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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“If it is truly committed to European values, surely we should see it fight harder to ensure that our agriculture policy —.”
“Given its pro-environment and pro-European stance, it is vital that it be held to account over how that policy compares with the EU's common agricultural policy. It is concerning to note that, in the current proposals, the draft Northern Ireland Budget significantly underfunds rural development priorities, including environmental schemes and support for community-based projects. According to estimates, as little as 4·4% of the Budget is allocated to rural development, compared with 22% under the EU's common agricultural policy. That is a clear divergence from the EU framework and runs contrary to the amendment that we secured in October, which called for a Budget that delivers on rural priorities. That divergence is significant, especially when we consider Alliance's supposed pro-EU stance.”
“In October 2024, the SDLP secured an important amendment to a Sinn Féin motion. The amendment called for proper consideration of rural development programme funding in agriculture allocations. As many Members will be aware, there is a pressing need for funding to address the environmental challenges that we face, particularly with Lough Neagh. The environmental impact of agriculture in areas around Lough Neagh must be a priority, and we need financial backing for action plans to enhance farming practices that are in harmony with the environment. <BR /> <BR />The statutory rule is expected to pass without a Division, but that does not mean that we should not take the opportunity to make some critical points. In particular, I challenge the Alliance Party on the proposed structure of the agriculture policy.”
“The transition payment will, however, play an essential bridging role in helping farmers navigate the changes from the old EU system to the new UK framework. <BR /> <BR />On the issue of funding, it is important to note that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been given the flexibility to adjust payments within the scheme. That flexibility reduces the risk of unspent funds returning to the UK Treasury and will hopefully ensure that the agriculture budget is fully utilised in the North. <BR /> <BR />The statutory rule is part of a broader shift that aligns with the sustainable agriculture programme, which aims to improve productivity, support environmental sustainability, strengthen farm business resilience and promote generational renewal in the sector.”
“If a farm business does not meet the specific agricultural production levels during the reference period, it will, unfortunately, not be eligible for payments. The Minister has already said that 1,900 businesses will not qualify. I would like more information on that, and I have asked a question for written answer to that effect, Minister. <BR /> <BR />The Minister also mentioned succession planning and generational renewal. He will recognise that the elephant in the room or the bucking bullock in the room is obviously the inheritance tax on farmland, which has caused all sorts of consternation in farming families. <BR /> <BR />As has been mentioned, the payment is temporary, as it will be replaced by the farm sustainability payment in 2026.”
“That marks a shift in our approach to agriculture to one that emphasises environmental sustainability, productivity and the resilience of farm businesses. As we make that transition, we must look at a broad, long-term vision for a more sustainable and future-proofed agriculture sector. <BR /> <BR />The farm sustainability transition payment is designed to replace, as I said, the current EU basic payment scheme, which has been a lifeline for our farming businesses. Approximately 24,000 farm businesses will be eligible for the payments. Eligibility is not automatic, however. Only farm businesses that were actively engaged in agricultural production in 2020-21 will qualify. Hopefully, that will ensure that the support reaches those who have been directly contributing.”
“I rise to speak on the farm support and development programme and the Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025. The statutory rule, laid by the AERA Minister, represents a key moment in the North's agricultural transition. It will provide the legal authority to implement the farm sustainability transition payments, moving us away from the EU's basic payment scheme, which has been a cornerstone of our agriculture policy for many years. The introduction of the farm sustainability transition payment will pave the way for the farm sustainability payment, which is expected to be fully implemented in 2026. The farm sustainability transition payment is not merely a financial support mechanism; it is part of the sustainable agriculture programme that the Minister announced on 20 January.”
“It is my understanding that patients diagnosed with cancer in emergency departments have a significantly lower chance of survival than those with a referral. How will you address that sad reality, Minister?”
“With the arrival of this highly pathogenic avian disease in County Tyrone and the devastating impact that it has had, the Minister said that his heart goes out to the farmers involved. Will he please outline the extent of his interactions with the farmers involved and with the Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher?”
“It is reassuring to hear your position on that, Minister. Given the concerns that there are in the Civil Service, what safeguards and guarantees will you put in place to ensure that any AI that is adopted in the Civil Service will be used to support employees and not replace them?”
“Minister, has the lack of strategic management of the school estate made school buildings more vulnerable to events such as storm Éowyn?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member says that renaming the fund is not enough: what would be enough?”
“Minister, who, in your opinion, is the independent authority or arbitrator in determining the extent of collusive behaviour between security forces and loyalist death and punishment squads and between security forces and IRA death and punishment squads?”
