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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“Any transit delays can be massively detrimental to a patient's well-being. Try getting quickly to Craigavon Area Hospital from Cullaville, Newtownhamilton, Silver Bridge, Dorsy, Forkhill, Crossmaglen, Drumintee, Camlough, Lislea, Belleeks, Cullyhanna, Meigh, Bessbrook, Keady, Granemore, Tassagh, Mullaghbawn, Jonesborough, Killeavy or the greater Newry area, and you will have a problem. <BR /> <BR />Add to that the reality of the lack of public transport options for those who do not have access to a car. Public transport between those areas and into Craigavon is not only limited but very unreliable. Bus services often do not run at times that allow people to attend appointments or visit loved ones at the hospital, creating barriers to access, particularly for elderly and vulnerable members of our community.”
“However, the challenges posed by the transport infrastructure between the hospital and the neighbouring regions, such as south Armagh and Newry, are significant and demand our immediate attention. For many people in Newry and south Armagh, accessing Craigavon Area Hospital is essential. Whether it is for emergency care, specialist treatment or routine appointments, the hospital plays a pivotal role in serving thousands upon thousands of people. However, the connectivity between those areas and the hospital is not as efficient as it should be. <BR /> <BR />The road network, including the dangerous A1, is often congested, especially during peak hours. The delay impacts not only on daily commuters but, more critically, on patients who require urgent medical attention. As we know, time is often of the essence in healthcare.”
“It is brilliant to see that the Infrastructure Minister has joined us for the debate. I know that, as a Newry and Armagh Minister, she will be aware of the state of the road network, especially in rural south Armagh. For example, driving on the road between Newtown and Armagh is like driving on the far side of the moon because of the size of the craters and potholes. I hope that the Minister can give that some attention and make it a priority for repair. <BR /> <BR />Craigavon Area Hospital is one of the key healthcare facilities in the North of Ireland. It provides vital life-saving, life-enhancing and life-changing services to a large catchment area with a population of a quarter of a million people.”
“Minister, your Department has been either unable or unwilling to confirm a timeline for the publication of those reports. Will you do so now, and will you advise on whether it is proper for those reports to be used as evidence by your Department without their being made available to the Assembly?”
“Will the Minister explain why she told the Justice Committee that the Family Bar Association was happy with a 16% fee increase before the Family Bar Association had submitted its views on the issue via the consultation that is ongoing and without her ever having met the family Bar to discuss the issue?”
“I think the Minister for her answer. Minister, Newry has an incredibly rich and proud maritime heritage. Have you not learned anything from the short-sighted destruction of the past, with our railways having been ripped up, our canals left to go to rack and ruin and our town centres bulldozed? Do you intend to close off our heritage for the future by putting in a fixed bridge: yes or no?”
“Last night, I had my own experience with triage. My son threw his submarine at me and split my eye open, so I had to be triaged through the emergency department at Daisy Hill Hospital. I was most impressed by the efficiency of the triage. Incredibly, when I entered the hospital at 10.30 pm, the emergency department and the waiting room were packed, but the efficiency, compassion and professionalism of the staff were extraordinary. The patience of the patients waiting to be attended to was also extraordinary. The stress placed on emergency departments is extraordinary, and that also needs to be sorted, but, obviously, the emphasis of our motion is on the Ambulance Service.”
“There is huge pride in CBS Primary School, huge pride in St Vincent's Secondary School and huge pride in St Gerard's Athletics Club in Dundalk. There is huge pride among everybody in Dundalk, and there is huge pride across Ireland at this young woman's achievement. She is testament to what you can do if you dream big and work hard. Kate kept saying to herself, "How much do you want this medal?", and she is an example to all of us of what can be achieved if you really push for something and go for it. Huge credit to her and to her father — her coach. <BR /> <BR />I am excited to see the possibilities that lie ahead for her in Tokyo and Beijing at the next two World Athletics Championships and in Los Angeles at the 2028 Olympics. It is a huge success story, and it has brought huge joy and celebration to Dundalk and across this land.”
