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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“"Infection control is jumping on nurses for having rings or nail polish on while" —”
“— "none are being offered to trust staff or local agencies".”
“Minister, further to your statement, what would you say to the nurse who contacted me in the early hours of this morning — at 2.36 am — saying that, at present, she works three to four nights a week on a medical ward. She told me, "On a majority of those nights, I can be working with eight-plus agency staff. There is no continuity of care, and patients could have three different nurses looking after them in a day, which means 21 different faces in a week. Tablets can be left sitting in front of patients. They do not check to ensure that they have been taken. Patients who are mainly elderly and hard of hearing struggle to understand what is being said, leaving them unwilling to ask for assistance. Care assistants, again mainly agency staff, are coming from England, yet, when there are extra shifts"—”
“I begin by paying respects to my fellow Gael Jody Gormley, his wife, Deirdre, daughters, Aine and Niamh, and son, James. In recent weeks, we were all blown away by the heroic bravery and strength that he demonstrated on 'The GAA Social' podcast with Thomas Niblock and Oisín McConville. I measc na naomh go raibh sé.”
“Minister, a welcome £13 million funding package has been identified for respite services for children with a learning disability. Will you provide more detail on how and when that money will be rolled out? Also, further to the previous question, will you outline whether those in the community and voluntary sector can avail themselves of that funding? You will know of organisations, such as the wonderful Newry Gateway Club, that are willing and able to step up to the plate in that regard.”
“First Minister, do you agree that involving young people should include giving them the right to vote at the age of 16? What steps have you taken since coming into office to make that happen?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome any endeavours to provide more homes. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that, in the past five years, his Department had invested £750 million, which has started 8,341 new social homes. How many of those homes have been built? How many have been occupied? Why, despite his lofty ambitions and targets, is the housing waiting list growing rather than declining?”
“The Minister has placed a major emphasis on discretionary fares. Will he confirm whether those who are eligible for a half-fare SmartPass in the North, including disabled people, can avail themselves of the statutory entitlement when using cross-border services?”
“It is an idea. Unified rail prices is an idea.”
“I am asking for a unified approach to train fare costs across the island. A unified island down the line is something that you cannot ask for, but it is something that we will firmly ask for.”
“It is hugely positive that a bright and shiny new transport hub has been constructed in Belfast. The cost of that has been huge, but that should not be passed on to commuters. It is totally unreasonable that people travelling from Newry have to pay more than people from across the border who are travelling longer distances.”
“Is it the Member's contention that keeping rail travel fares hiked is a proper incentive for commuters to use trains?”
“Public transport should be accessible to everyone on the island on an equal basis. The time has come for us to take action and address what is an unfair system. I hope and trust that Members will throw their support behind the motion and demonstrate that we are serious about incentivising public transport use, that we are serious about fair play and that, when a problem becomes apparent, we can move quickly to address it.”
“That is a vision that we must pursue. Having a unified fare structure would make travel simpler, cheaper and more accessible. It would remove the barriers to mobility that currently exist and promote greater economic integration and growth between and in both parts of the island. <BR /> <BR />The motion represents an important step towards addressing the shocking, unfair and irrational disparity in rail fares between the North and the Republic. By aligning rail fares and exploring a unified fare structure, we would reduce inequality for cross-border commuters, promote economic growth and do our duty and address the climate crisis. There is a demonstrable inequality at the heart of rail fare pricing structures, and it would be totally unacceptable to me and to the SDLP if the current system that governs fares were allowed to persist.”
“the North and the Republic. That is a sensible and urgent step to take. By doing so, we would address a fundamental issue of fairness and take an important step towards greater economic integration on the island. The motion goes further, however, by calling for:”
“The motion calls on the Minister for Infrastructure:”
“I am sure that the DUP also recognises that Donegal has been forgotten about when it comes to rail connectivity and would therefore support connectivity for there, although that is beyond our remit right now. Moreover, we must ensure that Belfast International Airport is connected to a rail line. Those are all critical long-term strategic objectives that, if realised, will represent a quantum leap for public transport on the island, but they require the full weight and force of government to be behind them.”
