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?”
The complete record
Every one of 988 lines we hold for Declan Kearney, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 20.
“<BR /> <BR />Central to the agreement of our peace settlement was the recognition of the birthright of every citizen in the North to identify as Irish, British or neither, if they so choose, and to be accepted as such. The agreement included a key provision that the Irish Government would amend article 2 of the Irish constitution, granting the right to full Irish citizenship. The duty of the Irish Government is established clearly under article 2, which underpins the birthright of everyone born on the island of Ireland”
“Sinn Féin urges all Assembly Members, regardless of their political perspective, to support the motion, which calls on the Irish Government to fulfil their responsibility and finally extend the right to vote in Irish presidential elections to the hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens living in the North of Ireland. It is finally time for an Irish Government to resolve that democratic deficit and to set the date for a referendum on allowing Irish citizens here to have their say in presidential elections. By speaking with one voice on the issue, our Assembly can powerfully affirm the principles of parity of esteem, mutual respect and equality in the Good Friday Agreement.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Tá mé breá sásta an rún seo a mholadh, ar ábhar atá ríthábhachtach agus fíorshuntasach do shaoránaigh Éireannacha anseo sna Sé Chontae.”
“Yesterday, the Minister for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald, announced her plans to introduce the most progressive workers' rights legislation in the history of this state, including proposals for good jobs, fair pay, secure employment, trade union recognition and collective bargaining rights. As we look towards this May Day in solidarity with Irish workers North and South, let us unite across the Chamber to endorse and support the 'good jobs' Bill. Let us speak with one voice in support of strong workers' rights legislation. I urge everyone to join, on Saturday in Belfast and other locations, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in marking May Day, to march in solidarity with local trade unionists and, if you have not already done so, to join a union.”
“This Thursday marks International Workers' Day. May Day is the iconic date on which we celebrate the historical and more recent struggles and achievements of workers and organised labour in Ireland and internationally. It is an occasion for us all to recommit ourselves to the achievement of strong workers' rights and industrial democracy. <BR /> <BR />The creation of any productive economy and the achievement of shared prosperity in society depends on strong trade union organisation and a political commitment to defending workers' rights.”
“Precarious work is a systemic practice in the world of work. Minister, what is your message to workers across this society who endure the scourge of precarious employment?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Cuirim fáilte roimh an ráiteas fhórasach shuntasach seo inniu.”
“I am very sensitive to the fact that there is a divergence in thinking within your office around issues on the constitutional future of the island. Nevertheless, do you agree that it is now time for the British Secretary of State to set definitive criteria for the calling of a unity referendum, and do you agree that the British Government should commence a conversation with the Irish Government about setting out the transition for Irish reunification?”
“Ar chuid geansaithe an chumainn tá suaitheantais a bhaineann le cearta an duine a chur chun cinn. Is dea-shampla é sin den dóigh ar féidir le spóirt an tsíocháin a chur chun cinn. Mar sin, go n-éirí libh, a Chumann Lúthchleas Gael na Palaistíne, agus gura fada buan an dlúthpháirtíocht idirnáisiúnta.”
“Meastar go mbíonn 3·7 billiún duine ag amharc ar spóirt ar fud an domhain gach seachtain. Úsáideann lucht leanúna spóirt taispeántais ildaite le tacú lena bhfoirne, agus úsáideann cuid acu na taispeántais chéanna le dlúthpháirtíocht a léiriú le feachtais éagsúla. Is amhlaidh an scéal in Éirinn agus ár gcluichí á n-imirt. Ardaíonn lucht leanúna spóirt bratacha gach seachtain beag beann ar an fhoireann a bhfuil ag tacú leo. Tapóidh lucht leanúna Chumann Lúthchleas Gael an deis leis an chúis sin a chur chun tosaigh, cúis atá Lá Idirnáisiúnta an Spóirt ar son Forbartha agus Síochána a cheiliúradh. Le déanaí, bhí Gaeil ar son Gaza ar thús cadhnaíochta, agus iad ag reáchtáil agóidí, bigilí agus cluichí carthanachta ar son mhuintir na Palaistíne atá faoi leatrom. Ar na mallaibh bunaíodh Cumann Lúthchleas Gael na Palaistíne in Ramallah.”
“I agree that we need a strategic discussion on and plan for fully eradicating the root causes of division and the ongoing sectarian fault lines in our society, but I strongly submit that that needs to be set within a framework that looks beyond the limits of partition, addresses the process of planning and preparing for constitutional change and the achievement of an inclusive, tolerant national democracy.”