“I applaud the achievements of a young woman who was born at the turn of the century in Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. On Friday, Kate O'Connor, a Dundalk athlete, won silver in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 12 days after winning a bronze at the European Athletics Indoor Championships. That is an extraordinary achievement. Dundalk has a wonderful sporting tradition in soccer and Gaelic games but a hotbed of the heptathlon it is not, which makes this achievement all the more special and wonderful. <BR /> <BR />Kate is in Ulster University at Jordanstown studying communications and PR. She is coached by her father, who is a teacher in CBS Primary School in Dundalk, alongside my sister Emer.”
“When the First Minister and deputy First Minister were asked previously about the appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, we were told that it would happen "early next year". Now that we are into the third month of that year, can you confirm that there will be an appointment before summer recess?”
“It would provide the foundation for more comprehensive public education programmes to raise awareness of the risks of ketamine, particularly among young people. Prevention is vital. By raising awareness, we can reduce the chances of more lives being ruined and more families being torn apart. <BR /> <BR />Jeni Larmour's family has shown incredible courage in its grief, and its call for change should be met with a united response from all of us. It is time to act, before more lives are lost and more families suffer. The time for change is now. We have an opportunity to make a real difference, save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the heartache that Jeni's family continues to endure. Let us stand together in support of the reclassification — for Jeni, for her family and for all those whose lives are at risk.”
“<BR /> <BR />At present, ketamine is classified as a class B drug in the UK. However, its dangerous and unpredictable effects make it clear that that classification is inadequate. A class B drug classification means that the penalties for possession and trafficking are far too lenient, especially when we consider the severe harm that the drug causes. The rising number of ketamine-related hospital admissions, particularly among young people, highlights how urgent the issue has become. Jeni Larmour's tragic death must be a turning point. It should be the catalyst for change in how we classify and address the misuse of ketamine. Reclassifying ketamine to class A would ensure that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to combat its distribution effectively.”
“I think today of the family of young Jeni Larmour, in particular, from over the road from me in Newtown. Jeni was a bright and promising young woman, and she tragically passed away as a result of ketamine on her first night away at university in Newcastle. Her death is a stark reminder of the dangers that the drug poses, particularly to our youth. Jeni's family has been so courageous in speaking out about its loss, raising awareness of the devastating consequences of ketamine misuse and calling for action to protect others. Despite its grief, Jeni's family has become a powerful voice in the fight to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine. The strength and resolve of the family are commendable, and we must honour Jeni's memory by ensuring that no other family has to go through such an unimaginable loss.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. Ketamine, originally developed as an anaesthetic for medical use, has become increasingly common in recreational drug use. It has a reputation for inducing dissociation, hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality, but the consequences of ketamine misuse are far more severe and far-reaching than many realise. Chronic use of ketamine can result in long-term damage to the bladder, liver and brain, and lead to such conditions as memory loss, cognitive impairments and the debilitating ketamine bladder syndrome, which was so shockingly and gruesomely described by Ms Bunting, and which often requires invasive surgeries. <BR /> <BR />What makes the issue even more tragic is the loss of young lives.”
“Minister, I remember the last occasion on which foot-and-mouth disease broke out here. On our family farm — other farmers will identify with this — we had welly boot dip points at all access points. It was a crazy time, but the response was very strong, led by an SDLP Minister. Minister, you have a lot to live up to, should the situation arise again. What engagement have you had with the EU on biosecurity and the risk posed to livestock and farmers by this outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease?”
“Minister, I welcome the fact that your Department has belatedly confirmed that rates will be included in the cost of doing business study. What specific actions will you take to reform rates in order to better support hospitality and retail, which are struggling with increased costs and repeatedly cite the crippling burden of rates?”
