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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“There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the community in Warrenpoint, which has suffered a nightmare of almost three years due to the storage of tens of thousands of tons of black bin waste at Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and in close proximity to homes. Warrenpoint Harbour Authority has released a statement today stating that ReGen will cease storing waste at the harbour authority immediately. I tentatively welcome the statement. Members of the House will know — they have heard me talk about it before — that, for almost three years, the odour has invaded not only people's sense of smell but every aspect of their daily lives in Warrenpoint. It was wrong to allow the waste to be stored at Warrenpoint Harbour Authority in close proximity to homes and businesses to begin with.”
“Colleagues, at the heart of this, and what we should focus on, is the fact that there is a grieving family who are mourning a terrible loss. There was no justification for the killing of Charlie Kirk. His murder was wrong. The horrific scenes that were played out on social media were absolutely dreadful to watch. There has been a lot of talk about freedom of speech. While I uphold everyone's right to that, it must come with the understanding that there is huge responsibility with regard to what we say and the impact that it can have. We must be mindful of the language that we use. I am sure that that will be debated ad nauseam over the next period, but, today, I will think of the grieving family at the heart of this who have been left to pick up the pieces.”
“I wonder why that is. <BR /> <BR />Minister, your statement talks about cross-border cooperation on water quality and marine ecosystems, yet there is no mention of the environmental nightmare that the Carlingford lough community of Warrenpoint is suffering, over which your Department continues to preside. Over the summer, I wrote to you, as the Minister responsible for issuing the waste management licence, to ask what meaningful action your Department is taking. What you are doing, beyond sending out the odd NIEA official to tell us that the operation is compliant? Will you tell the people of Warrenpoint what you are doing practically to end this environmental nuisance on their behalf?”
“I note the First Minister's response. I am sure that she will agree with me that there is a particular onus and responsibility on elected politicians who represent areas where that sectarian and racist behaviour is occurring to show clear and unequivocal leadership in calling it out.”
“Minister, surely the people of Warrenpoint deserve good environmental governance when it comes to the ongoing decision by your Department and the NIEA to allow Re-Gen to store tens of thousands of tons of putrid black-bin waste in close proximity to people's homes. Minister, the smell returned with ferocity over the weekend. The situation is intolerable, and no community should have to endure it. That is a failure that has been going on for three years. What will it take for you or the NIEA to finally do something about it?”
“At the BIC summit in Newcastle, County Down, there were bilateral meetings with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and the other Administrations. Will the deputy First Minister update us on the issues and topics that were covered in those bilaterals?”
“We know that there have been breaches in the past, but there have been no repercussions for those breaches of the waste licence. I call on the Minister responsible to stand up for the community of Warrenpoint. The waste should never have been there in the first place, and it is long past the time that it should have been removed.”
“The shadow and fear of the smell, which returned and engulfed the town all weekend, will permeate the summer and ruin the festival season for the town, tourists and businesses. That is a real fear for the community. <BR /> <BR />I have tried my best to resolve the issue. We have sat down with Re-Gen; the AERA Minister, who is responsible; the NIEA; and Warrenpoint port. All those agencies have abdicated their duty to stand up and protect the residents of Warrenpoint, who are forced to live with and endure a constant, sickening stench and odour that invades their lives and homes. It invades every aspect of their life. I call on the Environment Minister to, please, do something now. He has responsibility, so I ask him to work with the NIEA.”
“Unfortunately, I rise to raise the ongoing issue of the foul stench that has engulfed Warrenpoint town for the past three years. Warrenpoint and the community that lives there face into their third summer living with the unbearable stench that is coming from the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) formed from household black bin waste that is being stored in tens of thousands of tons at Warrenpoint port in close proximity to people's homes. <BR /> <BR />We — the community and the businesses around Carlingford lough — rely on the summer season for our economic prosperity. Just this weekend, we started our series of summer festivals with the Wake the Giant Festival, and we will have the Ulster Fleadh and the Loughside Festival.”
“Thank you for raising that issue. That is one of the real-life examples that we need to know about. As I say, we await the findings of the audit, but I can assure the Member that, once they are received, Assembly Commission officials will put together an action plan for us to consider. Access for all members of our community is important to the Commission, as it is to all MLAs. We will make sure that anything that is identified, including the example that you raised, will be actioned as part of the audit report.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission engaged the Department of Finance to carry out a multifaceted listed building survey for Parliament Buildings, which included undertaking a disability access audit. The audit commenced on 26 March, and an initial report was received at the end of May. The final report is expected by the end of June. Assembly Commission officials are working with staff in the Department of Finance to determine next steps.”
