Sinéad Ennis
South Down · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The revelation over recent days that members of the DUP, including the Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots, had knowledge of the exploitation of a young woman by the now convicted paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson raises serious questions for the DUP.”
“The bottom line here is that a dangerous paedophile went unchallenged and, worse still and despite clear, known red flags, was elected leader of the DUP.”
“We only have to look at Belfast Harbour's master plan, which sets out the possible significant economic impact that that can have. That includes enabling a quarter of all island-wide seaborne trade, which, in turn, creates £8·8 billion in gross value added and equates to 15·7% of the North's total annual output.”
“Instead, the focus must be on whether the agencies that have responsibility, including the environmental regulators and enforcement bodies such as the NIEA and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, are doing enough and whether they have sufficient powers to tackle such issues effectively.”
“The primary objective of the shaking up of driver licensing here in the North is to improve road safety by ensuring that young people are better equipped for driving on our roads. However, at present, many young people pass their tests and are completely priced out of driving because of the insurance rip-off that we are seeing.”
“That reality sees them borrowing from the Department, which is already in a very constrained capital budget position, as the Minister outlined. The provisions in the Bill will ensure that the accountability and oversight mechanisms provided by commissioners on the boards of ports or harbours will continue.”
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“Typically, that would be undertaken in advance of a new mandate, and I hope that we would look at that in advance of the 2027 election.”
“I wholly concur: we could not do our jobs without the valuable support of our staff in our constituency offices and in Parliament Buildings. As set out in paragraph 1 of the determination, its purpose is to ensure that Members do not suffer financial detriment by reason of costs incurred in connection with the exercise of functions as Members. Therefore, the Assembly Commission is mindful of the need to ensure that the provisions of the determination fulfil that purpose and are set at an appropriate level. <BR /> <BR />Indexation provisions were introduced in the 2020, as I said, in the determination in relation to the salaries of Members' staff, and further indexation was introduced in the 2025 determination in relation to constituency office operating costs. A further comprehensive review of the determination is therefore not scheduled.”
“That was in response to the ongoing concerns raised by MLAs regarding staff terms and conditions and the Assembly Commission's desire to ensure that the terms and conditions for support staff were fair and reasonable. At that time, the pay scales and grading structures were aligned to those of Assembly Commission staff, including a provision for annual indexation, which aligned to the rate used by the Assembly Commission each year. <BR /> <BR />Pay scales for MLA staff and the associated grading structures are not dependent on MLA remuneration. Therefore, it is not necessary for reviews to be undertaken at the same time. A new determination was published in February 2025, and, while no changes were made to the pay scales or grading structures at that time, the Assembly Commission continues to keep the provisions under review.”
“I thank the Member for his question. On 18 March 2020, the Assembly Commission agreed that determining MLA salaries and pensions should continue to be the role of an independent body but that the determination of allowances could be undertaken by the Assembly Commission. Powers to make determinations on allowances were conferred on the Assembly Commission by the Assembly on 30 June 2020. Those powers include determining matters relating to MLAs’ support staff salaries. <BR />On 27 August 2020, the Assembly Commission made the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) (Amendment) Determination 2020. It introduced several changes relating to the terms and conditions of MLA support staff, including updated pay scales.”
“I was not a Member when we installed the existing Changing Places facility. As I said in my previous answer, if we think that we require more facilities, as, I am sure, happened in 2011, we will, of course, do that in conjunction with Changing Places.”
“I fully recognise that the Building must be accessible to all users, regardless of their disability. There are currently no plans to install additional Changing Places facilities, but we are more than happy to keep that under review.”
“No key or pass is required for access, but we respectfully ask all building users to keep the room available for those who require its full specialist features. To help ensure that people can easily find the facility, it is also listed on the Changing Places Toilets website.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission installed a Changing Places facility in Parliament Buildings in 2011, with the official launch taking place on 5 October 2011. To mark the occasion, children from Glenveagh Special School enjoyed a tour of Parliament Buildings before visiting the new facility alongside representatives of Mencap. <BR /> <BR />Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of many people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Our Changing Places facility is designed to address those needs and includes a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling-mounted hoist, an adjustable sink and ample floor space for carers and equipment. The facility is located on the ground floor, near the rear entrance to the Senate Chamber.”
