Gordon Lyons
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Implementing other recommendations will require further legislation that, I trust, will come in the next mandate, but I can confirm that 60 of the recommendations have already been separately addressed by either the Department or the commission. I hope that that answers his questions.”
“Yes, I do and am happy to share those. The issue has been raised in the Chamber and through Assembly questions. My position is that we want to make it simple and straightforward for people.”
“They also introduce greater flexibility in financial reporting, allowing requirements to be tailored more appropriately, reducing burdens on smaller organisations and ensuring that the system can adapt over time through secondary legislation.”
“If they want to constitute as a Northern Ireland-only charity, they are able to do that, if they believe that that will bring certain benefits.”
“That is similar to what we are trying to do with trustees. Even though you leave your position as a trustee or your position as someone who holds an office in a charity or who has employment in the office, the commissioner will still be able to make a determination that says, "Even though you have left, we are still making this order to t…”
“I do not believe that it was. That was maybe picked up wrong. We are happy to look at and explore that, but that is the information that I have on it. Again, we will have the Committee Stage of the legislation, so we can look into that then.”
The complete record
Every one of 5,903 lines we hold for Gordon Lyons, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 30 of 119.
“The fund is open to all eligible voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland, regardless of geography, tradition or type of activity. There are no predetermined targets or preferential criteria. We have developed clear eligibility and assessment criteria, as set out in the guidance notes. Grant applications will be assessed on the basis of evidence, need, capacity, readiness, impact, sustainability and, yes, value for money as well.”
“I look forward to seeing the fund deliver for communities across Northern Ireland. I commend the statement to the House.”
“The application process will be clear and transparent, with robust criteria to ensure fairness and value for money. Stage 1 of the process is an expression of interest. That will open tomorrow and run until 29 October 2025. Stage 2 of the application process will begin on 19 November and run until 9 January 2026. I encourage all Members to engage with the guidance, which is now on my Department’s website, and to signpost prospective applicants to the support that is available. <BR /> <BR />Change does not always begin with sweeping reforms. Sometimes, it begins with a new roof, a new boiler or a new kitchen, but those changes unlock so much more. With the fund, we are investing not just in buildings but in our communities — community capital and infrastructure.”
“The fund will award successful applicants up to 95% of the cost of their capital project, to a maximum value of £40,000. We are asking organisations to contribute 5% of the project cost, whether that is through fundraising, reserves or loans. That is not a barrier but a way to strengthen ownership and sustainability. That modest contribution ensures that groups are actively invested in their projects, encourages local fundraising and partnership and helps to stretch public funding further. Over the next fortnight, we will hold a range of information sessions, including in-person events in Belfast, Larne, Newry, Enniskillen, Dungannon and Londonderry, as well as online events, to help groups to learn more about eligibility for the fund and about the application process.”
“Those buildings may look different, serve different purposes and be rooted in different traditions, but they can all play a vital role in community life in which they are open to and used by the wider community. <BR /> <BR />The scheme will provide funding towards repairs to existing community buildings. That could include refurbishment or structural repairs; small-scale refurbishment or renovation works to improve communal facilities such as kitchens and toilets, or changes to enable multiple uses for premises; capital works for accessibility improvements, including upgrades such as ramps or lifts; and energy-efficiency measures such as boiler replacement, window upgrades and solar panels. <BR /> <BR />The first stage of the application process opens tomorrow.”
“<BR /> <BR />The fund will be open to voluntary and community groups, including faith-based organisations, sports clubs, church halls, village halls, Orange halls and other centres that provide a wide range of community activities. I will take a moment to highlight the role of faith-based organisations. Church halls have long served as more than places of worship. For generations, they have provided an inclusive space for many, from parent-and-toddler groups to lunch clubs and Scouting and Guide groups. One of the real strengths of the fund is the fact that it is open to a wide spectrum of community spaces across Northern Ireland, whether that be a community centre in Londonderry, a faith-based group in Portadown, a sporting club in Omagh or an Orange hall in Carrickfergus.”
