Gary Middleton
Foyle · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As other Members have stated, the First Minister spoke publicly about the £150 million secured for pay awards, including £37 million for teachers.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Although the FE sector is facing a difficult budgetary landscape, NWRC has been able to punch above its weight.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, we recognise that there is more to do, but we then come to the central issue: funding. The Education Authority faces an overcommitment of some £280 million. The Department is chronically underfunded. The independent report entitled 'Investing in a Better Future' made that clear.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I do not think that there is a single Member who does not want to see our children healthy, well fed and ready to learn. We all recognise the statistics before us: 13% of children live in food-insecure households. We understand that nutritious food is the fuel for educational attainment.”
“That targeted, sustainable intervention is designed to support what many describe as the working poor; families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet. <BR /> <BR />The Opposition's motion mentions comparisons with other jurisdictions, nothing that they are expanding universal provision. However, they are being selective.”
“We hear calls from the Benches opposite for subsidies and expansions, but we rarely hear where the money should come from. If we are to find the extra £202 million for this specific policy, which Department does the Opposition suggest that we take it from?”
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“Minister, some of us are finding it hard to believe your responses. You are telling us that it was not in your briefing pack in June, yet you were informed in February. Is that right?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As other Members have stated, the First Minister spoke publicly about the £150 million secured for pay awards, including £37 million for teachers. However, in the Finance Minister's statement, he states that the Education Minister will receive £25·6 million for teachers' pay, which is quite a bit short. Our teachers deserve a pay award. If the Education Minister issues a ministerial direction, will the Minister support him in that and provide the necessary finance to give teachers the pay award that they deserve?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Although the FE sector is facing a difficult budgetary landscape, NWRC has been able to punch above its weight. Does the Minister acknowledge that that sector is not just a cost to be managed but an engine to be fuelled and that, if further support were provided to the like of North West Regional College, it could do much more than it currently does?”
“Minister, we all agree that all Ministers should work together to ease pressures on local businesses. Do you agree that the proposals in your 'good jobs' Bill will, in fact, increase financial pressures on local businesses?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member mentioned my comments and the Minister's comments. Will the Member agree that it would have been better for the proposer of the motion to have listened entirely to the Minister's response, rather than leaving the Chamber to do a media interview?”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, I support the Education Minister's doing what he can, but we do need the wider Executive to provide that funding support to allow us to take forward all the initiatives that we want to see to improve the outcomes for our children.”
“I do agree. We absolutely should invest to save. It is particularly relevant to the Department of Health. That being said, the scale of this particular initiative, whilst it would be a good one to do, is such that over £202 million would be required in additional resource each and every year. Those of us who sit — who have the privilege, if you like, of sitting — on the Education Committee know the challenges that exist in our education system, and those are not only to do additional things, which are all very worthwhile doing, but to even stand still . We are in a very dangerous situation when it comes to finances.”
“— by the Executive, we must be realistic; we cannot spend money that we do not have. <BR /> <BR />I give way to Mr Allen.”
“<BR /> <BR />We support the Education Minister in his fight for additional resources for education, but until that funding is secured from Treasury and allocated —”
“We hear calls from the Benches opposite for subsidies and expansions, but we rarely hear where the money should come from. If we are to find the extra £202 million for this specific policy, which Department does the Opposition suggest that we take it from? Do we take it from Health or from Infrastructure, or should we further stretch the Education budget, which is already at breaking point? Poverty is a scourge, but it requires a whole-system approach. It is not the job solely of the Department of Education to solve those issues of inequality. That is why the Minister for Communities has stepped up, recently extending welfare mitigations to 2028, which will provide stability for families.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, we recognise that there is more to do, but we then come to the central issue: funding. The Education Authority faces an overcommitment of some £280 million. The Department is chronically underfunded. The independent report entitled 'Investing in a Better Future' made that clear. The motion calls for a road map to universal provision by 2030, but let us be clear about the price tag: extending universal free school meals to all pupils from nursery to year 14 would cost the public purse an additional £202 million every year. That figure does not even include the capital costs. We have over 1,100 schools, nearly 800 of which are primary schools. A massive expansion in meal numbers would require new kitchens, new dining halls and significant infrastructural upgrades. Where is the budget for that capital investment?”
