Andy Allen
East Belfast · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for her question. There are two accessible toilet cubicles available to visitors on the ground floor, one designated for male use and one for female use. On the first floor, there is an additional accessible toilet facility that is available for use by all visitors.”
“Before I begin, I declare an interest as a trustee of a charity. Through that role, I have seen at first hand the valuable work that charities carry out and the responsibilities that fall on trustees to ensure that organisations are properly governed.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. While no formal assessment has been undertaken to establish a direct correlation between facilities and attendance by people with disabilities, we regularly engage with and welcome to Parliament Buildings people with disabilities through a range of forums, including involvement with the Youth…”
“<BR /> <BR />Perhaps the most significant issue for scrutiny is the extent to which important operational detail is being transferred from primary legislation into regulations.”
“Nevertheless, it would be useful to know how concerns relating to such organisations, should they arise, would be addressed and how cooperation between regulators would operate should issues arise.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission installed a Changing Places facility in Parliament Buildings in 2011. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of many people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.”
The complete record
Every one of 703 lines we hold for Andy Allen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 15.
“Any issues raised by the group are considered. A recently completed disability access audit provided some further recommendations that are being actively progressed. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that the officials will have picked up on the comments made by the Member, and, if she wishes to correspond directly with the Commission, I am sure that we will consider that as well. It is important that we make the Building as accessible as possible within the confines of its grade A listed status to everybody who wants to come to it.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. While no formal assessment has been undertaken to establish a direct correlation between facilities and attendance by people with disabilities, we regularly engage with and welcome to Parliament Buildings people with disabilities through a range of forums, including involvement with the Youth Assembly, the Disabled People's Parliament and targeted engagement activities. We also welcome regular visitors with disabilities. Feedback from such forums and visitors continues to play a key role in shaping our approach to improving accessibility and inclusion, and the Assembly Commission endeavours to cater for specific individual requirements. <BR /> <BR />An external disability advisory group consisting of representatives from disability groups was established in 2009.”
“It is also registered on the Changing Places website to help ensure that those who may benefit from that provision are aware of its availability.”
“I thank the Member for her question. There are two accessible toilet cubicles available to visitors on the ground floor, one designated for male use and one for female use. On the first floor, there is an additional accessible toilet facility that is available for use by all visitors. In addition, as I mentioned in my response to Mr Robinson, the Building provides a Changing Places facility designed to meet the needs of individuals with complex requirements, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. As I referenced in my previous answer, that facility includes a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling-mounted hoist, an adjustable sink and sufficient space for carers and specialist equipment. The Changing Places facility is located on the ground floor, near the rear entrance to the Senate Chamber.”
“The Assembly Commission engages regularly with disability organisations and has a forum in place, which dates back over a decade. It engages regularly with outside stakeholders and, as I have already said, the Assembly Commission is keen to receive feedback from stakeholders, disabled people or, indeed, Members.”
“I thank the Member for his follow-up question and, indeed, for raising that important matter. It is important that all Members, when they become aware of disability access issues, raise them so that the Assembly Commission can consider them. The Assembly Commission has no plans to install additional Changing Places facilities. However, that will be kept under review.”
“In response to feedback received, an additional padded area is planned to be installed behind that bench. Beyond those works, there are no further plans to upgrade the room.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission installed a Changing Places facility in Parliament Buildings in 2011. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of many people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Our Changing Places facility is designed to address such needs and includes a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling-mounted hoist, an adjustable sink and ample floor space for carers and equipment. The facility is located on the ground floor, near the rear entrance to the Senate Chamber. No key or pass is required for access, but users are asked to ensure that the facility remains available for those who require its full specialist features. <BR /> <BR />A new changing bench was procured and installed in the facility in May 2026.”
“The Minister referenced the administrative burden, and he may come back and say that we are getting ahead of ourselves, but does he have any thoughts at this stage on audit thresholds? The Bill seeks to keep the powers around that flexibility, but has he any thoughts on where they should be?”
“Minister, unfortunately, I was not at the Committee briefing on that, so I watched it back. Unless my memory fails me, I picked up from the officials that the regulations would be subject to the draft affirmative resolution procedure. Perhaps Committee colleagues can either confirm or deny that. On that basis, can the Minister advise whether that was changed?”
“I look forward to further examining the detail of the Bill in Committee. On that basis, we are content to support the Bill's progressing to Committee Stage.”
“It seeks to strengthen public confidence in charity regulation, provide the Charity Commission with proportionate enforcement tools and reduce unnecessary burdens on smaller charities. The challenge for the Assembly will be to ensure that we strike the right balance between effective regulation and proportionality, between accountability and fairness and between protecting public confidence and supporting the thousands of volunteers, trustees and charities that serve communities across Northern Ireland every day.”
