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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“I support the motion. Confidence in the Northern Ireland criminal justice system is at a serious low, with little progress in the past 15 years since justice was devolved. There have been limited outcomes plus slow and ineffective change. Victims feel that they have been failed. <BR /> <BR />The motion is before us because we need meaningful reform. PSNI officers are also frustrated by lenient sentences, particularly for drug charges and for sexual assaults, especially on children. I agree with the proposer of the motion in calling for mandatory and ongoing judicial training. Judges must keep pace with changing societal attitudes and best practice. Mr Beattie said that a dangerous sex offender was told to find a wife. That kind of remark is unacceptable to any right-thinking person.”
“It is nice to see the Minister back in her place; I hope that she is feeling better. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister provide more details on what took place during the cross-border day of action on 6 March this year and outline any positive operational results that the initiative yielded for the PSNI, particularly in relation to the Omagh victims?”
“The potential closure of the Riverside Theatre, as mentioned, is a wake-up call and a symbol of how vulnerable the arts are outside Belfast. That cannot continue. <BR /> <BR />We need to be realistic. Public finances are under serious strain, but that is precisely why we must move away from relying solely on public money. We need to innovate and unlock new funding streams. A multi-year funding plan is essential, but we will not get there without a multi-year Budget. In the meantime, we need to act to protect what we have, invest where that is needed and reimagine how we support one of the most powerful forces for good in our society. The Assembly cannot afford to treat the arts as optional. They are vital, and they need our backing now more than ever.”
“That is why we must look onwards, learn from other jurisdictions and implement best practice right here at home. <BR /> <BR />The arts are not add-ons. They are integral to our social fabric and economic future. They support mental health, education, tourism and town centre regeneration. They bring people together in ways that few other things can and, if we support them, offer viable career paths for our young people. <BR /> <BR />Let me be clear: the strategy must not be regional. There must be regional fairness in how we support the arts and in how that support is delivered. For too long, funding has been concentrated in Belfast. While I absolutely support our capital's cultural life, we cannot continue to overlook other areas.”
“I rise to make a clear and urgent case as to why the arts, culture and creative sectors in Northern Ireland must be prioritised, not marginalised, in our recovery and investment strategies. Let us be honest: the arts were among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Venues closed, jobs were lost, and the sector, which is so often taken for granted, was left to weather the storm with minimal security. The impact of that did not end when restrictions were lifted; it is still felt by artists, organisations and communities across this region. We cannot ignore that legacy, nor can we pretend that it is a problem that is unique to us. Across these islands and further afield, Governments are grappling with how to protect and sustain their cultural sectors.”
“<BR /> <BR />There are many causes of the housing shortage, not least the number of buy-to-let and holiday homes that cause acute shortages in coastal areas such as Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock. Also, owing to the scarcity of supply, rents have increased. Of course, other issues stem from that, including for transport, education and economic sustainability. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is serious about solving the housing crisis. The question — I take Ms Armstrong's point here — is this: are the other parties in the Executive equally committed?”
“The crucial investment will support first-time buyers and help to unlock over 1,000 new-build homes. That is real support, not empty rhetoric. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is proud of its record in making housing more accessible and affordable. The affordable rent scheme and the increase in the co-ownership limit are concrete steps that directly support people most in need. While others talk, our Communities Minister is delivering a clear housing supply strategy that is backed by real action. <BR /> <BR />Let us be honest: planning reform alone is not enough. Infrastructure challenges, especially around waste water, are holding back progress. If we are to meet our housing targets, we need all Departments to step up to the mark. A strong housing strategy needs a strong economic vision, adequate budgets and joined-up government.”
“While others debate, the DUP is intent on delivering. Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing thousands across Northern Ireland, from families in desperate need of social housing to first-time buyers trying to step into the property market. The DUP recognises the urgency and is committed to action. <BR /> <BR />The gap between housing supply and demand grows wider day by day. One of the biggest obstacles is a sluggish planning system. That is why the DUP has consistently called for major reforms to speed up approvals. Without efficient planning, our ability to build the homes that we need is paralysed. We welcome the £153 million in financial transactions capital (FTC) funding for co-ownership that was announced by the Minister for Communities.”
“I agree with the Minister. I work with the police behind the scenes. They contact my office on a number of issues throughout the year, not just at this time. The onus is on each and every one of us to work quietly with the police behind the scenes. I did not rock up for a photocall, and I did not make any publicity out of it. <BR /> <BR />I was travelling to Stormont last Thursday for Committee meetings and could not help but hear the reports on the radio. I was disgusted that the Secretary of State made a reference to the Minister. Has the Secretary of State had the honesty to apologise to the Minister? If not, why not?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I am sure that other MLAs' constituencies are no different from my constituency, given that response times are a real problem throughout the country. I and a lot of people out there do not think that we have the numbers to respond in order to keep the people in this country safe in their homes and when going about their business. Can the Minister explain why there has been a reduction in numbers? How many officers does she expect there to be by 2026 compared with the 2020 baseline?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer, which was pretty clear and concise. The County Hall is a large building that is capable of accommodating 600 to 700 people. Currently, there are fewer than 200 people in it. It stands on the edge of Coleraine town centre. It is a landmark building that could be utilised better. I look forward to the Minister coming back to the House to give us an answer on how it will be utilised in the future.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Minister has answered my question, so well done.”