“That targeted, sustainable intervention is designed to support what many describe as the working poor; families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet. <BR /> <BR />The Opposition's motion mentions comparisons with other jurisdictions, nothing that they are expanding universal provision. However, they are being selective. They fail to mention that, for families outside those specific age groups, the eligibility criteria in Great Britain are far less generous than our own. In England and Wales, the earnings threshold for families on universal credit is just £7,400. In Scotland, it is roughly £9,500. Compare that with Northern Ireland, where, under the Minister, the threshold is over £15,000. We are already casting a much wider net for low-income families than our counterparts across the water.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I do not think that there is a single Member who does not want to see our children healthy, well fed and ready to learn. We all recognise the statistics before us: 13% of children live in food-insecure households. We understand that nutritious food is the fuel for educational attainment. However, although we share the compassion behind the motion, we must also share a commitment to reality. <BR /> <BR />I begin by commending the Minister for the action that he has already taken. While others deal in unfunded wish lists, the Minister has dealt in action. He recently announced that, from the 2025-26 academic year, the eligibility threshold for free school meals and uniform grants will rise to £15,390. Crucially, he has also committed to linking future increases to inflation.”
“I thank the Minister for his response and his intention to write to schools over the coming days. There are also many parents who would like clarity. Minister, what reassurance can you give to parents from faith backgrounds who fear that the judgement will dilute the Christian ethos in our schools?”
“In an increasingly fast-paced and, sometimes, overwhelming world for our young people, providing them with opportunities to connect with the outdoor world, move away from screens and exercise and engage in lifelong learning is not just a good idea but a necessity for mental and physical well-being. <BR /> <BR />As I said, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I look forward to working together to try to bring about a better system for all.”
“Thanks, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I concur. I was going to go on to say that, whilst we may not have a lot of financial resources, we have the natural environment and natural resources, and we have dedicated educators in the teaching workforce. We also have the willingness to embrace that. What we need is a consistent approach to ensure that it becomes very much a normalised part of education and not just a one-off, such as an educational field trip, or a nice-to-do activity. <BR /> <BR />Early years educators report that this approach reduces stress among children. That is important information.”
“That having been said, as my colleague Mr Brooks said, we have to be mindful of the constraints on and the challenges that exist in the Department of Education at this time.”
“In my child's school, the teachers, through their dedication and willingness, have found innovative ways to integrate outdoor learning into the existing curriculum, from science and geography to simple literacy and numeracy skills, by observing nature and working together on projects. It is, of course, heartening to see new friendships form as children work together in different environments, building confidence and a sense of belonging in their community and the world around them. <BR /> <BR />We have also seen how the outdoor approach has been successfully integrated into education systems in Scotland, Norway, Finland, the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, Wales. There is an opportunity for Northern Ireland to lead the way in this field.”
“<BR /> <BR />I want to bring a local perspective to the Chamber, especially as the parent of a child who attends a rural school in Northern Ireland that values outdoor learning, with a sensory garden, daily mile walks and many lessons outdoors. The value of our natural surroundings is self-evident when our children can richly investigate plants, insects and the natural environment. We have seen first-hand how access to green spaces, fresh air and the natural world allows children and young people to flourish in ways that the four walls of a classroom cannot always accommodate.”
“I join others in welcoming the opportunity to speak on the motion and commend the work of all those involved in outdoor education, particularly the Northern Ireland Forest School Association. The sensible use of the resources around us is something that we can all support. As outlined by some contributors already, there is clear and substantial evidence of the benefits of outdoor learning. Being outdoors is, of course, a powerful antidote to the excessive screen time that is, sadly, becoming the norm for too many of our young people, given all the associated benefits for physical and mental health. When children and young people are engaged in outdoor learning, we see the improvements in social skills and cognitive development.”
“It is right that schools and governors have many questions about the ruling's implications and what they should do, and I welcome the fact that the Minister will, over the coming weeks, provide clear, legally sound guidance to schools in order to avoid confusion and to ensure a unified response. <BR /> <BR />This party will not stand by and watch the ethos of many of our schools being dismantled. We will work to ensure that, in meeting our legal obligations, we do not abandon our moral ones. The Bible remains a book of wisdom, not unlawful harm. We will continue to stand up for an education system that reflects and respects all but apologises to none for its Christian roots.”
“The court has called for education that is objective, critical and pluralistic. Let me be clear that we are not afraid of scrutiny or of our children understanding the world around them, but "pluralistic" must not become a byword for "secular". It must not be used as a tool to strip away the Christian character that so many parents actively choose for their children. We are glad that, at this time, we have a DUP Education Minister in place. He has already made it clear that, under his leadership, the Christian faith will continue to shape education in Northern Ireland.”
“When the Protestant Churches transferred their schools to the state, it was on the solemn understanding that a Christian ethos would be maintained not to indoctrinate but to guide our young people with values of love, integrity and service. To view that heritage as a source of bias or exclusion is to misunderstand the fabric of our community.”
