Daniel McCrossan
West Tyrone · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for giving way. She has raised some points of interest. Aside from the Bill at hand, the Department of Finance currently collects rates from property owners across Northern Ireland. I have found that there can be difficulties with that when properties have been lying vacant for a significant period.”
“That applies in particular to those who have been land-banking over a period of time — that happens everywhere, unfortunately — with the hope that the big cash cow will be coming and, ultimately, they will be relieved of their responsibility to maintain, look after and enhance the landscape in a town or village by spending the necessary f…”
“As is often the case when we speak in the House, it may be that some ratepayers or members of the public will take it as a given that the Bill will be the silver bullet that will resolve the dilapidation issues in towns. Depending on which area you are in, the scale is very different.”
“We need to be creative in how we can put the Bill to task. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, as I have said, it is good policy. I have no question that the Bill is well intended.”
“<BR /> <BR />Addressing dilapidation is not simply a matter for local government in isolation. The responsibility lies with the Executive as a whole. The Executive have had their eyes closed to this matter for too long, and many of our buildings have deteriorated significantly across council areas over a long period.”
“That encourages private investment, and there is natural enhancement from those investors. However, in areas that lag behind because of economic decline, underinvestment and general deprivation, many towns and cities can quickly become the poor cousin.”
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“They are not just statistics, but real lives, real children and real families, many of whom have contacted my office and the offices of many colleagues from across the House at one point or another about deteriorating mental health, the relentless pressure to conform online and the bullying that follows young people from the schoolyard into their homes and the impact that that has on their well-being. The classroom should be a place of safety and focus. It should be an environment where young minds are nurtured, concentration is possible and students can be present in the moment without being distracted by an endless stream of notifications, filtered messages or TikTok trends.”
“However, it is about recognising that, when it comes to the most vulnerable members of our society — our children — we have a responsibility to act in their best interests, even when those actions are not easy or popular. This important discussion will not be popular amongst young people, but it is in their best interests that we are having it. <BR /> <BR />The evidence is overwhelming. As my colleague rightly pointed out, the rising tide of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and, in some instances, disrupted sleep among young people is being fuelled, in large part, by excessive smartphone use and constant exposure to social media.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I thank my SDLP colleague and education spokesperson, Cara Hunter, for proposing this important motion. It is clear, from the contributions of Members from across the House, that there is serious concern about the online harm of young people and that we all share the view that it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Indeed, it has been a problem for some time. It can no longer go unchecked or unregulated. It has had a profound impact on our children and young people in terms of their health, their well-being and their education in our schools. <BR /> <BR />This is not about rejecting technology. Members have been quite clear on the importance of the digital age that we are in and how we need to ensure that we keep up with ever-changing trends.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. She makes a very important and valid point. Does she agree that there needs to be a greater duty on social media platforms to protect our children? There is a child protection issue here to which children are being exposed because of the failings of the social media companies. Surely our influence as an Assembly must be used to put pressure on the British Government to act now and ensure that swift penalties are in place when social media companies fail in that regard.”
“Will the Member agree that, whatever restrictions are put in place, they are extremely difficult to police? In fact, the PSNI struggles to keep up with our ever-changing digital world. How does the Member suggest that we protect our children, if he does not agree with an outright ban?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does that mean that his TDs in the South, just down the road from where I live, are out of touch, given the €115,000 that they accept?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. It is important to point out what is realistic in the comparisons that are made. We share this island with the Irish jurisdiction, and people consider this to be one island. You talked about the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Gaston, but you would do well to respect the wishes and views of people in this House when it comes to that, instead of being so dismissive. <BR /> <BR />I am not a fan of abstentionism, but there is a suggestion that could unite the House. If Mr Gaston feels so aggrieved by all the things that have gone on, we would be unanimous in supporting him as an abstentionist from this place.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. In the interest of fact, it is important to point out that the House has more legislative authority than the Welsh Parliament does. I put that on the record, because you are missing the point to suit your own agenda. <BR /> <BR />It is also worth pointing out that, while Mr Gaston feels so strongly about this, his party leader accepted a pay increase in April. Guess what? I have struggled to find a single word of complaint from the TUV about that increase in salary to up to £93,904 per year. Amazing.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to thank those involved in the multi-agency response, including the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI lifeboats, the Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo and local gardaí and ambulance services, and to thank the community and everybody else who rallied around the families to support them at what is a devastating time.”
