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.”
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“We look forward to telling all those stories. It will be up to the organisations that have applied for funding to tell those stories as well. It is funny that a few people have pointed out an apparent irony that, I, as a unionist, am promoting the work of those who contributed to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Let me be clear: I am deeply proud of those who left here and contributed to the founding of a country. There is a significant difference between Northern Ireland in the 21st century and the American colonies of the 18th century. We are not an overseas possession. Although the Member will not like to hear this —”
“One of the biggest opportunities for that is in tourism.”
“It is really important that we create a lasting legacy from this work. I want to get a benefit from it not just this year but in the years ahead. That is why I have had conversations with our tourism promotion agencies and others to see what we can do in the longer term. <BR /> <BR />The Member mentioned Dervock and Cullybackey. William McKinley's ancestors are from Dervock; Chester A Arthur's ancestors are from Cullybackey; and the place where Andrew Jackson's father and brother were born is in Carrickfergus in my constituency. We all have different views on the presidencies of those who have served in the Oval Office, but the connections that exist are a draw and should be highlighted. I am more than happy to engage further with the Member on the matter. I am very keen to see what we can do to make sure that we get a lasting legacy.”
“I would be more than happy to educate the Member so that he has a better knowledge of the contribution that people from here made. I would teach him some of those historical facts. I would let him know about the Presbyterian values that were so important to those who left here and went across the pond. Maybe he would learn something. That invitation is open to the Member for West Belfast.”
“That is not true at all. It did not prove that. It is very important that the Member gets his facts right when he stands up. If he got his facts right, it would show that there is a first time for everything, because he consistently gets up in this place and does not have a clue what he is talking about. I know that he loves the sound of his own voice, so that brings him the comfort that he needs. <BR /> <BR />It is important to do that research work to explore the connections. I appeal to the Member: get over your hostility; get over your bitterness about what we are trying to do, and embrace the contribution of the Ulster Scots. The Member has nothing to fear from Ulster Scots: it is for everybody; embrace it and understand it. I would be more than happy to sit down with the Member and take him through the contributions that were made.”
“It is very disappointing to see such words being used to describe projects that have had such strong support from people across Northern Ireland from all communities, because people applied to the fund, and it was oversubscribed. Tourism Ireland is taking that work forward, as is National Museums NI. The universities see the value in it. It seems that the only people who do not see the value in it are those in the parties opposite.”
“Those comments demonstrate that they do not understand what they are talking about, because the programme brings benefit to everybody in Northern Ireland. It is not about me. It is no personal project of mine. Rather, it is something that I am trying to do for the benefit of everybody here. Let us remember that, until recent years, other Members had carried out such work. In the past, Sinn Féin and SDLP Ministers recognised the importance of engaging with the US to try to get more tourism and investment for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />We have a unique opportunity this year because of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the unique contribution made by those from what is now Northern Ireland. Why would we not use that?”
“I am happy to promote the contribution of anybody from here to the events of 250 years ago. The Member has to recognise, however, that it was overwhelmingly Ulster-Scots settlers — predominantly Presbyterians — who left these shores in the 17th century. It was their values that led to the work that they did and to the establishment of the United States. I am happy to use any connections or hooks that we have to promote Northern Ireland. This is a special year, given the 250th anniversary. The Ulster Scots and Scots Irish were the ones who played a significant role, so I am using that to the benefit of people here.”
“Mr Kingston is absolutely right. Emma Little-Pengelly was a force out in the United States. She was unstoppable. She went from event to event to event, promoting and highlighting Northern Ireland. We should all be doing that, and we should all expect that from our leaders, but one was found wanting. Emma Little-Pengelly did her job, and she should be congratulated for that.”
“— that we will tell in full. <BR /> <BR />If Mr Sheehan wants to ask a question, perhaps he can rise in his place and do so instead of interrupting. We know from where the frustration comes on the other side of the House. Those Members do not like Northern Ireland to standout. They do not like to see Northern Ireland being promoted, but I make no apology for doing just that.”
