Justin McNulty
Newry and Armagh · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for challenging some of the narratives that are peddled in relation to immigration. <BR /> <BR />Minister, what steps are you taking to support community safety partnerships in addressing misinformation on illegal immigration and to help build confidence in how local criminality is being managed?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I welcome the progress that has been outlined today on major waterways projects, including the Ulster canal project.”
“Will you commit to throwing your full support and that of your Department behind that effort by backing the establishment of the task force and by working proactively with local councils and partners, including the Department of the Taoiseach's Shared Island unit, to realise finally the enormous economic, tourism and environmental potenti…”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. We have all seen the deterioration of our high streets and streets in our towns and villages with the shift to online shopping. Vacancy and dilapidation are now sadly the norm. Will the review act as a stimulus for businesses on those streets in our towns and villages?”
“Absolutely. The Minister and the Department can never relinquish the reins of proper scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />The reclassification by ONS will mean that all trust ports can borrow, which will allow them the commercial flexibility to invest more in their infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />The trust port model has stood the test of time and has worked well for the North. We can see the economic and social benefits in the local communities around the ports. In 2025, the DFI completed a review of the trust ports in the North to explore how the Department's policy on trust ports could be updated.”
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“I thank the Minister for challenging some of the narratives that are peddled in relation to immigration. <BR /> <BR />Minister, what steps are you taking to support community safety partnerships in addressing misinformation on illegal immigration and to help build confidence in how local criminality is being managed?”
“Will you commit to throwing your full support and that of your Department behind that effort by backing the establishment of the task force and by working proactively with local councils and partners, including the Department of the Taoiseach's Shared Island unit, to realise finally the enormous economic, tourism and environmental potential —”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I welcome the progress that has been outlined today on major waterways projects, including the Ulster canal project. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you will be aware that a joint working group involving Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council has been set up to prioritise the regeneration of the Newry canal. Earlier this month, the working group agreed to write to you and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to seek the establishment of a multi-agency task force to help drive forward that regeneration project.”
“Minister, I thought that our Irish language was a priority for you and your Department. How are you working to give the Irish language its proper place? Surely you can see the merits of aligning road signage throughout this island.”
“Minister, how does your Department plan to address the growing number of households that are unable to afford flood insurance or cover but are still exposed to flood risk due to delays in updating flood maps?”
“There is a bit of a flood on the other side of the Chamber.”
“Minister, given that thousands of patients have died while on waiting lists in recent years, why should people have any confidence that delays in cancer diagnoses are not simply creating tomorrow's cancer treatment crisis?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. We have all seen the deterioration of our high streets and streets in our towns and villages with the shift to online shopping. Vacancy and dilapidation are now sadly the norm. Will the review act as a stimulus for businesses on those streets in our towns and villages?”
“The SDLP broadly supports the changes to enhance safety for all road users.”
“I speak as the SDLP member on the Committee for Infrastructure and firmly support the policy intent of graduated driver licensing, which is to save lives and make our roads safer. The SDLP welcomes the graduated driver licensing changes announced by the Minister. The amendment regulations comprise a series of measures designed to provide new drivers with experience and skills over time. The measures include mandatory minimum learning periods and night-time passenger restrictions to help to prepare new drivers and avoid distractions too early on. While the new measures may seem cumbersome to some new and young drivers, they are important for increasing safety on our roads and will bring us into line with other jurisdictions that have introduced similar safety measures.”
“I echo the Minister's condolences to the McCormick family after the tragic death of their little angel, Kourtney. While I can offer no words that will soothe their pain, grief and sadness, I know that the Carnagat community will wrap their arms around the family and offer them support. I measc na naomh go raibh sí.”
“Minister, overdependence on agency staff shows a total lack of workforce planning. financial irresponsibility and a failure to properly recruit for the roles that need to be filled to keep this place running. Will your failure to set a multi-year Budget set workforce planning back even further?”
“Absolutely. The Minister and the Department can never relinquish the reins of proper scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />The reclassification by ONS will mean that all trust ports can borrow, which will allow them the commercial flexibility to invest more in their infrastructure. That will result in improved port facilities and the ability to grow trade in each port. A change of accounting classification by ONS would also bring us in line with the Scottish trust ports and several trust ports in England and Wales that have already been reclassified. Importantly, the trust port model will not change. The model has worked well for us in the North and its protection should be welcomed. <BR /> <BR />We look forward to the legislation coming to Committee to allow us to do a deep dive into each of the clauses. We support the Bill at Second Stage.”