“However, it is also about the potential to better serve their community. That could be the church hall that has upgraded its kitchen and now runs a weekly community cafe that brings people — young parents, pensioners and newcomers to the area — together. Such examples are not just upgrades; they are transformations. <BR /> <BR />There is another vital part of the story: local suppliers. My fund will allow community groups to work with local SMEs and microenterprises. By using experienced local tradespeople, builders and service providers, we will support small businesses and maintain jobs. This investment will not just improve buildings but multiply its impact by supporting livelihoods and building pride. It will be social value in action.”
“That is more than 100 opportunities for local communities to improve, adapt and flourish. <BR /> <BR />I know that the funding will not meet every need. Demand will undoubtedly outstrip what is available. This is a pilot that will provide an opportunity to build understanding of need and impact and learn lessons. To help to deliver the fund effectively and with impact, we have partnered with Co-operation Ireland to administer the scheme in partnership with my officials. That is a voluntary organisation with a proven track record of expertise, networks and trusted relationships. My aim is that the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund will support voluntary and community organisations to sustain their buildings and ensure that they are ready to serve for years to come.”
“They are cold in winter, inaccessible for some people, outdated and inefficient. Volunteers and trustees are stretching themselves to keep the lights on or to make the most of spaces that are inadequate or limiting. I think that we can all agree that that is not good enough. <BR /> <BR />Those experiences have convinced me that the Government need to step in with practical support. I have chosen to act with urgency and ambition in establishing the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund, which will disburse £4·3 million to our grassroots and local communities. That is a direct response to the challenges that face our communities. It is a significant and timely investment and is proof of me delivering, not just discussing. The fund will provide grants of up to £40,000 for over 100 individual projects.”
“Across Northern Ireland, from Strabane to Strangford and Portrush to Pomeroy, they bring people together not because they are grand or state of the art but because they are the thread that weaves our communities together. They are where communities gather, grow and support one another, where a teenager discovers confidence, where those who are isolated find friendship, where neighbours become volunteers and where the fabric of our communities is knitted together. <BR /> <BR />Many of those buildings are under strain. They are ageing and tired. I have seen that at first hand in my visits across Northern Ireland. Many Members have told me of the importance and constraints of those facilities in their constituencies. In too many cases, they are no longer fit for purpose.”
“It was great to see the energy in the room and recognition of the importance of halls and community buildings and of sustaining them, and, importantly, it was great to get feedback from sectoral leaders endorsing this timely intervention that responds to need in our communities. <BR /> <BR />My vision for the fund is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about people, places and potential. In my role as Communities Minister, I have seen at first hand how vital community buildings and local halls are — they could be church halls, Orange halls, sports clubs or village halls — as the beating heart of our cities, towns and villages. They are the places where children learn, where people gather and where faith, sport, culture and heritage are celebrated.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I wish to make a statement on the launch of the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund, which is a major new investment supporting the refurbishment and improvement of community buildings and facilities right across Northern Ireland. In June, I provided a written ministerial statement to the Assembly setting out my intention to launch a scheme in support of the halls, hubs and centres that rarely make headlines but that make an enormous difference in sustaining local life across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I have moved at pace, so tomorrow, the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund will open. Last Wednesday night, at an event in Pomeroy, I was pleased to be joined by fellow elected representatives, voluntary and community leaders and other funders to launch the fund.”
“I will cover the issues that the Member raised in the schemes that I introduce. He will have seen that with the Northern Ireland Football Fund and in the scoring mechanisms that are in place for other funds. I point the Member towards the disability strategy that I will introduce very soon. It will address many of the issues that he raised.”
“Quite a few announcements have been made and funding allocated. We will not be able to do much more in this financial year, but I always want to make sure that we make the best use of the funds that we have. We are bringing forward the Olympic legacy fund and the community infrastructure fund because people said that they wanted that smaller level of investment in their community. We will certainly look at the budget moving forward to see whether more resource needs to be allocated to those or, indeed, any other schemes.”
“First of all, I am sure that the whole House will join me in congratulating Charlie on his success and wish him all the best for the event. The Olympic legacy fund was designed to help some of the sports that do not always get the merit or the attention that they deserve. I am more than happy to raise the specific issue of this sport with the chief executive and other staff of Sport NI. If the Member furnishes me with more details, I will be happy to take that up on his behalf.”