“Further to the previous question, the Minister will know that I, along with my colleagues on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, have led the charge on extending the Ireland's Ancient East tourism brand into counties Armagh and Down. What has the Minister done, and what does she plan to do for the rest of the mandate, to extend that important tourism brand into the North? Will she provide details of the Wild Atlantic Way tourism brand as well?”
“<BR /> <BR />I want to pay tribute to a number of people who have made the event possible: the Rooney family; Feargal McCormack; the GAA, including the current president, Jarlath Burns, for having the vision; Charlie McConalogue, the Irish Minister for sport; and, most of all, Peter Quinn. A long time ago, Peter Quinn had the vision to build Croke Park and make it a global sporting stadium. What dividends we have reaped since that time. I say that with a degree of sadness, because it is an awful pity that there is nobody here with that leadership, ambition and vision for our stadia in this part of Ireland.”
“On 28 September this year, the Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Green Bay Packers at our GAA HQ, Croke Park. The excitement and anticipation surrounding that global sporting contest's taking place in Ireland will reach fever pitch. I met Dan Rooney and former quarterback Kordell Stewart in Newry with Feargal McCormack when the seeds were being sown for the fixture a number of years back. The Rooney family, who are from Derrybeg on the Armagh side of Newry, have had a positive connection with Ireland for many years. The late Dan Rooney was, of course, the US ambassador to Ireland and was a great friend of my predecessor, Séamus Mallon. Dan Jr and Art are now very actively involved in running the Steelers organisation, and it was heart-warming to hear Dan referring to Ireland as his family's motherland.”
“On recycling, has the Department considered imposing levies on companies such as Amazon, whose packaging of deliveries takes up a significant proportion of people's bins? I am sure that we all agree that the goods are over-packaged.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let me be clear: this is not about pushing the unity agenda for unity's sake, although I believe passionately in a reconciled, dynamic, diverse and united new Ireland. Rather, it is about recognising the potential for progress, prosperity and shared responsibility. It is about acting on the findings of best practice and expert research and investing in a future in which all the citizens of Ireland can benefit and flourish on a stronger, more interconnected island. I urge the Assembly to support the motion and to press both Governments to take the necessary steps to foster closer, more effective cooperation across the island. That starts here, not with pointing the finger at Dublin. Start it here. For the sake of our economy, our people and our future, let us embrace the transformative power of unity and cooperation.”
“In the eyes of the Department of Health, Daisy Hill is a peripheral hospital in a peripheral region: peripheral to what? Newry sits at the heart of the Belfast to Dublin corridor, the most populated region on this island, so I ask this again: peripheral to what? Throughout the pandemic, we heard repeatedly and saw writ large that illness does not recognise borders. That is the truth. If illness does not recognise borders, why should healthcare? Why should people in my constituency be expected to accept poorer access to healthcare and poorer health outcomes simply because they find themselves peripheral to a contrivance? Are we not entitled to expect a bit of ambition and forward thinking from our Executive? Where is the plan or even the plan for a plan to establish Daisy Hill Hospital as a cross-border area hospital?”
“That is a crucial step to addressing the deep-rooted issues that we face. Take cross-border cooperation on health. When it was working, the cross-border healthcare directive acted as a lifeline for people languishing on Northern waiting lists. Reimbursement for treatment in the Republic alleviated pressures on our waiting lists and, more importantly, provided people with timely access to healthcare and to improved health outcomes and overall quality of life. Another example of sensible partnership is found in the North West Cancer Centre, a life-changing initiative that allows people in the north-west to access cancer treatment without having to travel hundreds of miles. <BR /> <BR />I have long maintained that Daisy Hill Hospital in my constituency is unfairly disadvantaged because of its proximity to the border.”
“You took the words out of my mouth. It is, indeed, hypocritical. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the North. We have our first nationalist First Minister, but there is still no mention of a shared island in the Executive's Programme for Government — hypocritical indeed. A thousand days have passed since the last Assembly election, and still we have only a draft Programme for Government. There is a distinct lack of ambition when it comes to exploring and embracing the full potential of a shared island, and we must ask ourselves, "Why have the Executive been so reluctant to match the ambition demonstrated by the Irish Government? Why?". <BR /> <BR />The motion calls on the Minister of Finance:”
“The motion highlights the stark reality that, despite the immense opportunities in effective cross-border cooperation, the North/South Ministerial Council has not lived up to its potential. The dividends of cooperation and working together are being squandered by political dysfunction. It is vital that we recognise and realise the immense opportunities that lie in building closer ties between the two parts of our island, opportunities that could reshape our economy, our healthcare system and our infrastructure for generations to come. <BR /> <BR />The Irish Government's programme for government, particularly its focus on Shared Island initiatives, shows a forward-thinking and ambitious approach. It acknowledges the importance of deepening cooperation across the island and fostering collaborative working in practical ways.”