“However, that affects their ability to borrow, as any debt taken on would essentially have an impact on the Department for Infrastructure's balance sheet. <BR /> <BR />The ONS classification was changed to its current status in April 2005 with no consultation or scrutiny role for the Assembly to challenge that decision. The reclassification of NI trust ports from private non-financial corporations to public non-financial corporations is a technical fix to that accounting classification. The Harbours Bill allows for that by removing indicators of control, including the power to compel the sale of a port and the power to direct. The power to direct has never been used.”
“<BR /> <BR />The trust port model has stood the test of time and has worked well for the North. We can see the economic and social benefits in the local communities around the ports. In 2025, the DFI completed a review of the trust ports in the North to explore how the Department's policy on trust ports could be updated. The consultation recognised that our ports operate in a competitive environment and that it is therefore important that they can compete effectively with ports in the rest of Ireland and in the UK. The consultation exercise showed that there was significant support for modernising policy on our trust ports, particularly around the Office of National Statistics' reclassification. Trust ports are currently classified by the ONS as a public corporation for accounting purposes only.”
“I rise to speak on the Harbours Bill as the SDLP member of the Committee for Infrastructure. The four trust ports in the North play a vital role in freight and cargo handling, commodity imports and passenger and cruise travel. Those services are vital for our island economy. Ports ensure that consumers have the goods that they need, that construction materials are available and that we have sufficient import of fuels. Ports also play an important role in our tourism sector by facilitating visitors coming into this part of our islands. Whilst operating in a commercially viable manner, any profits that trust ports make are reinvested into the ports for the development of their business activities and are also used for the benefit of stakeholders. This legislation will not change that model.”
“It should never have taken so long to reach this point, but as Eugene said to me as we walked out of court last Thursday, "I can feel a weight starting to lift". Well done, Eugene; well done, Roisin; and well done to the entire Reavey family. I know that it has been a massive team effort by you all. We are all so delighted for you. Good luck for what is next.”
“<BR /> <BR />It was humbling to stand with Eugene and his family in court when the settlement was reached, and to see them finally receive that long-overdue acknowledgement. It was a proud day for the Reavey family, a proud day for Whitecross and a proud day for south Armagh. I welcome the fulsome apology offered by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and the acceptance of the failures of the RUC. No settlement can undo the pain suffered by the Reavey family, especially as the gun used in that case was used in 11 murders that could have been prevented had proper procedures been followed. <BR /> <BR />The acknowledgement of the truth remains an important moment for the Reavey family. It is the largest legal settlement for any legacy case.”
“I attended the High Court alongside the Reavey family, and I admire its dignity and determination during its long and arduous pursuit of justice. Sadie Reavey, Eugene's mother, lit a candle every night and prayed for the men who murdered her sons. Talk about strength, forbearance and generosity. The strength and bravery shown by Eugene Reavey over the past five decades has been extraordinary. He knew that his brothers were innocent, and, with a relentless determination, he never stopped fighting for truth and justice to clear their names. Eugene said that while he was being cross-examined by the defence barristers last week, he had not felt so pumped up since the 1969 county final when Whitecross defeated Ballymacnab 0-4 to 0-2.”
“I am honoured to speak to welcome the settlement reached in the case relating to the murders of the Reavey brothers in south Armagh in 1976. The settlement comes more than 50 years after the appalling and shocking murders of John Martin, Brian and Anthony in their home in Whitecross. Eugene Reavey not only had to cope with the loss of his brothers in the most horrendous circumstances imaginable but was subjected to repeated harassment and abuse when his brothers' memories were tarnished by false claims that they were paramilitaries.”
“It is important to highlight the fact that an absence of criminal responsibility is not a complete absence of consequence or intervention. Ensuring that children receive the necessary supports, including the expertise of social workers and therapists, educational supports, anti-poverty supports and other interventions is key. Resources must be directed towards the evidence-based methods of early intervention, diversion and support that genuinely reduce future harm, victimisation and criminalisation. The SDLP stands by the amendment as being the right thing to do to support our children. We should surely all endeavour to catch up with the rest of the world through this common-sense legislation that recognises the simple matter that children do not have the mental capacity to be held criminally responsible.”
“The amendment would retain limited exceptions, in the case of children aged 12 or 13, for the most serious offences, including murder, manslaughter and rape. That represents a balanced approach that reflects children's rights and the need for accountability in the gravest cases.”
