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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“Perhaps the Minister could outline any engagement that there has been with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to ensure that it is prepared for the changes. <BR /> <BR />I am keen to hear how discretion on judicial alignment will be aligned with judicial expectations to avoid potential conflicts. What support systems will be in place to assist officers in making those discretionary decisions? Clause 7 also aims to create a more balanced and rehabilitative approach to youth offending, but its success will depend on careful implementation and support for police officers in exercising their discretion effectively. <BR /> <BR />Clause 8 prevents bail from being refused to a child due solely to a lack of adequate accommodation. Has the capital project for accommodation stalled through lack of finances?”
“However, this is not about removing criminal liability; the interests of victims must remain central to the debate and legislation. It is in the best interests of victims and communities to work with offending children to address the root causes of their behaviour and ensure that they receive the necessary support to turn their lives around. The current system often responds to youth offending differently from how it responds to adults, and it is crucial to build on that approach with regard to bail, detention or diversion. <BR /> <BR />Clause 7 requires officers to consider the seriousness of any breach or likely breach of bail conditions before deciding to arrest a child. Has the Minister engaged with the PSNI in drafting that clause? Does giving police officers discretion to overlook bail breaches conflict with the judiciary?”
“We are also cautious of changes to bail and custody arrangements for children and young people in Part 2 of the Bill. Our criminal justice system already treats children and young people differently from adults in various respects, and many proposals in Part 2 naturally follow that approach. There has been a significant decline in the number of children entering the formal criminal justice system in Northern Ireland over the past decade. Prosecutions and custodial sentences are increasingly deemed to be inappropriate unless youth offending is persistent, serious or violent. We may be prepared to look at a single youth custody order, with various restrictions and conditions, to end the confusion caused by multiple orders.”
“Part 3 looks at the use of live links and allows remote interviewing and videoconferencing for police investigations and pre-charge detention extensions. Part 4 looks at the administration of justice. It grants the Policing Board delegation powers, modifies auditing requirements and introduces measures to improve the administration of justice, including support for vulnerable defendants and regulation-making powers for court security. To avoid duplication, I will speak broadly about Part 2. Part 3 is self-explanatory, and my Justice Committee colleague Stephen Dunne will address Part 1 and Part 4. <BR /> <BR />We are cautious of the proposed changes to the Bill in general and of the potential amendments, perhaps, falling short of crucial scrutiny time.”
“The Bill introduces significant reforms across various areas of justice and law enforcement in Northern Ireland. Part 1 refers to the retention of biometric data. It implements a 75/50/25-year model for biometric data retention based on age, offence severity and case outcome, replacing indefinite retention; it establishes a review mechanism for long-term retained material; and it seeks the appointment of a Northern Ireland Commissioner for the Retention of Biometric Material. Part 2 relates to children. It introduces new considerations for custody officers in courts when dealing with children, emphasising age, maturity and understanding. It also mandates that children under 18 serve detention in juvenile centres and introduces a new youth custody and supervision order for less serious offences.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. In view of the circumstances that abound in England because of overcrowding, prisoners are being let out early. Does she envisage anything like that in Northern Ireland?”
“Thank you, Minister. I could not agree more with your response. What is the expected timeline for decisions concerning controlled schools? Are the Minister and his Department working to a timeline?”
“A few months back, Gerry and his daughter Stephanie visited my office. Right away, Gerry, despite his illness, adopted a boxing pose. We had a good laugh, a bit of craic, and, again, another memory was made that will never fade. <BR /> <BR />Gerry will be greatly missed, not by just his family but by the many constituents whom he helped over the years. I, too, will miss Gerry. My life has been much richer for having known him, and I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, Bernadette, children Donna, Cathy, Gerry, Colette, Dominic, Gemma, Stephanie, Gary, Richard, Amy and the late Louise and the immediate and extended family circle.”
“Gerry's late father served in the First World War and was severely injured, but, thankfully, he survived that terrible conflict and returned home. Gerry, in memory of his father, was one of the first, if not the very first, SDLP councillors to attend Remembrance Sunday. When he and I attended our first official Remembrance Sunday together in 1996, we also travelled to the Somme battlefields. <BR /> <BR />Gerry McLaughlin was a kind, loving, loyal man whose word was his bond, and his integrity was beyond reproach. He was a gentleman, a family man. He had so many qualities, and I was proud to have known him as a friend. I have fond memories of our times in council. As two working-class guys, we had much in common and a friendship that rose above all else, especially politics.”
“He had a reputation for helping his fellow workmates, while his record of working for all as a councillor was well known and appreciated. <BR /> <BR />He was a tireless community worker. In his younger days, he was a leading member of Windsor Boys' Club in Coleraine, where he educated children in the art of boxing alongside the late Billy Murphy and the late John Harte. His love for his wife, Bernadette, and his family was unending. Bernadette was a shining star in his life, closely followed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I was privileged to play a small part when he and Bernadette renewed their marriage vows on their 50th wedding anniversary.”