“The Assembly Commission is developing a new website to enhance navigation and the user experience and improve search functionality and accessibility. The new website will also facilitate the better integration of Committees' digital media content, and all those improvements will better promote their work. <BR /> <BR />Social media is important when it comes promoting the work of Committees, and the Commission has recently enhanced its digital content resources to better support Committees with video and image-based content. Those focus on calls for evidence and consultations and on showcasing the engagement work of the Committees on external visits. The Assembly's social media channels support the work of the Committees on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, and they cover a broad range of demographics.”
“<BR /> <BR />The participation and outreach team delivers sessions in Parliament Buildings and constituencies, attends key events and helps Committees engage with people who have relevant experience. To broaden accessibility, we produced a glossary of parliamentary terms in British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language. That has been supported by signed summaries of evidence sessions as part of the Committee's scrutiny of the Sign Language Bill. Looking ahead, the clerking and member support team will publish clear explainers on the Assembly’s responsibilities, including the vital role of Committees.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly provides extensive information for the public about Committee business. Most Committees meet in open session, and the proceedings are broadcast live. Forward work programmes, agendas and minutes are published promptly online to ensure transparency. Our website offers details about Committees, their membership, their roles and how the public can engage through evidence sessions and consultations. The Communications Office supports the Committees with press releases, media notices, social media content and the handling of queries from the public, as well as by providing tailored assistance for inquiries and legislative scrutiny.”
“All elected representatives have a responsibility to promote human rights and equality. The language and tone of elected representatives in the Chamber and in the media should be accurate, respectful and promote unity rather than division. There is no place in our society for paramilitaries, thugs and gangsters. The gangsters behind the threats represent no one. They speak for no one, unlike those of us who have been democratically elected. We are from and of our communities, and we will continue to speak for them. <BR /> <BR />All of us here must work together to face down these chilling threats against people who are democratically elected to represent their constituents.”
“Those pushing fear and scapegoating minorities promote a failed, backward agenda that has no place here. The overwhelming majority of people across this island reject that toxic narrative. Ireland, today, is diverse, inclusive and compassionate. Sinn Féin elected representatives will continue building an Ireland that rejects racism, hatred and division and promotes equality, compassion, socio-economic justice and unity. As others have said, we have seen a dangerous escalation in these incidents. It started with online abuse, threats against people, graffiti at people's homes, people being harassed when they are out shopping and socialising, bombs left at their offices and, now, this latest threat last night. <BR /> <BR />Someone is going to get hurt as a result of this, and it will not be enough to offer condemnation after that.”
“I, too, will speak about the disgraceful escalation in threats against elected representatives in Newry, Mourne and Down over recent weeks. The sinister threats issued online against elected members of Newry Mourne and Down District Council are an attack on democracy and the mandate that each of us has received from the public, and they deserve unequivocal condemnation from political leaders. I express my solidarity with my colleagues on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and colleagues from other parties with whom we work collegiately and have done since being elected. I also express my solidarity with their families. <BR /> <BR />These individuals represent no one, and they will not deter Sinn Féin elected representatives, or any democratically elected representatives, from carrying out our work of representing constituents daily.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, you recently met the chief executive and senior officials from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to discuss potential tourism projects in South Down that will, as you say, complement Narrow Water bridge when it is completed in 2027. Does the Minister agree that investment in Kilbroney Park, for example, and the restoration of Warrenpoint's iconic baths will be transformative, with the potential to boost cross-border visitor numbers and drive local economic growth?”
“As the First Minister outlined, there is amazing work going on in our communities to promote inclusion and cultural understanding. Does she agree that there is now an opportunity for the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, as well as the offices of the Irish Language Commissioner and the Ulster-Scots Commissioner, to build on that work and help further promote a society that is built on respect and mutual understanding of identity and culture?”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. She will, no doubt, be aware of the figures that have been released by the Department of Foreign Affairs that show that more than 120,000 applications for a new Irish passport were made by people in the North in 2024. Does she agree that the sheer volume of applications speaks to the need for an Irish passport office here in the North? Would she be supportive of that?”
