Maurice Bradley
East Londonderry · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The proposal to establish formally the post of Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, which is efficiently held in designate form by Geraldine Hanna at the moment, has the potential to provide victims with a stronger voice and ensure that public bodies are held to account for the services that they provide.”
“Good intentions alone are not enough. <BR /> <BR />I would argue that victims must never become an afterthought in our justice system, whether that be when considering road traffic offences, violence against women and girls, child criminal exploitation, hate crime or sentencing reform.”
“I will speak as a DUP member of the Justice Committee on the Second Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. For me, the Bill is not simply about creating another office or changing another piece of legislation; it is about people.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Bill progresses through Committee Stage, I will approach its policy objectives with an open mind. I look forward to hearing directly from victims' organisations, witnesses, legal professionals and criminal justice agencies. Where the Bill can be strengthened, it should be strengthened.”
“One of the comments that I hear most often is not about what happened but about how people felt afterwards. They felt forgotten, left in the dark and like just another case number moving slowly through a system that they did not understand. That should concern every one of us. Justice should not end when an offender is charged.”
“Minister, you have partially answered my question, but it was really about the fact that, when services are centralised in the greater Belfast area, services are denied to those elsewhere in the Province. There has been a continued reduction in services across Northern Ireland because of their centralisation in Belfast.”
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“Those are outdated laws that belong to a different era and do not reflect modern attitudes towards homelessness and vulnerability. I support the Minister's amendment. Criminalising those individuals is not the solution. They need support and intervention rather than outdated legislation. However, while I support the repeal of the vagrancy laws, I must also recognise the concerns raised by residents, businesses and communities about the antisocial behaviour and criminal activity that is associated with some street-based offending. That is why amendment Nos 71 and 72 are important. As a joint proposer of amendment No 71, I believe that it provides a sensible and proportionate replacement by creating the offence of trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence.”
“I see that the Chamber is full to hear my speech. <BR /> <BR />I rise as a member of the Justice Committee to speak on this group of amendments, with particular reference to amendment Nos 70, 71, 72 and 78. My colleague Diane Forsythe will address amendment Nos 88 and 89 shortly. <BR /> <BR />I refer to amendment Nos 45 to 48. Without repeating many of the valid points that have already been raised, I support the Minister's amendments. <BR /> <BR />On the repeal of blasphemy laws, I will make only one comment. There are many religions, but, for anyone of Christian belief, there is only one faith: anyone can freely pick up a Bible and discover it. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 70 repeals the Vagrancy Act 1824 and the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.”
“While I support the principle of greater clarity on the retention and use of photographs, we must ensure that any future regulatory framework does not become so restrictive that it limits the ability of the PSNI to investigate crime properly. The public expect robust safeguards, but they also expect the police to have the tools necessary to identify offenders, protect victims and keep communities safe. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the continuing debate on the Justice Bill and the amendments.”
“Any future framework must strike the correct balance between protecting privacy rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies retain the tools necessary to investigate crime and protect the public. It is particularly important that any regulations are workable in practice and do not unintentionally hinder legitimate policing activity. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the amendments engage with important questions of transparency, oversight, public protection and confidence in the justice system. As with all amendments, the challenge before the House is to ensure that the appropriate safeguards exist while preserving the PSNI's operational effectiveness and maintaining a strong focus on victims and public safety.”
“I must confess that I have a digital archive that goes back to 2005, a digital negative archive that goes back to 1972 and a personal archive that goes back to the late 1800s, so I am aware of how archives work. Amendment No 40 addresses an issue that has attracted increasing attention over recent years, namely the retention, use and destruction of photographs held by enforcement agencies. Given developments in technology and the growing public concerns surrounding privacy and data protection, it is reasonable that a clear statutory framework be developed. I welcome the Department's consultation with key bodies, including the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the Human Rights Commission and the Justice Committee.”
“Those are not straightforward issues, nor should they be approached simplistically. <BR /> <BR />The House must seek a balanced and workable framework that protects public safety and fundamental rights. At a time when policing faces increasing challenges from serious organised crime, paramilitary activity and emerging technological threats, it is essential that we do not inadvertently weaken the legitimate investigative tools available to the PSNI. Equally, where the state retains highly sensitive personal information, there must be a clear safeguards, robust oversight and public accountability. The challenge before the House is to ensure that both those objectives are achieved. <BR /> <BR />With those considerations in mind, I will address amendment No 40, which is important.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many of the amendments in the group are technical and consequential and are designed to improve the operation of the legislative framework. Others raise more substantive questions about the retention of biometric material relating to children and young people, the role of independent oversight, the treatment of restorative justice outcomes, rights of notification and appeal and the future regulation of police photographs. <BR /> <BR />As we consider the amendments, several key questions should guide our deliberations. Does the framework support effective policing and public protection? Does it provide appropriate safeguards against unnecessary retention? Does it recognise the interests of victims as well as the rights of individuals? Ultimately, will it command the confidence of the public, whom we are here to serve?”
