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.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,598 lines we hold for Justin McNulty, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 28 of 32.
“Thank you, First Minister, for coming to the House today, and for your answers thus far. Pardon the oxymoron, First Minister, but why is your party happy to brief with false facts against other Ministers in the Executive?”
“I welcome the news today, Minister, that Nichola Mallon will step outside her remit to provide support for the private coach and taxi industries. Six months into the pandemic, why did it take so long for you to admit that you were not willing or able to offer support to those industries?”
“That is the type of shared home place that I want to work towards on this island: a new Ireland of tolerance and respect and ambition; a new Ireland of energy, endeavour, enterprise and equality; a new Ireland where we spill our sweat and nobody's blood. Let us all work towards that new Ireland, a new shared home place. <BR /> <BR />Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireas na daoine. We rely on one another for shelter.”
“Further subsequent agreements were brokered in Poyntzpass by Tom Canavan, God rest his soul, and by Robert Turner. <BR /> <BR />The following year, that same team was in the Ulster final. The local GAA club approached the Orange Order, seeking guidance on where to source orange and white bunting. I believe that the GAA and the Orange Order worked together to take down the red, white and blue bunting, which had been up since the Twelfth, in order to erect the orange and white bunting for the Ulster final. Fortunately, my team was victorious on that day. <BR /> <BR />That spirit of accommodation still exists in Poyntzpass. The community there knows that we live in a shared home place.”
“Accommodation can be reached. In the darkest of times, accommodation was reached on flags. In this time of turmoil, I recall a different time of turmoil. Tuesday 3 March, I, along with my teammates, was training in a cut-and-thrust, dogged training session in Davitt Park in Lurgan when one of our joint managers, Brian Canavan, was called away urgently because there had just been a double murder in his family bar in Poyntzpass. <BR /> <BR />In the following days, two great leaders walked the main street in Poyntzpass together. They quelled anger and fear by their actions and their words. The spirit of accommodation exhibited by Seamus Mallon and David Trimble in those days has been shared by everybody in the community of Poyntzpass. Fortunately, the following month the Good Friday Agreement was signed.”
“Can the Minister advise the House how many cases of people who have been impacted by the ruling her Department is dealing with? Can she give a time frame for resolution?”
“Minister, will you commit to meeting Yvonne Stewart to assure her that her father's death has not been in vain and to assure her that you will ensure that this does not happen again and that lessons will be learned to prevent any other family going through the pain that her family is experiencing? We remember that those four patients went to the haematology ward free from COVID. They went to a ward where there should have been a ring of steel around those patients to protect them.”
“I welcome the designation of a serious adverse incident and your commitment to an immediate and thorough investigation. Six months into the pandemic, I recognise the stress that our medical staff are experiencing. The increased strain that the outbreaks will put on the staff in Craigavon is enormous. That said, four families are grieving. Alice McShane's family is grieving; they are grief-stricken and angry. John Fleming's family is grief-stricken and angry. Over the weekend, I spoke at length with Yvonne Stewart. She is beside herself with anger and grief. She does not want her father's life to have been lost in vain. His final wish was that she would take this up and do something about it. The two families who are still nameless will also be grief-stricken and beside themselves with hurt.”
“Let it be an outlier year for opportunity.”
“He said that the random injustice of an algorithm was very unfair. <BR /> <BR />Questions remain, including when will the results be revised by CCEA? Will all students be accepted onto their first choice course when they get their grades? Will the MaSN cap be lifted to allow universities to accommodate greater numbers? Numerous questions remain, but most pertinent in my mind is that this is an outlier year. We have all talked about the unprecedented nature of the virus and the impact on education and exams. Let this be an outlier year of opportunity for our young people, where they see and remember this year as the year that gave them the leg up to go and achieve their dreams and achieve special things. That is not necessarily just down the educational path, but let this be an outlier year where our young people get a leg up.”