“to President Connolly on her inauguration. It is an important moment for our nation. <BR /> <BR />I close by sharing some remarks from President Higgins that should be heard and reflected on by people inside and outside the Chamber:”
“, President Higgins and Sabina, for your years of service, and comhghairdeas”
“, with a positive vision to champion the Irish language, neutrality and unity and to be a voice for the people. I believe that she will safeguard those values, ideals and hopes with courage as a president who represents all of Ireland with integrity, honour and wisdom.”
“Together, we are shaping a new chapter of our national story: one of inclusion, cooperation and hope for all who call this place home. <BR /> <BR />The presidency of Ireland is a noble office that stands for the values, ideals and hopes of the Irish nation. Today, Catherine Connolly will become uachtarán na hÉireann”
“Beyond politics, President Higgins made an immeasurable contribution to the arts as a poet, cultural advocate and lifelong champion of creativity. His work reminded us that the arts are central to who we are as a people and a source of empathy, reflection and national pride. As his presidency concludes, we also honour Sabina Higgins for her intellect, warmth and steadfast support. <BR /> <BR />For people in the North, the presidency has always represented belonging beyond borders, yet this must be the last election in which Irish citizens in the North cannot vote for our president. Ireland is changing rapidly. This is a moment in which to embrace opportunity and to build a shared, peaceful future that is based on dialogue, generosity and vision. Relationships across this island have never mattered more.”
“Michael D Higgins. President Higgins has led Ireland with integrity, courage and compassion. Throughout his public life, he has championed social justice, community, Ireland's neutrality and the Irish language. He placed deep value on our peace process, reaching out to all who call this island home. He has been a unifying voice for equality, inclusion and respect, which are qualities that defined his presidency and his vision for Ireland. <BR /> <BR />On the international stage, he showed unwavering moral courage, speaking out against injustice and oppression, including the Israeli genocide in Gaza. While others remained silent, he gave voice to Ireland's proud tradition of standing for peace and human rights.”
“Catherine Connolly takes her solemn pledge to serve the people of Ireland, we reflect with deep appreciation on the leadership of Uachtarán”
“Today marks a moment of renewal and gratitude for the Irish nation. As Uachtarán”
“We are engaging with the evidence and with the experts and the people whom we represent. Others, including the DUP and its Ministers, need to reflect on their position on that and on their responsibility. Equally, others in the House need to approach the issue of reform with maturity and with the seriousness that it deserves, because playing party politics with reform or with the public's trust is not leadership. The people of the North deserve better than distraction and cheap political point-scoring on the issue. They deserve seriousness, accountability and a politics that delivers. That is a standard that we in Sinn Féin are intent on upholding.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is where the serious work is being done; it is not in the headlines of newspapers or in social media but in the detail of the work that the AERC is already undertaking. I acknowledge that my Committee colleague Michelle Guy has proposed that we enhance civic engagement in the process, and I do think that civic engagement is good. It helped to shape the Good Friday Agreement, and it must play a part in shaping the next part of its evolution. It should also be said that reform here cannot happen in isolation. Any legislative change will, ultimately, require Westminster's involvement, and that must be approached in the spirit of cooperation. <BR /> <BR />Let me say clearly again that Sinn Féin is up for reform, but we are up for doing it properly.”
“The Member who moved the motion knows all too well, because he sits on that Committee alongside me, that that is the proper forum in which to take this forward. Mr O'Toole knows that the Committee is already examining important questions around how cross-community voting operates, how the Executive are formed and how accountability can be strengthened across the board. I take exception to Mr O'Toole's misrepresentation of Sinn Féin's position on AERC, because it was our party that added to that list and asked for things to be looked at, including how the Speaker is elected and the power of the Speaker. We believe that changes in that respect would fundamentally give the Assembly more credibility and more stability.”
