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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“<BR /> <BR />The pandemic has made an already difficult situation potentially catastrophic for farmers and their families. As well as the social restrictions of lockdown that we are dealing with, sheep and beef farmers have businesses to run that cannot be shut down temporarily. Animal welfare and food security measures continue to require constant attention, and the nature of sheep and beef farming means that the overheads associated with running a farm do not stop even in the midst of a global pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers have also seen significant sections of their markets close down.”
“Thankfully, the practice of putting a langle on two legs of a sheep has now been abandoned, but I am sure farmers feel that they have a langle on four legs because they have been held back by a lack of support. Now, on top of that, we have the COVID-19 pandemic. <BR />In 2018, it was estimated that there are 19,800 cattle and sheep farms in the North, which is nearly 80% of all farms. The sector plays a significant role in our economy and supports the livelihoods of many people and families. Even before COVID-19 struck, the agri-food sector on this island was struggling with the uncertain future brought about by Brexit. There remains a lack of clarity about the new rules and regulations that farmers will have to deal with and the supply lines in and out of the EU.”
“I welcome the motion and opportunity to highlight the difficulties faced by our sheep and beef farmers in running their farms during the coronavirus pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Many will not know this, but, as a youngster, I was brought up on a farm. My uncle, who lived across the road from us, had no children so, essentially, we were the farm children. My farming background has given me enormous experience. I grew up milking and calving cows, tending to the beef and dairy herd, taking in the hay, the transition to silage and covering the silage pit. I have very many happy memories of my childhood and youth on the farm, so I completely identify with the demands on farmers. <BR /> <BR />From my youth, I also remember the langle on sheep. To a large extent, farmers feel they have been langled because they have no support.”
“Can the Minister give clarity and reassure those companies that are unsure about availing themselves of the additional months furlough support that they will not be punished and will not be pursued to repay the additional payments, whatever the outcome for their business at this time of huge uncertainty?”
“I thank the Minister for coming here today and thank the Member for tabling the question. Whilst Portadown is not in my constituency, there are obvious links with Newry and Armagh, with the people and families affected, as well as the supply chain companies. We are in difficult times, and, unfortunately, there may be many more painful announcements to come in the months ahead, and we need to adopt a strategic approach to deal with the uncertainty and with the economic challenges that we face. <BR /> <BR />Given the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, some employers are hesitant about availing themselves of the additional months announced by the Chancellor for the furlough scheme.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his role in endeavouring to navigate these uncharted COVID-19 waters. I note that this morning Members from my constituency received by email a copy of the Southern Trust's rebuilding plan. The plan sets out phase 1, which runs to 30 June, and phase 2, which runs to 30 September. Minister, given the potential hidden consequences of the fear that people have of attending the health service during this pandemic, would you apply whatever pressure you can to ensure that the reopening of the Daisy Hill emergency department occurs as early as possible in phase 2 of the plan.”
“Minister, you referred to getting things done when politicians work together. Is it not a terrible shame that Casement Park did not get over the line when Sinn Féin held the Ministry and was held back for a further three years by the collapse of Stormont? Given that investment in infrastructure will be key to economic recovery, what discussions, if any, have the Ministers for the Economy and Finance had with you to plan for economic recovery?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his answers so far. It was good to see you out getting your daily exercise at the lake end at the weekend, Minister, socially distancing and keeping healthy. <BR /> <BR />Minister, I welcome the support for local authorities, many of which have seen a drop in income of up to £1 million a month. Local residents face a reduction in services and potentially face rates hikes. It is positive news that councils can now access the furlough scheme. Can the Minister update the House on plans to support local councils beyond what has been announced today? Will he be providing security for councils to ensure that no further jobs will be lost in local authorities as a consequence of COVID-19?”
“That is not what you said in your letter.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, whilst I welcome the many positive announcements in your statement about supports, I am surprised that there is still no mention of cross-border workers, many of whom have fallen on very hard times as a consequence on COVID-19. You are the competent Minister, along with your colleague the Finance Minister, so can you tell me what supports you are bringing forward to help cross-border workers, given that you have already said in your letter to me that self-employed and PAYE cross-border workers should access unemployment support in the country where they reside?”
“I urge you to think of those who have contacted every one of our constituency offices in the last few weeks, whilst we have been working in different working arrangements. Our workload, as, I am sure, you will all agree, has increased threefold. People are seeking help. They are fearful about what lies ahead for them. They want the Executive and Assembly to listen and to act.”