“Minister, are you confident that the necessary infrastructure will be in place to ensure delivery to the north-west and the north coast?”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. He is quite right, and it flies in the face of reality. <BR /> <BR />In addressing the use of puberty blockers on children, we reference the independent review that was chaired by Dr Hilary Cass. We criticise efforts to promote those treatments without sufficient professional and scientific evidence, as my colleague Mr Martin mentioned. <BR /> <BR />I ask for support for our amendment.”
“I criticise the pressure from certain ideological groups and political parties that have pushed for a version of reality that denies common sense and has led to the silencing and marginalisation of women who express concerns.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are committed to treating every individual with respect and dignity, and we condemn any form of unlawful discrimination, violence or harm that is based on gender or sexual orientation. However, we stress the importance of protecting the right to express general views on sexuality and gender, as protected under article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), even if those views are deemed offensive by others. <BR /> <BR />It has already been stated that we support the recent Supreme Court ruling, which affirms the legal definition of a woman based on biological reality and the protection of sex-based rights.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I will not reopen the debate in my winding-up speech. I urge the Executive parties to show leadership and give clarity to protect our children from irreversible treatments and ensure the safety of women and girls through strategies or policies that reflect common sense and scientific evidence. <BR /> <BR />I am a man. I am proud of that, but I will be defined by my actions. My respect for others, irrespective of their background, class, religion, gender or skin colour, is earned, not demanded. I look around the House today and ask everyone to earn the respect of their colleagues, not demand it. I will not wear a label — any label — that is assigned to me or to my party by any other person or party in the Chamber. I will not do that.”
“Will the Minister give more details on the interventions being delivered by the EA Youth Service to give us a better idea of what he has in place?”
“Having had meetings for several years with the educational establishments that will form the new school, I am extremely disappointed that it is now back to the drawing board and that no clarity has been given. Can the Minister provide clarity, at least to the new board of governors, on where the project is going to go and the way forward?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. The Open has previously given Northern Ireland a significant economic boost. How can we ensure that we build on that and maximise the economic benefits from the Open this year? <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their praise of events on the north coast — the Open, the North West 200, SuperCupNI etc — but I ask them to recognise the fact that, on the days on which those events are held, there are 100,000 to 200,000 people in the area, with the nearest hospital being Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.”
“With the entitlement deadline looming, will the Minister convene an urgent information meeting for all impacted farmers to advise them on the matter? Has he visited any affected farms recently?”
“Given the urgency of the issue, why would the public have confidence that the Justice Department will act swiftly, having allowed that dangerous shortfall to develop? Will the Minister provide a specific timeline for achieving the necessary staffing levels and outline how progress can be monitored?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer, but, given the pressures that short-term holiday lets can place on the local housing supply and on community cohesion, is she prepared to set plans in place to introduce specific measures, such as requiring planning permission or establishing control areas, to better manage the impact of holiday lets and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) on residential neighbourhoods? I hear what the Minister says, but the issue is getting to epidemic proportions across Northern Ireland, and something needs to be done —”
“We must have clarity, backed up by tangible finance to offset welfare reform mitigations. <BR /> <BR />I commend our amendment to the House.”
“Yet, we question whether the additional measures that have been announced will truly tackle dishonest practices without penalising honest claimants. <BR /> <BR />We do not lose sight of the bigger picture. Northern Ireland, like other regions, struggles with high levels of economic inactivity. While the 'Pathways to Work' Green Paper outlines a support package, we need clarity on how that £1 billion investment will filter into Northern Ireland and how much finance will be delegated to Northern Ireland to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and help move people into sustainable employment. <BR /> <BR />Let me reiterate the DUP's stance. We stand for fairness, safeguarding our most vulnerable and working with all parties and communities to ensure that these reforms strengthen rather than undermine our society.”
“Those individuals face losing vital support purely because their conditions do not neatly fit the new restrictive structure. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency, there are several lower layer super output areas. Those areas lack investment from the Executive, which reduces the employment opportunities in them. There is also real concern about the proposal to scrap the work capability assessment and make PIP eligibility the new measure for those who need extra financial support under universal credit. The DUP has long advocated strong anti-fraud measures to ensure that public funds go to those who genuinely require help. Equally, we acknowledge that the Government's attempts to tackle fraud and error are necessary.”