“However, the motion has further weakened its focus by ignoring the adverse reality of the North's dependence on the British Exchequer, which refuses our power-sharing Executive access to the very financial resources that are required to deliver sustainable public services. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to my final point. Any strategy, political or otherwise, to effectively address the cost of division in this region cannot ignore the elephant in the room, which is the legacy and effect of successive British Governments' economic and political policy towards the North. Previous Tory, and now Labour, austerity policies continue to deny our power-sharing Executive the fiscal and financial capacity that they need to repurpose the delivery of public services.”
“The existence of two economies and divergent tax systems has created obvious impediments to the global marketing of our island. That is why so many economists and commentators have concluded that Irish unity will generate significant economic net benefits and an overall increase in GDP. Economic productivity and shared prosperity will be maximised by promoting the benefits of an integrated island economy with a highly skilled workforce, one tourism product and harmonised health, education and third-level education systems. <BR /> <BR />Of course, we must be united in our efforts to end community division.”
“I welcome the fact that the motion places a focus on the cost of sectarian division. It is, however, unfortunate that its scope has been defined in one-dimensional terms. We need to be honest. The reality is that sectarianism cannot be properly assessed without reference to the partition and division of the island and the associated economic and financial costs and repercussions. <BR /> <BR />In the North, the costs of division are, indeed, evidenced in separate education systems, segregated housing, social disadvantage and the disproportionate diversion of police resources in response to incidents of sectarianism and racial hate crime. The financial cost of community divisions in the region are a structural by-product of partition. The creation of two states on this island has led to a duplication of public services and systems.”
“The reality is clear. Israel can have security only through peace. It will never have peace through war crimes and atrocities.”
“To fail to act is to be complicit in the destruction of the Palestinian people and their homeland. All red lines have been crossed. Only one moral and diplomatic choice is left, which is to isolate Israel internationally and enforce boycott, divestment and sanctions.”
“<BR /> <BR />In recent weeks, since the ceasefire began, over 100 people had already been killed. Israel has violated all the terms of the ceasefire since its beginning. It has blocked tents, homes and aid. In the past 12 days, all aid has been blocked from getting into the Gaza Strip, and electricity supplies have been stopped. Those are acts not of peacebuilding but of terrorism. The terrorist regime of Netanyahu has determined that it will continue to wage its genocide in Gaza by other means. The genocide in Gaza is not just a war against Palestinian children and women; it has become a war against multilateral systems, international law, diplomacy and humanity. <BR /> <BR />It is inconceivable that action cannot be taken against the Israeli regime at this time.”
“At the outset of the Gaza ceasefire, I spoke of the hope of children in Gaza that they would be able, for the first time in a year, to look to the skies with hope and not fear. However, I also cautioned about what was required to ensure that the ceasefire would apply: adherence to the terms of the ceasefire and the importance of having guarantors that would underpin the implementation of the ceasefire. <BR /> <BR />This morning, I woke to messages from Palestinian leaders in Gaza and the West Bank urging action against the latest atrocity by the Israeli regime and showing images of children's butchered, cold and lifeless bodies. Up to 400 people have been killed in Gaza since the attacks this morning, and more will die as a result: the death toll will increase.”
“Caithfimid rún comhchoiteann a bheith againn domhan síochánta a chruthú, domhan atá bunaithe ar an cheartas shóisialta agus ar an chomhionnanas. Sin an fáth a gcaithfidh an neodracht fanacht mar bhunchloch de pholasaí eachtrach na hÉireann.”
“Cuimhníonn an Lá Domhanda um Cheartas Sóisialta dúinn faoina thábhachtaí atá an tsíocháin dhomhanda, cearta an duine agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta. Ar an drochuair, tá na bunphrionsabail sin faoi ionsaí inniu ag fórsaí idirnáisiúnta atá sa tóir ar a leas impiriúil coilíneach féin. I ndomhan ilpholach an lae inniu, caithfidh tús áite a thabhairt don chómhaireachtáil shíochánta, don mheas ar an dlí idirnáisiúnta agus ar an taidhleoireacht. Tá traidisiún neodrachta agus neamh-chomhghuaillíochta ag Éirinn, rud a fhágann go bhfuil meas orainn go leitheadach as ról dearfach a imirt i ngnothaí domhanda. Tá iontaoibh ag daoine asainn agus sinn ag obair ar son neamh-iomadú núicléach, an iltaobhachais, agus chothú na síochána idirnáisiúnta.”
“Will the Minister outline specifically what the Executive Office has been doing to progress the establishment of the bodies and the appointment of the commissioners, and within what time frame?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra.”