“Too many of the pledges that we hear take far too long to implement. It is also important that we protect people from the harshest elements of welfare reform, challenges that were being faced long before COVID-19, such as the bedroom tax, although we still contend that the best way to have done that would have been to vote against it in the first place. I welcome the extension of the mitigations, but there are no mitigations to protect families from the ultra-draconian two-child rule, as it was only dreamed up by the Tories after the last Executive handed power back to Westminster. Can the Minister say whether money will be there to support the families affected? <BR /> <BR />Minister, I could go on and on, but I will not.”
“We need to see investment in greenways and public transport and the delivery of broadband into every community if we are to really adapt to new ways of living and working. We need to invest in and deliver more social housing and open spaces and public parks. It is time to see the delivery of the Albert Basin park in Newry. We need the Executive to step in and step up to support councils and public bodies that have seen their income decimated in the same way as we have seen Governments step up to support some other businesses. <BR /> <BR />There is much more to do to support those who have fallen through the cracks from substitute teachers, cross-border workers and student renters to self-employed people who need financial support and not just tea and sympathy. That support needs to be timely.”
“I fear that we will soon transition from doing things differently back to plugging the funding gap. I fear that we will just be doing less rather than more, but we need to be ambitious for our economy and our society. An opportunity has presented itself to reboot our economy in a different way. The key to our economic recovery will be sustained capital investment and an infrastructure programme across all Departments. That will be key to getting our construction industry back to work, and it will have far-reaching impacts on all associated services and sectors from the suppliers to the corner shop. <BR /> <BR />As part of that infrastructure programme, we need to see commitments to projects such as the hourly Belfast to Dublin Enterprise high-speed rail link being delivered.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Budget does not take into account the new normality that our schools will face when children return to their classrooms. It does not meet the need for support to adapt classrooms physically or for the resources that are needed for what may come down the line. The Committee Chair referred to the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement: again, the Budget makes no provision for them. It is important that we are honest with the public in the time ahead about the commitments that have been made and about what will be honoured. <BR /> <BR />I will now speak as a constituency MLA. There is lots of talk about doing things differently post pandemic, but that needs to be demonstrated in the Budget and at any review stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />We heard today from the Finance Minister about the real-term increase in the Budget; however, our Committee has heard from the Minister of Education and his permanent secretary about the real pressures faced by the Department for Education, including £165 million in revenue spend and an additional pressure of £200 million going forward. The Budget still does not address areas such as the unacceptable backlog in the school maintenance programme, which is estimated to be in the region of £400 million. Our children are often taught in substandard accommodation, and school leaders are crying out for capital investment and maintenance. Any initiatives cannot and should not be derailed and nor should the ongoing work to reform and reboot special education needs provision and mental health support in schools.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in the debate. We are in uncertain times, and, as many fellow Members have said, this is no ordinary Budget. The Minister has also indicated that it will need to be reviewed in a few weeks' time, which makes today's debate important and yet, at the same time, almost futile. Our public finances have never faced so much pressure and demands, and, given that reality, there is also much uncertainty and a lack of the normal scrutiny process. I want to make my contribution as a member of the Education Committee and then as a constituency MLA.”
“To me, John epitomised the size of the fight in the man as opposed to the size of the man in the fight. He was a warrior for peace, justice and social democracy, and he will be greatly missed.”
“I begin by sharing with other Members of the Assembly in passing on my sincere condolences to the family of my esteemed colleague John Dallat.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome the announcement, especially for the Christian Brothers' Primary School in Armagh and St Patrick's Primary School in the Meadow. When will there be boots on the ground commencing construction? Will the Minister also commit to ensuring that schools that were not successful in this tranche receive investment in the not-too-distant future?”
“I thank the Minister, her Department and the front-line workers for the exceptional work that they have been doing to ensure that the wheels keep on turning to allow our society to keep functioning. I was astonished to learn, Minister, that despite everything that your Department is doing, you received zero funding in the COVID-19 budget allocation. Why did the Finance Minister and, indeed, the entire Executive, award COVID-19 funding to all Departments except yours? Particularly, given your Department's pressures to maintain key services, such as public transport, safe roads and clean drinking water, which are fundamental, not just to the COVID-19 response but to our recovery on this island. What happened to all in this together?”