“I thank the Member for his follow-up question. As I said, we take the security of Members, visitors and staff at this Building very seriously. Plans are under way for the installation of a partial electronic access control system for Parliament Buildings. That will be later this year. The system will primarily focus on the Great Hall and some areas of the first floor. We feel that that will significantly improve overall security as it will create a visitor zone from which access to restricted areas will not be possible without the appropriate authority. <BR /> <BR />As I also said, the Assembly Commission endeavours to balance security measures with the desire to keep Parliament Buildings as welcoming and accessible as possible against the backdrop of the broader security situation.”
“As I said, it is not wise to discuss details of security arrangements publicly, but, if any Member has a specific concern, they should feel free to approach any senior Assembly Commission officials directly.”
“That followed consultation with the PSNI and was not considered to have any adverse impact on security, as there is a continuing presence of Assembly ushers and PSNI officers in the Great Hall and the reception area. <BR /> <BR />A partial electronic access control system is due to be installed at Parliament Buildings later this year. It will be primarily focused on the Great Hall and some areas of the first floor. It will significantly improve overall security by creating a visitor zone from which access to restricted areas will not be possible without the appropriate authority. <BR /> <BR />Security arrangements at Parliament Buildings are continually monitored on an ongoing basis, and that includes the arrangements pertaining to guests and visitors.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission takes security extremely seriously, and, while it does not comment on the detail of security arrangements, I can confirm that the most recent review of security at Parliament Buildings was carried out by the PSNI in 2022. Earlier this year, the PSNI confirmed that the findings of that review remained valid and any further exercise would be of limited value at this point. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission has always sought to strike an appropriate balance between protecting everyone in Parliament Buildings and being welcoming to the public. In 2024, the Assembly Commission transferred responsibility for the reception desk to the visitor experience team.”
“What we have seen from the deputy First Minister's colleague is a masterclass in, "If you are explaining, you are losing". What he has done today is try to double down on his actions over the weekend and try to "legitimate concern" his way out of it. At what point does ministerial accountability outweigh political posturing?”
“The Assembly would fail to ensure that there is legal clarity, and inconsistency would remain between the 2011 Act and the decisions that the Assembly has already taken. Voting against the Bill would also mean that no structure would be in place to determine independently Members' salaries and pensions. It is important that we are all clear: a vote against the Bill is not a vote against a particular salary level for Members; rather, it is a vote against having an independent remuneration board in place to set the salaries and pensions of Members independently. <BR /> <BR />I echo the thanks given by Andy Allen to all those Members and staff who contributed to the Bill as it made its way through the Assembly Commission, the Assembly and the Ad Hoc Committee. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />In progressing the Bill, the Assembly Commission focused on the process of determining Members' salaries, not the outcome. At no point has the Assembly Commission ever taken a position on or discussed what the salary of Members should be. If the Bill is passed today, future discussions and decisions on Members' salaries and pensions will shift to the independent remuneration board. That board has independence in deciding what factors it wants to consider before determining its view on the appropriate level of salaries and pensions for Members. That is the appropriate way in which to deal with those matters. <BR /> <BR />Should the Bill not pass, the Assembly should be clear about the consequences.”
“and that no Member is happy about or comfortable with discussing those issues. However, as my colleague Andy Allen outlined, the Assembly Commission and the Assembly have a responsibility to regularise the legal position through this technical legislation, following the resolution that the Assembly passed in 2020. The Assembly Commission also noted the understandable public attitudes to those issues and the potential that that created for some to play politics with them. The Assembly Commission welcomes the fact that the scrutiny process provided an ability to correct and clarify some of the misunderstandings and inaccuracies about the Bill that have been portrayed. Indeed, we heard some of those inaccuracies and misunderstandings being regurgitated today.”
“I thank all Members who contributed to the debate. During the Second Stage debate, the Assembly Commission acknowledged:”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Following on from the previous question, I am aware that the Irish Government are prepared to put additional funding into the North/South implementation bodies, which would be a welcome injection of funding to help them to continue to deliver. Surely the Minister agrees that we should avail ourselves of the offer of additional funding to help public services.”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I ask the Speaker to make a ruling on the Chief Executive's disgraceful decision to deny four women who were wearing "Mothers Against Genocide" T-shirts access to the Building today? I sincerely hope that nobody in the Building finds opposing genocide controversial.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Just on that point, I am sure that DUP Members rubbed their hands with glee when they saw the SDLP amendment. I cannot work out whether the SDLP is being deliberately obtuse or genuinely does not know that the DUP is exercising a veto over the additional funding. If parties refuse to call out the problem, they become part of it.”
“from the indigenous communities or societies impacted by the theft of their cultural heritage. <BR /> <BR />The legacy of colonialism can still be felt today. Returning the artefacts are not just symbolic acts; they are restorative ones. They challenge the idea that colonial institutions are the rightful keepers of other people's heritage. They remind us that reconciliation is not only about the past but about present justice and future relationships. If anything, the debate has shown that the ultimate goal is to decolonise minds, but we can, at least, start by decolonising museums.”