“That is the best foundation for growth and productivity in the all-island and global economies. Crucially, it will also reward workers and families, trade unions and employers, and local businesses.”
“<BR /> <BR />The 'good jobs' employment rights Bill that will progress through the Assembly in the coming months is an opportunity to shape our workforce in relation to the high-growth scenario that is forecast by the university. A good jobs programme will be integral to a productive, fair and competitive economy. There needs to be a regional economic base that ensures that workers are paid fair wages and are guaranteed secure employment that provides workers and their families with a good standard of living. The 'good jobs' Bill will be the most progressive employment legislation ever introduced in the North. With cross-party support, it can help to build a strong and productive workforce for the future, with workers' rights, union recognition and collective bargaining at its core.”
“A recent report from Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre suggests that the North will need between 5,000 and 8,000 additional workers every year for the next 10 years in order to grow the regional economy. Failure to address any of the barriers to work or job training that are cited in the report will threaten the forecast potential economic growth. Long-term economic inactivity and retaining highly trained students and skilled workers are just some of the challenges that we will face in the coming years. The solution must be based on a well-compensated, well-trained and secure workforce, with strong workers' rights and protections built into law.”
“<BR /> <BR />The PFG could and should have embraced a step change by designing an approach to support constitutional transition, and that should extend to establishing a citizens' assembly on unity, publishing a Green Paper on constitutional change and, indeed, establishing a Department with a Minister who is dedicated to the reunification process. The Irish Government should also begin a conversation with the British Government on developing an intergovernmental road map to enable a unity referendum within this decade and to prepare for a smooth path to Irish unity. <BR /> <BR />Members, change is happening. Increased cross-border cooperation carries huge transformative potential, but it is time for the Irish Government to frame that dynamic within the political objective of planning for Irish unity.”
“However, Brexit, demographics, political realignments and the outworking of our peace process have all reshaped the political landscape, so constitutional change is on the political horizon. That is a powerful incentive to develop increased areas of all-island cooperation. <BR /> <BR />The Irish Government's new Programme for Government points to how increased cooperation can continue to be advanced. However, the new PFG does not address the need to systematically plan and prepare for Irish unity. The PFG, in fact, represents a failed opportunity to integrate current and future cooperation in key policy areas with a strategy for reunification as a political and policy objective. There is no explicit political recognition that a unity referendum under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement is, in fact, inevitable.”
“The effective operation of the North/South Ministerial Council is central to our peace settlement. Sinn Féin has consistently argued for the strengthening of the NSMC and expanded areas of all-Ireland cooperation. In the past, unionist boycotts and other attempts to disrupt effective all-island cooperation have, indeed, negatively impacted on the resilience of the NSMC. The reality is that no institutional strand of the Good Friday Agreement can be unpicked or set to the side without having negative consequences for the entire agreement framework. <BR /> <BR />All-Ireland cooperation is an essential condition for good government in the North and maintaining stable institutions. Shared approaches across the island on issues such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, climate and tourism all make sense. It is the way forward.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. I noticed recently that the First Minister and deputy First Minister met a number of groups that have been working with those in need for years. Will the deputy First Minister give an update on the memorial for the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse?”
“Tá dualgas morálta orainn an comhionannas, an ceartas agus an tsíocháin a chosaint agus seasamh go daingean in aghaidh an chinedhíothaithe, bíodh sin cinedhíothú a rinneadh san am atá caite nó cinedhíothú atá ar obair san am i láthair.”
“Tá Lá Cuimhneacháin ar Íospartaigh an Uileloiscthe tábhachtach, nó tugann sé deis dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar na hainghníomhartha is uafásaí a rinneadh ar an chine dhaonna. Comórann sé gníomhartha uafásacha cinedhíothaithe a rinneadh ar na milliúin íospartach. De dheasca an fhaisisteachais le linn an Dara Cogadh Domhanda, dúnmharaíodh sé mhilliún fear, bean agus páiste Giúdach, lena n-áirítear daoine faoi mhíchumas, baill den phobal LADT+, mionlaigh eitneacha agus príosúnaigh pholaitíochta. Tá an tUileloscadh ar cheann de na dúbhearta is measa i stair an chine dhaonna. <BR /> <BR />Is gairm chun gnímh é Lá Cuimhneacháin ar Íospartaigh an Uileloiscthe do chách atá tiomanta chun cearta an duine agus chun an daonlathais. Éilítear orainn seasamh le chéile i gcoinne gach cineál seineafóibe, ciníochais agus leithcheala.”