“A lot of people will be in their gardens over the next number of months because they will have nothing else to do, and I imagine that Aldi and Lidl will still need those plants. What do you advise that nursery to do, given that social distancing can be implemented in that business?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. As has been said by a number of Members, there needs to be clarity on the financial packages for self-employed hairdressers, architects, taxi drivers, mechanics, car valets and washers, music tutors, beauty therapists and driving instructors. Those people need some clarity fast around where their financial support will come from. <BR /> <BR />I also re-emphasise that some companies have been forced to furlough employees. There also needs to be support for agency staff. Newry library let agency staff go yesterday, and they feel that they have no protection and have been discarded as an outcome of the coronavirus. What advice can you give to McGrane Nurseries who provide plants and gardening paraphernalia to the likes of Lidl and Aldi across the island?”
“We all have a duty to play our part in defeating the virus, and I wish us all well in the challenges ahead.”
“There has been the repurposing of the O'Neill's factory, in Strabane, where staff, who would otherwise have been laid off, are now manufacturing scrubs for our healthcare teams. The owners of Armagh City Hotel have offered their premises to help the Southern Trust, if required. <BR /> <BR />We have huge collective intelligence. In what way can we think outside the box? How can our manufacturing capacity be hacked to produce makeshift ventilators, if necessary? <BR /> <BR />I applaud Members for their efforts. I applaud our Ministers. We are all under extraordinary pressure. Our healthcare and front-line workers are under extraordinary pressure. That pressure is a privilege. I applaud our Minister of Health, who is under extraordinary pressure. That pressure is a privilege.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the emergency registration and re-registration measures to boost our healthcare staff numbers. I wish our doctors, nurses, consultants, porters, cleaners, radiologists, admin and triage teams all the best of luck in the huge challenge that they all now face in the weeks and months ahead. I say this to them: "You are our bulwark and our spearhead. I know that all your force will move in one direction to defeat the virus". <BR /> <BR />I challenge us all to innovate and think outside the box in our shared quest to defeat the common enemy of coronavirus/COVID-19. I applaud the examples that we have seen on this island, including the repurposing of GAA stadia as drive-through testing sites at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Nowlan Park and our HQ at Croke Park. Can sports stadia up here be repurposed in the same manner?”
“<BR /> <BR />Schools have been repurposed as childminding facilities. Whilst everybody recognises that we must play our part and have a role in defeating coronavirus, teachers need more guidance and certainty, and they need the PPE that I mentioned. We must recognise that our number one duty is to allow our front-line healthcare workers to provide the service that they provide and that will be crucial in the weeks and months ahead. How will they have the 24/7 capability to provide that service if we do not have adequate childcare facilities for their children? <BR /> <BR />Students want to know whether they will be liable for the next quarter's rent. <BR /> <BR />It is crucial that we educate and communicate, communicate and communicate at every opportunity. What role does our public broadcasting service have in that regard?”
“<BR /> <BR />I raise once again the issue of personal protective equipment, especially for healthcare workers, domiciliary care teams, teachers, shop assistants, retail workers and food producers. Can councils play their part in providing that equipment? <BR /> <BR />I welcome that the testing numbers have gone up to 1,100 a day. That is crucial, especially for healthcare workers. We do not need our doctors, nurses and consultants to be quarantined for two weeks because of a head cold. <BR /> <BR />People who are disabled have expressed serious concerns about the Bill. They believe that the Bill will, effectively, remove their rights to social care, and that could mean the difference between life and death for them. They need reassurance. They need contingency planning to be implemented immediately to put them at ease.”
“<BR /> <BR />In an ideal world, we would have weeks and months to scrutinise a Bill such as this. That is not possible because we are on the brink of an extraordinary crisis. The measures proposed are harsh but necessary. Coronavirus/COVID-19 is a global force majeure. <BR /> <BR />I am speaking in my capacity as SDLP health spokesperson, a member of the Education Committee and an MLA for Newry and Armagh. I have some observations and comments in relation to the LCM that I would like to put on record, and also some concerns that I want to raise on behalf of my constituents. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the sunset clause, or as it is more properly referred to, an amendment for review after six months.”
“It is crucial that as many people as possible stay at home, but we must recognise that others do not have that luxury and are out there on the front line, playing their part to defeat this virus. <BR /> <BR />I also want to recognise the sports stars who have made important contributions over the last number of days. I am thinking of the likes of Michael Conlon or Rory Grugan, the Armagh captain, who are telling people, strongly and firmly, to stay at home. <BR /> <BR />I empathise with families, employees, professionals, business owners, business people, the self-employed and freelancers. There is so much uncertainty. We need certainty come from here and from our Ministers, with robust responses to the queries that are raised. There will be financial pain, but remember, priority number one is staying alive.”