“Unlike the Member, I will not cherry-pick history or try to rewrite it. Rather, I will look at it in its entirety. Of course we are prepared to tell all those stories, but I make no apology for trying to be positive about Northern Ireland and the contributions that its people have made to the United States. The history is something —”
“The Member tells me frequently about the need to invest more in culture, arts and heritage. That is exactly what I am doing. We are seeing investment through that work. That should be recognised. This is a unique year; it is the 250th anniversary year. It is a unique opportunity for us to piggyback on to that so that we can get benefit for Northern Ireland. Those funds are going arts, culture and heritage projects. I hope that that will be welcomed and that people can see the benefit that comes from it.”
“Of course, I would love to see those documents come to Mid Ulster, but, in the first instance, let us get them to Northern Ireland and ensure that we have the appropriate place for them to go. There is work to be done to ensure that we can display them in the right way and in accordance with the sensitivities of their age etc. It is an opportunity for people to see a little bit of that history, and it is also another hook to bring people to Northern Ireland. That is what is important. We talk about the challenges that we face when it comes to heating and all the economic pressures. Getting more tourists into Northern Ireland, and getting them to spend more money in Northern Ireland, is a good thing. That helps our economy overall. Therefore, people should welcome that work, rather than complain about it.”
“You might learn something. <BR /> <BR />I do not want that money to go out just to people who are in receipt of benefits, because there are many struggling people out there who are not in receipt of benefits but are the working poor. They need that support. Those are the options that we are considering. That is not what the statement is about, but I am more than happy to answer those questions because I can look after all the different responsibilities in my Department. Unlike others, I will not pass that on to others just because it is difficult.”
“If you would listen to the answer, you might learn something.”
“I am answering the question, but they do not like the answer. I am saying that we are looking at options, because none of that is straightforward. There is no easy way. I know that I digress, Mr Speaker, but none of those options is an easy way in which to get money out to people. That is the very reason that Sinn Féin Ministers batted it over to me; they were unable to do it themselves. They said, "We will just give that to the Communities Minister", because I have been successful in the past in getting support out to people who need it. Therefore, I will play my part and find those options. For me, the important thing is that we give money to people who need it. We have mechanisms by which we can get the money out to those who are —.”
“However, I can say this: last week, even though I was in the United States, I continued doing my job. I engaged with my officials and put options together, and I will present options to the Executive. However, I will also require support from Executive colleagues. I am answering —”
“First, I do not need a pat on the back from the Member at all; that is what I have Phillip Brett for.”
“<BR /> <BR />Look at the some of the largest employers in our constituencies. Take Foyle as an example. A lot of the major employers there are US companies or have US roots. Those jobs were developed over years by engaging and ensuring that those relationships were developed. It is important that we continue to do that, and I will continue to do it.”
“I was speaking to some US political lobbyists when I was in America, and they could not believe the access that we get. It can be hard to get a meeting with a senator or a congressman. We had multiple people coming to multiple events that we hosted. That is important access. I have already continued to engage with some of those representatives, and I look forward to having them over here in Northern Ireland. Some have already accepted an invitation to come. That has been going out on their own social media channels as well. It is about promoting Northern Ireland; we get access, and I wanted to make sure that we took full advantage of that. We get that week, and it is time to use that and build on it so that we can benefit Northern Ireland and get more people here.”
“Yes, it will tell the full story. In fact, one of the pieces of information that we will share will be letters from Ulster Presbyterians who were some of the first to speak out against slavery. I am more than happy to ensure that we tell the full story. We have to understand all of that and understand the impact that people from Northern Ireland had. There is a positive story to be told, and all of that will be on display.”
“I would have achieved absolutely nothing, which is what Members on the other side of the House have achieved. Look at what we have been able to do since we started the engagement with the America250 commission. That is an initiative that we took on because we recognised the opportunity for Northern Ireland to get that standout, because nobody contributed to the early foundation of the United States as much as people from Northern Ireland did. Their influence can be seen not just in those who were elected to the White House and to Congress but in the lives of all the people who left here and contributed so much. That is worth doing and worth promoting, and the very negative attitude of others across the House speaks volumes.”