“I am happy to review sporting bodies at any time. I want to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to compete. I want no sport to be left out. I will happily raise that on behalf of the Member and his constituents, but perhaps he can give me a bit more information, if he wants me to take something forward.”
“Obviously, we had a limited pot of funding available. Even with over-planning, that limited the number of projects that could go through. I wanted to make sure that we spent the money; that was first and foremost what I wanted to ensure. I also wanted to have a mixture from those different tiers: tiers 1, 2 and 3. The further down we went on tier 3, the huger the impact would have been on the other two tiers because of the amounts of money that we are talking about. The solution to the matter is not to take from one to give to the other; the solution is to get more funding in place.”
“They absolutely can access that investment in the future. We have a competitive process in place. That has been done in the right and appropriate way. However, I understand that there will always be winners in the process and those who did not progress at this stage. I hope that we can get additional finance so that we can progress more clubs. I want everyone to be assured that I want everybody to get through the process. I want everybody to have their needs met, and I work hard to make sure that I do everything that I can to make sure that that happens.”
“That is why Sport NI is undertaking extensive engagement with stakeholders to determine the most appropriate way forward. We want to see a way forward for it. We want to make sure that we have that in place. I have asked them to keep me updated on that so that we can keep people informed. It is an issue of importance not only to people in South Down but to many other users across Northern Ireland.”
“I fully appreciate and understand that and recognise the Member's passion for the centre.”
“The Member will be aware of what happened to the Tollymore centre and the damage that was done. Sport NI has advised that the running costs of the facility have steadily increased in recent years and that income has declined. The current operating model is financially unsustainable. The review is now under way, in line with 'Managing Public Money Northern Ireland' principles. It is expected to examine the value for money of continued operations, given the significant losses associated with maintaining the facility. I am keen for the review to be completed without delay so that a decision can be made on the future of the centre.”
“I am more than happy to go to North Antrim at any stage. I look forward to that visit. <BR /> <BR />It is important to highlight what we have been able to achieve. I saw some Members shaking their head and tutting when I was listing the Department's achievements, but it is important to note that we are making a difference and making changes. Things are happening that would not have happened if we were not in post. I am proud of the things that we have been able to achieve. However, far more needs to be done. The Member mentioned particular areas, and perhaps the shaping sustainable places programme will be able to deliver for them. Let us deliver what we can. Let us show people that we are getting things done. Let us identify other problems that exist, and let us work together to see what we need to do to tackle those as well.”
“We also delivered Northern Ireland's first cultural world heritage site at Gracehill. A lot of work went into that, and it will be of great benefit not just to his constituency but to Northern Ireland. Finally, 1,392 people were helped to access additional benefits of £3·1 million through the Make the Call service.”
“I am more than happy to do that. Of course, we were able to deliver winter fuel support in North Antrim, and over 10,700 people were impacted on there. I am pleased that I was able to push forward match funding for Bushmills courthouse. There was £1·37 million for voluntary and community organisations. There was £1·5 million for Ballymoney public realm scheme. There was £600,000 for the Ballymena scheme. There was £118,000 for the shopfront scheme. There was £525,000 for the COVID recovery small settlement scheme. Ballymoney library was refurbished. There was over £1 million for labour market partnerships. There was the regeneration of the St Patrick's site. There was £93,000 for the Arts Council musical instruments scheme. There were 116 new jobs through the expansion of services with the Department for Work and Pensions.”
“The strategy will go out to consultation first. We look forward to that happening and getting the feedback. Decisions will be made after that.”
“I look forward to launching the strategy in the coming days.”
“That is an area of concern. I have frequent representations from constituents and colleagues in the House about Housing Executive maintenance. I want to make sure that we can have people living in the homes that they want to live in, to the standard that they want. Some of those issues will be addressed through the fuel poverty strategy, but, ultimately, we need more investment. The easiest way for that investment to come is through the borrowing powers that the Housing Executive so desperately needs. I encourage all Members to get behind that call, so that we can make a real difference. Achieving that in this Assembly mandate would be one of the most important things that we could do.”