“<BR /> <BR />Like other MLA offices across the country, my office has been contacted by a steady stream of worried constituents who feel that they have been left in the dark on how the Government's proposals are expected to work. The proposals narrow the eligibility for the personal independence payment by adding a requirement that individuals must accumulate their necessary points under a single daily living activity. That is deeply troubling for the constituents who are contacting my office. They are concerned as to how the changes will affect them. That is particularly the case for those with disabilities or complex or fluctuating mental health conditions, who often receive points under multiple daily living activities. They are, most likely, the ones who will suffer from the cuts.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank those who brought the motion to the House. It has encouraged a lively discussion on a very serious topic, namely the Government's welfare reform proposals and the implications that they will have for all our communities. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party believes that welfare must support those who need it most and do so fairly and in a way that is sustainable for taxpayers and society. The Government's latest reforms present a mixed picture that lacks clarity or definition on how it is supposed to work. The reforms are ill-thought-out and, to be honest, devastating.”
“I thank the Member for his answer. Does the Member agree that, at times, not only politicians but their staff are under pressure and stress? How can those staff access mental health support?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. There seems to be a lack of movement. Could the Minister detail in a written response what engagement has taken place by Invest NI in East Londonderry? The Mosecure data centre is supposed to have been operational for 10 years or more, but a brick has not been turned.”
“We believe that the Executive should work with the Westminster Government to ensure that the social security system adequately supports people with a terminal illness, ensuring dignity in their final months. That is the very least that we can do.”
“Many people with a terminal illness have a higher energy bill, as they try to keep warm and, at the same time, use medical equipment. We have all seen the cost of energy rise, but for the terminally ill, those rises make their situation even bleaker. Following a diagnosis of some conditions, such as motor neurone disease, a person's energy bill can rise by as much as 75%, meaning that terminally ill people are vulnerable to fuel poverty. People who are facing the end of their life should not be struggling to heat their homes or run vital medical equipment. <BR /> <BR />The state pension is a safeguard in our welfare system against poverty. By extending that safeguard to terminally ill people of working age, we can prevent thousands of people dying in poverty.”
“Marie Curie commissioned Loughborough University to conduct research that found that giving working-age terminally ill people access to their state pension could almost halve the rate of poverty in that cohort, lifting more than 8,600 people a year out of poverty at the end of their life. We recognise that the previous Government outlined the logistical challenges that would be involved with the differences between working age and pensionable benefits along with contribution records. That said, if we can do anything to reduce the burden and stress that people face at the end of their life, we must explore the available options. <BR /> <BR />Research has shown that working-age people who live with a terminal illness are a third more likely than any other working-age people to live in poverty.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party is committed to improving care and support for those with a terminal illness. Our parliamentarians have supported a change in the law to allow those with a life expectancy of up to 12 months to get faster and easier access to certain benefits and pensions.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. As somebody who is heavily involved in youth, junior, intermediate and senior football right across my constituency and the neighbouring constituency of North Antrim, I ask the Minister when the call for applications from grassroots football will be opened. Does he share my belief about the importance and value of grassroots football?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. She was in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Washington, DC. What opportunities did she have to engage with business groups on building economic links between Northern Ireland and the US? Ulster University's world-renowned research centre is based in my constituency, as is the most secure data link between the UK and America.”
“Very well done to all involved, and I encourage all concerned to keep up the good work. Congratulations on reaching both significant milestones.”
“I congratulate the staff and inmates at Magilligan prison who marked a very special milestone recently. Most of us are familiar with the weekly parkruns that take place all over the world. Recently, on a Saturday morning, Magilligan prison marked its 250th parkrun. I believe that Magilligan's Lower Drummans parkrun is the only parkrun inside prison grounds in Northern Ireland and only the second such parkrun to be established in the UK. In January, Lower Drummans parkrun celebrated its 7th anniversary, followed by its 250th event. Over 200 inmates have taken part. Inmates also cover all the parkrun roles, which include timers, scanners and tail walkers. There is a clear link between physical health and mental health that contributes to a reduction in reoffending.”
“As our Ministers engage internationally, we continue to highlight the immense contribution of Ulster-Scots heritage, particularly in the United States. Ulster-Scots migrants helped to shape American history. Their language deserves recognition on equal terms. Ultimately, we must ensure that any future language policies command broad support, respect diversity and uphold fairness. The days of one language's receiving preferential treatment over another should be ended.”
“However, there remains a stark disparity in broadcasting funding: £61·4 million has been allocated to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund since 2004, compared with just £14·1 million for Ulster Scots. That is an equality issue and an imbalance that must be addressed. <BR /> <BR />Our party respects those who cherish the Irish language, but language policies must be reasonable, proportionate and fair to all communities. Irish and Ulster Scots have similar levels of use, yet Irish receives far greater financial support. That must be addressed under equality law. It is also crucial that strategies for Irish and Ulster Scots be developed in tandem. No single tradition should be elevated above another or relegated below another.”