“Promoting Northern Ireland is an important element of that, and I will continue to do it.”
“— to help people who are struggling in Northern Ireland. As Mr Sheehan rightly said, yes, I am doing my job. That is exactly what I am doing; I thank him for acknowledging that. I have the broadest portfolio and responsibilities of any Minister, and I am happy to take on the work of other Departments if they are not willing to stand up and promote Northern Ireland, or to ensure that we get support to those who need it. That work has gone on. I have a number of options on how we can help, but, first, I will need to get that money allocated to my Department. That takes an Executive agreement, not just a proclamation from the Finance Minister or any other Minister. I am working on those things. We will bring forward options. <BR /> <BR />I can do all aspects of my job at the same time.”
“I have been doing the work on ensuring that we get support out to people. I could do that when I was in the US, because, unlike others, I do not pass it off to other people. I will stand up and do my part —”
“Eight million people in the New York media market were able to see the coverage on NBC during the St Patrick's Day parade, and I have announced other initiatives today. I make no apology for Northern Ireland, because, unlike the Member, I want this place to work, and I will continue to promote it.”
“The difference between me and Mr Durkan is that I do not believe that it is a waste of money to promote Northern Ireland. I do not believe that it is a waste of money to get standout for Northern Ireland, to promote the historical ties and to say to people, "Come on over to Northern Ireland". How short-sighted is the Member? He would rather that we stayed at home and put our heads in the sand and did not do the work that needs to be done. I do not have a final cost for the trip yet, but I will be more than happy to get it out there. I have not been behind in highlighting what it was before, because I know the value of the work that we are doing and the benefit that will come with it.”
“As the US moves into the heart of the America250 celebration, let us seize the moment to showcase what makes Northern Ireland special: our people, our history and our bright future. I commend the statement to the Assembly.”
“The visit has reinforced my conviction that relationships matter. Personal connections, shared stories and mutual respect build trust, open doors and create opportunities that last. In an increasingly global world, Northern Ireland must never miss a chance to tell our story — a story of resilience, creativity, innovation and deep historical links. By celebrating the Ulster Scots' role in America's founding, we not only honour our forebears but position Northern Ireland as a compelling destination for heritage tourism, a welcoming place for investment and a partner of choice for cultural and economic collaboration. <BR /> <BR />The ties between Ulster and America have never been stronger.”
“I am particularly looking forward to a major new exhibition this autumn, to be hosted by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), showcasing original historical documents, including those on loan from US institutions. The US audience is a core constituency for PRONI, and these developments will help drive footfall for roots tourism and enable closer collaborative working with the US National Archives and the Library of Congress.”
“The documents will allow our citizens, schoolchildren and visitors to see tangible evidence of how intertwined our histories have been for over two and a half centuries. That will form part of a broader programme of commemorative activities this year supported by funding that I have allocated for local projects that highlight Ulster-Scots and shared contributions to American independence.”
“That was my message to those who were in the room that night. It was also the message that I shared throughout the week to US media organisations, including to eight million people in the New York media market, which carried a promotional feature on my work in this area live during the St Patrick’s Day parade coverage. That is real standout and promotion for Northern Ireland. It demonstrates that turning up can make a difference. <BR /> <BR />That is not all. Today, I am pleased to announce that, building on the excellent cooperation with institutions such as the Library of Congress, I have secured the loan of key historical records for display in Northern Ireland. They include an original printed Declaration of Independence and a letter from Charles Thomson, as well as other historical documents relating to Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />The reception was not just about looking back; it was about looking forward. During the event, I said:”
“<BR /> <BR />In my speech that evening, I outlined the extraordinary role played by early Ulster Scots in the birth of the United States. I highlighted figures such as John Dunlap, born in Strabane, County Tyrone, who, as the official printer to the Continental Congress, worked through the night of 4 July 1776 to produce the first broadside copies of the Declaration of Independence, which were distributed far and wide. I also spoke of Charles Thomson, born near Gorteade, Upperlands, County Londonderry, who served as secretary to the Continental Congress for 15 years. Thomson's hands certified the document. His name appears alongside that of John Hancock on the original printed declaration, and he personally delivered the news to George Washington that Congress had chosen him as the nation's first president.”