“That is something that I have been working on since I came into office. It is critical for us to build more homes but also to preserve the stock that we have. Because of the lack of investment there is a problem. I have written to the Department of Finance, following an engagement that I had with the Secretary of State in the past couple of weeks. I want to get everyone in the room around the table so that we can finally work out what the Treasury, the DOF, we and the Northern Ireland Office need to do in order to get this going, because we need it to happen. It should be a priority for the Government. It is certainly a priority for me.”
“I fully recognise and understand the concern that those involved with those two clubs face, and I recognise the concern that has been expressed. From my point of view, we had put through the process that is currently in place, and, obviously, there was a different marking scheme for clubs that did not have their own ground when it came to footballing need. <BR /> <BR />I will meet those clubs shortly. We will look at options and talk about the future, but, ultimately, it would be great if we could get more investment in football, so that more clubs can be taken forward. That is certainly something that I will call for. I hope to be able to talk to Executive colleagues about that, because football is £50 million behind in terms of fairness. I also want to look at other sources of finance, including financial transactions capital.”
“I did not pick up what the Member said at the start. As for releasing the information, I am happy to consider doing that. It is not what we normally do, simply because of the process, the names involved and the rankings of the clubs. Out of respect to them, we do not normally release information. However, some have questioned the process, and some have tried to inject uncertainty into the process, so it may be necessary for us to do that. I will take advice on that, and we will see where that goes. <BR /> <BR />Let me be clear: I will robustly defend the process that was put in place, and I will robustly defend my officials against some of the slurs that have been directed towards them, as I will the clubs that have been successful and have been called into question. I am happy to return to the issue.”
“I am certainly happy to look at the individual development that he talks about. I do not know enough about it to comment at this minute, but I am happy to chase that up.”
“Private developers can use vacant Housing Executive land to develop social housing but only in collaboration with a registered housing association. Housing Executive land has featured in the development programme, with 31 units being developed by associations in collaboration with private contractors on Housing Executive land last year. I encourage any interested private developer to contact our housing associations and/or the Housing Executive.”
“I am more than open to including any of those that come forward that we can deliver.”
“The consultation process is there for a reason: to hear views. We will take on board the views of all those who have commented on the draft anti-poverty strategy. Ultimately, I will need to get approval from the Executive. They signed off on the draft strategy. All members of the Executive were asked to contribute their ideas and what they wanted in the strategy. The Executive allowed it to go forward for consultation. I want to make sure that it has everything in it that it needs to have, but, even more important, we need to make sure that the action plans have what is required as well. It will be up to Executive colleagues to decide whether they want to change the strategy and whether they are willing to put in some of the other measures that may be suggested.”
“It is ambitious, and we set that out in the strategy. It will be followed by action plans. It will be agile, because it will be a 10-year plan and we want to make sure that it can deal with other issues as they arise. However, I am committed to making sure that we have something in place that is deliverable and effective and that, ultimately, will make a change to people's lives here.”
“The public consultation went live on the DFC website on 17 June and closed on 19 September. We are analysing and considering all the responses received throughout the consultation process. I will share the outcome of the analysis with my Executive colleagues, and we will take forward any further development as appropriate before finalising the strategy. <BR /> <BR />I am committed to ensuring that a long-term strategic approach is taken at both departmental and Executive level to deliver on my Department's housing and anti-poverty priorities.”
“The exact reason why I want the legislation is so that we have additional powers to deal with that issue. The people who should be moved are those who cause problems, not those who are affected by them.”
“Yes. Discussions have been ongoing. There was a joint consultation on that with the Department of Justice, and we will look at all the avenues that are open to us to make sure that we can tackle the scourge of antisocial behaviour, which is causing exceptional difficulties for many people.”
“Several areas in my Department help to take forward that sort of work. I welcome that. The particular policy proposals that we are talking about right now will have gone to all Ministers for their comment. I look forward to hearing from them, if they have not commented already.”
“Absolutely. Any public representative who is in touch with their communities will see complaints about a small number of people who make life exceptionally difficult for others. It is time that we used the powers that are available to us and provided for more powers if necessary. I want the Bill to be introduced in early 2026. I need Executive approval. I hope that the First Minister will allow it to go on the agenda and that other Executive Ministers will give me support, at which stage I can bring the Bill to the House.”