“in the Irish language and a wheen o words in the Ulster-Scots tradition. Both are vibrant aspects of our society, flourishing in music, dance, education and media. Ulster Scots is widely spoken in the areas that the Minister and I represent and throughout north Antrim. Wouldn't it be great to see Ulster Scots incorporated into the Gaeltacht? <BR /> <BR />We support the promotion of both languages, but it must be done in a way that is fair, practical and does not place undue burdens on public services or finances. The appointment process for language commissioners in the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression is under way. Following proper public appointment procedures, those offices will play a key role in shaping future policy. We must ensure that their work is rooted in fairness, not political advantage or disadvantage.”
“Our rich cultural and linguistic heritage here in Northern Ireland deserves respect and balance. Many have cúpla focal”
“He informed us that the right treatment for the right addiction is important, as there are more addictions than alcohol and drug addiction. He also called for treatments to be available in the north-west and for increased capacity to deal with the stigma of addiction. Ciara Ferguson made reference to the deaths caused by addiction and the pain and sorrow caused to families by those bereavements. She also told us that drug abuse and alcohol abuse is on the increase.”
“Right. <BR /> <BR />Cara Hunter, who proposed the motion, told us that the death rate through addiction is three times higher in Northern Ireland than elsewhere. She cited the complex nature of drug and alcohol addiction and called for a wrap-around approach. Daniel McCrossan mentioned how difficult it is to get appropriate help when it is needed, which leads to further despair, with families and friends being adversely affected. Danny Donnelly talked about Belfast's high rate of deaths and how addiction destroys lives and families. He said that, 27 years on, young people are still suffering the after-effects of the Troubles, and called for cross-party cooperation to deal with the issue. <BR /> <BR />Gary Middleton highlighted, rightly, the fact that addiction can strike anyone.”
“A fully resourced, trauma-informed integrated care approach would not only improve public health outcomes but reduce the long-term social and economic costs associated with untreated addiction. <BR /> <BR />Centralising health services in Belfast is not the answer. Another look needs to be taken at how this country divvies up its health services. The impending removal of acute services from the Causeway Hospital will mean that the nearest acute hospital to the Causeway Coast and Glens area is Altnagelvin, putting more pressure on the Western Trust, with no ambulances to take anybody anywhere. <BR /> <BR />I have a few minutes left.”
“A fully funded, purpose-built addiction treatment and recovery centre for the north-west and the Causeway Coast and Glens area would improve accessibility, reduce travel barriers and offer specialist addiction services, including detoxification, rehabilitation, mental health support and harm-reduction strategies. It would also lessen the burden on hospitals, emergency services, policing and social care. There needs to be support for long-term recovery by integrating addiction treatment, mental health services, housing support and employment programmes. The Assembly would need to ensure that the centre were fully funded and sustainably resourced. Establishing a dedicated addiction treatment and recovery centre in the north-west and north coast area would be a critical step forward in tackling substance misuse.”
“Establishing a dedicated treatment and recovery centre in the north-west, in which I include the north coast, is now a priority. Substance misuse, including drug and alcohol addiction, continues to be a major public health challenge in the north-west and in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, with the regions experiencing some of the highest rates of dependency in Northern Ireland. The economic and social costs of untreated addiction place significant strain on healthcare services, policing and local economies. Despite the scale of the issue, there is no dedicated, fully resourced addiction treatment centre in the north-west, in which I include the Causeway Coast and Glens area. People in those areas often face long waiting times, travel barriers and fragmented support services, making recovery more difficult.”
“That tells me that there is a bigger picture that shows that, across the north-west, there is a problem with addiction. The Minister rightly says, "If you want it, how will you pay for it?". One suggestion for the Minister is for him to reduce the number of health trusts from five to three and make savings that way, because this wee country of ours is too small to be governed by five health trusts. I digress, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, so I apologise.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I join my colleagues from the north-west in calling for the establishment of a dedicated treatment centre. The Minister highlighted some of the statistics from the Western Trust, but the problem is much larger than the Western Trust area. The area also takes in the Northern Trust. No statistics have been quoted from the Causeway Coast and Glens area. I remind Members that, according to NISRA statistics, the Belfast City Council area, with 14·3 deaths per 100,000 of population, has the highest incidence rate. Second highest is the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, with 10·7 drug-related deaths per 100,000 of population. Third highest is the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. My office continues to get complaints about raw sewage in Christie park, a park along the banks of the River Bann that walkers, runners and families use. Does the Minister recognise that that is a health and safety issue as well as an infrastructure one?”