“I rise this afternoon to address the recent court judgement on religious education in our schools. Whilst we must, of course, take time to properly review the legal ruling with due care, I know that many people from a faith background are particularly anxious about its potential consequences. <BR /> <BR />For generations, Christian values have shaped the moral character of our school and education system, whether that be through assemblies, school activities or, indeed, the everyday life of the classroom. Those values have helped to shape and form the young people whom we have today. That heritage is not something that we apologise for, nor is it something that we are prepared to see diminished.”
“Minister, I welcome your statement and the new initiatives that you are bringing forward to deliver more housing. If you had not made this intervention, what would the overall impact have been on social housing development?”
“— there was no comment from Colum Eastwood MP. Shame on him.”
“Today, when a banner commemorating people who lost their lives during the war was stolen from the Fountain estate —”
“It makes people lose faith in the system, especially when so-called leaders like Colum Eastwood can act so blatantly as though the law does not apply to them. <BR /> <BR />Where is the strong leadership from Colum Eastwood when problems exist in our communities? He has time to travel to Beirut at the taxpayer's expense and time to take part in an illegal procession but no time to show leadership when we desperately need it in our constituency. Think about the outrage when a banner showing a PSNI officer was brazenly burned in public; an appalling attack on the men and women who keep us safe. There was silence from Colum Eastwood. Where was his voice when the flag of St Columb's Cathedral was burned on a bonfire? Again, there was silence from Colum Eastwood.”
“When the rule book seems to change depending on who is involved, people are right to ask questions. That decision tells us that the standards are incredibly low for some people but high for the rest of us. Several years ago, in the Chamber, I highlighted what I saw as an imbalanced approach towards people in the Waterside who were charged with taking part in illegal processions. They were protesting against the increase in antisocial behaviour, sexual attacks and sectarianism in St Columb's Park. They walked on the footpath, but were charged and fined. <BR /> <BR />The latest decision is another example of the alleged two-tier justice system that many in the unionist community have been warning about for years.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to speak about the recent court decision on the Foyle MP. In 2024, Colum Eastwood took part in an un-notified pro-Palestine, anti-Israel procession. That was a clear breach of the law, and he was subsequently charged. We now see that the charge against him has been dropped after he accepted a formal reprimand. The charge against him was dropped quicker than the unionists who signed up to the SDLP's New Ireland Commission. That is saying something.”
“The savings proposals from the EA, alongside the stark financial position that faces the Minister's Department, will rightly draw concern. It is not enough for Members to simply stand and point out the problems without ever coming forward with a single solution. What support has the Minister received from his ministerial colleagues to try to avoid the budgetary cuts that will face his Department if he does not receive the finance that he needs?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, you highlighted the fact that drug-related intimidation is not only an issue for policing and justice. Will you outline how you plan to work with other Ministers in the areas that you mentioned in order to respond to the PHA's findings?”
“Does the Member agree that a number of current and former Ministers have certainly lost the confidence of the House?”
“Let us keep building on the progress that has been made, set aside party politics and support the Education Minister in his role.”
“Of course, we recognise that there is more to do. Families still feel the squeeze, and the sector continues to face challenges, particularly with recruitment and retention. That is why we see that there is a need for and support an early learning and childcare strategy. Let us be clear, however, that a strategy alone will not be enough. We need the Finance Minister to put the money where his mouth is and back the Education Minister's plans. It is not good enough for Sinn Féin to come in and blame the UK Government or whoever; the reality is that there is a budget there, and the Sinn Féin Finance Minister needs to ensure that he backs the Minister's plans. This party is committed to supporting hard-working parents and ensuring that those who, for too long, have paid over the odds no longer need to do so.”
“Now that the scheme is extended, it will benefit even more families, not only in the Foyle constituency but across Northern Ireland. I welcome the Minister's commitment to expanding preschool education, aiming for 22·5 hours per week for all children in their immediate preschool year. As my colleague Mr Brooks stated, it is a significant investment, made by a DUP Minister.”
“I also thank the Education Minister for his commitment and delivery on the issue. The delivery of the childcare subsidy scheme and its subsequent extension was a welcome step. The policy is making a difference to people across Northern Ireland. Thanks to that initiative, many working parents have seen a reduction of up to 30% in childcare bills. That is having a positive impact on family budgets across Northern Ireland. As my colleague Mr Brooks stated, as of September, 15,000 children and families were benefiting from that support.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. It is unfortunate that Sinn Féin Members in particular have sought to refight some of the battles that they have already lost. That having been said, we need to focus on the issues that matter to people in my constituency and across Northern Ireland, which include childcare. As a father of two young children and with a wife who also works full-time, I am acutely aware of the pressures that many families face when it comes to balancing work and childcare. It is about finding not just a place but the right place, one that is affordable and accessible and meets the needs of the child. <BR /> <BR />Like Mr Burrows, I pay tribute to all those involved in the childcare sector, be it statutory or non-statutory. They have an important role in the education of our young children.”
