Gerry Kelly
North Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Accountability and implementation have been mentioned a number of times. The test in all of this will be the speed of implementation. I declare an interest, in that my sister Peggy, who was next in the family to me, spent time in Muckamore many years ago.”
“I will finish in one second. When I asked her how she was doing, she said that she wanted me to go and help others. That is what she spent our time together talking about. <BR /> <BR />We are talking not just about closing Muckamore but about resettling people.”
“I understand that the amendment is not a panacea. Ultimately, however, it will improve the tools at the police's disposal. <BR /> <BR />There is a further issue regarding what happens to the vehicles once they are seized.”
“Sinn Féin supports all three of the amendments in group five. As we know, amendment Nos 74 and 75 will introduce new powers to allow the police do drug testing at checkpoints and road traffic collisions, which will bring drug testing in line with existing alcohol breath testing. It is a necessary step to ensure public safety.”
“We talked about regulations earlier, and a number of Members said that we may have to return to the issue. I understand that we are dealing with one particular issue in the Bill, but the Minister may agree that it is something that we should come back to as our experience of what is happening grows.”
“<BR /> <BR />In West Belfast just last week, at least two children were hospitalised as a result of collisions involving e-scooters and e-bikes, including one in which a young person's head went through the back window of a car. They are very lucky to be alive.”
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“I do not think that I will need five minutes. Members have listened to the debate all along. There is much agreement on the body of the motion and the amendments. There is clearly some disagreement. <BR /> <BR />About 25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, paramilitaries should be disbanded. Everybody has agreed to it. Robust law enforcement continues. I just need to emphasise that. That has not gone away. It has not disappeared. It has been there all along and will continue, no matter what we decide here tonight. There should be no incentives. There should be no community workers by day and drug dealers by night. However, simply calling on them to disband has not achieved that goal, and all parties demanding their disbandment can now sound a bit like they are sloganeering as opposed to any actual movement because of where they are.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“<BR /> <BR />While I believe that most Members, including me, will agree with many of the points that are made in the Alliance motion, Sinn Féin believes that the time-bound initiative that is proposed by the Irish and British Governments should not be dismissed out of hand but should, instead, be tested. That is all that is being asked for here. There is little to lose and, at least potentially, a lot to gain for those communities and individuals who suffer from those paramilitaries and crime gangs. I urge Members to support the Sinn Féin amendment.”
“This is about saying, "Let us have a fresh look at it". <BR /> <BR />As armed groups are still in existence 27 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, the initiative by the two Governments should proceed and the response should be analysed as I described. There are no guarantees of its success. We know that before we start. However, it is worth pursuing within the tight time frame that has been outlined, because we do not want it to go on for years and years. Those groups must realise that that initiative represents a genuine, but final, attempt to facilitate a process of long-overdue transition for all armed groups. I urge them to avail themselves of it.”
“I lost my place there. <BR /> <BR />The IRC has put forward, in its reports for the past three years, a recommendation to introduce the concept of group transition. The initial programme was predicated on individuals making the transition from paramilitarism. It should be said that, actually, quite a lot of that has happened. It now believes that the twin-track approach should be augmented by introducing an external, trusted individual to conduct a scoping exercise with those groups within a tight time frame and devoid of any financial inducements. I should emphasise that it is asking for an individual of standing, who will be trusted to scope out and come up with ideas. That is what the job is. It is not another way to repeat what has happened in the past. The whole point is that we have got this far.”
“It is wrong to think that that has not been happening or that it will not continue to happen, and all that. While, in communities, we get certain reports coming through about the effect of that from time to time — well, fairly regularly, actually, at the Policing Board —”
“That point was heavily articulated by the previous two Members to speak. Last summer, the PSNI confirmed that some members of those groups were heavily involved in racist attacks on vulnerable families and business premises that were owned by ethnic minorities. It would be remiss of me not to take the opportunity to applaud the good work that is being done by a range of community groups, NGOs and statutory bodies in delivering the various programmes that are funded under the tackling paramilitarism banner. They are referenced in the recent Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) report and are making a difference in communities that are exposed to the scourge of paramilitaries and armed groups. <BR /> <BR />I must make another point about the PSNI. The police are taking a robust approach to criminality.”
