Declan Kearney
South Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The 'good jobs' Bill is designed to benefit every single worker across this society, regardless of background. It is not anti-business. It is about growing economic productivity and enhancing employment and workers' rights.”
“The rhetoric around proper scrutiny is a complete red herring; it is an attempt by the DUP to run down the clock in relation to the mandate. Why is that? What is the DUP afraid of? Why is it vetoing the 'good jobs' Bill?”
“The fallout from Brexit is a reality that is being felt hard by workers and families across the North daily, and that is illustrated in evidence sessions that we have received in the Economy Committee. In one, we learned that our electricity bills here are now higher as a result of Brexit.”
“Catastrophic, kamikaze economics, politically toxic — there is no other way to describe the Brexit debacle. Yet, 10 years on, those in the Chamber who continue to cheerlead are burying their heads in the sand.”
“The fact is that Brexit has brought a positive focus to the democratic logic of self-determination and constitutional change in Ireland. There is a way to remove the negative and enduring legacy of Brexit. Irish unity provides that option. Therefore, it is time to widen participation in the debate.”
“Minister, do you agree that the discrimination in employment and the political vetting that have been practised in this state for so long, and actively supported by some Members, have no place in today's society, and that appointment to government boards should be open to all sections of society, including such citizens as Peter Lynch?”
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“Those paying attention to the debate — that is, if they are not preoccupied with cost-of-living pressures or concerns about housing and hospital waiting lists — could be forgiven for being perplexed as to what this rinse-and-repeat demand to dismantle the Windsor framework is really all about. <BR /> <BR />The most recent data from Queen's University's 'Testing the Temperature' research has provided a snapshot of public opinion on, among other things, the Windsor framework itself. That polling shows that 58% of those surveyed think that the Windsor framework provides "unique economic opportunities" for the North. Invest NI asserts that the Windsor framework puts the North in the advantageous position of being the only global region able to trade goods freely with both the British and EU markets.”
“This morning, at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions biennial delegate conference in Belfast, I, along with hundreds of trade unionists and visitors, listened to your presentation on the 'good jobs' Bill. It was extremely well received. Your support for employee ownership, as stated, is also very welcome. Can you confirm whether drafting is now under way to strengthen the positive contribution that trade unions can make in that regard?”
“Minister, you will be aware that a moratorium has been placed on eel fishing in Lough Neagh since the second week of May. That is causing huge financial hardship, particularly to those in our commercial fishing sector. Indeed, Minister, you met a number of those fishermen with me in the past. In light of those circumstances, what will you do to support the livelihoods of those who are enduring such hardship as a direct result of the moratorium on fishing in the lough in the midst of this ever-deepening crisis?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht an fhreagra chuimsithigh sin.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Israelis and those who support their actions are destroying every humanitarian and diplomatic norm and the basis of peaceful global coexistence. Urgent universal action is needed to bring Israel to heel. The holocaust of the Palestinian people and the colonisation of their lands must be stopped. There are no grey areas. There can be no ambiguity. We now either stand on the side of humanity and the rule of international law or acquiesce in the face of sadism and evil. That is the choice before the Assembly. I hope that political and moral leadership will be shown by everyone in the House by passing the motion.”
“Those accused of war crimes must be brought before the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Our multilateral order and the framework of international humanitarian law were established in direct response to the crimes that global imperialist powers committed in the past. Today, the largest Western powers are shredding that international law. The Israeli Government are out of control. They have crossed every red line. They are attempting to annihilate Palestinian civilisation and society. They are not serious about peace. Their actions are far beyond the pale. No international state can be allowed to commit genocide against women and children and commence unprovoked wars against other sovereign states without being subject to international accountability and sanction.”
“It further calls on the Irish Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill and to bring an end to facilitating sales of Israeli war bonds.”