“That best practice is shaped by advances in understanding brain development: in particular, that children's frontal lobes will contribute to reasoning, problem solving, prioritisation, consequential thinking and regulation of emotions that are not fully developed. Children have less ability to adequately and appropriately participate in criminal justice proceedings. They are often more inclined to make false confessions. They have limited capacity to understand legal processes and court proceedings as well as the significance of questions asked and answers given, which decreases the likelihood of determining the truth and achieving justice.”
“Criminalisation can bring long-term consequences for those children and their families such as a decreased likelihood of their completing school and obtaining educational qualifications. It can also have downstream implications for future job prospects. Children's involvement with the criminal justice system has been linked to an increase in the likelihood of their offending. Why would anyone support that? <BR /> <BR />The proposed amendment would raise the general age of criminal responsibility to 14, which is the recommendation of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, as well as being the European and world average age.”
“I rise to speak on the amendment regarding the age of criminal responsibility, which the SDLP has co-sponsored. Some Members have used the racist riots of the past week to cast the amendment in a bad light, appropriating the experiences of children — children who, quite obviously, were exploited by paramilitary groups, racist extremists and violent rioters — to justify criminalising them. That narrative must be strongly refuted to reassure people of the positive impacts that the amendment would bring. <BR /> <BR />Children who come into contact with the justice system at a young age are often among the most vulnerable in society, experiencing poverty, trauma, exploitation and unmet need. Children in those circumstances should not be criminalised.”
“It is worth saying, again, that there are 50,000 people on the housing waiting lists and that, over the past 10 years, with Sinn Féin and the DUP — the long-standing establishment parties and partners in government — at the helm, homelessness has increased by 120%. I welcome your statement, Minister. Any initiative to alleviate homelessness and help with the cost of housing is very important. However, in the absence of a Budget, can that positive initiative proceed? How will having no Budget impact on your ability to deliver social housing this year?”
“First Minister, it is great to hear you giving so much praise to the Department of the Taoiseach's Shared Island unit. Its vital capital investment has been essential to the delivery of cross-border roads and rail projects. When will we see some ambition from the North in delivering on and advancing the all-island strategic rail review so that, ultimately, we see trains pull into Portadown station having departed from Armagh?”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. First Minister, you may have seen yesterday's 'Irish News' article by Angela McGowan, in which she said that, for too long, the North:”
“and thank-you to all current and past members for that wonderful achievement, and I wish the band all the very best for the future.”
“As we celebrate that milestone, we recognise not only the band's proud history but its exciting future. Whether I am singing along with the famous Kathleen and Andrew Moore and our former SDLP councillor John Feehan or tapping my feet to lifelong band members Billy McKevitt and Brian Keenan, the continued enthusiasm and talent of the musical team gives me every confidence that Camlough Brass and Reed Band will flourish many more years to come: for the next 90 years and beyond. <BR /> <BR />Camlough Brass and Reed Band's members always play with joy in their heart, and the band brings joy to the heart of everybody who hears it play and sing. I offer a hearty comhghairdeas”
“Over the years, the band has been conducted by the great Billy Carroll, Eamon McNulty, Paxy Haughey, Seamus Mulligan, Adrian Benson, Philip Hughes and Tom McCabe. As is the case with many other community bands, thousands of voluntary hours go unseen each year into making the music that we have grown up to enjoy and appreciate. For that, we are incredibly grateful. <BR /> <BR />What makes Camlough brass band even more special is its cross-community ethos. In a place where we continue to build understanding and respect across traditions, the band stands as a wonderful testament to how music is one of the internationally understood languages that unites people, creates friendships and strengthens communities.”
“Today, I recognise and celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Camlough Brass and Reed Band. Ninety years is a remarkable achievement for any organisation. It is a testament to the dedication, commitment and passion of the generations of members, volunteers, families and supporters who have kept the proud tradition alive since 1936. <BR /> <BR />Over the past nine decades, the Camlough Brass and Reed Band, which was originally named the Camlough Foresters' Band, has been far more than a musical group. It has been an integral part of community life across County Armagh and beyond, bringing people together, developing young talent and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities.”
“Minister, thank you for your forthrightness and your unambiguous statements of reassurance to our international healthcare workers. In the Public Gallery, we have a number of international healthcare workers who bring a level of compassion, care and expertise that keeps our health service on its feet. Once again, can you reassure them and tell them that they are valued and welcome; that their compassion, care and bravery are essential; and that we want them to stay here and keep going?”
“Farmers and the agri-food sector accept that they need to adapt to the challenges of climate change. However, they ask for clarity, support and a just transition. What more can the Minister do to support the sector? What more can he do to support the apple-growing industry in County Armagh? The crazy reality now is that 90% of our apples are imported, while we have the perfect growing conditions here, including in our Orchard County.”