“However, if I am to be honest, too many others are treating the issue of Assembly reform as an opportunity for a headline; for the chance to outdo a political rival or to claim some quick political kudos. Rushing into reforming these institutions without the proper consideration, scrutiny and thought would be reckless. Reform must be done right, and we do it right by gathering and examining the evidence. We do it through engagement, and we do it with respect for the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, because those principles are not obstacles but the foundations for everything that we do and everything that we have achieved. <BR /> <BR />That is why our amendment refers this issue to the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.”
“It was tone deaf, politically reckless and showed a complete disregard for the feelings of many people across our community, not least of all those who work in the Minister's Department, our teaching staff and their unions. That kind of behaviour undermines confidence not only in one Minister but in these institutions themselves. <BR /> <BR />Twenty-seven years on from the Good Friday Agreement, we have come a long way, but the world of 2025 is not the world of 1998. Times have changed, and our institutions must adapt with them. Sinn Féin is ready for that conversation. We want reform, but it must be serious reform that delivers accountability and strengthens power-sharing.”
“Today's unedifying display by the Education Minister has given proof, if proof were required, of the need for reform. Earlier today, a majority in the Assembly voted that it had no confidence in the Education Minister. As it stands, the Education Minister has not just lost the confidence of the Assembly; he has lost the confidence of the public. Now we are left with a petulant, morally bankrupt Education Minister, a spent force who has lost all credibility; yet he remains in office. That is not accountability, and it shows exactly why our institutions need to be strengthened. <BR /> <BR />The Education Minister's trip raises serious questions about his moral and professional judgement.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“It is evident that the Long Kesh site has immense social and economic potential that will benefit communities not just in Lisburn but beyond Lisburn. Does the deputy First Minister agree that now is the time to finally move forward with the regeneration of Long Kesh?”
“embarrass the Member again. <BR /> <BR />The role is also important in giving Members confidence that any complaints will be considered with due and proper process. Stephen Wright's experience means that he is entirely well suited to ensuring that any allegations of breaches of the codes of conduct are investigated rigorously and fairly. On behalf of the Assembly Commission, I commend to Members the nomination of Stephen Wright for appointment as the new Assembly Commissioner for Standards.”
“I will not give way. I could not listen to the Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle”
“I thank the Chairperson, Cathy Mason, for confirming her support for Stephen Wright's nomination and for participating on the panel. I know that the Committee and the new commissioner will want to quickly form a strong relationship as he gets down to his work. The role of commissioner is important in giving the public confidence that any breach of the Assembly or ministerial code of conduct will be investigated and dealt with, but also in giving Members confidence —.”
“I thank Members for their contributions — their sensible contributions — to the debate. At the beginning of the debate, my colleague Andy Allen set out the circumstances that bring the matter back to the House and reminded Members of the arrangements for the fair and open recruitment process that was undertaken by the Assembly Commission. The role of Commissioner for Standards is crucial to upholding standards in the Assembly. It is, therefore, important that the Assembly Commission has been able to come back to the House relatively quickly, with only a period to complete the normal pre-appointment checks that are required for such a post. <BR /> <BR />The involvement of the Committee on Standards and Privileges in the recruitment process is vital.”
“I thank the junior Minister for her answer. Does she agree that the Irish Language Commissioner's role will be vital in promoting best practice standards on the use of the Irish language in the provision of our public services and by our public bodies?”
“Week in, week out, it is a message of fear and suspicion. Members have a responsibility to speak factually about the important issues that face our communities, not to send out lazy dog whistles. We have seen a rise in that over recent weeks and months. There can be no justification for the shameful actions that we saw last week. I hope that no one else, in the Chamber or anywhere else, has to suffer the attacks and abuse that our colleagues suffered last week.”
“I utterly condemn the actions that occurred outside the home of Michael and Naomi Long last week. It was a dark week for politics here: as Mr Tennyson and the Speaker have said, there were attacks on my colleagues' constituency office and then the mob outside Naomi Long's home. There is no justification for that. It is completely unacceptable. I hope that we never again witness the scenes that we saw last week. <BR /> <BR />Language and rhetoric have emanated from the Chamber in recent weeks that have not helped matters. Week in, week out, we have heard a bingo card of dangerous rhetoric from the unionist Benches. It is not enough to stand in the Chamber and condemn those recent actions. Condemnations with a "but" are not condemnations. What message are some Members across the Chamber sending out?”