“He referenced external exam boards setting examinations for our schools and proposed having only one exam board here. <BR /> <BR />Kellie Armstrong paid tribute to pupils and teachers and to the students and teachers' unions and their dignified response to the crisis. <BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone queried why CCEA changed 65% of grades. He asked whether an equality impact assessment would be carried out to establish whether pupils from non-selective schools or disadvantaged areas have been discriminated against as part of the process. <BR /> <BR />Roy Beggs questioned the awarding system as it is clear to anybody that there are obvious flaws in the system. <BR /> <BR />Matthew O'Toole said that an approach to prevent any grades being inflated in this year of all years was the wrong approach to adopt.”
“instead of defending the hopes and dreams of our young people. Sorry, I cannot even read my own writing; I need to go back to school. <BR /> <BR />Sinead McLaughlin said that we have done our young people a great disservice. She put a major emphasis on the MaSN cap, saying that it is a noose around the neck of students here, benefiting only the North's diaspora, breaking up families and draining the talent pool. We need to restructure the system here because the system, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />Rosemary Barton referred to the impact of an unseen algorithm on the lives of pupils and young people. John O'Dowd empathised with the position of the Minister of Education, saying that he had been there, done that and bought the t-shirt.”
“Well, lots of people foresaw it, including my colleague Daniel McCrossan. <BR /> <BR />Caoimhe Archibald criticised the Minister for defending an algorithm”
“Robin Newton said that the education system here is second to none. I do not think that the midst of a fiasco is an appropriate time to say that. Although I concur with other Members who commented that our educators are world class and second to none, this situation obviously demonstrates that there are serious major challenges within our education system. We export so many of our young people every year, building only a diaspora instead of the knowledge pool here. <BR /> <BR />Catherine Kelly questioned why children in the North of Ireland are held to ransom by the decisions of a British Minister in London. <BR /> <BR />Chris Stalford said that no one could have foreseen the circumstances that we are facing today, given the global pandemic and its impact on pupils through reduced class time.”
“Mr Lyttle also referred to the Minister's following of London's lead in school closures and the awarding of grades. He sought clarification on timescales and considerations in relation to when CCEA will award results, which will impact on access to universities.”
“Robbie also referred to the strong impact of the anomaly on a student who had previously been a looked-after child, and we have to recognise that there are young people who do not have an easy pathway through education and need all the help and support that they can get. <BR /> <BR />Chris Lyttle referred to "startling inconsistencies" in the grade-awarding system.”
“He thanked teachers, pupils and those with specific expertise in the area for their efforts. <BR /> <BR />Cara Hunter made a very important intervention on the impact on young people's mental health. Maurice Bradley spoke about "unprecedented times" forcing unprecedented actions, and he thanked teachers for their efforts in the process. Karen Mullan talked about students being "failed" in a system where 11,000 grades were downgraded, and teachers' knowledge and expertise were dismissed. <BR /> <BR />Robbie Butler applauded the strong voice of pupils, parents, teachers, principals and even politicians in coming together to force this outcome. Some 11,000 grades need to be changed, and CCEA must act with haste.”
“Thank you. I absolutely agree that results do not define these young people; these young people define themselves. <BR /> <BR />I will try to quickly go through as many of the points made today as I can. Daniel McCrossan, who tabled the motion, talked about the impact on young people, teachers, principals and parents, and how they came together to force this volte-face. He raised his frustration with the flawed system, the delays in recognising its failure and blindly following London's lead. He wants visibility of the algorithm, is thankful that the Minister has said that it is now available, and he questioned the anomalies. He talked about access to university places, UCAS and how all of that will be synchronised and coordinated to ensure that all the issues are addressed.”