“Unfortunately, I have known numerous people from my constituency — my age, younger and older — who have died in the past number of years as a result of entering various waterways in West Tyrone. The tragedy is incomprehensible. When the news came through on Saturday after 4.00 pm, our hearts were in Donegal, and our thoughts and prayers were with the three young lads, their families and the entire community. What happened affects us all, because, at any time in life, such a tragedy could come to our own door. We therefore need to be conscious at all times of how easily something can go wrong.”
“Sadly, as a result of a simple get-together with friends while enjoying the sun, two lives were lost: Emmanuel Familola, 16 years of age and originally from Nigeria; and Matt Sibanda, 18 years of age and originally from Zimbabwe. Luckily, if that is even a word that we can use in the context, there was not a third victim. Today, our thoughts are with the young lad who is recovering in hospital. From the details that I have heard, he is lucky to be alive. <BR /> <BR />It is so important that we send a very clear message that open water is not safe. Please act with great care. We ask parents of children and young people, who will be out enjoying the weather in the week ahead, to alert them to the very real dangers.”
“On Saturday, as the sun shone brightly and temperatures soared, many of us — young and old, families and friends — gathered at beaches and various resorts across the island of Ireland to enjoy weather that we have not been able to enjoy for some years. With that, at various times over the years, has unfortunately come tragedy, not just in open water but in quarries and other places. It was simple day out for three friends — three young lads — who were playing football near the shoreline when their ball went into the water. In an attempt to retrieve it, they entered the sea. Unfortunately, they encountered difficulties owing to the strong currents.”
“Minister, what are you doing to work with the Minister for Communities to ensure that we protect our built heritage, which is falling down around us daily?”
“Minister, I hope that you will agree that the track record of this place in looking after our built heritage has been abysmal. In fact, answers to recent questions that I have raised with the Minister for Communities have revealed that there is no funding to support owners of listed buildings to help them to restore or make safe those buildings. In fact, if you delve further into that, Minister, you will find that there is a minimal fund of, I think, around £300,000 that is supposed to deal with that entire section.”
“Has there been any indication at all from the British Government that that would be favourable? If not, what is your Department willing to do to throw a lifeline to the hospitality businesses that are deeply struggling right across Northern Ireland?”
“Thank you, Minister. Late last week, I met a group of local vintners, and I must declare an interest as the director of a hospitality company. Those vintners expressed deep concern about the challenges facing the sector in relation to increased costs around energy, increase in rates and wider challenges in trying to compete with tourism hot spots like the city of Derry, if you are from Strabane, or Fermanagh, if you are living in Omagh and operating a business. <BR /> <BR />You said that there have been discussions in the South in relation to a reduction in VAT. On numerous occasions, you have also said that you have had discussions with the British Government about a potential reduction for hospitality here in Northern Ireland. What has happened to progress those discussions?”
“We need a funding model that recognises and supports the vital role of all providers, statutory, community and voluntary alike; one that gives them the stability that they need to plan, grow and continue to deliver for our children. <BR /> <BR />I will end my remarks with this appeal: let us listen to those on the ground — those who deliver these services day in, day out. Let us build a system that works for them and, most importantly, works for children and families right across West Tyrone and beyond.”
“We cannot continue with a system that leaves providers in the dark and forces them to plan staffing and service delivery around unpredictable and unclear decisions and timelines. That is not sustainable. It is putting the sector at risk, and it is simply not fair or practical. <BR /> <BR />The impact is real: community settings lose places or, in some cases, close entirely; families are left with fewer options; parents struggle to access childcare; children miss out on vital early learning experiences; and rural working-class communities are hit hardest. It is about more than numbers. It is about fairness, equality and giving every child the best start in life regardless of where they live or what type of setting they attend.”
“Let us be honest, however: that is only part of the solution. What providers need is long-term stability and a fair, transparent allocation system. They need to be treated as equal partners, not as second-class providers. <BR /> <BR />I have already been contacted by several such providers in West Tyrone who are very frustrated and concerned, not just because of the number of places that are allocated but because, in their opinion, there is no transparency about how those decisions are actually reached. They are asking who decides what criteria are used and how that can be appealed, if, indeed, there is any mechanism whatsoever. Those are entirely reasonable questions. They deserve answers.”
“They offer trusted, high-quality early years education, often in areas where statutory provision simply does not exist, yet, year after year, they are left to struggle in uncertainty to secure places and funding without any actual reassurance, certainty or clarity and often without any fairness whatsoever. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge that steps are being taken. The Department for the Economy is carrying out a scoping exercise to assess business support needs across the early learning and childcare sector, and we are expecting a report soon in that regard. I also welcome the increase in funding from £2,150 to £2,550 per child per year from September 2024 and the one-off payment of £100 per child, which, although small, is also a recognition of the pressure that those settings are facing.”