“— what responsibility do you have for that indefensible situation, and what alternative models for the delivery of services that the Criminal Bar Association currently provides are you suggesting?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, it appears that you are at war with the Criminal Bar Association, and those who are suffering most are the most vulnerable in our society. We are now in a chaotic situation with criminal legal aid. Given that you and your party have overseen the legal aid system for most of the past 15 years —”
“Minister, I was very surprised that your statement did not include any mention of the Narrow Water bridge project. You will know that that project was first conceived of by the former SDLP MLA P J Bradley, who is, sadly, deceased. Will you give us an update on progress with the bridge? <BR /> <BR />The southern end of Carlingford lough greenway has been completed for months, which is fantastic; it is getting huge uptake already. Why does progress on the northern end seem to be very slow and delayed? When will that be completed?”
“Minister, your ambition to ensure that our education system is truly world-leading, excellent, equitable, inclusive and able to meet the needs of all children and young people in an ever-changing world is to be strongly commended, and I strongly support the sentiment that every single child can do well. Will you provide more information on the international ministerial advisory panel and let us know to what extent teachers, teaching assistants and school leaders have been consulted about the new approach?”
“The Simon Community plays a critical role in the fight against homelessness, offering not just shelter but hope and a pathway to a better future. The work that it does is truly life-changing. I am grateful to the team for all that it does. We must all continue to support and champion its work so that no one has to face homelessness alone.”
“The Simon Community does not take a one-size-fits-all approach; it understands that everyone's situation is different. It provides person-centred care that addresses not only the immediate needs but the underlying causes of homelessness. That approach is critical in helping people to move beyond homelessness, rather than simply managing the symptoms. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the work of the Simon Community is not something that it can do alone: the need for continued support is immense. It relies on the generosity of the public, volunteers and donors to continue its vital services. We all have a role to play in supporting the Simon Community's work, whether through financial support, volunteering our time or simply raising awareness of homelessness in the North.”
“That is why the Simon Community's work goes far beyond providing a roof over someone's head. It provides a comprehensive range of support and helps individuals not just to survive but to thrive. <BR /> <BR />The Simon Community supports up to 636 marginalised people every day — 636. Its work spans a variety of accommodation projects, including temporary shelters and longer-term housing solutions, as well as essential homelessness support services such as healthcare, employment support, addiction services and other help, as needed. By offering more than just a place to stay, the Simon Community helps people to regain their independence and work towards a future in which they are no longer at risk of homelessness. <BR /> <BR />What stood out to me during my visit was the deep commitment to each individual.”
“It is a privilege to speak today about the vital work being carried out by the Simon Community in the North of Ireland. I recently had the opportunity to meet some of the brilliant team at the Simon Community in Armagh. The dedication and compassion that they show to those in need is truly inspirational. The Simon Community is more than an organisation: it is a lifeline that provides a safe harbour for people who have fallen on tough times and helps them to rebuild their life. <BR /> <BR />While official statistics estimate that there are around 58,000 people in the North experiencing homelessness, the Simon Community estimates that, including hidden homelessness, that figure is closer to 80,000. The Simon Community recognises that homelessness is not just about a lack of shelter but about a loss of security, stability and, often, hope.”
“A 12-year-old Newry boy, Alfie Pentony, has inspired us all with his impassioned and courageous campaign to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Access to givinostat would dramatically improve outcomes for children such as Alfie. However, given the Minister's earlier comments, what action can his Department take to give hope to families such as Alfie's and others?”
“Minister, literacy and early learning go hand in hand, yet the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics in England has coincided with decreased rates of literacy. Will you reassure the House today that you will not constrain effective learning and teaching to that phonics system alone?”
“The Minister's Department deserves huge credit for the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin. It is a game changer for public transport, so well done. Will the Minister please give an update on the reopening of the Armagh to Portadown line?”