“Well done to those students for their forbearance and patience and for voicing their disillusionment. Well done to their teachers, principals and parents for supporting them. The last grouping is those students who did not do so well and will not be regraded. They did not apply themselves to their course, for whatever reason. Guys, I am with you. My A levels were downgraded, not by an algorithm or an anomaly but because I did not fully commit myself to education in school. I was more focused on football and messing around. I say to those students that some of the most successful people I know did not get their A levels or their GCSEs. Other options are open to you. You can take a further education approach.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will make a winding-up speech on the SDLP motion and amendment as tabled and debated here today. I thank all Members for their very informed, passionate and measured contributions throughout the debate. As I see it, there are three groupings of pupils who have been impacted in different ways by this grading. For some, it has been a crisis; for others — those who did well — it has not. There are pupils who did well. Their grades were not reassessed, and they will not need to be regraded. They got the marks that they expected and for which they worked diligently. Well done to those pupils. Congratulations. There are those who were disgruntled when they received their downgraded results — some 11,000 pupils. Thankfully, those grades will now be rectified.”
“Welcome back. It is good to have you in the hot seat. Hopefully, conditions around COVID will remain the same to allow you to stay here. We all have our part to play to ensure that people remain safe in our society, and I take responsibility in that regard. <BR /> <BR />I will start by paying tribute to a hero of mine, John Hume, whose funeral it was a huge honour for me to attend. I was a member of the guard of honour, but we were not even able to be at the service because of the COVID conditions and the circumstances around that. It was sad that John did not get the send-off that he deserved, but the family was so strong about following the guidelines. It was a really dignified, beautiful send-off for a hero to me and to so many people on this island and someone whose legacy we can all be proud of in the Chamber and on this island.”
“I note and applaud the exceptional work of the trust and all the staff of Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospital in dealing with the pandemic and the work of the pathfinder group in ensuring that there is a plan to restart Daisy Hill emergency department. They have included that in the first reopening and rebuilding plan, and that is scheduled to happen before the end of September. I know that nurses, doctors and other hospital staff have been displaced in the pandemic, and I know that there will not be a return to business as usual, but can you give a firm date for when Daisy Hill emergency department will reopen and give the people of Newry and Mourne, south Armagh and south Down some comfort?”
“I begin by offering my condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, patients and community of Kyle McDonald, an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon and consultant and a past pupil of my old school, the Abbey in Newry. Kyle's sudden passing will have sent shock waves through all the people who knew him. My sympathies are with them all. I measc na naomh go raibh sé. Today also marks a year since the passing of another Abbey student, Brian Conlon, and my thoughts are with Julie and Brian's family, colleagues and community. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you mentioned the reopening plan and the plan to reshape the delivery of urgent and emergency care, but you have not referred to the Daisy Hill emergency department.”
“When will principals, teachers, classroom assistants, school staff, parents and pupils get clear guidance on the numbers that can attend school and the specifics of the restart programme?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I agree with him that we need to tackle educational underachievement in young people, no matter what their background. I welcome the appointment of an expert panel. <BR /> <BR />Does the Minister agree that the impact of COVID-19 in education will hit hardest the young people from disadvantaged backgrounds? You mentioned catch-up in relation to those young people. What specific measures will be adopted? What resources will be apportioned to ensure that no children or young people are left too far behind as an outcome of the pandemic?”
“I thank the Member for allowing me to intervene. I apologise to Mr Boylan and Miss McIlveen for interrupting their team huddle in the canteen below earlier. <BR /> <BR />Will the Member take the opportunity to comment on Mr Boylan's apparent complete U-turn on this issue? For weeks now, he has been tabling questions for written answer to the Economy Minister on what her Department was doing for the coach and taxi sector. Just when did he decide that that was the responsibility of the Infrastructure Minister? Maybe someone told him to lay off the Economy Minister and turn his attention elsewhere. Is this just an example of the DUP/Sinn Féin ruling elite class absolving themselves of responsibility as usual?”
“Notwithstanding previous answers about the T:BUC strategy and 'New Decade, New Approach', which, surely, should be underpinned by a racial equality strategy, does the deputy First Minister appreciate that the failure to progress the review of the racial equality strategy does little to dispel the notion that equality is not a priority for the Executive Office and that, particularly given the over-zealous approach by police to the Black Lives Matter protest and the inconsistency of that with their approach to other recent mass gatherings, institutional racism exists here?”