“They must go out of existence, and their former members must abide by the key Mitchell principles of resolving political issues through solely democratic and exclusively peaceful means. Any exit strategy should not involve any form of financial inducement or reward. The twin-track approach to tackling paramilitary and armed groups remains a vital strategy. It incorporates a comprehensive criminal justice response, alongside the targeting of deep-rooted socio-economic conditions in areas of high deprivation that cultivate the conditions for such groups to emerge. <BR /> <BR />Armed groups cannot and do not make any positive contributions to remedy quality-of-life issues in working-class communities. Indeed, the opposite is, of course, the case: their only contribution is measured through the pursuit of control, criminality and coercion.”
“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I, along with other colleagues, took part in the Fresh Start negotiations in 2015. The tackling paramilitarism, criminality and organised crime programme emerged from those negotiations. Since then, on behalf of Sinn Féin, I have been a member — this was mentioned by Doug — of the political advisory group for the tackling paramilitarism programme and have attended its meetings on a regular basis, as have other Members in the House. <BR /> <BR />Some 27 years from the Good Friday Agreement, there is no tolerance or, indeed, role for armed groups of whatever label — I think that we all agree with that — to continue to exist and remain active in our society. Their continued existence constitutes the remnants of our troubled past and serves no positive or meaningful contribution to our shared future.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“This victory is for them all to cherish. Up the Reds.”
“to the players, the staff and all the fans.”
“With the same passion, dedication and community spirit, there is no limit to what can be achieved. Let us continue the passion and support — support that the team has earned — and inspire the next generation of Cliftonville legends. Comhghairdeas”
“The victory, as they would say themselves, is not just about the players on the pitch; it is about every supporter who filled the stands, every coach who dedicated countless hours and every volunteer who worked behind the scenes. It is about the young fans who now dream of following in the footsteps of their heroes and the seasoned supporters who have lived and breathed Cliftonville all their lives. <BR /> <BR />In the spirit of good sportsmanship — there may be some Glentoran fans here; there is one who is brave enough to put up their hand — let us acknowledge Glentoran for its spirited performance. Such matches highlight the passion and talent in the league. As the achievement is celebrated, let us carry forward the momentum — the Irish Cup awaits.”
“A Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle, as you know, yesterday was a momentous day for North Belfast and the Reds fans across the North. The build-up to the final of the BetMcLean Cup was incredible, with thousands of fans getting behind the team and showing their passion and belief, and the players delivered when it mattered most. <BR /> <BR />The final was a testament to the grit and determination that define Cliftonville Football Club. In a thrilling match at Windsor Park, North Belfast's own Joe Gormley etched his name deeper into the club's history with his incredible 289th goal for the Reds. Joe secured victory in extra time, showcasing once again why he is affectionately known as "Joe the Goal". Let us also mention the young substitute Ryan Corrigan for his pass to Joe that helped to set up the goal.”
“I appreciate the Minister's giving the detail. However, given the concerns around climate change and the probability that extreme weather events, such as the storm that we witnessed, will become more frequent, could the Minister detail any forward-looking work that is being undertaken? I appreciate that he is still dealing with storm Éowyn.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.”
“I understand that the Minister may not have read the full judgement. However, given what we know of it, does she agree that the judgement did not say that collusion by state forces did not take place?”
“More specifically, what impact will the Budget settlement have on the Magee expansion?”
“all the rest of it. I always found him balanced, which is also quite hard to achieve, and he also had a good sense of humour. In the middle of a corridor or in the middle of doing something in the Great Hall, he gave you a wee bit of a laugh. He will be well remembered, and, of all his achievements, the fact that he has friends across the board in every quarter is as good a legacy as you can have, and that is alongside all the things that he achieved as a journalist. <BR /> <BR />He will be sadly missed. As someone who is around the same age as him — I am slightly older — I remember saying, "What would you like to be remembered as? As someone who had a very full life?", and he said, "As a good human being". That was a very simple thing to say, and I think that it goes for Ken.”