“in your new role. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you will know that the First Minister's call for a goodwill payment put serious duress on NIE in the midst of the storm. Two days after the storm, the company received 7,000 calls from people seeking information about goodwill payments. The announcement of payments from Fibrus is positive and welcome, but what are the eligibility criteria for accessing those payments?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. The question related to the number before the pandemic, not during the pandemic. Can the Minister outline what measures her Department and her Executive colleagues are adopting and implementing to tackle the reasons for offending, including challenges faced around housing, addiction, poverty, trauma and employability?”
“Will the Minister confirm whether and how she has ensured that justice users, practitioners, NGOs and other experts have been and are structurally involved in inputting into the review from day 1? Will the Minister explain her reference to bringing "all publicly funded legal services" within the purview of the Department? Does that mean, for example, the PPS?”
“Junior Minister, back in June, the deputy First Minister and her colleague the First Minister committed themselves to introducing legislation on these issues by the end of 2024. Do they regret missing that deadline, and what are the implications of their missing it for the people who have been affected?”
“Minister, your statement references the need for "improved collaboration across and beyond" the controlled sector and talks about "disparities in educational outcomes". We have heard a lot of talk about fairness and equality. Will the system be changed to work collaboratively across sectors in order to address waiting lists for autism assessments, with appropriate supports being put in place to ensure that every single child can reach their full potential?”
“Minister, you mentioned a blank-sheet approach to dealing with adult social care challenges. What would you say to the front-line workers in our care homes who have come to your Department with practical, logical and workable solutions but say that they are not being listened to? Do you agree that many of the issues in social care are caused not by a lack of money but by how money is being spent, and that it is vital to listen to the people who, literally, have their finger on the pulse?”
“When does the Minister intend to engage his counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, since the formation of the new Government, in his aspirations to encourage more people off roads and onto public transport and with regard to the delivery of the all-island rail review and other cross-border infrastructure projects? When will he align rail fares so that people in the North do not have to pay more for shorter journeys?”
“How do families and businesses access the goodwill payment that you have proposed?”
“I pay tribute to the NIE front-line workers, council workers and those from all the other agencies who have bravely stepped up through the storm. Huge credit is due to my fellow politicians Pete Byrne and Thomas O'Hanlon for their responses on the ground in helping people, responding to issues and providing information. People from St Patrick's High School, Keady, who are in the Public Gallery, will know Thomas O'Hanlon. <BR /> <BR />First Ministers, as late as Thursday, the ridiculous situation ensued whereby there was a red weather warning in the South and an orange weather warning in the North. How did that affect preparedness for the storm? The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NEGC) in the South was already ramped up and had taken action to take charge. Is there an equivalent in the North? If not, why not?”
“Should social media companies be levied? Should they be obliged to have signposting corners or awareness campaigns that are constantly active on their platforms to direct young people who are in a place of crisis to the fact that there are always avenues for relief?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Minister, how concerned are you about the digital area in which we now exist? The proliferation of social media means that young people have to deal with a whole new set of circumstances online, which has an enormous impact on their mental health and well-being.”
“Does the Member agree that it is recognised that students are coming into our third-level institutions with major anxiety issues and mental health challenges and that universities need to be resourced with expertise and funding to help those people navigate their mental health challenges as well as the education system?”
“, Jarlath Burns, and Ulster GAA in October, and it appears that we are no further forward. As Casement Park is a priority for his Department and a flagship project for the Executive, will the Minister list the organisations and people that he has met or corresponded with regarding the funding of our new world-class stadium in the heart of west Belfast? When will the project move forward?”
“On Casement Park, the Minister will know that the period between now and the end of March is critical for that iconic bellwether project. Yesterday, it was four months since the HM Treasury announcement. The Minister met uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Those 25 women were mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and so much more. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of each of those women.”
“<BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to my colleagues in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, who brought forward a motion on tackling violence against women and girls. Consequently, the council is leading with 16 training days this year to tackle the issue. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I want to highlight my concern about the low levels of investment in the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework. Serious reform is required to tackle the issue, yet only £3 million has been allocated thus far. That is totally inadequate given the severity of the issue, and I urge the relevant Executive parties and Departments to make sure that the strategy is fully funded so that it can be effective. <BR /> <BR />I finish by returning to the 25 women who have been murdered here since 2020.”
