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 8 of 32.
“I thank the Minister for her answer. During the past number of weeks, McLaughlin and Harvey has been contracted to remove hate graffiti from bridges in the Newry area. That is very positive. <BR /> <BR />Minister, recommendation 15 states:”
“Minister, today, everyone in NI Water must be breathing a huge sigh of relief because you have waded in to straighten them out, bail them out and admonish their board and leadership. The statement is a bizarre distraction and diversion from the real issues at hand in NI Water, which relate to water and waste water. When it comes to NI Water's performance and funding model or underperformance and underfunding model, as you have outlined, where does the buck stop?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Minister, you will be aware that the Marie Collins Foundation has asked that the unduly lenient sentence scheme be extended to all cases involving technology-assisted child sexual abuse. Do you support that call?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Given the scale of the environmental crime at Mobuoy, does he agree that it is incredible that the Executive are not calling for a public inquiry?”
“That is why we support the creation of a sentencing council for Northern Ireland to provide consistency, transparency and, above all, a robustness in how justice is delivered and how children are protected.”
“We need sentencing that protects the public, deters repeat offending and meets the expectations of victims and wider society. Rehabilitation alone will not achieve that, and mitigation in the form of character references is absurd, especially in relation to child sexual abuse, given that being a good citizen is a key and integral part of grooming and getting access to children. If someone were convicted of GBH, would being a good boxer be a mitigating factor? If not, why should being a good citizen be a mitigating factor in relation to access to children?”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />I have read the amendment. I know what it says. Is Sinn Féin really comfortable with sending out the message that it is soft on serious and sexual crime and sexual crime against children and that deterrence is somehow an optional extra in our justice system? I hope not, but that is what its amendment implies. <BR /> <BR />Let me be absolutely clear: rehabilitation matters. The SDLP believes in giving people a path away from offending and reducing reoffending through education, support and resettlement, but rehabilitation must never replace accountability, especially in the case of serious or violent crimes and crimes against children. <BR /> <BR />Almost 80% of prisoners in Northern Ireland are repeat offenders, which is a clear and damning signal that our system is failing.”
“especially when the motion focuses on serious offences, including sexual crime and sexual crimes against children? Is Sinn Féin really comfortable with sending out the message that it is soft on serious and sexual crime and sexual crime against children and that deterrence is somehow an optional extra in our justice system? I hope not, but that is what its amendment implies.”
“Academic research blows that out of the water, and lived experience groups can attest to how deeply damaging and long-lasting the effects of technology-assisted child sexual abuse are on their lives. The perpetual nature of such images is hugely damaging to them, and it forces victims to lead small lives. <BR /> <BR />I therefore ask this with genuine disappointment and some confusion: why does Sinn Féin want to water down the motion?”
“<BR /> <BR />People may contest how technology-assisted child sexual abuse is not violence, but how else would one characterise taking a child's image through coercion, manipulation, deceit and fear and then using it to extort, threaten and maintain the pretence of a relationship? How can we say that our sentencing is appropriate, given the vile, extreme and violent online abuse that takes place? <BR /> <BR />Our justice system is not hitting the key sentencing principles of punishment, deterrence, public protection and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation has been elevated so highly that we are now not meeting the punishment threshold. The assumption is that online forms of abuse are not as damaging as contact offending.”
“For online abuse, eight out of 10 perpetrators attract non-custodial sentences. What message does that send? <BR /> <BR />I met representatives from the Marie Collins Foundation. They are trying hard to bring about changes in sentencing, especially for sentences that relate to technology-assisted child sexual abuse. They are screaming for sentencing reform on that front. We are talking about heinous crimes that are committed against children, yet the punishment that is handed down is little more than a slap on the wrist. Where is the deterrent? Where is the justice for the victim? Where is the protection for the public? Where is the protection for children?”
“I support the motion, which gets to the heart of a growing crisis of confidence in our justice system. It speaks for the victims who feel let down and for the public, who rightly ask, "Where is the deterrent in our sentencing? Where is the justice?". We fully recognise and firmly defend the independence and integrity of our judiciary, but independence does not mean immunity from public scrutiny. When our courts hand down sentences that fail to reflect the severity of the crimes that were committed, that scrutiny is not only valid but essential. <BR /> <BR />The figures do not lie. In 2020, an astonishing 80% — 80% — of those who were sentenced for the offence of sexual communication with a child avoided prison, with 38% receiving suspended sentences and 42% getting community sentences.”
“Minister, I declare an interest: my wee fella started at his new school, St Malachy's in Camlough, this morning. His first day was very nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. I was approached by a concerned member of staff, who asked me how to get a 20 mph speed limit control zone outside St Malachy's on the Chapel Road in Camlough and any other traffic control measures to keep the children safe, because she was really concerned about the fact that there have been too many near misses in recent years.”
“Border security and immigration are complex and sensitive topics that affect real people who are often in incredibly vulnerable circumstances. Although the SDLP is content to support the LCM, it believes that it is essential that we approach these matters with a sense of balance, responsibility, sensitivity and respect.”