“Will the deputy First Minister outline why the ministerial code has not been amended following the passage of the Executive Committee (Functions) Act 2020?”
“Any attempts by criminal gangs or by anyone else to thwart the democratic process or interfere in democratic decisions must be called out and must be condemned roundly by everyone in the House. Sinn Féin will not be deterred, and we will not be intimidated from continuing our work to better the lives of the people in Newry and Armagh and across Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I urge anyone with information about the attack on my colleagues' constituency office last night to come forward and contact the PSNI.”
“I say this to the person or people who were behind the attack: Sinn Féin will not be deterred from supporting our communities. We will not be deterred from delivering change. This attack will not derail us. <BR /> <BR />The attack was an attempt to threaten democracy and the democratic process. That cannot be allowed to happen.”
“I condemn utterly the disgraceful and cowardly overnight attack on the office of my Sinn Féin colleagues Liz Kimmins and the MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes. As the Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle mentioned, and as the PSNI has confirmed, a viable explosive device was left at their shared office in the heart of Newry city. I send solidarity to Liz and Dáire and their families, and also to their hard-working staff who, no doubt, will have been left shaken by what occurred overnight. <BR /> <BR />This despicable and cowardly act is an attack not just on Sinn Féin and our representatives but on the wider community in Newry and Armagh. Liz and Dáire's office is a busy and much-relied-upon community resource and hub. They and their staff assist huge numbers of people, day in, day out.”
“is a foundation of the Good Friday Agreement. <BR /> <BR />The proposal is a clear attempt by the British Prime Minister to deflect from his political failings in Britain. The proposal for the mandatory BritCard is an attack on Irish citizens in the North. We in Sinn Féin will make it our business to stand up for and continue to defend the rights of Irish citizens in the North. The scheme is a non-starter, and Keir Starmer and his British Government should immediately pause it and reconsider.”
“The British Government are never not at it, and they are at it with this ludicrous and ill-thought-out scheme to introduce a so-called BritCard. The proposal demonstrates to people in the North that the British Government either do not understand the protections and rights enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, of which they are a co-guarantor, or simply do not care about them. No British Government have the right to impose identity on Irish citizens. The right to:”
“I thank the Minister. Minister Muir's intervention not only jeopardises the much-needed city deal funding but, more worryingly, calls into question the long-standing memorandum of understanding between our council and his Department. Minister, you said that you are "actively working" with officials from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and I welcome that. Will the Minister commit to sending her departmental officials to continue that exploration work with Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor (WBR) Chamber of Commerce and others in order to find an alternative tourism or innovation project?”
“I want to relay the disappointment and frustration that is felt by Warrenpoint Town Football Club, Minister. You said that, when it comes to those clubs that were not successful, it is not "No" but rather "not yet". What exactly does that mean, and how do you intend to address the identified £200 million need across soccer in the North? Clubs such as Warrenpoint Town Football Club, which is the epitome of a community club and has done so much to promote the women's game, deserve help, support and, most of all, investment.”
“<BR /> <BR />While it is good news that the waste will no longer be stored there, and we tentatively welcome the statement, we will keep a close eye on the situation, because, ultimately, it is for others to decide how this is achieved. Ultimately, the odour issue must end, and we will focus on that. While Sinn Féin welcomes the statement, we will watch closely to make sure that all the odour issues associated with the ReGen operation at Warrenpoint port stop.”
“Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and ReGen owe the community in Warrenpoint an apology for the torment they have suffered over the last almost three years. <BR /> <BR />It is appropriate to pay tribute to the community in Warrenpoint, the various campaign groups and my political colleagues from across the spectrum of parties who have campaigned on the issue for the last three years. We stepped in along with the community and the campaign groups when the Environment Minister, the NIEA and those with responsibility for making sure that people's lives were not impacted by the waste and put an end to the smell washed their hands of the matter. I pay tribute to the community, the campaign groups and everyone who did not let up on the issue over the last three years.”