Joanne Bunting
East Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Their input was instrumental in shaping the Bill that the Assembly will shortly be invited to pass. <BR /> <BR />For those affected by the mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and related pathways and practices, the process has taken too long, but we can be pleased that we got there, for the victims' sakes.”
“It is still cruel, disheartening and difficult to fully comprehend. I hope that the experiences of the many women who were affected by those institutions and practices will serve as a challenge to us all.”
“We thank all who participated in the Victims and Survivors Consultation Forum. We know that that has not always been an easy space, but we hope that, today, they can reflect on all their efforts with pride.”
“<BR /> <BR />To victims and survivors considering whether to engage with the redress service, I send an unequivocal message: the scheme exists because your experiences matter, and you need not face the process alone.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, the experience did not end with the institution itself; rather, for the victims and survivors — those women and children — the period has been a thread of pain that has woven its way through their entire lives.”
“It is not an exaggeration to say that today is a momentous day. It is an honour and a privilege for me to move the Final Stage of this important legislation on behalf of the First Minister and the deputy first Minister, junior Minister Reilly and, indeed, the Executive.”
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“We are also working closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland on digitising records and with the health and social care trusts and the Department of Health on managing any resourcing pressures so that resources can be located and provided as efficiently as possible. However, we have to be realistic and mindful that the removal of the posthumous date could lead to thousands more applications, with many relating to events going back over a century to the beginning of the state. That would have a bearing.”
“I am grateful to the Member for her question. We know that access to records is a hugely important issue for victims and survivors, and we are aware that many have faced real obstacles and difficulties in trying to understand their past or trace their family history. Work has been ongoing to improve that experience and make those processes as straightforward and supportive as possible. Applicants to the scheme will have practical support from the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), WAVE Trauma Centre and Adopt NI to help them to navigate what can be a difficult and emotional process.”
“Our officials and the shadow secretary would also welcome the opportunity to brief the Committee on the plans in the coming months. Our collective focus remains on delivering a redress scheme that treats people with sensitivity and dignity, and with the respect that they deserve.”
“Preparations for the redress service are progressing well, and the intention is to launch it later this year, subject to the passage of the legislation. In the interim, a shadow redress service has been established in the Department of Justice. That team includes officials with experience from other redress schemes, and they bring valuable expertise in working in a trauma-informed way. The current work is centred on developing the IT system, progressing staff recruitment and developing the support model so that everything is ready to go. The shadow secretary has met the Victims and Survivors Consultation Forum several times and will continue to engage as the application process and support arrangements are further developed.”
“The inquiry will open as soon as possible after the relevant primary and secondary legislation comes into force. In my initial answer, I outlined how the time frame for the primary and secondary legislation is progressing well at this stage. <BR /> <BR />Victims and survivors have been at the heart of the process from the beginning. There are many things that they would like. We need to ensure that every aspect is independent so that they and, indeed, wider society can have confidence in the process. When the Bill passes, there will be consultation on the next steps and on the rules of the inquiry to ensure that the concerns of victims and survivors are addressed and that they are heard and listened to via the consultative forums.”
“With that in mind, I pay tribute to the team that works on truth recovery. Its members are absolutely dedicated to the work, and they engage frequently with victims and survivors.”
“We are building on the strong and well-respected foundations laid by the historical institutional abuse process, in which over 5,000 people received financial redress. The learning from that experience has directly shaped the development of the new redress scheme. <BR /> <BR />One of the strengths of the HIA process was the commitment and expertise of the staff involved. We are carrying that forward by ensuring that experienced, specialist teams are in place from the outset. They will be people who understand the sensitivity and complexity of the work. Given what people have been through already, that is important. Above all, the central lesson has been the value of keeping victims and survivors at the heart of every stage. That remains our guiding principle as we deliver the scheme.”
“That will represent another important set of milestones in providing victims and survivors with truth and acknowledgement.”