“, as I was not in the Chamber for the entirety of the Minister's statement. I thank the Minister for his statement and for the significant funds that he announced, particularly for Health and special educational needs. <BR /> <BR />Minister, maybe you can help me to understand something. As you said, you have come from the Department for Infrastructure, so you must surely recognise that major transformation is being stymied by the lack of waste water drainage or treatment capacity, with no drains and no cranes. It has been noted that funding has been committed to storm water management and that there are elements of combined sewerage separation that will benefit the waste water treatment system, but did the Department for which you were previously Minister not make a bid to the fund to deal with the lack of waste water treatment capacity?”
“The big commitment made by the Executive in relation to special educational needs —.”
“<BR /> <BR />On health, the Programme for Government acknowledges that waiting lists have grown by 216% since 2014. At the same time, the Programme for Government aspires to limit further deterioration of cancer and time-critical waiting lists: limit further deterioration, not reduce, not eliminate, but prevent further deterioration. That is hardly a lofty or inspiring aspiration. God be with the people and the families with loved ones languishing on the health waiting lists, waiting for hope from this place. All show, no go. <BR /> <BR />On education, the Executive have served us another word salad: the Programme for Government acknowledges the significant increase in the number of children with special educational needs, and yet, in the Government response, detail is thin on the ground.”
“All show, no go. <BR /> <BR />Discussions on constitutional change have been centre stage in political discourse. Preparations for a new and united Ireland are a moral imperative, says Sinn Féin. It admonishes the Irish Government for a lax approach, even though the Irish Government have been pumping in billions of euros for the cost of the Shared Island unit and initiatives on costing out a united Ireland. Sinn Féin admonishes the Irish Government for that, yet this Sinn Féin-led Government in the North have not uttered one word on Irish unity. What is with the partitionist approach from Sinn Féin? Why the bluster in public and the hand-wringing in private? Sinn Féin waxes lyrical in the Dáil and in communities across Ireland, but it melts like spring snow off a ditch when it sits down at the table with the DUP. All show, no go.”
“So much for the First Minister saying that Casement Park will be built on her watch. There is not much evidence of any prioritisation of Casement Park in the Programme for Government, and that is on top of scant regard for our Irish language. All show, no go. <BR /> <BR />The North's waste water infrastructure faces significant challenges, chronic underfunding and systemic inefficiencies, with stalling development everywhere — 19,000 homes in 23 towns stalled — and house prices rising as a consequence. Up to 80,000 people are homeless. Commercial development is being kicked to the kerb, and the regeneration of our town centres is stagnating. However, the Programme for Government commits to working with NI Water to facilitate housing growth. Are you kidding me? Again, there is no detailed funding strategy and no timeline for delivery.”
“I hosted about 40 members of the OK Club in Meigh here today. It was lovely for the First Minister to say, "Hello", when she passed us on her way to the Chamber. Would it not be fantastic if we put those strong south Armagh women in charge? They would have this place straightened out in no time; I am sure of that. <BR /> <BR />The redevelopment of Casement Park, with the commitment to its redevelopment made in 2011, is, sadly, no further on. That commitment was reaffirmed in relation to the Euros, but that opportunity was, sadly and disgracefully, missed. In the Programme for Government, the only reference to Casement Park is the commitment to deliver progress. There is no finalised timeline, no detailed funding strategy and no clear road map for delivery.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister, of the clients who accessed community advice services during 2023-24, 58% were women. Will the gender equality strategy recognise the disproportionate impact on women of many cuts to benefits?”
“Given that one of the key missions of the Council is to offer advisory support to implement major projects and that, as you have said, Casement Park will be built on your watch — have you raised or will you raise the issue of Casement Park with the British Government?”
“Will the Minister place in the public domain all written correspondence and documentation that his Department has issued on alleviating the stress and uncertainty that the decision has caused farm businesses throughout the North?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Following Question Time yesterday, the Justice Minister took to social media to brand me and my party colleagues as sectarian for asking legitimate questions about the Minister's record on police recruitment and a representative Police Service. I ask for a ruling on whether it is in order for a Minister to disparage Assembly colleagues in such a manner or to label those who disagree with her as sectarian either in the Chamber or on social media.”