“The Education Authority determines the number of funded non-statutory preschool places annually based on an assessment of local need, but the reality is that the community and voluntary providers are not guaranteed a minimum allocation and, sometimes, not even a single funded place, which is causing numerous concerns. That approach creates a divide between the statutory and non-statutory sectors and undermines community and voluntary settings. It puts them at a disadvantage and limits the choice that is available to parents. Those providers are vital to our local communities.”
“I thank my constituency colleague Nicola Brogan for securing this important Adjournment debate. The issue obviously is not unique to West Tyrone — it affects many constituencies across the North — but we are acutely aware of it in our rural constituency. It is also appropriate to record our sincerest appreciation to the staff and teachers for the huge amount of work that they do and the important role that they play in providing that vital service. As my colleague outlined, that enabling service has many benefits for local families in our community. <BR /> <BR />Every year, my office, like those of many others in the House, is contacted by concerned parents and providers about the allocation of preschool places. It is a recurring issue that continues to cause considerable worry and frustration.”
“Sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker, I did not realise that I had been put down to speak. I agree with everything that the Chair has said, and I am happy enough. The Minister will be pleased to know that.”
“My message this morning is simple. Enough of the delays, enough of the challenges and enough of the deaths. It is time for the A5 to be delivered in its entirety so that we can fulfil the promise that was made to the people in the west of the island and ensure that no one else loses their life travelling to work, travelling back to their family or making a daily journey.”
“Every town and village in my constituency leads to the A5. We have only one mode of transport should we want to get anywhere in a timely fashion: in a car or another vehicle. Every day, through no fault of our own, our lives are therefore at risk.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important today that a unanimous and clear message comes from all politicians across the House that the upgrade of the A5 is essential to ensure that we save human lives, that we protect human lives and that we ensure the safety of the people travelling there. That is before we even get to the economic arguments about the benefits that that road will bring to that part of the island. For people who have the luxury of living on the doorstep of trains and good public transport links, people in Tyrone do not enjoy those benefits. We are forced onto that road on a daily basis.”
“That is what justifies the need for its immediate and absolute upgrade. <BR /> <BR />The road upgrade has been fraught with delays, difficulties and many challenges over the past number of years, and a small number of individuals are adamant about seeing out their objection. They have their right to do that before the court, however the value of human life is paramount. In fact, it is above all else. I understand some of the arguments that are being made. There are concerns about the environment and land, but none of that should trump the value of a single human life.”
“This morning, the judicial review on the A5 is before the High Court, and I had the pleasure of standing with the families and the campaign groups outside the court this morning, along with colleagues from the Assembly. People today are united in their fight for the A5. Indeed, that road, although it has been a symbol of devastation and pain, unites us in our drive to get its upgrade fully delivered. For the past number of years — for decades, in fact — that road has claimed countless lives. It does not discriminate. It has taken the lives of people from all age groups and all backgrounds: husbands, wives, sons, daughters, grandparents, neighbours and friends. Daily, all who travel on that road are at risk for a very simple reason: it is, in my view, the most dangerous road on these islands.”
“They were two pillars of the Housing Executive in the area, who will be deeply missed. Their retirement will be acutely felt locally: knowing that there is someone who understands the challenges faced by our local people has been an important aspect of the service. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the House, I pay tribute to two outstanding public servants and wish them well on their retirement. On behalf of my constituents from right across West Tyrone, particularly the Strabane and Derry area, I thank them for their years of outstanding service. Forty-one years of service is quite an achievement, and I wish them well and thank them for all that they have done for the people whom I represent.”
“I pay tribute to a local housing champion and outstanding public servant. Noel McNulty, who is from Strabane, served the Housing Executive and the people of Strabane for 41 years, which is an incredible achievement. Throughout those 41 years, he was there at first hand supporting with absolute kindness and compassion people to find quality housing and navigate the various challenges that they faced. Over the past 10 years, as a public representative for West Tyrone, I found Noel to be extremely accessible, very helpful and understanding of the various challenges that people face. <BR /> <BR />Noel's retirement follows that of Bernie Houston, who retired a number of months ago from the local office after over 40 years of public service to the people of the area.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. This is, indeed, a hugely important area, and it is close to my heart not only as a local MLA but personally. Does the Member agree that, if those who are struggling with addiction cannot access to the support and services that they need, that has a direct consequence for families, who are desperate for help and often find themselves battering at a locked door?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member will know that child poverty costs our society £1 billion a year. I am not sure whether he saw this, but a report by the King's Trust last week suggested that almost half of young people in Northern Ireland feel anxious daily about their future here. Does he agree that the document does little to alleviate those worries and that, in fact, it is quite depressing and does nothing to offer hope to people across our society?”