“His passion was a very quiet passion in all that he did, and, of course, he was a political animal. It is fair to say that I never heard him be abrasive, which says something about a journalist who has to deal with politicians and others. He was someone who it would have been very hard to fall out with, and he was highly respected by all, as we will find out today and as we have heard over the past number of days. During his illness, which was quite prolonged and happened in bouts, he showed a great courage and, of course, became an advocate for others who were suffering. <BR /> <BR />I remember him through all the negotiations, through the transition from them, through the Assembly, through the”
“I think that many people will want to speak about Ken Reid. As Jonathan said, he was liked by all, which, in itself, is a great achievement. <BR /> <BR />First, I send condolences to Ken's family and colleagues. I have listened to them, as Jonathan has, over the period since he passed. It is sometimes hard to listen to some of the stories, but he was clearly loved by his colleagues in journalism. I knew him since about the 1990s, so for quite a long period. He was north Belfast born and bred, which helped me, and he was a Cliftonville supporter, which also made it easier for the relationship. <BR /> <BR />I always found him to be very quiet, very respectful and very polite, but he was also very determined, because he was passionate about what he did.”
“Will the Minister consider holding a public inquiry to allow for a detailed independent examination before a final decision is issued?”
“Will the Minister expand on the expected outcome of the digital landscape review that she mentioned? Will projects go ahead in the same way after it is completed?”
“How will the work of the co-design group progress the recommendations in the independent report on community wealth building?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.”
“Ensuring that people have access to advice is essential, particularly during transitional periods and when managing debt. I pay tribute to the incredible work done in my constituency by organisations such as the Ardoyne Association, the Wolfhill Centre and Tar Isteach. A number of other organisations were mentioned, so forgive me for not having the full list. They all do very hard work and very important work. I urge the Minister to ensure that the anti-poverty strategy is bold and forward-thinking. While lifting individuals and families above the poverty line is an essential step, it is equally important to focus on fostering economic growth and creating opportunities that help to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”
“The First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister are pushing the British Government to provide increased resources for the Executive to be able to properly fund our public services.”
“It is imperative that we challenge those harmful policies, as the British Government's cuts to social support and underfunding through the block grant formula are deepening poverty.”
“Since he took office, it is clear that delivering positive change for workers and families is a priority for the Minister. <BR /> <BR />The anti-poverty strategy is due to be published by the Communities Minister, who must ensure that it, too, contains commitments. The anti-poverty strategy must tackle the widening gap between people's incomes and the cost of living, which has been exacerbated not only by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis but by years of cuts and the gutting of our public services by the British Government. <BR /> <BR />Policies such as the five-week wait for universal credit, which was mentioned by Nuala, and the two-child limit on benefits have undoubtedly contributed to the rise in child poverty, with over 45,000 children across the North of Ireland directly impacted.”
“Key to that is the anti-poverty strategy, and I take the opportunity to urge the Minister for Communities, as others have done — his is the lead Department — to bring the strategy forward as a matter of urgency and to ensure that it is not only effective but sustainable. That will require buy-in from all Ministers in a joined-up approach to policy development and, importantly, in resources. <BR /> <BR />The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, is moving to give our young people the skills, training and opportunities to reach their full potential. That can be achieved by addressing long-standing regional imbalances, investing in our communities and ensuring that employment opportunities pay a real living wage to help raise living standards. Each of those issues is covered in Conor Murphy's economic vision.”
“<BR /> <BR />For children, poverty leads to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity and malnutrition. Studies consistently show that children who live in poverty are more likely to face developmental delays and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Poor housing conditions such as dampness and mould further worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma. <BR /> <BR />The intersection of poverty, housing insecurity and chronic illness in North Belfast underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Addressing those interconnected issues must be a priority for various Departments, as a number of Members have said, to ensure that vulnerable families have the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty, improve their health and secure a brighter future.”
“There were over 47,000 applicants on the housing waiting list in March this year. The shortage is driving families into unsuitable temporary accommodation such as B&Bs and expensive private rentals. That places financial strain on families, deepening their poverty and widening social inequalities. The lack of stable housing also impacts mental health, particularly for children who face the anxiety and stress of frequent relocations and overcrowded living conditions. Those circumstances not only hinder children's access to education but prevent access to essential healthcare services, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty and poor social outcomes. Secure housing is foundational to improving living standards and combating poverty.”
“I also thank Nuala for bringing this important issue to our attention again. <BR /> <BR />The term to use for child poverty in North Belfast is "staggering". The statistic is that 29% of children live in poverty, as reported by the End Child Poverty Coalition on the basis of research from Loughborough University. In the North, over 20% of children, across all the constituencies, experience poverty. <BR /> <BR />Several factors contribute to child poverty, as we know, including high housing costs, which has been mentioned a number of times. There is a shortage of available housing, and there are restrictive policies such as the two-child limit on benefits. That policy alone affects over 45,000 children here, pushing larger families into economic hardship. <BR /> <BR />The growing housing crisis compounds the challenges.”