“I enthusiastically support the re-establishment of the Armagh to Portadown rail line, which of course will extend through Monaghan, Clones and Cavan and into the midlands, as per the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review, connecting Portadown and Derry.”
“We must ensure that we do not neglect the basic needs of everyday commuters, who rely on affordable transport to get to work or school or to access healthcare. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to the core of the motion. The all-island strategic rail review represents an invaluable opportunity for us to rethink and reimagine how we approach cross-border transport. We must see the review not just as an academic exercise but as a practical step towards integrating and unifying our transport infrastructure across the island. With respect to the DUP amendment, I admit that I was somewhat surprised to see the DUP out ahead of Sinn Féin on an issue relating to cross-border transport. I largely welcome the input that the DUP has provided, and it is a positive sign that there is common ground.”
“That has been illustrated clearly by the investment required to establish the new Belfast Grand Central station. Grand Central station is a critical transport hub for the North; there is no refuting that. However, at the same time, it must be said that a £350 million investment for a new rail hub in Belfast must be met with an equivalent investment commitment to ensure that fares paid by computers are not artificially or unnecessarily inflated. We cannot simply invest in grand projects in our major cities while neglecting the fairness and equity of cross-border transport services. That is the political epitome of all fur coat and no knickers. As it stands, the lack of strategic focus on aligning rail fares between the North and the Republic is a missed opportunity.”
“It set a clear ambition of allowing people from rural communities to seamlessly commute to work in cities, facilitating students to pursue exciting opportunities across the island and enabling the isolated, the elderly and individuals living in rural areas to commute for leisure and recreation. That goes to the heart of what makes a society fair and just. The vision of the all-island strategic rail review should be lauded. My frustration is that we are missing opportunities with the basics: the fundamental foundations of building a sustainable public transport model, including fair pricing. <BR /> <BR />We are fully aware of the scale of investment required to ensure that our public transport infrastructure is fit for the future.”
“We have to ask ourselves how we can expect people to move freely across our island for work, recreation or study when rail fares in the North make such travel prohibitively and unnecessarily expensive. How can we hope to foster a truly all-island economy when the infrastructure that connects us is so unbalanced and its pricing unfair? Affordable rail travel enables people to access better job opportunities, regardless of where they live. <BR /> <BR />The all-island strategic rail review, commissioned by the SDLP's Nichola Mallon, set out a bold vision for connecting every part of our island.”
“However, when public transport becomes prohibitively expensive or inaccessible, it risks creating a two-tier society where only those who can afford to travel or have access to transport or transit hubs can access the opportunities that public transport offers. <BR /> <BR />The startling disparity in rail fares between North and South is troubling. Let me be clear: this is not a trivial issue. Commuters travelling from my constituency of Newry and Armagh to work on a daily basis in Belfast, Dublin and places in between face increasingly unaffordable and unfair prices. Not only does that act as a barrier to access; it undermines our efforts to decarbonise transport behaviours. Existing rail fare structures in the North are not compatible with the integrated all-island economy that we strive for.”
“The motion calls for action to address the inequality that cross-border fare imbalances create for cross-border commuters. It is critical that we, as legislators, take a clear stand on the issue. <BR /> <BR />Affordable and accessible public transport is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is a cornerstone of social mobility, economic growth and the fulfilment of our duty to combat the climate crisis. Public transport, particularly rail services, can be a powerful force for change. Effective rail services connect people to jobs, education, healthcare and leisure. They help businesses grow by providing employees and customers with reliable access to services.”
“I have brought the motion to the House to address the shocking disparity in rail fares between the North and the Republic. The simple fact of the matter is that commuters in the North are being saddled with an enormous and unequal cost burden relative to our neighbours across the border. That fact is illustrated dramatically by the reality that a one-way fare from Newry to Belfast costs £14·50, whereas a one-way fare from Dundalk to Belfast costs just £6·85. That is a difference of 111%. That bears saying again: a difference of 111%. A journey from Newry to Belfast, which is shorter, on the same train on the same train line costs more than double the price of a journey from Dundalk to Belfast. That means that a commuter in Newry who works in Belfast every day will pay thousands of pounds above the odds every year for commuting.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister, to break the cycles of poverty, inequality and poor educational outcomes, research and evidence from education, health, justice and economic experts all point to the importance of comprehensive early intervention. Does the Minister therefore accept that it is imperative that his Department initiates within the time frame of this Executive and as a matter of priority the development of a universal 0-3 learning framework that includes an accommodation of and a strategy on month of birth and its impact on associated developmental timelines?”