“Standing in that place of solemn remembrance surrounded by the graves of so many who served freedom, it was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made across generations and the unbreakable bonds that tie our nations together. <BR /> <BR />On Wednesday evening, I was privileged to co-host a special reception with the America250 commission on Capitol Hill. Over 250 distinguished guests attended, including senior politicians from both sides of the House and Senate, business leaders, cultural figures and representatives of the diaspora. Among them was former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, other commissioners and key influencers. The event overlooked the Houses of Congress, which provided a fitting backdrop against which to celebrate the Ulster-American connection.”
“Each of those occasions allowed me, alongside the deputy First Minister, to speak about investment opportunities and the unique appeal of our region as a destination for heritage tourism rooted in transatlantic stories. <BR /> <BR />A particularly moving part of the visit was our time at Arlington National Cemetery. There, I laid a wreath at the grave of Field Marshal Sir John Greer Dill, the distinguished Lurgan-born military leader who served as chief of the British joint staff mission in Washington during the Second World War. His close collaboration with American counterparts, including General George Marshall, helped forge and sustain the Anglo-American alliance at one of its most critical moments.”
“We discussed how our shared heritage continues to foster goodwill and mutual understanding between our peoples, and how events, exhibitions and storytelling can bring more visitors from the American south to experience Northern Ireland's landscapes, festivals and rich culture. <BR /> <BR />From Georgia, I travelled to Washington DC for a series of events, including at the UK embassy, the US Capitol and the White House. At this time of year, Northern Ireland enjoys unparalleled access to senior US political and business leaders. It was right that we engaged and took the opportunity to turn up, stand up and speak up for Northern Ireland.”
“From the 1730s, many from Ulster arrived in the region, helping to establish settlements such as Queensborough and contributing significantly to the agricultural, religious and community life of colonial Georgia. At Georgia Southern University, I presented a copy of the 'News Letter' from the 18th century that highlighted the passenger ships that were sailing from Belfast and Larne to Savannah. I spoke about the impact of Ulster settlers on that community and encouraged people there to think of their own ancestry and the opportunity to explore more by visiting Northern Ireland, particularly the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). I also welcomed the opportunity to meet local congressman Buddy Carter to again emphasise the role of people from Ulster.”
“For us, those ties run deep and reach back hundreds of years. They are woven through the stories of 250,000 resilient Ulster Scots who, in the 18th century, left our familiar shores with little more than their determination, drive and Christian faith. As a result, the Ulster-Scots legacy in America is vast and deep. More than 25 million Americans today identify as being Scots Irish or of Ulster-Scots descent. Their forebears brought with them values of hard work, independence, faith and a fierce commitment to liberty. As America marks that historic anniversary, it is essential that we tell our story proudly and with purpose in order to strengthen tourism, cultural exchange and economic ties. <BR /> <BR />My visit began in Savannah, Georgia, a city with particularly strong historical links to early Ulster-Scots settlers.”
“I will make a statement on my visit last week to the United States. My goal was a simple one: to highlight the remarkable connection that exists between Northern Ireland and the United States and, in doing so, to bring benefit to our people. This year, we have a unique opportunity to do just that. The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence represents not only a milestone for our American friends but a chance for us to shine a light on our shared history; our enduring cultural connections; and the immense contributions made by people from this part of the world to the founding and shaping of the United States. <BR /> <BR />I believe that relationships develop and grow because of commonalities: the connections that we share; the traits and attributes that define us; and the ties that bind us together.”
