident in an otherwise healthy relationship. It is an ongoing pattern of behaviour that can continue for weeks, months, years or even decades, and I think it is important to emphasise that physical violence does not have to be involved for it to be domestic abuse. <BR /> <BR />Slap me, punch me, kick me, but don't put me through one more hour of mental torture. Victims have told me they are almost numb towards the physical abuse.”
“I thank the Members who proposed the motion and those who tabled amendments. I will say from the outset that I am happy to support both amendments, albeit that they are mutually exclusive. Domestic and sexual violence and abuse are issues that concern all of us, and I welcome the opportunity to debate this in the Chamber and the interest that has been shown from all corners of the House. I have already stated publicly that tackling domestic and sexual violence is one of my priorities as Justice Minister not just because of the harm it causes to victims but because of the wider societal impacts that domestic abuse has across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Domestic violence takes many forms.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also thank the Member. I can confirm that the Tánaiste and I have not had a conversation about that case.”