“It is a unique situation where kids are crying for school. At the end of August and start of September, I think, we all want to see a safe, fair, positive, challenging and encouraging learning environment for every pupil, every teacher and every staff member to return to. I support the amended motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />Principals, teachers, pupils, staff and parents seek clear, unambiguous and realistic guidance on a safe return to education in the classroom. As the Minister said, teachers want to teach. I have not met one teacher over the past two or three months who was in holiday mode. They were very caught up in trying to adjust to and address the challenges they faced in teaching kids, some in the classroom and some remotely. Parents have had to change their routines enormously too and have adapted to become even more hands-on in the education of their kids, all the while juggling their day jobs. Major tribute should be paid to them. Most of all, I think of the girls and boys of school age who are dying to get back to see their friends and teachers and dying to get back to school.”
“Further concerns to be addressed are staff numbers and possible shortages in specific areas and the ability of schools to meet the needs of students with special educational needs. A major challenge for the education system is that no child should suffer academically as a consequence of the pandemic. We need a reopening procedure that has the capacity to address any mental health issues, zero tolerance of bullying and childcare that must be aligned be aligned with school reopening. There was a bit of disagreement on academic selection and the example set by some political leaders today, but, it is important to reiterate what the Minister said: it is a cause for celebration that no school-age child has passed away as a consequence of COVID-19. That is a cause for celebration.”
“Across the Chamber, we are in agreement on a number of matters, including concerns about addressing IT, broadband and online inequality; acting to address the education of children who come from deprived areas or from families with lower incomes; social distancing capabilities and capacity in schools; staggered starts; an accelerated catch-up programme for all kids; social bubbles; blended learning provision that is fair and equitable; accelerated school maintenance; appreciation for the work of trade unions; and the addressing of school transport concerns. <BR /> <BR />We have heard a lot about mental health issues but not enough about physical activity, and incorporating physical activity into the restart is another concern.”
“It is a pleasure to wind on this important debate. I will begin, however, by offering my condolences to Noah Donohoe's mum, Fiona, his family, his friends and his classmates at St Malachy's College and to the volunteers, the police and the rescue organisations who all put in such a heroic effort in trying to locate him. <BR /> <BR />I also pay tribute to our schoolteachers, principals, classroom assistants, school staff, pupils and parents. Their roles and environments have been completely reconfigured, and it is sad that many teachers feel that they have been used and abused during the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Given the hour, I will not rehash verbatim what each Member has said in the debate. You all know what you have said, and it is in Hansard anyway.”
“Subsequent secondary legislation policies or strategies that come from those Bills — for example, the environmental strategy — should be shaped not around the principle of non-regression but around enhancement and ensuring that environmental protection is not watered down. <BR /> <BR />A robust Northern Ireland environment Bill, with sufficient associated funding, will deliver a significant benefits for the environment, our health and well-being, the economy and the prosperity of future generations. We support the LCM but qualify that support. There are too many gaps and too few protections.”
“The duty to apply that and environmental principles should be strengthened to apply to Ministers and public authorities in the development of legislation, policy and decision-making. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly and DAERA should legislate for NI-specific environment, agriculture, climate change and fisheries Bills that provide for the protection and enhancement of nature, with standards that set the bar high and that can harmonise across this island and this continent. The Minister should develop the environment strategy to function as a long-term environmental improvement plan. That should be underpinned by an independent environmental protection agency and time-bound targets, covering terrestrial, air, water and marine environments. Without those, the government system here will be incomplete and less effective.”