“can you give us an assurance that, notwithstanding the dire financial situation that your Department faces, funding for Magee will continue to be prioritised?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an tuairisc chun dáta sin. Lena chois sin, a Aire,”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire shóisearach as ucht an fhreagra sin. An féidir leis an Aire shóisearach a dheimhniú go mbeidh comhairliúchán agus rannpháirtíocht cheart ann leis na grúpaí is mó a mbeidh tionchar ag an straitéis seo orthu?”
“As we know from our experience of peace processes, there is a need for great vigilance. However, it is also a time at which there must be increased political solidarity with the people of Gaza and increased financial solidarity to assist in overcoming the humanitarian challenges. <BR /> <BR />For the first time in many months, the children of Gaza can now, perhaps, look to the skies with hope not fear. We all have a duty to ensure that that is realised, that peace is achieved and becomes permanent, and that the people of Palestine and Israel can live in peaceful co-existence.”
“That will demand good faith on the part of all actors: those who are party to the war and those who have indicated their willingness to act as guarantors of the ceasefire and the following phases. Much more is needed, however. The ceasefire must become a pathway to a permanent, democratic peace settlement in Gaza and for the people of Palestine, and it must become a pathway to the achievement of a sovereign Palestinian state.”
“I welcome the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza. It is a pivotal occasion for the people of Gaza, Palestine, the wider Middle East and their neighbours in Israel. The conditions in Gaza at this time are those of an absolute apocalypse. The physical destruction and the unimaginable suffering and loss of life are beyond our comprehension. Prior to the ceasefire, 'The Lancet' reported that, as far back as June of last year, deaths in Gaza had been underestimated by 40%. The ceasefire is an opportunity for respite for the people of Gaza, and, critically, it is an opportunity for them to begin to mourn their losses properly. It cannot be temporary, however. The ceasefire must be fully implemented and observed, and all phases must be rigidly adhered to.”
“Cad chuige nach ndéanfaimis amhlaidh i gcás daoine faoi mhíchumas? Tá an ceart ar fad acu nuair a deir siad, "Faic fúinn gan chead uainn." <BR /> <BR />Ba cheart do lucht déanta beartas cluas a chur orthu féin ach chan é sin amháin, ba cheart daoine faoi mhíchumas a bheith i measc lucht ceannais láithreach bonn.”
“Is cinnte go mbeadh sin ina chuidiú le daoine faoi mhíchumas a chosaint, ach tá rud is suntasaí ná sin a thiocfadh linn a dhéanamh: cluas le héisteacht a thabhairt dóibh. Is ag na daoine faoi mhíchumas iad féin is fearr a fhios cad é atá le déanamh. <BR /> <BR />"Faic fúinn, gan chead uainn," sin mana atá ag an ghluaiseacht dhomhanda ar son chearta na ndaoine faoi mhíchumas. Thiocfadh linn uile go léir rud éigin a fhoghlaim ón mhana chéanna. Caithfear barúlacha agus tuairimí daoine faoi mhíchumas a chur san áireamh i ngach aon dlí dá rithimid sa Teach seo. <BR /> <BR />Ní bhfaighimis de chroí dlíthe a rith thar ceann cuid ar bith eile den phobal gan na dlíthe sin a cheadú leo ar dtús. Leoga, bíonn próiseas comhairliúcháin againn agus bíonn comhrá againn leis na daoine a rachaidh an dlí i bhfeidhm orthu.”
“Inniu táimid ag ceiliúradh Lá Idirnáisiúnta na nDaoine faoi Mhíchumas. Tugaimid aitheantas don mhaith a dhéanann daoine faoi mhíchumas do leas an phobail. Aithnímid fosta na deacrachtaí a bhíonn ann do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas rochtain a fháil ar sheirbhísí, fostaíocht agus deiseanna eile atá neamhiontach ag daoine eile sa phobal. <BR /> <BR />Bíodh gur tionscnaíodh Lá Idirnáisiúnta na nDaoine faoi Mhíchumas thiar sa bhliain 1992 is amhlaidh a chuirtear go fóill constaicí go leor i mbealach daoine faoi mhíchumas. <BR /> <BR />Bhí díospóireacht againn an tseachtain seo caite ar Choinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe ar Chearta Daoine faoi Mhíchumas a bheith ina chuid den dlí againn anseo.”
“— a bhfuil ciall agus coinsias aige a rá arís go gcaithfidh Iosrael sos cogaidh a fhógairt láithreach ar fud na Palaistíne.”