“We understand the importance of acknowledgement for victims and survivors and so remain committed to progressing that important legislation. Members will be aware that Committee Stage concluded at the end of January. We thank the Committee for its work and for producing its report. We expect Consideration Stage to take place after the Easter recess, following further engagement with Executive colleagues on key proposed amendments. Our aim is to complete Consideration Stage, Further Consideration Stage and Final Stage before the summer recess with Royal Assent anticipated during the summer months. <BR /> <BR />Preparatory work on the necessary secondary legislation is progressing well. We plan to consult on that shortly after the final vote, with the intention of opening the redress scheme before the end of the year.”
“<BR /> <BR />I assure the Member that we continue to work with Executive colleagues, the PSNI and Ofcom on the online safety of women and girls to ensure that they have a safer life and presence there. Online safety is also a feature of the change fund, which is part of the EVAWG work.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. We see that type of online behaviour all too frequently. Whether it is intimidation, harassment, bullying, humiliation, embarrassment or name-calling, it is meant to silence women and shut them down, and it is unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring that women and girls are safe and feel safe everywhere. Recent media headlines are a timely reminder of just how important the work is. <BR /> <BR />We are actively engaged with Ofcom on the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023. Junior Minister Reilly and I recently attended an event to discuss Ofcom's new guidance on a safer online life for women and girls that highlights the growing risks in digital spaces. I attended a similar event on cyber safety for young people, at which similar themes were raised.”
“Many Departments are involved, and we will continue to work together, because everybody in the Executive and in the House recognises that this is a serious issue that must be challenged and faced down.”
“Key work areas in the delivery plan involve other Departments: for example, the Department for the Economy is looking at safer socialising, the workplace and tertiary education; the Department of Education is leading on an action plan to coordinate interventions that focus on healthy relationships and are targeted at children and young people; and the Education Authority (EA), along with a group of young people and stakeholders, developed a board game called "Raise Your Game", the launch of which junior Minister Reilly and I attended. The Member will be aware that there is a collaborative funding model for the extended late-night transport pilot. That is being delivered through the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The Member will be aware that there is considerable collaboration across Departments. It is a priority in the Programme for Government and has so far involved many, if not all, Departments. It is clearly embedded. We know that such cultural change does not happen overnight. From seat belt campaigns and so on, we have seen that such things take time, so we are laying the groundwork. There are regular updates to the Executive on the work. <BR /> <BR />I emphasise to the Member the extent of the collaboration across the Executive and how seriously the Executive take the issue.”
“They trialled that training in their own settings for a three-month pilot phase that ended in December 2025. An evaluation of the pilot is under way, and it is anticipated that there will be a region-wide campaign launch in the spring.”
“I am grateful to the Member for her question. We recently conducted a pilot campaign on coercive control that addresses how it makes people feel, using the memorable framework of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes", which enables women and girls to check in with themselves to identify what coercive control is, understand whether it is impacting on or happening to them or other people whom they know and, from that, understand how to take action. <BR /> <BR />The campaign was developed in partnership with Ulster University and engaged stakeholders, those with lived experience, importantly, and the youth sector, drawing on evidence-based research in its development. In September, a training toolkit for front-line services was delivered by our partners in Ulster University to 43 workers from 20 organisations across a range of sectors.”
“Budget planning for the period beyond March 2026 will, of course, depend on the outcome of the Executive's Budget process. To support the delivery of the strategic framework, future-year bids have been submitted that reflect the level of investment required to maintain momentum and deliver the programme's ambitions over the long term. The next plan will be brought to the Executive shortly and will continue to deliver the strategic framework objectives. <BR /> <BR />While we are at the start of a long journey, we are laying strong foundations and will continue to assess the longer-term impact of specific interventions.”
“In addition, the projects supported by the change fund reflect what communities need to respond to the crisis. Sports clubs, community groups, faith groups and children and young people and people from urban and rural areas, among others, are all engaged.”