“My Department has developed proposals that will ensure that social landlords have appropriate powers to deal with antisocial behaviour. I have brought forward a paper for the Executive’s consideration outlining proposals to amend legislation, specifically injunctions against unacceptable behaviour, grounds for possession and changes to eligibility for social housing and full duty homelessness status where there has been unacceptable behaviour.”
“Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker. I am here to deliver on behalf of all communities in Northern Ireland. I have delivered in the Member's constituency, and I look forward to making more announcements shortly about how we are investing. We look at regional balance, of course, and that is taken into consideration in our decisions, depending on the process that is already in place. <BR /> <BR />We have delivered. We have delivered through the public realm scheme for the Harbour Square development. The Member shakes her head, but it is true that we are delivering and getting on with that. Of course, I want to do more — I wish that we had the funds to do more — but I assure the Member that we will treat everybody equally and make sure that we share across Northern Ireland the benefits of the things that we are able to do.”
“I will refer to the SDLP when it scoffs and laughs at what we have been able to deliver through the Department.”
“We can take responsibility only for what is within our gift and what is our responsibility. Decisions were made by the council, and those decisions stand. I am always happy to meet and see what alternative pathways there are, but I have to operate within the law. I am happy to do anything further that we can do, because I understand the public concern.”
“I am more than happy to stand by my record of achievement and stand over the things that will make a difference. The SDLP and Alliance can scoff, but those measures have made and will continue to make a real difference to the lives of people in Upper Bann and across Northern Ireland.”
“Funding from the Northern Ireland community infrastructure fund will come forward, and it can help organisations in the Member's constituency. There will be more money for Your School Your Club. Its budget will rise from £500,000 to £3 million this year. We will be bringing forward a fuel poverty strategy that will help her constituents. There will be significant investment in the new employability programme. Antisocial behaviour legislation will be introduced. We will crack down further on fraud and error. Of course, we have announced the Olympic legacy fund, which will deliver in her constituency as well.”
“I look forward to continuing to deliver for Upper Bann and constituencies right across Northern Ireland. SDLP members are laughing, along with some in the Alliance Party. I remember when the leader of the Opposition came to the House to ask me when I would publish my housing supply strategy. I had published it six months previously. Other SDLP Members asked when the Executive Office would publish its integration strategy. It had already been published. Mr McCrossan came to the House and told everyone that the vesting orders for the A5 still stood, when they had in fact been quashed by a High Court judgement. The SDLP gets it wrong again and again. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to deliver, and I will deliver more that will benefit people in Upper Bann.”
“Over £9 million has been delivered through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's completed maintenance scheme and £6·7 million through its planned maintenance scheme. Over £1 million has been delivered through labour market partnerships, with £60,000 delivered through the Arts Council's musical instruments programme. There have been 87 new starts for social housing and 153 Co-Ownership property completions. A total of 1,738 people have been helped to access additional benefits totalling £3·8 million through the Make the Call service, which I have protected. We have had 12 job fairs. Sport NI has supported many clubs, including the Northern Ireland karate club and Waringstown Cricket Club. In addition, we have supported 10,010 pensioners through the £100 winter fuel support payment.”
“Since February 2024, I have delivered the following for the people of Upper Bann: £1·8 million for the People and Place neighbourhood renewal programme; £3·5 million for the Banbridge public realm scheme; £247,000 for the Empty to Occupied scheme; and £300,000 for the Fit For Future scheme. I have also delivered £400,000 for the Lurgan laneways scheme and £845,000 for street furniture and seasonal lighting. There has been £2·5 million for community and voluntary organisations, £280,000 for the Your School Your Club project at Lismore College in Craigavon and £225,000 for the Your School Your Club project at Banbridge High School. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware of the clubs that have progressed as a result of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.”
“All that I can say is that that is an issue for the NAC itself. I had a meeting with the NAC on 7 July. I said that I wanted to listen to its concerns. I invited it to provide me with a paper outlining its views and said that I would consider any additional information on other issues that were raised, such as the issue of uniformity of allowances. Unfortunately, it did not provide me with that information. I am disappointed that the NAC is considering strike action instead of engaging in constructive discussion.”