“The car-crash contributions from the SDLP leader and the People Before Profit MLA on the 'The Nolan Show' this morning exposed the true anti-Israeli sentiment towards your visit to Israel. Minister, is it not right that, as Education Minister, you look at educational aspects of schools in the Middle East and what is happening in Israel so that we learn from the educational experience in that country?”
“Minister, it is welcome that the north-west transport hub has been a game changer for my constituency. However, the frequency of trains is raised time and time again. Minister, are you actively seeking to address that issue? Will that be covered in some of the funding bids that you will bring forward to, hopefully, see this progress?”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, your critics have been loud and dramatic, but completely and shamefully wrong. Minister, have you received an apology from any of the Members who were critical of your decision in January?”
“I thank the Minister for his update on the review of the Northern Ireland curriculum. Minister, will you share any insights that you have into the international experience of knowledge-rich curriculums?”
“Many organisations and groups in my constituency are familiar with the cliff edges, year in, year out, so the Executive must act on that front to protect the sector from further harm <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to all community and voluntary sector organisations in the Foyle constituency and across Northern Ireland and to the work of the all-party group on voluntary and community sector, particularly my colleague Diane Forsythe, who so ably chairs that group and has brought many people together. The people whom I meet in the community and voluntary sector do not want petty party political point-scoring: they want a Chamber that stands together on these issues. I look forward to us all working to that end and to seeing the community and voluntary sector get the funding and support that it deserves.”
“There should be a balanced approach, one that gives the Executive a meaningful role in shaping funding priorities whilst maintaining the national strategy and perspective that promotes cohesion across the United Kingdom. As my colleagues said, promises were made by the UK Government, and they must be honoured. We also call for a long-term approach through multi-annual budgeting to provide certainty and allow organisations to plan more effectively. <BR /> <BR />We must also use all the structures available to us, by using our voices not only in the Chamber and in Westminster but in the East-West Council, which can be used to ensure that funding delivers real impact here in Northern Ireland. Although EU funding accounted for an important portion of the sector's income, further threat lies in the pressures on core government funding.”
“<BR /> <BR />Having spoken to many organisations over the past 15 years as an elected representative, I see first-hand how stressful it can be for staff and volunteers but particularly for service users, who are at the forefront of the minds of staff and volunteers. On each occasion when funding is once more at risk, it causes deep distress. To that end, the UK Government must provide clarity without delay. It is unacceptable that organisations doing that essential work have been left in limbo once again. <BR /> <BR />We want to see the spend that was available under EU structural funds not only restored but enhanced. That was a commitment made by the UK Government, and there is no excuse for any shortfall now.”
“I join other Members in support of our community and voluntary sector, which continues to deliver vital front-line services across Northern Ireland, often stepping in where other public services tend to fall short. <BR /> <BR />Every Member will be able to point to organisations that have made a positive impact in their constituencies. It is essential that the sector feels valued. It is evident, however, that many community organisations do not feel valued. Stability and sustainability for their services, their volunteers and staff must be priorities. The uncertainty surrounding the future of funding, particularly from the local growth fund that is to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund in 2026, is deeply concerning.”
“I thank the Minister for his leadership on the issue. People look to this party on these matters, whilst other parties have been silent for many years. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency of Foyle, we have concerns about how landlords manage some HMO properties. What is your assessment of whether landlords are meeting the required fire, safety and maintenance standards?”
“Unfortunately, I have no time to do so. <BR /> <BR />We know that the Alliance Party supports the green agenda. This is not an orange and green issue but, rather, one that we can all get behind, so I urge Members to support our amendment.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Honeyford broke with the consensus across the Chamber. At present, the Alliance Party is sensitive to criticism and particularly touchy when it comes to being challenged. I can assure Mr Honeyford, however, that, in our amendment, there is none of the commentary about which he raised concerns.”
“<BR /> <BR />Cathy Mason spoke about the response in her constituency and welcomed advice from DFI but highlighted the lessons that should be learned about school closures. Andrew McMurray spoke about his constituency and the need for the flood forecasting service to be strengthened and expanded. Justin McNulty wanted specific plans put in place for empowering communities. Cathal Boylan gave DFI much praise for its response and commended all the staff who work to support those affected by flooding. <BR /> <BR />Nick Mathison spoke from an education perspective about lessons that need to be learned. The Minister has since committed to reviewing the situation. Áine Murphy spoke from a constituency perspective about the need to support rural dwellers. Diana Armstrong talked about the need for joined-up working.”