“Ending violence against women and girls is one of the most pressing challenges facing society today. We have invested over £5 million in communities, working with partners across society to raise awareness and to equip everyone to be able to take action to prevent it. Early results from regional programmes are positive, with 98% of participants surveyed reporting an increased knowledge of violence against women and girls and 96% reporting a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is.”
“By taking the time to get those in place, we will have the best possible chance of successfully delivering the strategy's aims. We will also lay a firm foundation for future planning cycles. The Executive will continue to invest in the infrastructure that we need, improving lives, creating jobs and opportunities and building a more sustainable, more connected future for everyone who calls this place home.”
“We know what needs to be done, and we are committed to doing it. We are determined to get this right. The Executive are delivering major capital projects and infrastructure investment. We are supporting people, communities and places right now while planning for a stronger, more sustainable future. <BR /> <BR />We will soon bring forward a finalised investment strategy to enable all partners across society to work better together in planning and delivering the infrastructure, prosperity and well-being that we all agree that our people deserve. The investment strategy will be much more comprehensive than previous iterations, with the necessary governance and support structures alongside actions to improve delivery.”
“Earlier this year, we joined the leaders of Belfast International Airport as they launched the first phase of a £100 million investment to improve facilities, enhance global connectivity and therefore boost our economy. Northern Ireland is open for business, and the Executive are committed to working with partners across society to meet the needs of today while planning for the infrastructure that we will need in the future. <BR /> <BR />There are still some key considerations to be worked through in finalising the strategy, including, as I have mentioned, the implications of the recent A5 judgement and the appeal that has been launched. The substantial work that has already been completed on the draft strategy, together with progress on the enabling action plan, sets a clear direction.”
“However, the issues, which include the legal challenges, are well documented. The incredibly ambitious targets that were set by the House in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 will have, and are having, an impact. The Infrastructure Minister is exploring that issue and how we can ensure that the A5 project and other major capital projects are not frustrated by climate obligations. It is easy to single out projects and criticise, but what we are doing is seeking to address the underlying causes and ensure that we militate against those arising in the future. <BR /> <BR />Our business sector, too, is forging ahead with confidence and ambition. Recently, the First Minister and deputy First Minister welcomed plans by Belfast City Airport to grow passenger numbers and create thousands of new jobs.”
“We are also seeing encouraging progress across the city and growth deals, including construction starting on the DNA Museum at Ebrington, which I was very privileged to visit, which is supported by investment from the Executive Office and others. With an additional £150 million allocated, the completion of the Strule shared education campus is now firmly on track. Progress has been made on building social houses, and, as a result of investment in Grand Central station, bus and rail passenger journeys are up by more than 4 million. Indeed, Ministers in all Departments are delivering capital investment programmes to improve people's lives, communities and places. <BR /> <BR />Of course, there are projects that have not progressed as anticipated. A number of Members have mentioned the A5 and Casement as examples.”
“Although those are not unique to this part of the world, we have been clear that we need to address them. <BR /> <BR />Although the enabling action plan forms part of the investment strategy package, many of the actions are matters of good practice, and work is under way. Those will be critical to successfully delivering the investment plan, and we are pleased to champion that work. Members will want to note that current work streams include improving the business case process, the planning system and procurement. The importance of social licence is also recognised, ensuring buy-in from communities and stakeholders for the delivery of the right projects in the right way. <BR /> <BR />The Executive are delivering on infrastructure projects. Preparatory work for the expansion of the Magee campus has started.”
“Investment in our essential networks is vital for unlocking and enabling wider investment. The need to expand provision for special educational needs is also recognised. Housing features as a distinct sector, with a range of projects on social and private housing. Wider investment in our public infrastructure, such as water, will also help to unlock challenges for housing. We are all aware of that in each of our constituencies. Alongside that sits an enabling action plan that is already guiding improvements in how we plan, prioritise and deliver major projects. The plan draws on analysis of the root causes of delays and cost overruns carried out by the Strategic Investment Board and reflects the findings of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the PAC. We recognise and share the frustrations about delays and cost overruns.”