“Nevertheless, it would be useful to know how concerns relating to such organisations, should they arise, would be addressed and how cooperation between regulators would operate should issues arise. <BR /> <BR />We note the extension of automatic disqualification provisions, which seems to intend to bring Northern Ireland into line with arrangements that are operating elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The proposed protection powers available during a statutory inquiry are understandable in principle where there is evidence of misconduct or mismanagement. I have no doubt, however, that the Committee will wish to satisfy itself that appropriate safeguards and oversight accompany the use of those powers. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the Bill contains a number of sensible and potentially beneficial reforms.”
“We understand the intentions behind the changes, particularly for charities with limited resources. Again, however, it is important that they strike the correct balance between reducing administrative burden and maintaining public confidence in the stewardship of charitable funds. <BR /> <BR />We welcome the proposal to repeal section 167 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 relating to institutions that are established outside Northern Ireland. That matter was raised repeatedly by a number of affected charities during Committee engagement in the previous mandate. We understand that section 167 was never commenced, and such organisations will continue to be regulated in their home jurisdictions.”
“It will remain important, however, that charities are properly consulted before significant changes are introduced. <BR /> <BR />The Bill seeks to reduce administrative burdens on smaller charities. Many organisations operate with limited resources, and depend heavily on volunteers. Measures that reduce unnecessary bureaucracy are welcome where they allow charities to focus more time and resources on supporting beneficiaries. The proposal to remove the requirement for an independent examination of accounts for charities with a gross annual income below £20,000 is one example of that. We note the broad support for that proposal across the sector, particularly given the difficulties that some smaller charities experience in securing independent examination and the cost that can arise from that.”
“<BR /> <BR />Perhaps the most significant issue for scrutiny is the extent to which important operational detail is being transferred from primary legislation into regulations. The Bill gives the Department and, in some cases, the commission greater flexibility in relation to the accounting requirements, annual reporting arrangements, and the definition of "gross income". There are obvious advantages to having flexibility and allowing requirements to evolve. However, flexibility must be balanced with accountability. It was noted during pre-legislative Committee briefings by officials that regulations flowing from the provisions would be subject to draft affirmative procedure, and I ask the Minister to reaffirm that. That is a welcome safeguard, and it will ensure Assembly scrutiny of future changes.”
“In particular, we would like to understand the circumstances in which the commission would normally publish a warning, and how it intends to distinguish between serious misconduct and matters that may be addressed more appropriately through guidance, advice, support or regulatory engagement. <BR /> <BR />We note the expansion of the commission's powers to share information with bodies that exercise public or regulatory functions. Effective cooperation between regulators is important and can help to protect charitable assets and prevent wrongdoing. It will be important to understand how those powers will operate, which organisations may fall within their scope and what safeguards will be in place to ensure that information-sharing remains proportionate.”
“We note that stakeholders, including the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), have expressed support in principle for the introduction of an official warning regime, whilst also highlighting the potential significant reputational consequences that the publication of a warning could have for a charity. That concern is understandable and further underlines the importance of ensuring that the power is exercised proportionately and with appropriate safeguards. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the Bill contains safeguards, including prior notice and an opportunity to make representations, it is important that it is clearly understood how the powers will be used in practice.”
“<BR /> <BR />Although we support the principles underpinning the legislation, several areas warrant careful scrutiny as the Bill progresses. One such area is the proposed official warning regime. We can see the value in having a proportionate tool available in cases in which having a full statutory inquiry may not be necessary or appropriate. Similar powers exist elsewhere in the UK. An official warning has the potential, however, to have significant reputational consequences for a charity and its trustees and to affect trust in the wider sector. Publication of a warning could affect public confidence, fundraising activity and relationships with funders and stakeholders.”
“Those are sensible objectives, and, in broad terms, they are objectives that we can support. Many of the proposals will bring Northern Ireland more closely into line with developments elsewhere in the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />Public trust is one of the charitable sector's most important assets. Where there is misconduct or mismanagement, regulators must have appropriate powers available to them to intervene in order to protect beneficiaries and public confidence. We therefore understand the rationale behind the measures in the Bill. We also recognise the logic behind having provisions that are intended to prevent individuals from avoiding regulatory action simply by resigning before a decision can be made.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill seeks to implement recommendations arising from the independent review of charity regulation. Overall, we believe that those are worthwhile objectives. As Members will know, the review made 93 recommendations, 18 of which are being taken forward through the Bill. Many of the recommendations sought to create a more proportionate and risk-based approach to regulation, whilst improving the relationship between the regulator and the sector. The Department has stated that the Bill seeks to make charity law clearer, fairer and more fit for purpose. In doing so, it aims to strengthen the Charity Commission's regulatory powers, streamline accounting and reporting requirements and remove legislative provisions that either have created uncertainty or are no longer required.”