“On the one hand, there is a legitimate expectation that police and prosecuting authorities should have access to the tools necessary to prevent crime, protect the public and bring offenders to justice, but, on the other hand, there is an equally important obligation to ensure that the collection, retention and use of personal information is proportionate, transparent and consistent with individual rights and freedoms. Evidence taken throughout the Committee's consideration of the Bill repeatedly highlighted the need to strike the correct balance between those competing interests. Public confidence depends not only on effective policing but on the existence of clear safeguards, independent oversight and public accountability.”
“The more Members who spoke, the more pages I folded up and put into my wee book. Thank you very much. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Justice Committee, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this group of amendments, which relate to biometric data, police photographs and the wider framework governing the retention of personal information by law enforcement agencies. I recognise the input that the Minister and her Department have had through the amendments to the Bill that they have tabled. <BR /> <BR />The issues before us today engage some of the most important principles in our justice system.”
“Minister, this is, indeed, good news for the Coleraine area and the Causeway Coast and Glens. What engagement has his Department had with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure that inflationary pressures and rising construction costs do not cause delays, scaling back or cancellation of key growth deal projects?”
“Will the Minister update the Assembly on future funding for the Communities in Transition programme, including any plans to expand support to new areas?”
“It is not good enough to talk the talk; we need action and proper funding to initiate the strategy — and to do so with our council partners. I learned just last week that the Causeway Coast and Glens area has the highest level of obesity among young people in Northern Ireland and high levels of economic inactivity. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the motion.”
“We must provide people with the financial means to enable them to rise above the poverty trap. We, therefore, need an integrated strategy that aligns financial help in the cost-of-living crisis; economic investment; education; proper social housing; and training to help those in poverty to escape that trap. <BR /> <BR />With two district electoral areas (DEAs) in the top 10 areas of deprivation, Causeway Coast and Glens is Northern Ireland's forgotten area. Wedged between Londonderry and Belfast, investment there is piecemeal, higher education provision there is piecemeal, and the effects of regional balance have not yet touched my area. I urge the Executive to ensure that the anti-poverty strategy is properly funded.”
“<BR /> <BR />The report highlights the damaging impact of short-term funding models on the community and voluntary sector. Vital advice services and support organisations spend too much time chasing insecure funding instead of delivering services to those in greatest need. If the strategy is to succeed, it must move beyond managing poverty and begin to prevent it. That means sustained investment, joined-up government, better data-sharing, and meaningful engagement with those who have lived experience of poverty. <BR /> <BR />The Executive have an opportunity and a responsibility to deliver a strategy that is robust, properly funded and capable of making real, lasting change in people's lives. Economic activity from regionally balanced investment in employment opportunities is a must.”
“<BR /> <BR />The report recognises that poverty cannot be solved through temporary crisis measures alone. Food parcels and emergency fuel payments may provide short-term relief but do not address the root causes of deprivation. The Committee heard repeatedly that issues such as housing shortages, rising childcare costs, poor rural transport and economic inactivity trap people in cycles of poverty. Those structural problems require coordinated cross-departmental solutions. <BR /> <BR />One of the strongest recommendations in the report is the proper integration of local government in the delivery of the strategy. Councils' community planning partnerships already bring together health services, housing bodies, voluntary organisations and communities; the partnerships must now be formally recognised and properly empowered.”
“I welcome the motion, and the engagement that was had with local government regarding the anti-poverty strategy. It became clear through the Committee's work that councils across Northern Ireland already carry out critical front-line interventions to support families who face hardship every day. However, councils delivered the clear message that the draft strategy lacks the ambition, clarity and structural integration that are needed to genuinely tackle poverty. During the engagement process, we heard deeply concerning evidence that over 110,000 children in Northern Ireland live in poverty and that many working families are unable to make ends meet despite being in employment. We also heard shocking evidence that, in some rural areas, people die having spent the last years of their life in poverty.”