“We are working with the SIB to ensure that there is a clear governance structure in place that ensures a continued focus, accountability and the ability to adapt to changing priorities if needed. That is very important. Clear accountability mechanisms and provision for early intervention where issues arise are also essential. I am sure that Members concur. A 10-year investment plan will demonstrate how best to use available financial resources to deliver on previous commitments, address historical underinvestment and transform our infrastructure investment to meet our long-term goals. <BR /> <BR />Although the details remain subject to change, the draft reflects many, if not all, of the priorities that have been raised by Members today. For example, it affords priority to the need to maintain our existing infrastructure, such as water.”
“It encompasses all areas of public infrastructure: health, housing, education, justice, communities, transport, water, waste water and the environment. The quality and safety of that infrastructure affects most aspects of all our daily lives. The draft also reflects our commitment to ensuring that investment reaches into every community and includes projects right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The draft strategy takes a three-strand approach. A long-term vision and strategic objectives provide a 25-year view of investment that promotes sustainability, resilience, productivity and well-being by 2050. The strategic framework identifies where we need to be and how we get there, all of which is aligned with our Programme for Government.”
“An immense amount of work has already gone into shaping the draft investment strategy. It has been informed by over 400 engagements and responses through public consultation, equality and rural needs impact assessments and extensive engagement with Departments and wider stakeholders. A finalised strategy will require Executive approval, but, as we move towards that point, we are factoring in global uncertainties and continuing to press for a fair and equitable funding settlement that reflects need and the legacy of underinvestment here. <BR /> <BR />The draft investment strategy provides a framework for planning and prioritising infrastructure investment, defining the outcomes that we need and setting out how we deliver them efficiently and effectively.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Yes, I am confident that it will come forward in this mandate. We are very clear that that needs to be done, and we are working towards it. However, we are not going to produce something that is not fully and properly thought out. We need to make improvements where we know that there have been issues, and we need to respond to the feedback. <BR /> <BR />Members should know that drawing all that together is not straightforward, as I have outlined, and that it takes time, but they should understand that we must get it right to build confidence and ensure that there is buy-in right across society. When we bring forward an investment strategy, we want to be satisfied that it strikes the right balance and is supported by effective arrangements to ensure its successful delivery.”
“It must be joined up across sectors, maximising every pound that we invest.”
“We need a positive, forward-looking vision for the next 25 years, backed by detailed and specific plans for investment and enabling actions over the next decade. <BR /> <BR />The final document needs to be robust, evidence-based and capable of delivering real and lasting outcomes for people here. That is what we are developing, and it is important that we get it right. An investment strategy must be more than an aspirational list of stand-alone projects. It must focus on the outcomes that will have the greatest impact, and it must have ambition. Strategic plans on such a scale have far-reaching impacts on budgets, public services, economic growth and local communities. <BR /> <BR />At the same time, a strategy must reflect our financial reality and address challenges as a result of climate targets and our delivery capacity.”
“It is simply not accurate to say that progress is not being made; progress absolutely is being made, and a revised investment strategy will be brought to the Executive soon. <BR /> <BR />It is important to emphasise three points. First, considerable effort has gone into developing a draft investment strategy and making sure not only that it reflects our focus on delivery but that it is focused and realistic. Secondly, work continues on the delivery of agreed capital projects, and Members will see much of that work roll out in their constituencies. Thirdly, work is already under way on a range of enabling actions to address key challenges that we face in delivering major infrastructure projects. <BR /> <BR />Consider for a moment how much has changed across society here and globally since the turn of the millennium.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am very grateful to you for your good wishes. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their contributions on what is a very important topic: how we plan, invest and deliver for the future of all our people here. The debate has been predictable at times, but it has been a useful exercise for Members to showcase projects that they wish to see progress on and to highlight some of the real challenges that we face in rolling out our capital programme over the next number of decades. <BR /> <BR />The Executive are focused on delivery, on improving lives, on supporting economic growth and on ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of our people.”