“The EU and other Western powers must take comprehensive, robust measures to bring the genocide to an end and to hold Israel accountable for its multiple violations of humanitarian standards and its ongoing war crimes. The sanctions that were applied against Russia should be enforced against Israel. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls on the British Government to end all their arms sales to Israel and:”
“The EU-Israel association agreement must be terminated without further delay. <BR /> <BR />The International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and democratic opinion across the world have spoken: Israel is guilty of multiple human rights violations and multiple war crimes. International boycott, divestment and sanctions must be applied to Israel immediately. Total arms embargoes must be enforced. <BR /> <BR />Just as we have run out of vocabulary to describe the genocide and the barbaric occupation of Palestine, words of censure and condemnation have been exhausted.”
“No, I will not. <BR /> <BR />Still, Israel stands in defiance of the multilateral system by inflicting untold suffering on the civilian population in Palestine. Why is that? It is because it knows that it can do so with impunity, due to the shameful failure of Western powers to stand up for humanity. The evidence of Israeli state terrorism grows with every passing week. <BR /> <BR />The recent report from the EU's High Representative for Human Rights now assesses non-compliance by Israel with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement. I have previously said that the human rights clause in that agreement has been fundamentally violated. Action must be taken by the EU immediately, not subject to further review in July, as was reported yesterday.”
“The ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found that Palestinians in Gaza are faced with genocide due to Israeli aggression. The democratic international consensus, as reflected in successive UN resolutions, legal opinions and universal norms and practices, is that Israel's actions are unequivocal violations of international humanitarian law, and still —.”
“International humanitarian law demands that Israel not attack hospitals, schools, humanitarian aid workers or other civilian institutions. The Geneva conventions, particularly the fourth convention, are clear: the occupying force is bound by international humanitarian laws that require humane treatment of the population and the steady provision of basic needs, including food and medical care. <BR /> <BR />Israel is now in systemic violation of the Geneva convention, the Rome statute and the UN Charter. That is why the International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. They stand accused of having used starvation as a weapon of war and of massacring civilians in the occupied territories.”
“In the past month, multiple massacres have taken place at those so-called food distribution centres. Up to and including today, dozens of starving and malnourished Palestinians have been and are being murdered by Israel while they seek food, medical supplies and shelter at those locations. They are not humanitarian aid centres; they are, in fact, engineered deathtraps, where vulnerable, dispossessed people are being systematically and indiscriminately murdered. That is not happening spontaneously or accidentally: Palestinian people are being corralled into particular locations on the promise of food and assistance as a way to hem them in and then kill them. <BR /> <BR />The United Nations has already stated that the pillars of international law under which food and aid should be delivered have been undermined by Israel's actions.”
“A World Health Organization (WHO) trauma surgeon stated:”
“Since October 2023, at least 56,000 Palestinian people have been killed in Israel's genocidal war in Gaza. Almost 1,000 have been slaughtered in the West Bank. According to UNICEF, Gaza has become a graveyard for children. It is now the most dangerous place on this planet for children to live. Today in Gaza, there are 60,000 malnourished children. They are suffering from dehydration and multiple communicable diseases. The health system has been destroyed; water infrastructure is collapsing; and the population is now threatened with drought and famine. According to the United Nations, there are more than 2·1 million people trapped, bombed and starved. Food, medicine, fuel and shelter supplies are being blocked from entry to Gaza by the Israeli siege. Hunger is being used as a weapon of war.”
“Minister, in my constituency, I deal on an ongoing basis with the shortcomings of developers in relation to their responsibilities in waste water infrastructure. Will you provide an update for us on the developers' contributions consultation, please?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht an fhreagra sin.”
“It will also be a test of their support for our power-sharing Executive in helping to deliver this key flagship project. It is time to end the delays, honour commitments and deliver Casement. Build Casement now.”
“<BR /> <BR />A redeveloped Casement Park will undoubtedly bring some of the biggest sporting events to Belfast city, stimulating unparalleled sporting and economic opportunity. The associated investment for west Belfast will bring significant economic growth through job creation and associated commercial and business catalysts. Building Casement Park will make a huge investment in the infrastructure of this region. It will attract thousands of visitors to west Belfast and greater Belfast with money to spend in our hotels, shops, bars and restaurants. <BR /> <BR />Tomorrow's comprehensive spending review announcement will be a pivotal moment. It will be an acid test of the British Government's economic and social policy commitments to this region.”