“Before I begin, I declare an interest as a trustee of a charity. Through that role, I have seen at first hand the valuable work that charities carry out and the responsibilities that fall on trustees to ensure that organisations are properly governed. <BR /> <BR />Every day, as Members have mentioned, Northern Ireland's charitable sector makes an enormous contribution to our society. Charities strengthen communities, provide opportunities and deliver services on which many individuals and families rely. Much of that work is carried out by dedicated volunteers and trustees, who give of their time freely and often without recognition. Any regulatory framework must protect beneficiaries and charitable assets, maintain public confidence in the sector and encourage people to continue to step forward to serve their communities.”
“The Minister has referred repeatedly to funding challenges. Will he accept that the Executive's housing supply strategy risks losing credibility if the funding to match its ambition is not provided?”
“It is about giving organisations the certainty that they need to plan, retain staff and continue delivering the support that so many people depend on. Too often, we see decisions and notifications coming at the last minute, creating unnecessary uncertainty, as was the case again recently with community and voluntary sector youth services. <BR /> <BR />If we allow capacity to be lost, the consequences will be far-reaching: skills and experience will be lost; relationships in communities will be damaged; and services that have taken years to build will disappear. That is not something that we can easily or quickly rebuild. The community and voluntary sector plays a vital role in supporting people, strengthening communities and delivering services that make a real difference every day. We support the motion.”
“Alongside that, there was a failure to put in place timely replacement funding when it became clear that previous arrangements would fall away. That created a gap that the sector has been warning about for some time, and we are now seeing the consequences of that delay. <BR /> <BR />If we are serious about recognising the value of the community and voluntary sector, that recognition has to be reflected in decision-making at a local level and at Westminster. That means providing stability through multi-year funding. It also means ensuring that funding is designed around people and services, not rigid structures that fail to reflect how delivery works in practice, as we have seen with the approach taken to the local growth fund. <BR /> <BR />Providing sufficient multi-year funding is a necessary step.”
“We are now seeing organisations having to scale back services, lose skilled staff and, in some cases, consider whether they can continue at all. That is not because the need has gone away. If anything, demand and the complexity of need has increased. <BR /> <BR />The handling of the local growth fund has contributed to that uncertainty, as others have mentioned. We have raised that at every level. For example, my colleague Robin Swann MP arranged direct engagement with relevant UK Government Ministers. The current funding model does not reflect how those services are delivered on the ground, which has left many organisations struggling to maintain provision. A capital-heavy approach simply does not align with services that rely on people, skills and sustained engagement.”
“However, when it is measured, as is often a requirement for funding, the impact is not only clear but compelling and provides a strong evidence base to inform and shape policy. Those organisations deliver strong value for money and contribute to economic outcomes by helping people move closer to work, easing pressures on public services. <BR /> <BR />We have all, no doubt, seen how relatively small amounts of funding can make a significant difference when it is in the hands of people who understand local need and can respond quickly. That ability to act early and intervene before issues escalate is one of the sector's greatest strengths and, ultimately, saves both money and hardship in the longer term. That is why the current situation is so concerning.”
“I too thank the SDLP for bringing the motion to the House. At the outset, I declare an interest as a charity trustee. That role, alongside my work as an MLA, has given me first-hand insight into the pressures facing the community and voluntary sector and the very real, often life-changing difference that it makes to people across Northern Ireland. For many people, the community and voluntary sector is the first place that they turn to when they need help. Those organisations are also to the fore in delivering support schemes and initiatives. They provide practical support, continuity, trust and understanding. They are rooted in the communities that they serve, and their local knowledge allows them to respond quickly and effectively when need arises. That is why their value goes well beyond what can easily be measured.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. That is welcome progress, and it is welcome that those people got timely treatment. I am sure that the Minister will join me in recognising the staff who are at the front end of that service delivery. <BR /> <BR />What impact is the lack of budget certainty having on the delivery of the targets?”
“Their input and lived experience helped shape the Bill throughout its passage. <BR /> <BR />As the Bill moves to Royal Assent, the focus must now be on implementation. That includes introducing the necessary regulations alongside guidance and action plans to support consistent delivery in practice. As I have said at previous stages, it is also essential that the Bill's measures are properly resourced and clearly understood so that they also deliver in practice. <BR /> <BR />This is a positive and important step, and we fully support the Bill.”