“I will speak about the sad loss of a friend and former council colleague, Gerry McLaughlin, who was laid to rest on Friday. The nature of this place and the short time available in which to organise meetings and deal with constituency matters greatly impinges on our ability to attend funerals and ad hoc events. Nevertheless, I record my sadness at his passing and my gratitude for having known Gerry for many years, long before he or I became councillors. <BR /> <BR />Gerry McLaughlin is etched in my good-memories bank. I knew Gerry when he worked in Diamond sawmills and in the old Department of the Environment, long before I became a councillor. In fact, Gerry was the first person to shake my hand on the day that I was elected in a by-election.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House today. If the Labour Government continue to cancel finance for projects that benefit citizens, they could go down as the worst Government ever, headed by the worst Prime Minister ever. That is only my opinion. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you have mentioned some of the nine projects in the Causeway Coast and Glens that are at risk as a result of the Government's decision. Given the importance of the deal to the Causeway Coast and Glens area, will the Minister mount a robust challenge to ensure that the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens areas are not disadvantaged by the Government's divisive decision, that there is equality of opportunity for both areas and that regional inequalities are addressed? I imagine that you will have full support across the Chamber to do so.”
“Minister, your Department is not solely at fault for the state of the water; other Departments are at fault too. Everything that goes into Lough Neagh comes down through Coleraine, where it is pumped into our reservoir. A gentleman left into my office two samples that he wants tested. Thank you for your assurances on the drinking water, but I maintain that I will keep on drinking bottled water in the meantime. What plans do you have to have discussions with your Executive colleagues to plant more trees and shrubs along river ways to soak up the run-off before it gets into the waterways? That is notwithstanding the direct pollution that is caused by, in some cases, government agencies.”
“What does the Minister believe to be the most important actions, especially on water and sewage infrastructure, that can be taken to improve housing supply across the regions of Northern Ireland?”
“What will the impact on local services in Northern Ireland be? What will the longer-term outcome from the cuts be?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Everybody in the House shares his concerns. Does he share my concerns about this short-term cut by a Labour Government who did not have it in their manifesto and told lies to the public?”
“Did the First Minister hold any bilateral meetings on the fringes of the British-Irish Council? If so, with whom and what issues were discussed?”
“Thank you for your answer, First Minister. Will you commit the Executive Office to working closely with the organisers of the competition to promote it annually?”
“My question has partly been answered, but I would like a more detailed response on the duties that the junior Ministers have undertaken in this mandate.”
“Thank you very much for your answer, Minister. I raised this question some time ago — almost six years ago — with a previous Justice Minister, yet here we are with the same question arising. Has a time frame been set for work to commence on the prison?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The reality, Minister, is that the lack of infrastructure right across Northern Ireland — in East Londonderry in particular — is stopping the development of social housing and private housing. It is an emergency situation, as, I am sure, you are well aware.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important that we recognise the right to pastoral support and care. Therefore, I urge colleagues to support our amendment, which agrees to provide that protection while protecting religious freedom and the right of expression.”
“<BR /> <BR />Doug Beattie highlighted his birthright as a straight man who cannot be changed by therapy: I agree with that. We are who we are; indeed, anybody born into the LGBT+ community cannot be changed by therapy. They are who they are. We are who we are. <BR /> <BR />Sian Mulholland spoke of a misrepresentation of faith and highlighted a Christian ethos of compassion and love for fellow human beings. Sinéad McLaughlin called for full support from the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />Jim Allister challenged the meaning of the motion and called it an "under the radar" attack on education and religion. He called for freedom of religion and for Christian teaching to be protected. <BR /> <BR />Gerry Carroll said that it is a shame that LGBT+ rights are under debate in the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr McGrath spoke of historical homophobic abuse that was sometimes hostile and unacceptable to those in the LGBT+ community: I agree with him. My colleague pointed out that coercive and abusive practices cannot and should not be tolerated and are not acceptable in any form: we agree with that. <BR /> <BR />Emma Sheerin, in supporting the motion, said that a lot of work has already been done, and she called for action. Mr Tennyson spoke of equality and togetherness, the need for change and recognition of the possibility that harmful abuse comes through conversion therapy, and he called for a ban. I think that we all want that, but we want to protect religious freedom and freedom of speech at the same time.”
“It has been an interesting if not challenging debate. Our amendment is self-explanatory. I agree that the abusive practice of conversion therapy can affect the mental health of anyone who may be subjected to it, and I recognise that the practice has been rejected by medical professionals, as it should be. We support a ban on such practices. <BR /> <BR />It is, nonetheless, important to recognise that, where an individual voluntarily or actively seeks prayerful or pastoral support, that should be underpinned. One cannot rule out the value and importance of support and pastoral guidance from churches to their parishioners and congregations. Often, the church is a confidential and trusted point of first contact.”