“That provision does not extend to the North but will apply to Northern Ireland as a reserved matter. That demonstrates a lack of environmental ambition. No regression is not enough. In the Bill, there are currently no provisions relating to targets or time frames for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Bill in its current form does not achieve what has been promised, namely gold standard legislation, global leadership for responding to the environmental crisis and a world-leading watchdog. The Minister should set out a straightforward and substantive commitment to no regression on environmental law and to enhancement of environmental standards in the Northern Ireland provisions in the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill provides a framework on which the Assembly could work to ensure the protection and enhancement of the environment. That work must commence apace. The environment cannot wait. The environmental principles, including integration, prevention, precaution, rectification and polluter pays, as well as the duty on the Minister to prepare a policy statement on the need to apply proportionally the principles in the development of policy, are to be welcomed. Enforcement is key. The Bill requires DEFRA, in the process of introducing new environmental regulations, to lay before Westminster a statement indicating that Ministers view the proposed Bill as not having the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection currently afforded by existing environmental law.”
“<BR /> <BR />Also of concern is the fact that the OEP will be responsible for monitoring the actions of public authorities and that it is limited to providing decision notices. There is therefore a clear need for the establishment of an independent statutory nature conservation body for Northern Ireland that will monitor the actions of individuals and organisations and that can take enforcement actions that can include, amongst others, financial penalties and civil sanctions. <BR /> <BR />An independent environmental protection agency could be responsible for implementing environmental law through, for example, licensing, monitoring the implementation of environmental law and taking enforcement action when individuals or organisations are in breach of the law.”
“No interim governance arrangements are proposed, so the OEP must be operational by 1 January 2021 to avoid any gap in governance. If the OEP does not receive legislative consent and no other governance mechanisms are established for Northern Ireland, the only mechanism for challenging the legality of public authority decisions would be for civil society to apply for judicial review, which is a resource-intensive process. There is therefore a significant risk of a widening governance gap in the North in the case of a no-deal Brexit. Although the OEP will provide oversight of the implementation of environmental law as it is currently established in the Environment Bill, there remain limits to both remit and enforcement powers.”
“<BR /> <BR />DEFRA has said that it has plans for the OEP to be operational immediately following the end of the transition period, on 1 January 2021. Given the pandemic, is that date achievable and realistic? That is part of the reason that our party has strongly sought an extension to the transition period. The Environment Bill does not sufficiently clarify issues surrounding resource and interim arrangements for the OEP here in the North. <BR /> <BR />Subject to the NI provisions in the Environment Bill being commenced, a dedicated member from here will be appointed to the board of the OEP, yet that appointment process lacks involvement of or oversight by the Assembly. The Bill does not clarify the timescale for when the OEP is expected to become operational here.”
“The OEP will be able to receive and investigate complaints from the public and initiate their own investigations into breaches of environmental law. The OEP will be able to provide advice and decision notices that inform the relevant public authority of its failure to correctly implement environmental law. In instances in which there is a serious failure or need for urgent action to comply with environmental law, the OEP can apply for judicial review of the public authority's action or lack thereof. Unlike the EU, however, the OEP will not have the enforcement power to impose penalties such as fines in instances in which public authorities continue to fail to comply with environmental law. That is obviously a major worry, as, if there are no consequences to breaches of standards, we may be open to major environmental exploitation.”
“However, I strongly recommend technical and substantive changes to the Bill to include more detailed and rigorous protective measures to ensure that it effectively protects and enhances the environment. The proposed office for environmental protection will monitor and report on environmental progress. This includes environmental improvement plans and targets, report and advise on changes to environmental law and take enforcement action on potential breaches of environmental law by public authorities, with its principal objectives being environmental protection and the improvement of the natural environment. <BR /> <BR />If the Environment Bill is enacted unchanged, the OEP will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of environmental law and taking action when public authorities are not implementing it properly.”
“Brexit cannot be allowed to be used as an instrument to reduce environmental standards. It is more important than ever that we seek to proactively protect, recover and enhance the environment to ensure that nature is in better condition for future generations. We have responsibility for the stewardship of our environment: a clean healthy and well-protected environment that supports a sustainable society and economy. It is our duty to protect and improve the environment, as it is a valuable asset for the people of Ireland, and to protect all ecosystems, animals and ecology from the harmful effects of pollution. <BR /> <BR />I, therefore, welcome the introduction of the Environment Bill and its provisions.”