“Antrim and Ulster Gaels have waited patiently for the delivery of the promised modernised, fit-for-purpose sports stadium at Casement Park. We call on the British Government to honour their commitment to ensure that Casement Park, as Ulster GAA's provincial stadium and home to Antrim GAA, is built for the next generation of Gaels: to build on Casement's historic memories and sporting legacy and deliver a long-awaited "field of dreams" for the future. It is an extreme understatement to say that that project is overdue. We know that the delay in delivering that flagship project has already denied economic and sporting opportunities to the greater Belfast area and this region. We must ensure that such opportunity and potential are not squandered again.”
“Tomorrow marks the United Nations International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. In light of the genocide and mass slaughter of children in Gaza, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling on workers across Ireland to observe a moment of reflection. Tomorrow at 1.05 pm, workers are encouraged to stand together in their workplaces for a moment of reflection, in a simple act of solidarity and remembrance for the loss of Palestinian children's lives. I urge all workers in all sectors, including in this place, to support that call from the congress and to stand together in solidarity, reflection and memory of the children who have been murdered by Israel and, beyond that, to continue to campaign for an end to the genocide, a permanent ceasefire and unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the starving people of Gaza.”
“Is 15,000 páiste a mharaigh Iosrael in Gaza le 18 mí anuas agus 34,000 atá gortaithe anois. Suas le 50 000 páiste a maraíodh agus a gortaíodh in áit atá níos lú ná Contae Aontroma. Ó bhris Iosrael an sos cogaidh an 18 de mhí an Mhárta, mharaigh siad breis is 1,300 páiste agus ghortaigh beagnach 4,000 eile.”
“That would help us to navigate the issues arising from the Windsor framework much more cohesively and it would institutionalise political connectivity between our power-sharing Executive, the Assembly and the European Commission. <BR /> <BR />The best thing for the future of all our people is to undo the economic and political harm that was caused by Brexit and its supporters. We can do that through continued and improved relations with the European Union. Of course, the key to fully restoring our membership of the European Union is Irish unity and a new constitutional settlement for our island.”
“Even though the Windsor framework gives the North a unique designated special status, it also creates a democratic deficit. While we adhere to European rules and regulations, the North no longer has elected representatives in European institutions. That is why I and others have used every public and private platform that we have to advocate for observer status in the European Parliament for political representatives from here. We have also called for direct engagement between the European Commission and our political institutions and officials. To that end, Sinn Féin has also called for a European Commission office to be opened in the North.”
“As chair of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Palestine, our MEP Lynn Boylan has given expression to the popular demand for the EU to act unambiguously to end the genocide in Gaza, secure a permanent ceasefire and allow unhindered entry of humanitarian aid to the starving people of Gaza.”
“In the meantime, Sinn Féin's MEPs, Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion, continue to advance Irish national interests in the European Parliament and represent citizens in the North. Tá ballraíocht acu ar choistí tábhachtacha, ar nós trádáil idirnáisiúnta , comhshaoil agus aeráid, fostaíocht agus gnóthaí sóisialta agus forbairt réigiúnach.”
“However, the reality is that full membership of the European Union is better for our island and for everyone who lives and works here. An Irish unity referendum under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement provides the pathway to bring that about.”
“Sinn Féin has been consistent in its opposition to Brexit. All the negative consequences that we predicted have materialised. Brexit has been an economic, political and constitutional game changer for all of Ireland. That reality was affirmed by the European Commission when it said in April 2017 that, in the event of Irish unity, Ireland, as a unitary state, would be fully reintegrated within the European Union. As a result of constructive engagement by the European Union with the post-Brexit landscape, cross-border trade has been protected and now stands at record levels. The Windsor framework has, indeed, sought to insulate local businesses, workers and families from the devastation of Brexit.”
“Cuireann Sinn Féin fáilte roimh rannpháirtíocht an Aontais Eorpaigh agus Rialtas na Breataine le caidrimh nua a fhorbairt. Beidh muid ag fanacht leis na sonraí a socróidh siad orthu sna míonna amach romhainn agus le cad é a bheas i gceist do na Sé Chontae. Ní mór d’aon toradh fiúntach aghaidh a thabhairt ar thionchair thubaisteacha leanúnacha an Bhreatimeachta ar an réigiún seo, agus caithfidh sé an geilleagar uile-Éireann a chosaint.”