“I welcome the Sign Language Bill reaching its Final Stage this afternoon. As has been said, the Bill provides formal recognition for British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language and puts in place a framework to support their greater use and improve accessibility for the deaf community across Northern Ireland. As others have highlighted, it also places duties on the Department for Communities and prescribed organisations to take steps to ensure that information and services are accessible. Like other Members, I acknowledge the work of the Minister, his officials, my Committee colleagues and the Committee staff and wider Assembly teams for their role in supporting the scrutiny and overall progression of the Bill. In particular, I recognise the engagement of the deaf community.”
“I am sure that, like me, the Minister has engaged with the wider community, but some of the concerns that were raised with me were, as I mentioned in my remarks, about resourcing. Can the Minister state clearly that he will leave a directive in his Department that, if he is not the Minister in the next mandate, resourcing will not be an issue?”
“That does not mean that the Bill will not work, but it means that how it is interpreted and applied will matter. <BR /> <BR />It is also important that the Department make sure that the resources are in place to support delivery. What matters now is delivery, whether people can access support when they need it, whether the provision is consistent and whether it makes a real difference in their day-to-day lives. That is what the Bill will be judged on.”
“We will support the amendments that change the definition so that it now covers those who, at any time, use or will ever benefit from the use of British Sign Language or Irish Sign Language for communication. It is clear that those amendments aim to add a bit more clarity while staying within what the Assembly has already agreed. That matters because the definition shapes whom the Bill is aimed at and how it will work in practice. If it is too broad, as we previously highlighted, there is a risk that the focus will be lost, particularly when resources are under pressure. If it is too tight, people get left out. At the minute, it still feels as though that balance has not quite been struck, but we appreciate that the Department is constrained by the Bill as agreed so far and the need to stay true to the will of the House.”
“The framework will not mean much if the support is not there when people need it. If fees are to apply in some cases, that needs to be handled carefully. Even if they make sense on paper, they cannot become a barrier in practice. The point is simple: the Department needs to ensure that the Bill is properly resourced and that it works in practice. Otherwise, what is set out here will not match what people experience on the ground. <BR /> <BR />In clause 12, amendment Nos 5 to 8 propose some targeted changes to the wording following what the Assembly agreed at Consideration Stage. We did not support that change at the time, and those concerns remain.”
“Overall, the amendments set out clause 2 more clearly, but, as before, the issue is not entirely one of structure; it is also one of delivery.”
“That keeps the original intent, but it lays it out in a better way that is easier to follow and, hopefully, easier to deliver. Amendment No 3 maintains the intent of the original amendment, allowing fees to apply for the second group, retaining the safeguard that income cannot exceed the cost of provision and changing the regulations from negative to affirmative procedure.”
“Amendment Nos 1 to 4 make things clearer, so we support them. As the Minister set out, amendment No 1 removes the earlier general provision for classes to be free of charge and replaces it with a more structured approach that retains free access for those under 25, and amendment No 2 replaces previous wording with a reference to "two eligible categories". As was mentioned, those are paving amendments to amendment No 3, which sets out the aforementioned categories clearly. Amendment No 4 finishes that off by removing the earlier subsections to avoid duplication. <BR /> <BR />The amendments will result in two groups being set out in the Bill: those under 25 who are deaf and those aged 25 and over who have become deaf, along with their close families, carers and, for under-25s, guardians.”
“I thank the Member for his follow-up question and for his focus on accessibility and disability as chairperson of the all-party group on disability. He raises an important matter. As I said in my opening remarks, we want to make sure that Parliament Buildings is accessible for all. As I understand it, the issue that the Member raised falls just outside the purview of the Assembly Commission and lies with the Department of Finance. However, I am more than happy to take the matter back and raise it to see how we can bring further focus to it.”
“Public awareness has been raised through the Commission’s website, social media campaigns, Tripadvisor and occasional articles in the local press. Given the excellent service provided, word of mouth has played an important role in raising public awareness. In 2025, 8,090 people enjoyed lunch or afternoon tea in the Members' Dining Room and 9,652 transactions were recorded in the Speaker's Corner coffee shop.”