“The consequences will extend beyond the Department and affect key Executive priorities, including anti-poverty measures, disability employment support and housing supply. <BR /> <BR />As a DUP MLA, I strongly recommend a realistic Budget that sees tough decisions being taken and priority allocations being made that reflect the needs of everyone in Northern Ireland.”
“Finally, the community and voluntary sector continues to provide critical front-line support in areas such as mental health, addiction, food poverty and youth services, yet many organisations are being trapped in cycles of financial uncertainty. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, the Budget must be judged on whether it delivers real outcomes for communities across Northern Ireland. There remains a serious concern that the Department for Communities is being asked to do far more than the funding provided will realistically allow. The proposed multi-year Budget does not adequately meet the Department's funding requirements and will therefore force difficult decisions to be taken, which will impact on services across Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am concerned at the lack of dedicated funding for the anti-poverty strategy and the disability and work strategy, despite both being recognised as Executive priorities. Strategies without funding risk becoming little more than aspirations.”
“The Committee has heard clearly that bids for homelessness support, Supporting People programmes and discretionary support have not been met. There is also a major shortfall in social housing funding. Current allocations fall well below what is needed to meet Programme for Government (PFG) housing targets. Failure to properly invest in social housing will only increase homelessness pressures and place further strain on public services. <BR /> <BR />Communities want to see delivery, not repeated announcements. Towns, including my town, Coleraine, continue to struggle with vacant premises, declining footfall and lack of investment confidence. Regeneration projects must be realistic, transparent and properly funded.”
“The Committee has heard clearly that bids for homelessness support, Supporting People —”
“A clear gap remains between the expectations placed on the Department and the funding allocated to it. <BR /> <BR />One of the clearest examples of that is benefit delivery. While the proposed £8 million allocation is welcome, it falls significantly short of what is required. I am aware that around 70% of universal credit claimants do not receive the in-work support that they need because of staffing pressures and insufficient parity funding. At a time when Northern Ireland continues to experience high levels of economic activity, that should concern every Member. <BR /> <BR />Housing and homelessness remain among the most pressing issues that face communities across Northern Ireland. Social housing waiting lists continue to rise, homelessness pressures are increasing and demand for temporary accommodation continues to grow.”
“I would welcome a three-year Budget, as would most in the House. As a member of the Committee for Communities, I welcome the principle of such a Budget. Greater financial certainty would allow Departments, councils and community organisations to plan more effectively and deliver projects more strategically and sustainably. <BR /> <BR />While the principle is welcome, the reality is that the Budget falls short of what is required. There is growing disappointment in the Executive's overall approach to the process. Given the pressures facing households, public services and communities, people expected a more credible and deliverable financial plan. The Department for Communities has responsibility for housing, welfare support, regeneration, anti-poverty work and employment programmes.”
“Once again, congratulations to everyone connected to Coleraine Football Club. You have done your town proud.”
“The triumph feels especially significant as we look ahead to next year, with the centenary of Coleraine Football Club's acceptance into the Irish League in 1927. Born from an amalgamation of Coleraine Olympic and Coleraine Alexandra, the club has grown into a cornerstone of Northern Ireland football. To mark that milestone on the back of cup success feels both fitting and symbolic. Today, we celebrate not just a victory but a legacy — past, present and future. <BR /> <BR />I pay a personal tribute to big Colin and the patrons of Patsy's Bar in the town for their personal messages of support over the past week. I had to get that in, Mr Speaker.”
“<BR /> <BR />Credit must go, first and foremost, to Henry Ross, Ranald and Patrick, the club shareholders; Dale Pryde-MacDonald, whose leadership as CEO has helped to guide the club with clarity and ambition; and manager Ruaidhrí Higgins and his backroom staff, whose technical acumen, preparation and commitment have been evident in every performance. To the players, what a journey you have delivered for the fans: runners-up in the league and Irish Cup winners. The run-in to the season after the split has been nothing short of exceptional. Week after week, you have treated supporters to some of the most entertaining football for many's a day at the Showgrounds. <BR /> <BR />The attacking intent, cohesion and spirit have re-energised the club and supporters alike.”
“It is with great pleasure today that I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Coleraine FC on a truly magnificent achievement on Saturday, as it won its seventh Irish Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Dungannon Swifts. That was made all the more important given the way in which Dungannon played under the management of Rodney McAree. It was a fantastic final — one of the best that I have seen in many years. This was not just a win; it was a statement and a showcase of resilience, quality and belief. To come through such a competitive final and emerge victorious speaks volumes about the character of the squad.”