“I have been deeply concerned at some of the language that I have heard, the deliberate spreading of misinformation and the misleading of people that I have witnessed from lead political parties in the Executive in recent weeks. This is not about vulnerable people fleeing conflict; it about tackling criminals who profit from exploiting those vulnerable people.”
“As a member of the Committee for Justice and as the SDLP's spokesperson on justice, I support the legislative consent motion on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The LCM relates to provisions that will strengthen operational cooperation in addressing issues such as trafficking, illegal migration and organised crime. It seeks to equip our justice partners with the necessary tools, while maintaining appropriate safeguards and oversight, and recognises that effective cooperation between agencies is vital in tackling exploitation, trafficking and cross-border criminality. <BR /> <BR />However, I also take this opportunity to underline something equally important in the wider context of the Bill. The way that we talk about these issues matters. We must be careful to avoid sensationalism or language that dehumanises individuals.”
“— to ensure that they have the desired impact.”
“Given the new offences and wider ramifications of the LCM, I call on the Minister of Justice to ensure that the Police Service is given sufficient resources to facilitate the new provisions —”
“<BR /> <BR />I also highlight the introduction of a new offence of cuckooing, a deeply exploitative practice where criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person to facilitate drug-dealing or other illegal activity. It is a growing and deeply damaging tactic used by organised crime groups, and the recognition of it in law is overdue and welcome. <BR /> <BR />I am satisfied that the provisions of the LCM will have a positive impact in the North. It is, however, important to note that the Chief Constable has repeatedly highlighted his serious concerns about officer numbers and overall funding for the police. We have disturbing figures today that only 17% of the police force is from a Catholic, nationalist background. What is going on?”
“I support the legislative consent motion on crime and policing. As a member of the Justice Committee and the SDLP's spokesperson on Justice, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to a legislative framework that better protects our communities. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP welcomes the provisions of the LCM as timely, necessary and responsive to the real-world harms that individuals and communities face. Notably, the introduction of a specific offence of spiking is positive. That reflects the growing concern, particularly among young people, around personal safety in nightlife and social settings. It is something that my party colleagues Cara Hunter, Sinéad McLaughlin and Councillor Doire Finn have complained about and campaigned on for some time. It is a shame that it has not been introduced sooner by the Executive.”
“Minister, did you discuss with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in the South the possibility of convening a public inquiry into clerical abuse, given its often cross-border nature?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member know that we have a real, live Oscar winner in the building today? James Martin, Mencap ambassador and the first person with Down's syndrome to win an Oscar, is here today. He is a living testament to what can be achieved through the arts. <BR /> <BR />I firmly agree with Andy Allen's assertion that the arts sector is full of talent and potential, but, sadly, 70%-plus of the funding is for Belfast, and the combined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council areas only get 6%. Surely there should be more fairness.”
“At a price tag of £300 million, Encompass really should be all-singing, all-dancing. It is disappointing that GP information is not stored on the Encompass system. For the integrity and efficiency of the health service, it should be included. Minister, do you have any concerns about the teething issues with Encompass? Staff are overburdened, and some feel that they are now moving from paperwork to data work.”
“— or will she return to type, point fingers of blame and pass the buck as usual?”
“Minister, I spoke with Alma and Dee, the parents here today whose children have been damaged or impacted on by this statement. They do not want warm words. They do not want admiration. They want the support that their children need and are entitled to. They told me that they feel as though their children are invisible. As this is such a complex and cross-cutting piece of work, parents want to know who is going to take the lead. Are the Executive, which the Minister's party lead, going to step up —”
“Minister, do you agree that the motion that was brought forward by you and your party, and the related rhetoric, served as an anti-immigrant dog whistle, stoked racial tensions and fuelled rioting, and that you and your party should show a degree of remorse and move to put things right?”
“Minister, it was great news that the UK Government had offered to pay £50 million towards Casement Park, but that still leaves us £90 million short of the projected cost. Can you commit to funding being made available to meet the difference? If not, how much of the £90 million can the Executive meet to ensure that Antrim Gaels and Ulster Gaels have a stadium in west Belfast to call "home"?”
“Will you pull out all the stops to ensure that Tiny Tots has appropriate accommodation ready by the start of the new school year in September?”
“My question is on another Armagh education facility. Minister, I have written to you about Tiny Tots in Clady. After a health and safety inspection, its premises were deemed not fit for purpose. The neighbouring school, St Michael's, wants to accommodate the new premises. The GAA club has accommodated Tiny Tots for the past 25 years. It provides a wonderful service.”
“Minister, last winter, pensioners were stressed to the hilt about going cold in their homes. Will the Minister commit to them here and now that the winter fuel payments will be made in a timely manner? When will the payments be in pensioners' bank accounts?”
“— they should get down into the weeds and into the whins and do something meaningful for farmers?”