“He mentioned legislation. Will that be primary legislation from Westminster, or is it secondary legislation?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.”
“The Chief Constable went on to welcome and acknowledge the Justice Minister and permanent secretary's support in drawing up the recovery plan, and he signalled his intention to work with them in that regard. There is no demand from the Chief Constable for an apology. Sinn Féin wants to see proper funding for the recovery of police officer numbers, and we will continue to work constructively, collectively and positively with other parties in the Executive and the Assembly in calling on the British Government for proper investment in our public services. I encourage the authors of the motion to do the same.”
“It is important that we continue to work together constructively in pressing the British Government in that regard. <BR /> <BR />In that context, calling for a ministerial apology or accusations of gagging attempts by the Justice Department are not constructive. I was at the Policing Board meeting on Thursday, as were a number of other Members. I listened carefully to the public session with the Chief Constable, which was being streamed live. Jon Boutcher was forthright in his views. Let me quote some of his words. In summary, he said:”
“<BR /> <BR />The fact is that the North has been vastly underfunded. A decade and a half of Tory austerity has been a disaster for our public services. It has had a significant impact on our health and social care system, our education system and, of course, policing, to name just a few. The current British Government must change tack from their predecessors and properly invest in public services. The Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, supported by Executive colleagues, has led the efforts in calling on the British Government for further investment in public services. The four-party Executive and the Assembly have collectively called on the British Government to address the underfunding of the North so that we can meet the needs of our people.”
“First, let me declare an interest as a sitting member of the Policing Board. <BR /> <BR />I think that it is fair to state that the vast majority of Members, if not all Members, will agree that there are unprecedented resource difficulties for the PSNI. A Police Service with a minimum need of 7,500 police officers that is sitting at approximately 6,400 and is losing 300 officers annually through retirement is unsustainable and unacceptable. There are substantial gaps at all sections and levels of policing, as was mentioned. It is perhaps witnessed most readily in local areas, where the number and visibility of neighbourhood and local police officers has diminished drastically. There is a recruitment plan to increase the number of officers over the next three years to 7,000, but, of course, that will require funding.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister. I was not trying to take her by surprise, but, on the basis of talking about the future, does the deputy First Minister agree that the Executive and the Assembly parties must remain united in pressing the British Government for fair funding based on need to ensure that people and communities are supported?”
“, especially around what has been done through Urban Villages. Will she outline what has been achieved through revenue funding in North Belfast?”
“Does the Minister agree that improvements to the planning system can assist that?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin.”
“Can he expand a little on the benefits of employee-owned businesses for employees and employers?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin.”
“What does the ombudsman's absence mean for capacity? I presume that, since the legacy legislation came in, there is a backlog of reports and investigations that have been completed. Will the absence of the ombudsman affect the release of those reports?”
“She was unafraid of hierarchies or officialdom. She spoke her mind to help those in need and empowered others to do the same. <BR /> <BR />Although very ill and frail, Geraldine was determined to give evidence to the public inquiry into Muckamore. Members may remember seeing her and listening to her powerful words afterwards on television. She became a part of the families that she helped. When she was too frail to answer all enquiries, she set up a WhatsApp group. It was a large group, and what was noticeable was not just the messages to say prayers or of respect, but the outpouring of love for Geraldine. She will be very sadly missed, first by her son Josh and her wider family, but also by all those whose lives she touched. Hers was a life well lived.”
“I rise to speak about Geraldine O'Hagan, who died from cancer just a week ago after being diagnosed in March. She was only 53 years of age, but she filled her short adult life fighting for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. She worked for the Belfast Trust for decades, and, for the past four or five years, she worked as a family liaison senior social worker, attached to Muckamore Abbey Hospital. I met her while working with some families whose relatives were residents in Muckamore. I know that Linda Dillon worked with her on other cases, and I would not be surprised to hear that other MLAs knew Geraldine for her work. She was a caring, devoted and relentless champion for those most vulnerable patients and their families. She was a relentless voice for the voiceless. She was highly knowledgeable.”
“I add my voice, as I am sure everyone else does, to the condolences that he has sent out to those who have lost loved ones. On the basis of that, when can we expect the road safety strategy?”