“We encourage visitors who have additional accessibility requirements to make advance contact with officials so that they can discuss their individual needs or, upon arrival, with the ushering or visitor experience team. <BR /> <BR />In 2025, approximately 50,000 individuals visited Parliament Buildings for a range of purposes, such as casual visits, tours, attendance at functions and events, educational visits and Assembly business meetings. Given the nature of the support services contract, which provides catering throughout Parliament Buildings, a joint approach is taken between the Assembly Commission and the service provider to promote the catering outlets open to the public, namely, the Speaker's Corner gift and coffee shop and the Members' Dining Room.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission's approach to promoting access to Parliament Buildings and its services has been developed in consultation with the Equality Commission and underlines our commitment to be an Assembly for everyone. People visit Parliament Buildings for a range of reasons, and the Commission is committed to providing an exemplary and accessible service for all visitors in a manner that respects their dignity and independence and promotes equality of opportunity and choice. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly website has comprehensive information about visiting Parliament Buildings in a variety of formats, including easy-read and a video. The website also has contact details of staff who can assist visitors and answer any questions via telephone or email.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question, which is an important question. The Assembly Commission is focused on connecting with as wide and diverse an audience as possible through social media and across several platforms. Staff produce videos and images to explain the work of the Assembly, as well as providing coverage of major events, including Committee activities, public outreach and Speaker engagements. Staff also produce "This Week at the Northern Ireland Assembly" posts, which detail the Business Diary and highlight an Assembly-explained term of the week. There is also a monthly "Did You Know?" series that tells the story of the Assembly and Parliament Buildings' history while informing the public about how they can visit and get involved.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Youth Assembly has commenced its third mandate. During mandate two, its Members made a significant contribution to public discourse, and their work has been positively referenced on numerous occasions by Members in this Chamber. It is anticipated that the Youth Assembly’s interaction with Assembly Committees will increase in pursuit of its legislative scrutiny and presentation roles. <BR /> <BR />The visitor experience team plays an important role in providing a warm and professional welcome to all visitors to Parliament Buildings while delivering informative and engaging tours. In 2025, 770 tours were delivered, which is an increase of 35% compared with the previous year, and the number of events hosted in Parliament Buildings almost doubled to 593.”
“Outreach Parliaments are another key element of the public engagement strategy. In 2025, the Women’s Parliament and the Disabled People’s Parliament clearly demonstrated the impact of public participation, and the feedback underlined their value. <BR /> <BR />Community outreach work increased last year with 62 Assembly Explained workshops delivered to almost 1,300 participants in Parliament Buildings and across constituencies. Those workshops are designed to give people the confidence and knowledge to engage further with the Assembly’s work. <BR /> <BR />The Education Service provides a respected, curriculum-aligned programme for a range of educational settings. In 2025, the team delivered to almost 9,000 pupils from nearly 300 schools and provided professional development sessions to more than 120 teachers.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I may require an additional minute for this answer. I thank the Member for her question. <BR /> <BR />In January 2025, the Assembly Commission approved a new public engagement strategy designed to increase public awareness, strengthen understanding and expand opportunities for meaningful participation in the work of the Assembly. Delivery of that strategy is well under way, and I welcome the opportunity to update the House on it. <BR /> <BR />In a very busy year of outreach, education and events activity that touched every constituency, we welcomed approximately 50,000 individuals to Parliament Buildings. The Assembly’s presence at the Balmoral show was a standout engagement activity in 2025, with 12,000 visitors to the Assembly marquee over the course of the four-day event.”
“I also welcome the scheme. In my time as an MLA, I have been contacted by many residents about nuisance parking. I will build on the question from my colleague to my right about enforcement. What assessment has the Department conducted of current enforcement capacity, and what additional enforcement will be required as more schemes come online?”
“He, Joanne, Gavin Robinson MP and I heard directly from those with lived experience during the Minister's visit on 29 January 2026. Their concerns are clear, and they have been raised for years. It is imperative that the concerns raised by families at that meeting are addressed in order to deliver long-term reliability and confidence in transport to Edgcumbe.”
“I also urge the consideration of a formal contingency arrangement so that, should transport fail — I hope that, through this intervention and other engagement that Joanne, Gavin and I have had with the Minister, it will not — individuals are not left out of pocket or unable to attend their day centre. <BR /> <BR />We all know the difference that Edgcumbe makes. The staff are dedicated and committed. I echo the comments of Ms Bunting in paying tribute to the dedicated staff. Their ability to deliver depends on the ability of those who attend to access the service. For those who rely on Edgcumbe, transport is not secondary to the service; it is what makes it possible. None of the issues will be new to the Minister.”
“Transport provision appears to be particularly affected, with drivers able to secure higher rates of pay from other employers. I recently raised that issue directly with the Minister, following representation from a constituent who was affected. I know that the Minister, the Department and the trust have been working to resolve that, but, to date, it has not been resolved satisfactorily. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that, if the structural issues are not addressed, reliability will continue to suffer. I ask the Minister to outline how many journeys to Edgcumbe have been cancelled in the past year due to driver shortages, whether driver pay and conditions have been benchmarked against comparable roles and what concrete steps are being taken to improve stability in this area.”