“I will even go with Mr McNulty, and he can tell us a little bit more. Thankfully, there are time limits in this place; there would be no time limits if I was getting a history lesson from Mr McNulty up there. I will certainly do that, however, because we have something that is worth protecting, and we have invested the money to make sure that it will be protected.”
“I intend to continue protecting our rich cultural heritage and contributing to Northern Ireland's tourism offering. <BR /> <BR />I have not made it up there yet, but I look forward to the work being done. I may join my colleague Mr Wilson up there, and anyone else who wants to join —.”
“There are immediate pressures in front of us. In some cases, we will have only one opportunity to look after our state care monuments. There are 187 of them. They are all over Northern Ireland, and I do not want to lose them. That is why I have prioritised this investment, including £4·3 million capital and resource investment specifically to protect the state care monuments. That underscores my commitment. My investment will also support 11 apprentices, who will be the first apprentices to join the conservation works team in 25 years. I hope that that highlights my commitment to proceeding with the work. The investment that I have made is making it possible to prioritise the work at that nationally important site. We will reopen it for the benefit of the entire community and for visitors to Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Why is the work going forward? Why are we able to take it forward now? It is because, this year, I have invested nearly £19 million in salaries, resource and capital to protect and conserve Northern Ireland's historic environment. There are huge pressures on my Department. There are some politically very popular and topical things on my desk. Despite that, I have made this a priority. That has included the creation of 34 new posts at an approximate cost of £1·6 million. Of those posts, 28 were created in the conservation works team to protect and conserve the 187 state care monuments that are in the care of my Department. <BR /> <BR />I am glad that the Member secured the debate on this issue, and I am glad that she raised the points that she did in her speech, because this is important work.”
“Of course, our actions are always subject to budget availability, but our aim is absolutely to have it reopened in time for the winter solstice. I hope that she understands that that will, to a large extent, be down to the weather, which plays a considerable role. <BR /> <BR />We are working with stakeholders to obtain the necessary consents for the location, since it is in an area of special scientific interest, a special area of conservation, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a peatland priority habitat. We are also in consultation with the Historic Monuments Council, which has identified an area of significant archaeological interest (ASAI) around Slieve Gullion. I note that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has indicated, in its published local development plan, its intention to designate the ASAI.”
“The project is logistically complex due to the mountaintop location of the site and the impact of changeable weather in the winter months. My officials have therefore taken care to plan the operation to get the new materials to the tomb, install the new roof covering and make the site good. <BR /> <BR />To the Member who secured the Adjournment debate, I say that the design for the replacement roof has been completed, and my conservation works team has been preparing to carry out the work. We aim to reopen the monument in time for the 2026 winter solstice. That will, of course, be subject to ecological permissions and, crucially, good weather. I do not believe that there is a contradiction between what was said in response to the question for written answer and what my officials have been saying. Things have developed.”
“I understand the Member's concerns and know from where he is coming, but we believe that that is the best route for us to take.”
“Consideration was given to that since the main chamber collapsed, but restructuring the entire stone roof to its original state would be based on a degree of conjecture. Structural unknowns may impact on the significance of the monument, including readability between new work and original material. It is unlikely that that original roof structure would be feasible to deliver, owing to the mountaintop location and a general lack of knowledge of and skills in that type of roofing construction technique. In addition, because of structural unknowns, that type of roof may require the restriction of access to the cairn summit, which is currently accessible to visitors. That is something that we did not want to consider.”
“That is why I am pleased that my officials have maintained regular communication with the council and Slieve Gullion geopark staff to keep them updated on progress, most recently —.”
“The corrosion of those steel beams was identified through my Department's proactive programme of cyclical inspections of state cairn monuments and its robust health and safety regime. The decision by officials to close the state cairn monument and ensure public safety was taken following advice from structural engineers. <BR /> <BR />The project to replace the roof covering from the 1960s is well advanced, guided by my Department's conservation principles and international best practice, which demand minimum intervention, maximum retention of historical fabric, clarity of new work, reversibility and sustainability. I understand the importance of that special place to the community, as well as to visitors to the area.”