“I start by offering my condolences to the four families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus. I also want to pay a tribute to our healthcare workers and to wish them well in the enormous challenge that they now face, and especially those who are literally getting a baptism of fire. I also want to pay tribute to our key workers, including our healthcare teams, our pharmacists, our shopkeepers, retail workers, home care teams, refuse collectors, food producers, council workers, farmers, and the media, who are playing a very important role in communicating the important messages that need to be communicated. <BR /> <BR />Some workers are able to retreat to their homes, to their bunkers and protect themselves from the invisible bombs that are trying to penetrate those bunkers.”
“I wish you and the First Minister well, and I wish all of us well in this huge challenge that we share.”
“<BR /> <BR />On PPE, some front-line medical professionals are refusing to make patient contact or even to carry out assessments because they do not have the correct equipment and cannot protect themselves. What initiatives are planned? Thinking outside the box, as you mentioned earlier, deputy First Minister, has O'Neills been engaged? O'Neills has staff ready and waiting to deliver equipment to our front-line healthcare workers. Has that initiative, to get that equipment to people when they need it most — now — been put in motion? <BR /> <BR />To reiterate a point that has been made in the Chamber, the penny does not seem to have dropped with large sections of our society. They do not recognise that this is do-or-die time. It is crystal clear: stay apart to stay alive. I hope that you can re-emphasise that point, deputy First Minister.”
“On the implementation of measures, with the business rates grants and the 80% of salaries that are available to employees, what provisions will be available to the self-employed and freelancers? I suggest that 80% of last year's earnings should be made available to them, with up to a £2,500 limit. Those are all very positive initiatives, but people want to know when they will be implemented. When will those moneys be available to them? <BR /> <BR />Testing has already been raised. Forty-one testing stations are available in the Republic, with more due to open today. Are there any in the North? Healthcare workers need not be quarantined just because they have a head cold. We need those testing facilities available widely, specifically for our healthcare workers.”
“I start off by paying tribute, once again, to our healthcare workers, who are facing an unimaginable challenge. I wish them all well with that challenge. I also want to applaud the First Minister and the deputy First Minister for working in unison and doing what it takes to guide us all through this crisis. <BR /> <BR />I have a few questions that I would like clarity on. Schools have been semi-opened to provide childminding facilities for our key workers. I question the wisdom of pulling all the children of key workers together at one location and want to point out that some teachers, staff and principals feel very compromised. Equally, front-line healthcare workers feel let down because those facilities are not in place. Can we build a sustainable, safe solution that can be implemented even after a lockdown scenario?”
“How can the Minister and the Economy Minister work together to ensure that the appropriate fiscal stimulus package of supports, and a rates holiday if necessary, will be put in place to give those businesses and their employees reassurance?”
“I empathise with the concerns and fears of businesses and employees in the mouth of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Our job is to give them reassurance. <BR /> <BR />The Minister will be familiar with a gentleman called Phelim Quinn of Quinn Coaches, who came into my office on Friday. He has a family-run business with 10 employees and 14 tour coaches, and, in 20 years of business, he has never missed a payment. Overnight, his April order book was wiped out. He does not know where he will get his money from or how he will stay in business. The same applies to small businesses like Minus 20, the Shelbourne Bakery, Macari's, Harford Copelands event management business, the Brass Monkey, McGrane Nurseries and multiple other businesses in our constituency.”
“I thank principals and teachers for the dignified and calm approach they have adopted in making decisions arising from the unprecedented crisis that we now face with COVID-19. Will the Minister please explain how the expert advice is so different between Crossmaglen and Castleblaney?”
“I thank the Minister for the swift measures that she has implemented to help tackle the unprecedented challenge that we all face: coronavirus/COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />What impact has this place being closed for three years had on DFI's ability to provide sufficient capacity in the waste water infrastructure to enable the building of new homes and businesses?”
“I support the motion and the creation of a childcare strategy.”