“I welcome the emphasis in the strategy document on increased access for people with limited mobility and the overall approach to inclusion. How will the strategy relate to local transport plans?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra.”
“Having listened to what the Member said about an ideological or quasi-ideological narrative to obfuscate why the blockage is taking place at the heel of the hunt, I ask this: does the Member agree that, in the midst of all the economic and social challenges that this society faces, with families who cannot pay their bills and who are being put to the pin of their collar, it is absolutely incredible that people who are listening to this debate are hearing one party opposing and blocking additional funds to enable the Executive to do good work?”
“First Minister, I note from your response that there is no agreement in your office on the issue. However, it is the democratically expressed will of the Assembly that voting rights be extended to citizens across the island to elect the Irish head of state. Do you therefore agree that the extension of voting rights in Irish presidential elections to Irish citizens living in the North should be taken forward by the Irish Government as a matter of priority?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chéad-Aire as an fhreagra sin.”
“This much, however, is sure: the DUP's blocking of additional North/South funding in the Executive is wrong-headed, foolish and absolutely indefensible. The DUP really should wise up.”
“Is this a case of DUP economic illiteracy, or is this intended to be an act of financial self-harm upon an already cash-strapped Executive within which the DUP has three full Ministries? Have our DUP colleagues decided to simply cut off their noses to spite their faces, in that, of course, DUP supporters will be adversely affected by the consequences flowing from that party's decision? Or is this, perhaps, some type of bizarre plan cooked up by the DUP leadership outside this place in order to undermine the North/South implementation bodies and, by extension, strand two of the Good Friday Agreement? <BR /> <BR />Perhaps it is none of those things at all. Maybe we will find out today what is really going on. I hope that we will be enlightened.”
“Tourism Ireland is central to promoting the island all around the world, attracting up to €6·4 billion into the Irish economy with eight million visitors, up to 25% of whom travel north. All the North/South bodies, including Waterways Ireland, the Food Safety Promotion Board, InterTradeIreland, Tourism Ireland, the Special EU Programmes Body, Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch have had a positive impact in improving lives. Increased funding for those bodies can only bring more innovation and investment, better food standards and environmental initiatives, improved promotion of our indigenous languages and increased tourism, so I pose the question: what is going on?”
“<BR /> <BR />The ongoing research from S2@25, a project supported by PEACE PLUS, records that North/South implementation bodies have made a significant contribution to daily life across the island during the past 25 years, delivering better outcomes for the economy, health, environment and culture. InterTradeIreland has played a vital role in identifying opportunities for collaboration, innovation and investment throughout the island. Cross-border trade, now in the region of a record €15 billion, is evidence of its work. It has promoted economic growth, which promotes and improves the everyday lives of workers and families all over the island, particularly in our cross-border communities.”
“There is no surprise that this or any British Government will find billions of pounds to invest in their own military and industrial complex or to fund weapons of mass destruction used to arm the Israeli murder machine in Gaza and the West Bank while systematically undermining public services and then causing increased hardship for workers and families here in the North, because English politicians do not care about any of the people who live here. Those are the circumstances within which the DUP chooses to block potential additional funding from the Irish Government for our North/South bodies.”
“In the present context of unprecedented pressures on public finances, it defies belief that any party would block additional financial investment into North/South bodies that provide employment and services in this region. <BR /> <BR />The fact is that Tory, and now continued Labour, austerity and chronic underfunding of the North by the British Treasury has cut the lining out of our public services. Alongside an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the repercussions are impacting across society, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. <BR /> <BR />The facts should not have to be rehearsed, but our health service is in systemic crisis, with the worst waiting lists on record, and working families cannot pay their bills.”