“Thank you, Minister. Given the pace at which government operates in this place, the question that we probably all have is about when they will be finished. Given that one of the key hurdles in delivering housing in Northern Ireland is a lack of waste water infrastructure, as someone who sits at the Executive table, Minister, are you disappointed that the lack of investment in waste water infrastructure has not even been mentioned in the document? Is your target an actual target?”
“They were outstanding examples of public service at its best. I have no doubt that Raymond and Sean's legacy will be imprinted on their families and the entire community. They have gifted our town a lifetime of cherished memories, dedicated public service and unwavering human decency and kindness. They both embodied the essence of Strabane at its finest. On behalf of the House, I pass on sincere condolences to both families and our thanks to those two gentlemen, who stood the test of time and survived in business during the most challenging times for our people.”
“Sean McGrane was a gentleman. His business was Strabane's version of 'Are You Being Served?'. He was sure to meet you at the door; he looked after all of your needs; and you never left empty-handed. He was often accompanied by his wonderful wife, Sheila. He will be sorely missed by the Strabane community. Raymond Kirk was a monumental figure in Strabane. He came from Clady and not only fell in love in Strabane but set up a business there that has survived 67 years under his leadership. Sadly, he passed away last week after a long illness. He also paid a significant contribution to the community. He was heavily involved in St Pat's hall and the local church and had a huge impact on the local GAA, particularly the Strabane Sigersons club. <BR /> <BR />The shops of those two individuals were just a few doors apart.”
“I pay tribute to two significant Strabane figures who passed away in the past week: Raymond Kirk and Sean McGrane. They were local businessmen who, between them, had over 100 years of business experience working in their menswear businesses. They supported and clothed many generations of Strabane families through the years. I pay tribute to them because of the overwhelming contribution that they made to our community over many decades. They were weaved into the fabric of Strabane's once-bustling business town. Today, in 2025, their businesses live on through the people to whom they handed them on.”
“Thank you, Minister. The Budget for 2025-26 could result in the ending of the skills fund. What steps are you taking to protect its funding?”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. I also welcome the fact that he will meet the Men's Sheds Association, should it seek a meeting. In fact, it would be great if he could see its representatives today, briefly, as they are in the Building. As I am sure the Minister will understand, it will take a small amount to fund that important organisation and the work that it does, even considering the budget constraints. Will the Minister and the Health Minister work together to see whether they can find some funding, no matter how modest, to at least assist the Men's Sheds Association in its important work that will have considerable benefits for the health and well-being of those involved?”
“If it were such a priority for the Executive, why did that entire budget for reform not go to the Minister of Health to help him to reform our health service? The Minister knows what the problems are; Mrs Dodds knows what they are; Linda Dillon listed what they are. We all know the problems. The Minister of Finance, along with the First Minister and the deputy First Minister and their Executive colleagues, need to put the funding where it needs to be in Health and help to drive a reform agenda to fix the problems. <BR /> <BR />Our people have suffered enough. They have listened to the excuses. They have seen the failures of this place. We have one opportunity. It needs to be fixed now, before others continue to suffer.”
“Instead of facing up to the emergency, some want to water down the motion with a weak amendment that does nothing but give the Executive an easy way out. For too long, the Executive have had too many easy ways out. <BR /> <BR />A total of 400,000 people are on a waiting list, suffering daily. Countless people are sitting in emergency departments for over 20 hours. People who are struggling with mental health and addiction sit, today, in desperate need of an intervention. Whilst all that suffering continues and our people plead with us as their elected representatives, turning to us in desperation, all we say to them is, "It's being looked at. We recognise the problem". It is not good enough. People demand better. <BR /> <BR />There was a plan for transformation: a £200 million reform budget.”
“In turn, the lack of action and resolution of some of the problems that we face is having a direct impact on the health and well-being of the very people whom we rely on to help us — our healthcare workers, who are burnt out and exhausted. <BR /> <BR />I listened to Members across the House, and I agree with their various frustrations. This is an issue that unites us and that we want to resolve. Let us stop talking about these things and get down and do it. This is a small place: it is six counties, 11 council areas and 18 constituencies. It is not rocket science. If there were the political will to resolve the problems in the health service in this place, it would be done. That is why I am so disappointed by the DUP amendment.”