“I was too young for a mammogram, and, like we all do, I did not think that it could happen to me. It was a pure accident that I found my lump, but, by the grace of God, I did, only because of its location. It did not show up on mammograms, and that, alone, demonstrates the need to check. <BR /> <BR />Members know, I hope, that it is not really my thing to share very personal things. The only reason that I ever have done so is to raise awareness about breast cancer. If, by sharing, I can encourage people to check themselves and it makes a difference to even one person, it is worth letting people know. Please, please check yourselves, and do it regularly. It could make all the difference in the world and save your life.”
“Look for inversion, difference in shape, discharge, blood or even a persistent itch. If you notice any of those or find a lump, contact your GP immediately. Time is of the essence. There is no shame or embarrassment in being checked. In this case, it is absolutely better to be safe than sorry. Delay could mean the difference between having a lump removed or losing your breast or, indeed, your life. Forget about embarrassment or causing inconvenience to hard-pressed medical professionals. They have seen it all before, and they want people to come quickly. Delay could cost you dearly, so do not delay. <BR /> <BR />I went to an information evening in the East Belfast Community Development Agency that taught us how to feel for lumps and check ourselves, and, honestly, that may well have saved my life. I never checked myself before that.”
“I express gratitude to those in healthcare and the various charities and volunteers who conduct research and provide support and guidance to the many women and, indeed, some men who are afflicted by this horrible disease. <BR /> <BR />Most importantly though, I want to call on all women and men, regardless of age, to check themselves. Do not wait until you are apparently the right age for a mammogram; build those checks into your routine now without delay. Get in the shower, lather up and start at your collarbone, feeling in small circles with your fingertips, including under your arms. Do not just feel the surface; press in, push and feel. You are checking for something that may feel like an apple or an orange pip. Pay attention to your body, and look to see whether there are changes to your nipples.”
“This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it was a true joy to attend Cancer Focus' Pink Run yesterday. Well done and congratulations to all who were involved in that. <BR /> <BR />Today, I commemorate those who fought bravely and lost; congratulate those who have come out the other side; pay tribute and give heart to those who are currently in the fight; and send my best wishes to those who are waiting for appointments or results to find out whether they, too, must enter the fray. While every journey is different, and some are more severe than others, each one is a warrior in her own way. Credit, too, to their families and loved ones, who swallow their own thoughts, fears and worries for those they love in order to better support them by keeping a positive outward appearance. They are the people who carry us through.”
“During a briefing, I heard that that work was incredibly successful, had a tremendous impact on those young men and made them reconsider their views and actions when it comes to how they behave towards women and girls.”
“I will outline some aspects. The research has been commissioned to identify evidence gaps, as the Member outlined, in understanding attitudes and behaviours of men and boys in the subject area. The research will focus on boys and young men aged 16 to 24. The research process is under way and includes engagement with stakeholders, interviews with organisations that work with young men and boys, focus groups and a survey. The research process will be advised by a young people's advisory group and an international expert advisory group. <BR /> <BR />On prisons, I am aware that work has been undertaken in Hydebank. I understand that it was conducted by White Ribbon NI.”
“There are a lot of projects that engage not just women and girls but boys and men in the areas of understanding and prevention.”
“<BR /> <BR />The campaign had a wide reach right across Northern Ireland, with targeted messaging on social media, posters, billboards and buses and in pubs and restaurants, as well as on the radio. The campaign toolkit has been delivered to teachers for use in schools right across Northern Ireland, and that is starting a conversation that needs to be had right across society to encourage men and boys to be part of the solution. The next phase of the campaign will be developed with input from young men, and that will help us reach a younger audience in a way that will make sense to them and equip them to make better decisions when they witness challenging behaviour towards women and girls. I highlight the fact that, through the local change fund, a lot of councils are doing great work in that area.”