“It almost beggars belief that a party in our power-sharing coalition should have to be urged to reconsider its opposition to accepting additional funding that would support the promotion of cooperation on food safety, environmental management, trade and business development, peace and reconciliation, tourism and the promotion of language and culture. The DUP's opposition is even more absurd when we know that acceptance of such funding for that vital work from the Irish Government would actually come without the requirement for reciprocal funding from the Executive, but that is the ridiculous situation that the motion before the Assembly this afternoon has to address. The DUP's obstruction on this matter is totally inexplicable.”
“What are the requirements on the British Government to meaningfully engage with the issue with a view to ensuring that the funding pressures that have been created are alleviated?”
“Minister, the loss of European funding is probably one of the most extreme demonstrations of the legacy of the Brexit arrangements that were imposed on us.”
“Does the Member agree that some of the interventions from other Members have been unfortunate in the manner in which they have sought to deflect from the character of the motion and that there is, in fact, an opportunity for every Member in the Chamber, including our colleagues from the DUP, to powerfully, along with the rest of us, affirm the principles of parity of esteem, equality and mutual respect for Members and people across society who define themselves as Irish citizens? Rather than engaging in churlish remarks that deflect, there is an opportunity for them to stand with us today and indemnify the rights of Irish citizens across the state.”
“<BR /> <BR />I sincerely hope that the Assembly will endorse this call with one voice on the basis of mutual respect and parity of esteem for all of us who share the Irish national identity in the North of Ireland.”
“The incumbent president of Ireland has been an exemplar by using his office to make a true, meaningful difference as a strong advocate of the primacy of international law, multilateralism, peace and justice. <BR /> <BR />Irish citizens living in the North of Ireland should have the right to a say in the future role and influence of the Irish presidency. Our rights as full Irish citizens are fully guaranteed under the Good Friday Agreement and in the Irish constitution, but those rights are not being engaged. The unacceptable democratic deficit should end. The Irish Government should act now. There is no excuse for continued prevarication or delay. The right of Irish citizens in the North to vote in the next Irish presidential election must be progressed and delivered.”
“Extending the franchise to all Irish citizens is an appropriate and proportionate constitutional position to adopt. Its introduction will be an important reflection of the momentum for constitutional change that has been gathering all over Ireland, North and South. <BR /> <BR />Moreover, the office of uachtarán na hÉireann, the president of Ireland, is held in hugely high regard and respect throughout the world. Recent international developments have shown that the office of the Irish president can have immense political, diplomatic and moral significance in the context of international relations. In a world that has shamefully remained silent during the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the current Irish president has shown courageous leadership in his appeal to world leaders to break their silence and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
“That is a regressive omission and a further denial of clearly defined and recognised rights of Irish citizenship, running counter to the popular democratic will of people across the island. <BR /> <BR />Here we are in 2025, with the presidential election on the horizon, and, despite years of promises and commitments from Dublin Governments, we are no further forward. Irish citizens in the North of Ireland are still disenfranchised from participation in the democratic process to elect the Irish head of state. That is in marked contrast to the welcome progress that has been made in the provision of other rights and equality measures across the Irish state. Consider, for example, 2015, when Ireland legalised equal marriage through a national referendum, following recommendations from the same Irish constitutional convention.”
“<BR /> <BR />Due to a lack of progress on the proposal to hold a referendum, Sinn Féin brought legislation to the Dáil in 2014 to give effect to the recommendations of the constitutional convention on presidential voting rights. In 2017, the Irish Government agreed to a referendum on amending article 12 of the Irish constitution to meet their obligation, but no progress has been made on that to date. Notably, the 2020 Programme for Government contained a pledge to extend presidential voting rights to Irish citizens in the North and beyond, yet nothing was done about that. In another backward step, the current Government have failed to prioritise the extension of the franchise in presidential elections in their current Programme for Government.”
“Equally, the right of those of us in the North who are Irish to identify as Irish citizens is recognised in the Good Friday Agreement. <BR /> <BR />Twelve years have passed since 2013, when the constitutional convention in Dublin voted overwhelmingly — by a margin of 78% — in support of extending the franchise to Irish citizens living in the North and abroad. That was an important recognition of the reality of hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens living in the North of Ireland and of the vast Irish diaspora that populates the globe: North America, Australia, the European Union and elsewhere. That position has been further endorsed by all the main parties in the Southern state.”