“He says that that report has not sat on a shelf, but it is frustrating for anyone in the House who remembers that the concerns that the Minister raises today are the exact concerns that were raised by the then Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill, when the Bengoa report was launched in the House eight years ago. The now First Minister forgets to mention that. <BR /> <BR />Yes, the problems that we face may be similar to those in other areas, but they have been worsened by a lack of political responsibility and leadership. Parties here duck and dive around the critical issues, but health does not discriminate. Every Member in the House will be affected.”
“<BR /> <BR />I know that the Minister is frustrated, because I hear it in his voice. I know that he is frustrated with us and with the tone and content of the motion. However, the fact is that we are reflecting the feelings of the people across our constituencies who are sitting in hospitals and suffering on waiting lists. People are dying, when they should have received treatment in a timely fashion. Those people are taxpayers. They make their contributions every month and work tirelessly to pay into a system that is, in truth, failing them. That adds to their suffering. <BR /> <BR />It is not good enough to sit in the House time and again and listen to the same old excuses. As the Minister rightly points out, it is eight years since Bengoa.”
“Health is not a priority for some parties. They talk about it and react to it, but there is no proactivity whatever when it comes to bringing about solutions to the critical issues facing our people. <BR /> <BR />The truth is that the health service is in crisis. That is a word that we hear a lot in the House. However, it is also a fact that, since the Executive returned, the situation has worsened. The Executive parties point at each other instead of sitting down and asking, "What can we actually do to resolve this problem?". We talk about a lack of funding. Yes, we all agree that there is a funding issue, but that is not the only issue. There are wider issues in relation to management. There are things that can be fixed. There are things that we could see more progress on.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />As many colleagues have said, it is a year today since the Assembly and Executive returned. It is clear that there is absolutely nothing to celebrate, given the critical issues that face our people. Indeed, what people forget, when they talk about the return of the Assembly a year ago, is that we should have been here three years ago, when we were originally given a mandate by the people across Northern Ireland to come here and do the work that we are elected to do, which is to fix the problems in the health service and a wide range of other serious issues. In fact, if health were such a priority for the two parties that were culpable for collapsing the institutions on separate occasions, they would never have collapsed at all. That speaks to the truth.”
“<BR /> <BR />You can see from those names and ages, Mr Speaker, that so many lives were impacted on and so many were taken far too young. As I felt in the inquiry last week — I will attend it again this week — the pain is as acute today, and the void is so real for those families. We think on them as they share the stories of their journeys of such terrible and tremendous loss.”
“With your indulgence, Mr Speaker, I will read into the record the names of the 29 victims murdered by the Real IRA on that day. They were James Barker, aged 12; Fernando Baselga, aged 12; Geraldine Breslin, aged 43; Deborah Anne Cartwright, aged 20; Gareth Conway, aged 18; Breda Devine, aged 20 months; Oran Doherty, aged 8; Aidan Gallagher, aged 21; Esther Gibson, aged 36; Mary Grimes, aged 65; Olive Hawkes, aged 60; Julia Hughes, aged 21; Brenda Logue, aged 17; Ann McCombe, aged 45; Brian McCrory, aged 54; Samantha McFarland, aged 17; Sean McGrath, aged 61; Sean McLaughlin, aged 12; Jolene Marlow, aged 17; Avril Monaghan, aged 30, who was killed along with her unborn twins; Maura Monaghan, aged 18 months; Alan Radford, aged 16; Rocio Ramos, aged 23; Elizabeth Rush, aged 57; Veda Short, aged 46; Philomena Skelton, aged 39; Fred White, aged 60; Bryan White, aged 27; and Lorraine Wilson, aged 15.”
“The pain, the anger, the frustration, the sense of loss and the void left by the lives that were stolen from many families in Omagh are acutely felt. Given what the Omagh families went through in order to get the inquiry, it is important that the House stand united today in thinking of all those who were affected: not just those who lost loved ones and those who died but the hundreds of people who were injured and the many others who were affected on that day.”
“As I stand here, the Omagh bomb inquiry is ongoing in Omagh. I attended it last week to meet the families of those who lost loved ones and suffered the worst possible consequences of what was the most horrendous day of our very dark past.”
“I thank the Minister for the update on this all-important project. The Minister and his Department are working to see the road fully developed. We await the court case that is due in March. I attended the initial hearing. Will the Minister tell us what power or influence he has to ensure that his Department objects to any request by the objectors for their costs to be capped because there has been no cap on the cost to the taxpayer when it comes to the cost of the project, which has spiralled beyond all recognition?”