“The Minister is reviewing a draft housing supply strategy with exactly that in mind. <BR /> <BR />In closing, we need to future-proof the private rented sector, which means tackling the practices of a minority of rogue landlords who are operating in the sector without disadvantaging those who operate with fairness and integrity in their dealings with renters.”
“In the policy that we make, there is therefore a need to ensure that we do not exacerbate problems in housing supply either by driving current landlords out of the sector or by reducing its attractiveness to new buyers. The sustainability and longevity of the private rented sector is absolutely critical when we consider that, of 6,051 housing starts in Northern Ireland in 2022-23, over 80% were in the private sector. In general, there was a 19% decrease in new starts. In that sense, it is clear that a failure to get to grips with the challenges that face housing supply will be magnified by the level of accommodation that is available from the private sector, not least because the shortage of social stock places pressures in that direction, but the DUP is committed to unlocking supply across all tenures.”
“It is crucial, however, that, in the first instance, we focus on what is deliverable and on what will yield the greatest added value for vulnerable renter households in the shortest time frame possible. The Minister for Communities is actively working on the necessary legislation. I urge the other parties to support that direction of travel. <BR /> <BR />The balance to be struck between protecting tenants and the risk of over-regulation is a fine one. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has found that as many as 60% of private landlords could seek to exit the market, particularly when Airbnb and holiday lets may acquire higher rents.”
“We supported the legislation that was passed by the Assembly in the previous mandate, and it has gone some way to improving regulation. <BR /> <BR />The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 afforded the potential to go even further on providing greater assurances for renters, particularly through longer notice to quit periods. It would be an abdication of responsibility not to pursue the implementation of those enhancements in favour of an outright ban, which may take longer and require additional legislation in the House when time is not on our side to do so. That is not to say that my party does not support exploring the merits of banning no-fault evictions in a second phase of reforms.”
“The private rented sector accounts for 13% of households in Northern Ireland, and many of them are vulnerable households. Indeed, we have previously heard evidence that almost half are in receipt of housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit. In recent years, the private rented sector has grown considerably, particularly in the 25- to 34-year-old age group. That would suggest that it has been a valuable option for those who are priced out of the market as a result of shortages in the housing sector. Stable high house prices, the spike in interest rates and the affordability of mortgages have all had an impact. The DUP fully recognises that those households deserve a safe and secure tenancy. We are committed to driving up standards in the private rented sector.”
“Owing to the condition of the school estate and the rising cost of new buildings, should the Department not prioritise maintenance and minor works projects?”
“I thank the junior Minister very much for that answer. My town of Coleraine has lost Marks and Sparks to out-of-town shopping, and, since that, our footfall has dropped by 14%. Are there any plans for the high street task force to try to reverse the trend of shops in town centres going to out-of-town shopping centres?”
“Mr Speaker, may I apologise for not being in the House prior to the Easter break for a question to the Principal Deputy Speaker?”
“Does the Minister agree that it is disgraceful if landlords use notices to quit instead of addressing complaints from tenants, such as damp, mould and necessary repairs?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and her commitment to replying. County Hall has a capacity of 700, but only a fraction of it is occupied. Would it be feasible to move the small number of staff from County Hall to Jubilee House in Ballykelly, which is also under-occupied? Will the Department enter discussions with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to promote an office establishment there or, better still, give the building to the council and let it maintain it?”
“The Minister has partly answered my supplementary. Does he think that he will get the support of his Executive colleagues to increase his budget, considering that so many in the House, from all parties, have put pressure on him to do so?”
“That will include tackling many socio-economic drivers, such as deprivation, poverty, educational underachievement and adverse childhood experiences. I support the motion.”
“Greater use of university places would be an advantage, and I agree that Ulster University would be ideally placed for that, not just at Magee but in Coleraine and Belfast. <BR /> <BR />We need to build capacity among all stakeholders who interact with young people and adults with SLCN. We need to support those people on their journey through the judicial system. Any sense of a silo mentality must be removed. Is there merit in evaluating the potential for national accreditation in some areas? <BR /> <BR />It is vital that we support a whole-system approach to tackling SLCN. In many ways, the motion addresses the symptom rather than the cause. We need to ensure that fewer of our young people enter the criminal justice system with unmet communication and language needs.”
“Prison officers and staff are often unaware how best to engage and support a person with complex needs. That needs to change. <BR /> <BR />We recognise that that support calls for earlier interventions and speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) screening, particularly in youth justice settings. It is important to note, however, that gaps in identification remain across all age groups. We also need to challenge any perception that addressing the challenges is solely in the gift of health professionals. It also involves those in education and justice. Speech and language therapists will have a role to play. The Member opposite spoke about the value of having trained speech and language therapists, about the high number of applicants for training and about the small number of available university places.”