“The Bill sends a clear and positive message about our commitment to building a more inclusive society. I am happy to support the Bill, and I look forward to the difference that it will make in the years ahead.”
“For too long, individuals in the deaf community have encountered barriers in accessing public services, education and everyday communication. The Bill is a practical and necessary step forward in improving inclusion, recognition and accessibility. While legislation alone cannot resolve every issue, it provides a strong foundation and a clear direction of travel. As we move forward, the focus must now be on effective implementation. The commitments in the Bill must translate into tangible improvements in services, better communication support and enhanced opportunities for sign language users across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Today is an important milestone for the BSL and ISL community. It reflects the work that has been done and the progress that is still to be made.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee engaged extensively with stakeholders and approached its work with diligence and care to ensure that the Bill was robust and responsive to the needs of those whom it was intended to support. It is also important to recognise that the Bill delivers on a clear manifesto commitment by the Democratic Unionist Party. Therefore, I commend my colleague, the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, for introducing the legislation and delivering on that commitment. That demonstrates the importance of following through promises with meaningful action. <BR /> <BR />The Bill represents real progress in addressing the long-standing gaps faced by those who use sign language as their first language.”
“Today marks an important and positive step forward for our society as we reach the Final Stage of the Communities Minister's Sign Language Bill. I join others in welcoming our guests in the Public Gallery. As a member of the Committee for Communities, I have had the privilege of being directly involved in the scrutiny and consideration of the legislation. The Committee Chair has demonstrated that he not only talked the talk but walked the walk, and I congratulate him on that. I record my sincere thanks and congratulations to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee and fellow Committee members past and present for the significant work that was undertaken to bring the Bill to this stage, as well as to the Committee Clerk and staff for all their hard work.”
“When the vehicles are being used to endanger the public or intimidate communities, they should be seized, retained and, where appropriate, destroyed. Offenders should be permanently deprived of them. <BR /> <BR />Enough passing from one Department to another, enough delay and enough excuses. If the law is too weak, strengthen it. If the police need more powers, give them. If offenders exploit loopholes, close them. Our communities deserve protection, not platitudes. The Minister must act in collaboration with the Minister for Infrastructure to legislate to curb the irresponsible use of scramblers, e-scooters and similar vehicles. I support the amendment.”
“The PSNI is being asked to deal with the problem while operating under serious constraints. Officers know that direct pursuit can create a major risk to life. Offenders know it too and exploit that weakness. They believe that they can act with impunity, because the chances of being caught are too low and the consequences are too weak. That must end. In my day, the problem was the Honda step-through moped: the Honda 50 and the Honda 90. In today's society, it is e-scooters and scramblers. <BR /> <BR />The police need more than sympathy; they need powers, resources and technology. That means additional support for drone teams and drone-equipped officers and stronger seizure powers. Let us be clear: small fines are no deterrent.”
“I live in a rural area, so I virtually never see e-scooters unless I come into the town, but they are a problem. In the rural constituency that I represent, the problem is mostly the irresponsible use of scramblers.”
“I support the DUP amendment. We need to understand that the motion and the amendment refer to a small minority of reckless drivers and not the majority of people who own scramblers or e-scooters. Constituents are, however, fed up seeing those vehicles being driven at speed, with no regard for pedestrians, no regard for the law and no regard for public safety. Older people are frightened, parents are worried, and people with sight or mobility impairments are being put in danger in places where they should feel safe. Let us be honest, in some areas, this goes beyond antisocial behaviour. Those vehicles are widely believed to be used for intimidation, coercion and criminality. If that is the reality in our communities, government must stop lagging behind events and start to act.”
“. That is worth noting. <BR /> <BR />Does the Minister accept that there are areas of Northern Ireland that lack sufficient supported accommodation?”
“I remind the Minister and the Member opposite that St Patrick established his church in Cúil Rathain”
“Will the Minister level with the House? Where is the fully funded plan for Magee? What assurances can she give that the pressure created by the underfunded model will not fall on Coleraine through drift, contraction or managed decline? For the past two or three years, colleagues and I have been meeting the university to try to ensure that a scenario such as this did not arise. Unfortunately, we are where we are. I blame the Minister for poor planning, including poor financial planning. She should come here to address the issues.”