“Given the recent rapid and unprecedented growth in the prison population and the likelihood of further increases, what plans does the Minister have in place to address that additional pressure on the Prison Service, either by reducing the prison population or by securing additional resources?”
“Minister, under the Terrorism Act 2000, there are new legal powers to take down the flags of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the UVF, the UDA and the IRA. What are you and your Department doing, using those new powers, to proactively work with the police and other statutory organisations to ensure that any such flags are quickly removed from departmental property?”
“Will the Minister provide an update on the business case for the reopening of the Armagh to Portadown rail line and outline when she plans to have trains departing from Armagh station back on track?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Since the Encompass go-live in May 2025 without GP data integration, at a projected cost of almost £2 billion to the Department of Health and the Executive, healthcare professionals have noted a reduction in patient throughput because of overburdensome and clunky data-entry requirements from a system that was not built for use in healthcare. Notwithstanding the merits of Encompass that you outlined, do you not think that it is beyond credible that a system that was designed to increase efficiency is impeding the work of healthcare professionals? Has a post-project evaluation review been conducted?”
“Minister, the minimum age for marriage was raised to 18 in the Republic in 2019 and in the UK in 2023. Is there any evidence that people from either jurisdiction have been travelling to the North to take advantage of our delay in raising the age by participating in under-18 marriages here?”
“Minister, you have mentioned obstacles to delivery of the new school enhancement programme at St Patrick's Primary School in Crossmaglen and the associated Gaelscoil. What solutions are you and your Department bringing forward to see that much-needed extension delivered, which would help children in Crossmaglen progress in the best environment possible?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Bovine TB costs the Northern agricultural sector around £150 million a year, and that includes direct departmental compensation costs and indirect costs to farmers. Minister, you highlighted how efforts to reduce the prevalence of bovine TV were discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. Did the discussion include wild deer, because they are wild animals that also transmit TB and ticks? Can you detail what measures are being adopted to control the movement of wild deer?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, you mentioned the Loughs Agency's fisheries management and nature restoration across the Foyle and Carlingford lough catchments. The Clanrye is the major river flowing into Carlingford lough. What efforts have been made on a North/South basis to monitor numbers of native species of fish in that river, and have schemes been explored to reintroduce them where they traditionally spawned? Have you sought the devolution of Crown Estate responsibilities to the North, and will you outline the benefits of doing so?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, in which she highlighted how road-user safety was a key issue for discussion at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. Over the weekend, a constituent of mine and yours contacted my office, greatly angered by the fact that she had broken a bone in her ankle after tripping on a dangerous pothole on the Tullyah Road between the Mountain House and Whitecross. How are you and your Department working with your southern counterparts to ensure that the road safety strategy makes sure that dangerous potholes are filled and resurfaced without delay?”
“First Minister, how will local communities be directly involved in designing any future Urban Villages initiatives, rather than their simply being consulted after decisions have already been made about them without them?”
“How exactly does your Department plan to ensure that those tools are used responsibly? Given that the Epic Encompass digital system, which cost billions, has slowed patient throughput because of its over-cumbersome demands on medics, have you considered the effects of increased digitalisation?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for the moneys that will be afforded to many people in need. <BR /> <BR />Minister, on AI's involvement in digital maturity, you mentioned:”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. RTÉ is not blocking it; it is a territorial block. On that front, Minister, people are infuriated when they turn on the TV and cannot watch the soccer, the golf or a miniseries. To eliminate geoblocking on the island, broadcasting rights for sporting events must be sold on an all-island basis. Have you had any discussions with FIFA, UEFA, the PGA and other broadcasters and internet service providers to ensure that broadcasting rights are sold on an island of Ireland basis?”
“I thank the Minister for coming today to answer important questions on the cervical screening programme report. Our thoughts are, first and foremost, with the women and families who have been impacted, and I thank the Ladies with Letters for their determined and persistent campaign for truth. <BR /> <BR />If the Minister is not going to establish a statutory public inquiry, what will he, his Department and the Southern Trust do to re-establish trust with women to ensure that they are encouraged to continue attending screening in a timely manner?”
“Minister, in the South last year there were 36,000 house completions. In the North, there were 6,000. That means that, in the South, pro rata, they are building at twice the rate that we are. A major barrier to the development of housing and economic development is our water and waste water infrastructure capacity. What discussions have you had with the Minister for Infrastructure to try to get to grips with that reality, which is stymieing housebuilding and economic development?”
“The celebrations will be short-lived. As we know, every team that is still in the competition will feel that it has got a shot at "Sam".”