“<BR /> <BR />Similarly, rape myths are all too prevalent across our society. Those stereotypes pervade each step of the justice system and process from the moment that someone decides to come forward to report a crime to the moment that the jury issues a verdict. That is a direct barrier to justice. I would like to know why the Minister has not implemented the numerous recommendations in the report in order to tackle rape myths across society and, in particular, in the justice system. The overarching theme of the review was cultural reform. We must challenge the violent, misogynistic stereotyping and victim-blaming attitudes that are present through all levels of society and have fostered an environment that allows murder, domestic abuse and sexual abuse to take place.”
“<BR /> <BR />Significant resources have been put into reviews and strategies, and we know what is needed to improve the system, so why is it not being done? Almost six years since the Gillen review was published, we still wait for many of the recommendations to be fully implemented. The pace of change has been far too slow, and people here are facing the consequences of that inaction. The Gillen review calls for the defining of what does and does not constitute consent. I urge the Minister of Justice to bring forward the recommended changes to the existing legal definition of consent to ensure that victims of sexual violence are taken seriously and given the opportunity to pursue justice, unhindered by loose definitions of consent predicated on misogynistic stereotypes.”
“I rise to speak on this important SDLP motion calling for immediate actions to put an end to the scourge of violence against women and girls, a scourge that is rampant in our society. The North of Ireland is one of the least safe places to be a woman in all of Europe. That is frightening and shameful, yet, unfortunately, it is not surprising. Violence is embedded in the very fabric of our society, and that has contributed to 25 women being tragically murdered here in the past four years, in most cases by someone known to them. Figures on domestic and sexual abuse paint a similarly disturbing picture, and the experience of victims and survivors pursuing justice through the justice system is shaped by more trauma.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. What reassurance can she give to victims of domestic violence and abuse who come forward that their case will be taken seriously at every stage of the justice system?”
“I applaud your statement, Minister, and the scope and scale of the child-centred ambition inherent in your reform agenda. I applaud your use of empathetic language around a bespoke, flexible and holistic special-educational-needs-first approach. You referred to the importance of a child's getting a statement of special educational needs. What would you say to parents who are struggling and battling with the system for their children to get a statement? Secondly, for those parents who have received a statement for their child, who is then put in a special educational needs environment that is not appropriate for their needs, what would you advise them to do right now?”
“<BR /> <BR />To all those fighting illness, I send you our love and support. To my cousin, who is in a hospital bed fighting for his life, I send our hope, prayers and strength. To Danielle, Ethan, Alexis, Cara, Lourdes and Charles I say that we believe in miracles and carers and healing well.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today, I thank community nurses, not just for the work that they do but for the hope, warmth and kindness that they bring. I thank them for the patience, commitment and love that they give every day. They change lives and do so with warmth, kindness and grace. They make people feel seen, heard and cared for, often when they are at their most vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />I pledge that I will continue to fight for the support and the resources that community nurses need to do their work. We owe them far more than words, and we must ensure that they are recognised and valued in a way that they truly deserve. To every community nurse, I offer you a heartfelt, "Thank you". You make our communities stronger, healthier and more connected. For that, we are forever grateful.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have seen how community nurses go above and beyond for their patients. They are not just administering treatments; they listen, offer comfort and provide hope and reassurance. When a nurse sits by a patient's side holding their hand and offering kind words of encouragement, they are offering far more than just care; they are giving them dignity, respect and a sense of security. <BR /> <BR />We know that the work that community nurses do is difficult, is, at times, overwhelming and, often, goes unnoticed, but it is precisely because of their dedication, empathy and tireless efforts that our healthcare system works. They are the lifeblood of our communities, the ones who ensure that healthcare does not end at hospital doors but continues at home where it matters the most.”
“I rise today to recognise the remarkable, life-changing work of community nurses. Those incredible individuals do not just care for our physical health; they sustain and enhance our lives. They are the unsung heroes who bring comfort, compassion and healing in places where healthcare is needed most — in our homes, in our neighbourhoods and in the heart of our communities. Community nurses show up when it matters most, often during difficult moments in the lives of people and families. They visit homes where a mother may be struggling with a newborn, where an elderly person is isolated or where a family is caring for a loved one with a terminal illness. They bring more than medical expertise; they bring warmth, hope and a sense of reassurance to families in times of uncertainty.”
“Will the Minister give an update on the new Newry to Carlingford greenway that is under construction? I know that a new boardwalk is being constructed adjacent to Victoria lock. That project, together with the Narrow Water bridge project, which has, of course, been paid for by the Irish Government, will be transformative for Omeath, Warrenpoint, the Mournes, Cooley and the whole region.”
“— "they turn a blind eye to patients trying to”