“However, her Department said in evidence to the Economy Committee that the current year's spending on the Magee expansion was £7 million and that getting Magee to 10,000 students by 2032 would require either increased student fees or an additional £40 million a year in resource funding. Ulster University's accounts show a 2025 operating deficit of £20·2 million. It says that there has been no inflationary growth in the teaching grant for almost two decades and that the funding model has not properly reflected the added cost of operating a multi-campus university.”
“I ask the Minister whether she removed £7 million from the higher education budget and, some months later, allocated £7 million to Magee. I would like clarification on that. <BR />At the same time, the Minister presents the expansion of Magee as a flagship priority. In January, she said:”
“I support Ulster University. My thoughts are with the staff who are under threat of redundancy at the minute. Ulster University has now confirmed the 450 redundancies across its campuses. It said that it tried to:”
“I and others on the Justice Committee will have the opportunity to scrutinise the proposals in detail and hear evidence from victims' organisations, legal practitioners and others in the justice system. Our focus throughout the process will be on ensuring that the legislation delivers justice for victims, maintains public confidence and results in sentencing laws that are clear, workable and proportionate.”
“Sentencing reform must be considered alongside the practical realities of the justice system. Changes that increase sentences or create new offences will have implications for prison capacity and resources across the system. Perhaps now we will see progress on a new prison at Magilligan, which has been mooted since I came here in 2016 but has never materialised. In addition, whilst statutory sentencing principles may help to promote consistency, it is important that judicial discretion is preserved so that courts can continue to consider the individual circumstances of each case. <BR /> <BR />For those reasons, while the DUP is content for the Bill to proceed, the Committee Stage will be crucial.”
“Therefore, I welcome measures aimed at strengthening penalties for serious driving offences, and such measures will also be welcomed by many across Northern Ireland. Too many families have been devastated by dangerous and reckless behaviour on our roads, and it is right that the law reflects the gravity of those offences. <BR /> <BR />We also recognise the intention behind the creation of a specific offence relating to assaults on public workers. Violence or abuse directed at individuals who are simply carrying out their duties is unacceptable, and the law should provide appropriate protection. <BR /> <BR />However, as the Assembly considers the principles of the Bill, it is important that several issues are carefully examined as the legislation progresses.”
“In particular, the provisions commonly referred to as "Charlotte's law" represent an important recognition of the ongoing trauma experienced by families in cases where offenders refuse to disclose the location of a victim's remains. Ensuring that such behaviour is treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing is a welcome step in acknowledging the suffering of those families. <BR /> <BR />This year, 30 March will see the 25th anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Gill Bradley, a close cousin, much more like a niece, who was killed when a drunk driver crashed into her car. She was a beautiful girl who had just qualified as a teacher and was an only child. Her parents were denied seeing their daughter married and were also denied the pleasure of holding a treasured grandchild.”
“I will speak generally to the Bill. The Democratic Unionist Party welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Second Stage debate of the Criminal Justice Bill. Public confidence in our justice system depends heavily on the credibility of sentencing. Victims and the wider public must be able to see that serious crime is met with appropriate and proportionate consequences. A number of elements in the Bill will command broad support across the Assembly.”
“Minister, can you ensure that there is adequate finance for the building of social housing throughout Northern Ireland because, for people who come through my office and, I am sure, the offices of other MLAs throughout Northern Ireland, the most important issue is the lack of housing?”
“This is about fairness, practicality and supporting families who are doing their best in difficult circumstances. For those reasons, I support the legislative consent motion.”
“This change will mean real money going back into household budgets. It means less pressure at the kitchen table, less anxiety for parents trying to make ends meet and greater stability for the children growing up in homes already stretched by rising living costs. <BR /> <BR />Let me also address the financial point directly. This support is funded by His Majesty's Treasury through established parity arrangements and does not come out of the Northern Ireland block grant. It does not take a single pound away from our hospitals, schools or policing. Supporting this legislative consent motion is therefore the responsible decision, delivering help quickly, maintaining parity across the United Kingdom and doing so without placing additional pressure on devolved finances.”
“I support the legislative consent motion (LCM) and what it means in practical terms. Across Northern Ireland, there are families who work hard to raise three or four children and do everything that is asked of them, yet they find that support simply stops after their second child. The Bill did not stop. The cost of food does not stop, nor does the price of heating, clothing and school essentials, but their support does. That is the reality that many larger families have faced. The removal of the two-child limit restores a basic fairness. A child should not count for less, simply because they happen to be the third or fourth child in a family. Parents do not budget for their children in policy terms but provide for each one of them equally. Our support system should recognise that reality.”