“Despite having committed a grand total of zero pounds to the project, the Department for Infrastructure is citing financial pressures as a means to justify a fixed bridge.”
“The revitalisation of the Canal du Midi in France has generated an estimated €7·5 million in annual tourism revenue that has dramatically increased international recognition and tourism footfall, primarily through cycling tours and canal cruises. The Rhine-Herne canal, which is a major inland waterway in Germany, has seen revitalisation in Duisburg, a post-industrial city that was once heavily reliant on secondary industry, quite like Newry. Regeneration efforts have included the conversion of old industrial sites into cultural spaces, parks and recreational areas along the canal. The project has contributed significantly to the local economy, attracting around one million visitors annually. <BR /> <BR />A major concern about the discussion around the fixed bridge over Newry canal is that the decision appears to be a fait accompli.”
“Those are wonderful words, and it is reassuring that the Minister said that. I fully agree with her that strategically harnessing the potential of waterways as a tourism asset and as economic drivers has had a powerfully positive impact for businesses and communities in Ireland, Britain and in mainland Europe. The revitalisation of the Shannon waterways led to the creation of construction and environmental management jobs during the restoration. It created permanent jobs in boating, hospitality and tourism and has led to significant small business growth and local economic enhancement, adding an estimated €14 million annually to the Irish economy. <BR /> <BR />The regeneration of the Grand Union canal in Britain is estimated to have brought approximately £3·5 billion of associated investment with it.”
“All involved in the campaign to protect and secure Newry's maritime heritage were buoyed by the news that a local MLA had taken up the post of Minister for Infrastructure. I am glad that the Minister is in the Chamber to hear this statement. Liz, I wish you well in your new post. Reassuringly, just a few short years ago, the now Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, made her position on the issue clear when she said:”
“People in Newry are making it clear to me, to their local councillors and directly to the Department for Infrastructure through the ongoing public consultation that they cannot countenance the prospect of a fixed bridge that permanently severs and seals Newry canal from Carlingford lough and the Irish Sea. I am strongly of the opinion that proceeding with a fixed bridge across Newry canal would be a spectacular own goal. Such a decision would not only undermine Newry's proud maritime history but significantly complicate the efforts that are currently under way to regenerate Newry canal.”
“I rise to speak on the Department for Infrastructure's proposal to construct a fixed bridge across Newry canal.”
“It is interesting that you put the responsibility on me, Minister. Since the devolution of policing and justice powers, your Department has held strategic oversight of the justice system and your party has successfully privatised recruitment to the post of Justice Minister to the exclusion of nationalists. Given the trust, funding and recruitment challenges in policing, you could and should have made public confidence in policing a priority: you have not. Please tell us what urgent actions you will take as Minister of Justice to ensure that policing reflects the society that it serves.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. Minister, to what extent are disputes with legal practitioners and the associated strike action putting the prison system under further duress?”
“Minister, what specific actions are you taking to ensure that the North can capitalise on artificial intelligence's potential and will be protected from any threats? To that effect, do you support the creation of a region-specific AI action plan?”
“It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations of farmers in the North have the support that they need in order to thrive in a challenging agricultural landscape and that our environmental goals are never compromised for the sake of short-term expediency.”
“While the statutory rule is expected to pass, the Opposition have a role in challenging the aspects of it that, we believe, may not serve our farmers' long-term needs. Rural development and environmental funding must remain priorities. We will continue to push for that and hold all parties to account for their actions or, in this case, their lack of action. <BR /> <BR />I support the farm support and development programme and the Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations. We must, however, be clear-eyed about the policy's shortcomings and its future implications for our rural communities and for the environment.”
“Of course, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I thought that I was —.”