“It would help to bolster the economy and show the squeezed middle that this place listens and cares for them as well. Provision must be more than just a token gesture. It must be tangible and must be put on a statutory footing. It must be universal and accessible locally to parents. I also believe that a robust and meaningful consultation with the sector and with schools and parents would be helpful in shaping provision. <BR /> <BR />I cannot return to my seat without paying tribute to those who work in the childcare sector and, indeed, the many grandparents and extended family members who already step in to provide childcare where the state does not at present. Many parents tell me that, only for their extended — often retired — family members, they could not continue to work.”
“I support the motion and thank the Members who brought the issue to the House. Childcare is one of the biggest burdens and overheads that face young families — working families in particular — across the region and across the island. By investing in childcare, we invest in children and their parents. <BR /> <BR />Like many other Members, I have heard stories from young families, many of whom have seen one parent give up work until their children are of school age, as the cost of childcare is just too much. Whilst cost is a deciding factor for many parents, we must think of the positives for children engaging from a young age with other children of the same vintage as themselves. The provision of funded childcare can and would give a boost to working families.”
“Last night, the SDLP brought a motion to Belfast City Council that called for support to be provided to businesses that may face challenges as a result of coronavirus. The Irish Government have provided €200 million in liquidity funds to support businesses that face such challenges. Is the Minister considering putting in place mitigation measures to assist businesses in the hospitality sector, and businesses in general, that may face closure as a result of coronavirus?”
“<BR /> <BR />We recognise that perseverance and the sheer amount of time that you dedicate to your learning are more important than intelligence. We need to recognise that, given the right set of circumstances, any student can learn and excel in their education. I strongly believe that every child can learn, regardless of their innate level of intelligence, and that gaps in achievement can be mitigated through research and by understanding the differences in individual backgrounds and opportunity. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“I am going to go a little bit off-piste. I think education must allow and empower children to make the most of their talents. It is time to think outside the box. Our curriculum is currently geared towards manufacturing and the professions. Our focus should be on a curriculum that delivers for a new economy that this place should be building towards. The curriculum should encompass coding, environmental awareness, IT, public health, a focus on the impact of lifestyle choices, empathy and developing and building relationships, celebrating diversity, resilience, a focus on positive mental health, and virtual learning. The hidden benefits of virtual learning are enhanced by early adoption, and it promotes self-directed learning and innovative, individualistic thinking.”
“I am not aware of the specific conditions that you speak of, but I know how I was educated. I was educated as a Catholic and I know that diversity was celebrated, so I am not aware of what you are specifically referring to. <BR /> <BR />We need to protect parental choice and to celebrate diversity, but that does not mean that the management structures at the centre cannot change. It does not mean that we cannot drive more efficiencies. We need better governance. We need a joined-up system that better delivers. We need a system that allows and celebrates a school's ethos and encourages cross-community work, not just when at school but in work, sport and the wider world. <BR /> <BR />Our schools are the bedrock of our communities and I would like the review to embrace not just what is in the classroom but the world around us.”
“Apologies, a LeasCheann Comhairle. <BR /> <BR />The Member took the words right out of my mouth. We need to protect parental choice and to celebrate diversity.”
“Our system recognises parental choice, and it gives us a mix of options that include faith-based, integrated and Irish-medium education. Where our system has flaws is in its burdensome bureaucracy, red tape and management inefficiency. I recognise that duplication exists and that efficiencies must be made. I recognise the shortcomings in provision for those with special educational needs, in school maintenance, in school transport and much more. However, that does not mean that we should offer a one-size-fits-all view of education.”
“I support the motion as amended. <BR /> <BR />We all recognise that there is much room for improvement in our education system. I welcome the external review as outlined in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document. It is only right that we allow that review to take its course, hearing from parents and professionals alike, making its independent recommendations and bringing them to fruition. <BR /> <BR />Our education system has evolved from a system that was available only to those who were well off to a system that is now, hopefully, universal. Our system can and must do better. I have visited schools across the sector in recent weeks. Whilst there is no doubt that there is a need for fundamental reform, it is important that we listen to the views of those on the front line, both teachers and parents.”
“Barney Eastwood became a world-renowned figure in boxing, but his sporting roots were in the GAA. He never forgot his roots. Just a few years back, he bought Owen Mulligan's boots — the famous boots that scored the goal against Dublin in 2005 — for £32,000 and supported the development of the Father Rocks club facilities. Like, I guess, a lot of Members in the Chamber, my fondest memory is of Barry McGuigan's huge success against Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road and the infamous song, 'Thank You Very Much, Mr Eastwood'. My sympathies to Barney's family, friends and community. I measc na naomh go raibh sé.”