“The Minister will know that I have led the charge on the inclusion of counties Armagh and Down in the Ireland's Ancient East tourism brand. Does he agree that the growth of the tourism industry in my constituency could be turbocharged through the extension of the Fáilte Ireland brands into the North, particularly through the inclusion of Armagh and Down in the Ireland's Ancient East tourism brand? What efforts will the Minister pursue with the incoming Irish Government to ensure that that vision becomes a reality?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. She will know that I have been advocating at the Justice Committee for enhanced and improved access to justice. I broadly welcome the indication of intent in her statement. Will she provide detail about how she envisages that private financing will interact with the existing legal aid framework? When can we expect to see a detailed timeline for progressing the objectives that she laid out in her statement? Will she detail how much the uplift will be? Will she provide detail on the timelines, though I do not disregard the fact that the programme implementation plan is forthcoming?”
“For reasons of financial sustainability, farmers who are dealing with bTB appreciate and respect the compensation for beasts that have been destroyed. There is an issue, however, because herds are being closed down for 12 weeks, resulting in the halting of cash flow. Has the Minister thought about how farmers can get cash flow in order to ease the burden, frustration, concern and mental health challenges that they face as a consequence of the arrival of bTB on their farm?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member agree that it is all well and good to note the needs of the sector and the struggles facing hill and sheep farmers but we need to see clear commitments and measures from the Minister and the Executive to assist and safeguard farmers, farming families and communities?”
“Minister, I warmly applaud you on your initiative to place life-saving devices and defibrillators in all our schools. With today's positive announcement, do you agree that it would be remiss not to recognise the importance of the work done by the Cormac McAnallen trust in the 20 years since his passing? Before his passing, not many of us knew about AEDs, defibrillators, resus and CPR. Since that, the Cormac Trust was set up in his name by his family, Brendan — RIP, sadly — Donal and Bridget, and hundreds of thousands of pounds has been spent on research and on placing defibrillators in schools. In many ways, the Cormac Trust was the genesis of defibrillators being available in sporting clubs and saving lives, saving lives, saving lives. It is important to recognise that today.”
“Are there merits in reintroducing the wolf to Ireland's landscape?”
“Does the Member think that it would be wise to consider the possibility of reintroducing the wolf to Ireland's landscape to control the wild deer population? Wolves were wiped out after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.”
“On top of the emotional impact, there is a financial impact. Farmers are compensated for beasts that have to be destroyed, but having to close their herd for four months means that their farm turnover is completely stopped and goes off a cliff edge. That has an enormous emotional and mental impact, as well as an impact on their lifestyle.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, Criminal Justice Inspection has identified the "fragmented" approach across the justice system as a barrier to access to justice. How will your Department ensure better working relationships between organisations across the justice system in order to create a unified approach that keeps victims' needs central and ensures that the system supports and protects them?”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. You called attention to the commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach' to the Executive establishing an independent environmental protection agency, but you seemed to then recoil from that position: mixed messaging. What if the independent panel cannot reach an agreed position on the establishment of an independent EPA? What then?”
“That should include exploring ways for us to have a direct role or enhanced representation in the European Parliament to ensure that the North's interests are always taken into account. Our proximity to the EU, coupled with our dual market access, makes that a conversation worth having. <BR /> <BR />The democratic consent process is not just about a vote but about a vision for the future of the North. We have the chance to build a future that is defined not by the challenges that we face but by the opportunities that we can create. We can strengthen our relationship with the European Union and establish the North as a thriving, connected region that benefits from the best of both worlds.”