“Caithfidh na Stáit Aontaithe, an Bhreatain, an Ghearmáin, an Fhrainc agus cumhachtaí eile an Iarthair freagracht a ghlacadh orthu féin as an rialú sin a chur i bhfeidhm. Ná téitear ar chúl scéithe sa scéal. Caithfear an dlí idirnáisiúnta a chur i bhfeidhm go cothrom ar gach duine atá á shárú. Ag an am céanna, caithfear smachtbhannaí cuimsitheacha eacnamaíochta agus polaitíochta a chur ar Iosrael chomh maith le trádbhac arm. <BR /> <BR />Ní fhanfaidh muintir na hÉireann ina dtost agus daoine eile faoi choilíneachas, faoi fhorghabháil agus faoi chinedheighilt. Seasfaimid go dlúth diongbháilte le muintir na Palaistíne agus iad tiomanta a saoirse a bhaint amach. Ar lá seo na Náisiún Aontaithe um dhlúthpháirtíocht le Muintir na Palaistíne, ní mór do gach duine —”
“Is náire shaolta é an bhuamáil gan idirdhealú atá fórsaí Iosrael a dhéanamh ar ospidéil, bailte, sráidbhailte agus campaí seiftithe a bhfuil teifigh ina gcónaí iontu ar fud na Palaistíne agus na Liobáine. Creideann siad gur féidir leo gníomhú gan aon bhaol pionóis. <BR /> <BR />Caithfidh na Náisiúin Aontaithe agus an pobal idirnáisiúnta pionós a ghearradh ar Iosrael as a gcoireanna in aghaidh na daonnachta. Rinne Iosrael neamhshuim den dlí idirnáisiúnta; caithfidh cuntas a bhaint as dá dhroim sin. <BR /> <BR />Labhair an Chúirt Choiriúil Idirnáisiúnta go neamhbhalbh Déardaoin seo caite. Is céim thábhachtach é gur chinn an Chúirt barántais ghabhála a chur amach ar Netanyahu agus Yoav Gallant lena thaispeáint go gcuirfear an dlí go tréan ar an bheirt choirpeach cogaidh úd.”
“An 29 Samhain, déanann na Náisiúin Aontaithe an Lá Idirnáisiúnta um Dhlúthpháirtíocht le Muintir na Palaistíne a chomóradh. <BR /> <BR />I mbliana, beidh muid ag díriú ar na huafáis laethúla atá muintir na Palaistíne a fhulaingt: cinedhíothú, glanadh eitneach, forghabháil neamhdhleathach, cinedheighilt, agus léigear. Fuair os cionn 45,000 Palaistíneach bás le bliain anuas – is scannalach gur mná agus páistí 70% dóibh sin a fuair bás, de dheasca chinedhíothú sádach Iosrael. <BR /> <BR />Tháinig Netanyahu agus a réimeas salach ar gach bunphrionsabal. Tá a gcuid gníomhartha go dubh in éadan chearta an duine agus an dlí idirnáisiúnta. Nuair a smaoiníonn muid ar Iosrael, smaoiníonn muid ar na hainghníomhartha doshamhlaithe in aghaidh an chine dhaonna.”
“Minister, will you confirm that measurable targets will be contained in the final version of the PFG?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an leasChéad Aire as ucht a freagra.”
“The focus of all democrats and progressives should be on realising that objective and opening the next phase of our peace process, leading towards a new constitutional future for all our people built on reconciliation and national reunification.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. It is incumbent, without exception or ambiguity, on every Member and Minister to stand up and take responsibility for ensuring that the agreement is implemented in its entirety. <BR /> <BR />Attempts to hollow out any institution of the Good Friday Agreement are unacceptable. They should be unambiguously opposed by all parties and both Governments. Reform should be done by utilising the agreement's existing provisions. In this case, as I elaborated for the Member who intervened, that means the AERC and not an obscurely defined review. The best protection for the agreement against its opponents inside and outside the Assembly rests in its complete implementation.”
“<BR /> <BR />While the motion is correct to highlight the importance of the NSMC and its integral relationship to the rest of the agreement, it fails to note that the mechanism already exists to monitor and, if necessary, advise on improvements to the implementation of strands one, two and three through the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.”
“All three strands of the agreement were designed and agreed, through negotiation, to be interdependent. The parallel and mutually reinforcing operation of the strands is the essential foundation of our peace settlement. The strands were negotiated and agreed as a framework in which to continue the management of democratic change in our society. The North/South Ministerial Council is therefore a fundamental political institution of the Good Friday Agreement, established to coordinate and cooperate on common policy areas across the entire island. In the post-Brexit era and in the context of the Windsor framework, North/South cooperation on investment, trade, agriculture and tourism has never been more important to the prosperity of everyone across these islands.”