“<BR /> <BR />The majority of environmental law here comes from the EU, and we have benefited from the further environmental governance provided by the European institutions, particularly the European Commission and the CJEU. The significance of this oversight is highlighted within national UK law and does not sufficiently enforce environmental law nor provide effective remedies and sanctions for breaches. <BR /> <BR />Following the transition period, the loss of oversight from EU institutions such as the EU Court of Justice risks further weakening of the environmental protection across the North where the threat of fines from the EU has long provided the greatest deterrent. There is a clear and urgent need to replace the lost oversight of the EU institutions.”
“<BR /> <BR />Extensive regulatory dysfunction and unacceptable levels of disregard and the non-compliance of environmental law have resulted in substantial degradation to our environment and have had significant social and economic costs. Environmental NGOs have long argued for regulatory reform and the need for independent regulatory and statutory nature conservation body, as the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is an Executive agency within DAERA and not an independent body and only has limited functions. We are the only part of these islands without an independent public body charged with protecting and enhancing the environment.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement on the LCM. I welcome parts of his statement. <BR /> <BR />Unless we act strategically and in harmony across these islands and, indeed, across the continent, we are facing a climate and ecological crisis, and the North of this island's unique and iconic environment will be under significant threat. Decades of insufficient environmental governance have led to significant environmental damage. The 'State of Nature 2019' report clearly demonstrates that our terrestrial, air quality, water and marine environments are suffering, with species and habitats being lost at an alarming rate.”
“Will the Minister join with me in applauding our principals, teachers, school staff, parents and pupils, whose roles have been completely reconfigured and who have had to make the best out of very difficult and challenging circumstances? <BR /> <BR />I welcome the statement today and the continued investment in our school estate. I particularly welcome the inclusion of Tandragee Junior High School, and I especially welcome the commencement on site of St Joseph's High School in Crossmaglen. Will the Minister update the House on the proposed new builds at St Peter's, Collegeland and St Malachy's, Armagh, both of which were announced in March 2016?”
“Minister, it is hilarious that you are attacking the Irish Government after 100 days after 1,000 days of prevarication and foot-dragging by the two joint Ministers' parties. This place remained down for 1,000 days, and you are attacking another institution after 100 days. <BR /> <BR />Did the Ministers have any discussions about the particular challenges that they would face? Specifically, I refer to cross-border workers, many of whom have been left behind during the pandemic?”
“Our sheep and beef farmers, particularly in areas of natural constraint (ANC), must receive the support they need through the agri-food sector market intervention fund distribution. I support the motion.”
“However, many of our beef and sheep farmers, such as hill farmers in severely disadvantaged areas (SDA), have had to meet the full cost of continuing in business with the prospect of ever-lower market returns. <BR /> <BR />The initial Government support schemes, such as the COVID-19 self-employment income support scheme and the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme, were not designed with agricultural businesses in mind. Therefore, the £25 million agriculture agri-food market intervention fund has been welcomed by farmers, and I also welcome it. It is crucially important that support will be, and is, directed to those in the sector who have sustained the heaviest losses. As the motion states, it is essential that fund allocation is underpinned by equality and fairness. The £25 million fund has a lot of ground to cover.”
“While the temporary closure of local livestock marts may have had a short-term effect, the shutting down of hotels and restaurants in the hospitality sector, and the wider food-services industry across Europe, along with the ability of the sector to restore customer confidence and return to trading, are likely to have longer-lasting implications for farmers. <BR /> <BR />Farmers' ability to continue to operate and provide produce is, of course, vitally important in any crisis, but they also rely on the rest of the food supply chain to continue to function. The support provided to the haulage sector for imports and exports, as well as to the hospitality and retail sectors, is essential for the maintenance and security of that supply chain.”