“Furthermore, the North's access to educational and training opportunities must be safeguarded, ensuring that people here can continue to benefit from the full range of opportunities offered by both the UK and the EU. <BR /> <BR />One of the key considerations in the process is the need to maximise the North's unique post-Brexit status. We must be bold in how we leverage the advantages of our situation for the benefit of our society and our economy. We must also consider how we can ensure that the North has a voice in the EU's decision-making processes. While we are no longer an EU member state, the North has a distinctive position that warrants consideration.”
“You may consider the EU to be a foreign Parliament, but there are many in this House who consider London to be a foreign Parliament. <BR /> <BR />The economic benefits of the framework are already becoming evident, with the North becoming a bridge between two major markets. For businesses here, that means continued trade with the EU and the UK without the barriers that Britain now faces due to Brexit. That is a unique and valuable advantage, and it is one that we should not take for granted. <BR /> <BR />There are still significant challenges that we must address. Issues remain around disruption to cross-border trade and the provision of public services, and we must ensure that our businesses are supported in navigating the complexities of the new trading environment.”
“That dual market access is not just a lifeline for our economy but a platform from which we can attract investment, stimulate growth and provide our businesses with a competitive edge in a global marketplace. The economic benefits of the framework are already becoming evident, with the North becoming a bridge between two major markets. For businesses here, that means continued trade with the EU and the UK without barriers —.”
“<BR /> <BR />The decision that we face is not just about our current arrangements under the Windsor framework but about the long-term benefits of our relationships with the UK and the EU. We must look ahead, not just at the obstacles that we face but at how we can work together to build a prosperous, stable and inclusive future for people and communities on both sides of the border. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP will support the democratic consent motion because we firmly believe that the Windsor framework — the protocol — provides the North with the best possible protections from the fallout of Brexit. The protocol and the subsequent arrangements offer us a clear opportunity, with access to the UK and EU markets.”
“I support the SDLP Opposition motion as a proud member of the most pro-EU party in the Assembly. Today is about the democratic consent process, which presents us with an opportunity to reflect on where we are, what challenges we face and how we can seize the opportunities that are ahead. The motion is not just a procedural step; it is a moment for us to set a course for the future. The process before us gives us a chance to discuss the future of our relationship with Europe and to consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. At the heart of the discussion is our unique position. Our geographical reality has profound implications for our economic and social relationships, and it is one that we must navigate skilfully in the years ahead.”
“I think that the Member for Lagan Valley will agree that the train line in question goes beyond Portadown and travels to such places as Newry, Dundalk, Drogheda and Dublin. Minister, a same-day return fare from Newry to Belfast is 68% more expensive than it is from Dundalk to Belfast. Will the Minister explain why passengers travelling from Newry are expected to pay more for a shorter journey? How does that encourage people to use public transport?”
“Minister, you will know that, for years, my SDLP colleagues and I have been campaigning for the inclusion of counties Armagh and Down in Ireland's Ancient East. Will you provide an update on the efforts that you have made with the Irish Government and tourism bodies to support that campaign's becoming a reality?”
“Deputy First Minister, I understand that £3·8 million has been allocated for each body once established. Can you tell us how that figure was arrived at? Can you give us your assessment of whether that funding is fair, proportionate and equitable? Will it be enough for each body?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, can you confirm whether you have asked your officials to draw up options for using some of your Executive's £65 million capital underspend on constructing Casement Park or suggested same to the Communities Minister? If not, why not?”
“Minister, I am concerned by some of the language. Your colleague referenced feet-dragging and delay, and you have highlighted the performance of previous Committees. Is it your contention that scrutiny should happen in corridors as opposed to the formal setting of minuted Committees? On the delays to the production of clauses because the Assembly was not sitting, is it your contention that legislation should be shoehorned through to suit your legislative ambitions?”
“— access to truth and justice via our own Police Ombudsman.”
“Day by day, the delay being faced by the families of the Kingsmills massacre, in the continued absence of information from the Police Ombudsman to explain the delay, is detrimentally impacting on confidence in the office of the Police Ombudsman. No victim should be expected to lodge two pre-actions for —”