“As someone who comes from a farming background, I spoke with the Ulster Farmers' Union. I also spoke with the director-general of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), and he said, "Do nothing without consulting with farmers. The Water Forum in the South is a very useful mechanism to move things forward, and to ensure proper engagement with and financial support for farmers". He highly recommended an all-island approach. Surprisingly and disappointingly, Sinn Féin did not suggest an all-island approach. Does the Minister agree that, instead of the DUP and Sinn Féin holding hands —”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, does your Department accept the assessment that recent trade agreements still leave significant barriers for agri-food exporters in border regions? What targeted support will be provided by your Department to businesses in areas such as Newry and Armagh?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. When we met representatives of the Ulster Farmers' Union yesterday, they very much agreed with the Irish Government's approach to incentivisation, which is to engage with each river basin or catchment. Does he agree that other parties should support that approach?”
“Let us honour not only the memory of Sean Brown but the values of democracy and decency, which we all claim to support. There is now only one path by which we can honour those values: a public inquiry. All parties and all traditions across the Assembly must find the moral courage to demand it. Bridie Brown, at 87 years of age, and her family, after 59 court cases, cannot have justice or truth denied to them any longer.”
“It is required for Sean Brown's family, who deserve to know why their loved one was targeted and why those responsible have escaped justice; for the integrity of 21st-century policing and justice so that collusion, where it occurred, can be acknowledged and addressed; and for the people of the North, who must be able to believe that, in a civilised and democratic society, no life is expendable, no victim is forgotten and no truth is too dangerous to tell. <BR /> <BR />In the Assembly, we often offer lofty words about reconciliation, human rights and promises of the peace that we have built, but reconciliation without truth is a lie, rights without accountability are fragile, and peace without justice is hollow. We must refuse to turn our backs on the Brown family's pain.”
“After almost three decades of delay, obstruction and obfuscation, the British Government now seem determined to defy a court ruling that found their refusal to hold a public inquiry into the killing to be unlawful — to be unlawful. No family should have to fight for this long or this hard for the truth. No family and no community should be asked to simply move on while justice is being withheld. No Government who claim to uphold the rule of law and the promises of the Good Friday Agreement should tolerate such an affront to basic decency and dignity. <BR /> <BR />There is now no viable route left other than a full and independent public inquiry. Such an inquiry is not a luxury, nor is it a matter of political expediency; it is a moral necessity.”
“I have a deep sense of duty and an even deeper sense of moral obligation to speak on behalf of the family, friends and neighbours of the late Sean Brown. <BR /> <BR />Sean Brown was a good man: a husband, a father, a Gael and a proud member of the Bellaghy community. On the night of 12 May 1998, just weeks after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, Sean Brown was brutally abducted and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of Bellaghy GAA club. His killing was an act of unimaginable cruelty, but what has followed over the past 27 years has compounded that cruelty. <BR /> <BR />The truth of the case has been denied not only to Sean Brown's family but to us all.”
“Minister, have Renters' Voice and many other housing campaigners got it wrong when they have called for an end to no-fault evictions?”
“On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. The Minister made a statement, but I did not get an opportunity to ask a question. It is revealing that his Executive colleagues from the main party of government have refused to support a public inquiry into the biggest environmental crime that the island has ever seen: why?”
“I find it quite hilarious for the Alliance Party to stand here today and claim to be the party of unity when we are the party who led the peace to bring unity to this place.”
“It is being live-streamed into our homes on a daily basis. Genocide is being live-streamed into our homes on a daily basis.”
“I find it quite extraordinary that the Minister is at liberty to give her views on the erection of illegal billboards by the main party in government here, but she is not able to give a view on peaceful protest against genocide. <BR /> <BR />More than 55,000 people have been slaughtered by the state of Israel. Women and children are being murdered on a daily basis.”
“Will the Minister outline her assessment of the merits of introducing a residential parking scheme or zone around Boat Street in Newry and Daisy Hill Hospital?”
“Minister, you outlined the importance of places to train and play, yet there is no mention in your statement of either Casement Park or the football fund. Can you give us an update?”
“— to act with urgency and transparency and to recognise that Casement Park is more than a stadium but is a beacon of hope —”
“Casement Park must be built, not just for the GAA community but for everyone in the North. It can be a shining beacon of hope at the main gateway to our island's second city, a testament to our shared history, to our collective aspirations and to our potential to come together to build a brighter future. I call on the UK Government and the Executive to honour their commitments —”
“Moreover, the disparity in treatment between Casement Park and other stadium projects cannot be ignored. While Windsor Park and Ravenhill rightly saw successful redevelopment, Casement Park has languished, mired in bureaucratic delays and political hesitancy. That inconsistency raises questions about equity and commitment to all communities in the North.”
“Astonishingly, we know that there has been no official correspondence between the First Minister and the Communities Minister or between the Finance Minister and the Communities Minister on the development of Casement Park. That is quite staggering. All show, no go.”
“The Information Commissioner has now confirmed that vital documents were wrongfully suppressed. Why? Was it to cover indecision, to avoid scrutiny or, worse, to politically manipulate the future of a project that should have united us? <BR /> <BR />We all remember the UK Government's September 2024 decision to pull funding from Casement Park. Cost increases were cited, but what has been revealed is a failure in governance, a failure to manage expectations, a failure to defend the project when it mattered and a failure to provide leadership at ministerial level. The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, described the decision as deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity for sport and our economy. I agree, but what does it say about the dysfunction of our Executive when the right hand does not know or even care what the left hand is doing?”