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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“I had hoped to make my maiden speech before now, but I will admit that these past few months have been a challenge and a steep learning curve for me in a role that was very unexpected. I assure the House that, as an MLA, I am very capable of holding the Northern Ireland Executive to account and doing the job that we are here to do for the best interests of my constituents. <BR /> <BR />If anything, these past few months have been invigorating for me. I have been given a unique opportunity to serve the people of East Londonderry and to be their advocate and champion. I pay tribute to my constituents, because, indirectly, I have been given a mandate to serve them, and I will honour that as best I can. I am grateful for their support during my short time in office.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. I am sure that many Members will be glad to see me, an independent representative, rise in my place, as it suggests that this long day is nearly over. Coleraine, however, is a long drive, I have a Committee meeting in the morning, we could make the most of the evening, I have a lot to say, and I am pretty sure that, on this opportunity of my maiden speech, what I say does not have to be relevant.”
“Minister, how effective has the enterprise zone been in encouraging foreign direct investment in my constituency?”
“Further to the Minister's decision to amalgamate Coleraine High School and Coleraine Academical Institution, does he have any plans to work with the Department for Regional Development to provide suitable bus provision and infrastructure for the proposed new school?”
“Thank you for the answer. Would the Minister consider engaging with community and voluntary groups such as young farmers to engage with a younger group of people in rural areas?”
“Thank you for your response. Do you acknowledge the growing uncertainty amongst community and voluntary groups about the transfer of community planning when there are less than six months to go?”
“Many congratulations to the Minister in his new role. I just hope that he will be mindful of his neighbouring constituency of East Londonderry when making decisions in his new office.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Is it realistic to assume that there is funding available for an outline business case for the redevelopment of Magilligan prison?”