“I thank the Member for asking that important question. The Power to Change campaign is really important, because it urges men and boys to play their part in effecting a cultural and societal shift. That cannot be done by women and girls alone. It challenges men and boys to check and change unwanted behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls, including those activities that demean and inhibit women. The campaign uses the active bystander approach, as I mentioned earlier, to challenge men and boys to step away from negative attitudes, to challenge their friends and to have the confidence to step in safely and put a stop to behaviour that may escalate or that may put their friends at risk of offending in the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />Successful delivery of the strategic framework is clearly reliant on close collaboration with a range of Departments, including Education, Health and Justice, and we remain committed to taking that approach with all Departments. The Department of Health and the Department of Justice jointly lead on the domestic and sexual abuse strategy, which was published in September 2024 and is aligned with the framework. Officials are represented at a senior level on the governance structures for the domestic and sexual abuse strategy, and DOJ and DOH are represented on the governance structures for the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework. That is to ensure alignment and augmentation and also to avoid duplication of effort. I hope that that answer helps the Member.”
“I fully appreciate where the Member is coming from, but it is abundantly clear that the Executive take the issue seriously. Although the strategy sits with TEO, it has been agreed by the entire Executive, and there are indeed regular updates. There are also oversight bodies to which other Ministers contribute. <BR /> <BR />I highlight to the Member the fact that all of government and society working better together is one of the six outcomes of the strategic framework, and that is embedded in the Programme for Government (PFG). We are therefore working collectively with Executive colleagues in a number of key work areas in the delivery plan, which include sectoral groups on safer socialising, the workplace, tertiary education and the healthy relationships forum.”
“<BR /> <BR />By way of further information, the Power to Change campaign, jointly launched by TEO, the Department of Justice and the PSNI in January, targets harmful attitudes and behaviours of men and boys and uses the active bystander approach, whereby people are taught how to intervene safely if they see inappropriate or unwanted behaviours. <BR /> <BR />I presume that my time is up.”
“We were delighted to secure an additional £2·2 million that will further advance work in that area because some council work was oversubscribed. Councils are embedding action to end violence against women and girls in their service delivery and are developing signposting and resourcing for local communities. Each is running numerous projects for women and girls, but men and boys are included. In addition, eight community and voluntary sector expert organisations are delivering activity that will strengthen the impact and reach of ending violence against women and girls expertise and programmes to support schools, tertiary education, communities and workplaces.”
“By way of context, the framework is based on four themes with six outcomes, eight guiding principles and 19 priority areas. It sits alongside an initial two-year delivery plan comprising 14 actions, all of which are progressing well. <BR /> <BR />We are determined to do everything that we can to stop the harm and abuse faced by women and girls, who, we know, are disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and harm. The Member will know that we are two years into a seven-year framework, and a crucial area of work at this stage is prevention. A key area of focus is challenging the harmful attitudes, cultures and behaviours that can escalate and lead to actual violence. <BR /> <BR />We allocated £3·2 million to the ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) change fund.”
“I am grateful to the Minister for the answer. I am sure that he will be aware that this causes great distress not just to the women involved but to their families. What reassurances does the Minister plan to give women across Northern Ireland that they will, indeed, be seen within the target time for red-flag breast cancer referrals? The Minister said that he had made it clear to officials that the waiting times were not acceptable to him, but he did not outline the plan or direction given to officials to fix and resolve the issue for those women across Northern Ireland.”
“Certainly, it is horrifying to see anybody starving, particularly children, and to look at appalling images of emaciation and suffering, regardless of whether it is Gazan children or Hamas hostages still being held in tunnels: on that we can agree. <BR /> <BR />We will support the UUP amendment. There are elements of it that cause me concern and with which I am not totally on board, but it is infinitely preferable to the propaganda and disinformation coming form the Benches opposite. It goes without saying that we will not buy what Sinn Féin is selling.”