“Training in the workforce could help identify who might need support with speech, language and communication and understand how it might have an impact on them. Difficulty in language development has been associated with a higher risk of someone getting involved in criminal activities. A high percentage of young people who have committed infractions have some kind of language or communication difficulty. <BR /> <BR />In general, the prison population is growing along with its health and communication needs. The impact of any communication disorder that affects an individual's ability to understand, detect or apply language and speech effectively can lead to a variety of conflicts. We would support a training needs analysis or audit among not just prison staff but the wider justice workforce in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Members who tabled the motion. Screening and assessing young people to determine their speech, language and communication needs is vital in order to assist inmates who have a high prevalence of language and communication disorders and could end up being more vulnerable in the prison system. Speech therapists are important members of the legal workforce, and, through the prevention, early detection, assessment and treatment of communication disorders, they improve the health, well-being and participation of people who are, or are at risk of being, in contact with the judicial system. <BR /> <BR />It is vital to support young people to develop their own strategies to facilitate communication, to aid working with others and to make treatment, education and information more accessible.”
“Unfortunately, that needs to be looked into as well, hence the need to take a holistic approach to Lough Neagh and its associated waterways. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support the motion and the amendment.”
“We need to continue with that thought by planting riparian tree and vegetation cover along the rivers that enter Lough Neagh to catch some of the leachate from farmland and find a natural solution to the invasive species of zebra mussel, preferably a natural predator rather than a chemical solution. <BR /> <BR />I add my support to the AERA Minister as he grapples with this ecological time bomb. I agree with others that addressing the problem needs cross-departmental support. I encourage the Minister to look, not just at the lough but at the waterways that feed into the lough and the one river that flows out, the Lower Bann. <BR /> <BR />Eel fishing has been mentioned. I can remember when the ropes at the Cutts were black with elvers making their way upstream. That is no longer the case.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last year, there were 25 confirmed instances of algal bloom between the Lower Bann at Toome and the Barmouth at Castlerock and Portstewart. It is not just Lough Neagh that is affected but the Lower Bann corridor, which is affecting angling and tourism, especially at north coast bathing beaches. Everything waterborne that emerges from Lough Neagh flows along the Bann and out to sea. Therefore, nitrates and phosphates need to be prevented from entering the lough at source. Mr Speaker, when you were the AERA Minister, you initiated an ambitious tree planting scheme.”
“That wends its way through counties Antrim and Londonderry to the Barmouth between Castlerock and Portstewart, including through Coleraine, the principal town of the Causeway Coast and Glens. As someone who has had the privilege of fishing for white trout at Dougan's Bay in the tidal stretch of the Bann, fishing above the Cutts at the Loughan Island for salmon, including the Big Agivey and Wee Agivey rivers, and fishing at the beaches of Downhill, Castlerock and Portstewart for flounder and sea bass, I am all too aware of the debris that flows through the River Bann into the sea from Lough Neagh. That includes the irregular flow of water that is released from the lough during inclement weather and at times of high levels of water in the lough.”
“I add my congratulations to the Minister on taking up his new post. I look forward to working with him through the mandate. <BR /> <BR />Several members have referred to the high level of phosphorus and nitrates in Lough Neagh and, indeed, the invasive species of zebra mussel and its ability to filter up to one litre of water per day. I have no intention of repeating those valid points. However, while we are, rightly, looking at improving the ecological and environmental state of the lough, it is important that we also look at what is going into Lough Neagh and what is coming out. <BR /> <BR />Six major rivers feed the lough: the Ballinderry, the Moyola, the Sixmilewater, the Blackwater, the Maine and the Upper Bann. Only one river flows out: the Lower Bann.”
“I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. He has part-answered my question, which is on new technologies. I note that pothole machines have been devised by JCB and are in use extensively on the mainland. Has the Minister looked at that technology? It can be a bespoke lorry or an attachment for a JCB digger.”
“I congratulate the Minister on his appointment and look forward to working with him over the course of the mandate. I also thank him for his statement, especially the part about the removal of Loreto College from the pause list, which is welcome news for my constituency. However, I would like to ask about the future schools merger in Coleraine between North Coast Integrated College, Coleraine College and Dunluce School. The last correspondence that I received from a Minister, quite some time ago, stated that the new school would be on-site by September 2026.”
“Thank you for your answer, Minister. The issue is that review forms are being sent out about 10 months in advance of a PIP award coming to an end. The form is completed and returned, but, by the time the person is assessed, their conditions have changed and the form is no longer relevant. What is the Department doing to reduce those times and make the PIP process less stressful for applicants?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I, too, failed to declare my membership of the Policing Board. Like Mr Nesbitt, I apologise to the House.”