“That is why we will oppose the Ulster Unionist Party amendment, which would remove the important reference to:”
“Only a handful of requests for their return has been acknowledged. It was only two years ago that the Hunterian Museum removed the remains of Charles O'Brien from display, a fate that, the so-called Irish giant specifically stated on his deathbed, he did not want. Having removed the display, the museum still intends to keep his remains in storage. <BR /> <BR />It may not always be possible or appropriate to return certain artefacts, but every effort should be made to engage meaningfully with countries, communities and organisations that make a request. If nothing else, it shows a generosity of spirit to, at least, listen to people and communities that have been impacted by the theft of what are significant cultural — even, at times, spiritual — artefacts.”
“My colleague Emma Sheerin made a good point: repatriation does not mean erasure. We have the internet, international loans and cultural exchanges. That means that artefacts do not need to be locked in Paris or London for people to appreciate them. Excuses that are often given for not returning artefacts, such as claims that they will not be looked after properly in their own country, are echoes of a lingering colonial mindset. <BR /> <BR />The issue of artefacts taken from Ireland by the British Empire should also be addressed. Right now, museums and libraries in Britain hold thousands of objects of Irish origin, including everything from priceless artefacts such as ogham stones and the Mount Keefe chalice to ancient documents and manuscripts that tell the story of our island.”
“They could start by reversing their decision to exclude National Museums and Galleries from certain sections of the Charities Act 2022 and allowing for the facilitation of the repatriation of looted artefacts, on request, to their countries of origin. I urge the Communities Minister to engage with the Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage in the South with a view to establishing best practice for the repatriation of artefacts. <BR /> <BR />Some comments today have, unfortunately, been indicative of the prevailing Western attitude that Western museums are the best place for the artefacts to be kept. My party argues that the best place for the Benin Bronzes, for example, is Benin and that the best place for Egyptian mummies is, in fact, Egypt.”
“I will make some progress, thank you. <BR /> <BR />The recent return of human remains and other objects to Hawaii is a perfect example of how collections can be decolonised and why it is so important. Those artefacts, in many cases, hold profound historical, cultural and spiritual significance to people in their country of origin. They are often sacred objects with immense value. They are not curiosities to momentarily amuse visitors. The efforts of some museums to decolonise collections should be noted by others who should also be doing their bit to support that work. In particular, the British Government should reflect on their attitude to looted artefacts.”
“I look forward to seeing that work continue and grow.”
“No, I will make some progress on my speech, if you do not mind. <BR /> <BR />There can be no question of the devastating impact of colonialism around the world. In many ways, the cultural, social and political impact is still being felt by communities today. Exploitation, theft and the infliction of human suffering were the stock-in-trade of European and Western colonial powers down through the centuries. Acknowledging the many wrongs that have been committed by empire and promoting the understanding of the exploitative nature of colonialism is something that we should all support. <BR /> <BR />Addressing the issue of stolen artefacts that have found their way into museums on this island is part of that. In that regard, I commend the work of National Museums NI for its efforts to decolonise its collection through its ethics policy.”
“I welcome the debate on the motion. Despite some attempts to detract and distract from the actual intent of the motion, the debate has been interesting. <BR /> <BR />I want to pick up on one thing. It was interesting to hear the Minister say that some of the organisations have tenuous claims to ownership of their own artefacts. I find that, frankly, bizarre, when most of those artefacts were looted, taken under duress and taken without consent. That shows a breathtaking lack of awareness on the Minister's part.”
“I, too, send solidarity to the deputy First Minister and everybody across the House who has experienced abuse in the course of their role. It is completely unacceptable and needs to be called out. <BR /> <BR />Will the deputy First Minister provide an update on the Power to Change public awareness campaign?”
“We all share the goal of an inclusive Ireland, but it is time that the Irish Government matched warm words with action by extending the voting franchise to citizens in the North. We want to work with the Government to make sure that no Irish citizen is left voiceless when choosing their president.”
“It is long past time that those who have helped shape our identity in the past have a say in how we are represented in the future. <BR /> <BR />In 2013, the Convention on the Constitution recommended giving citizens living outside the state the right to vote in presidential elections, including Irish citizens in the North. However, over a decade later, successive Irish Governments in Dublin have failed to act, dragging their feet, making excuses and treating people in the North like second-class citizens. Successive Irish Governments have expressed support for Northern inclusion in the democratic process for electing the head of state. Now we need to see that commitment turned into action through the delivery of voting rights.”
“They can stand for election as president, but they cannot cast a vote. That is a democratic deficit. It is unacceptable, and it needs to change. <BR /> <BR />Let us be clear: what is proposed in the motion is not radical, and it is not unprecedented. It is normal in countries that respect their citizens, wherever they live. The North of Ireland and Irish citizens in this part of our island have profoundly shaped Irish sporting and cultural identity, excelling in Gaelic games, boxing, music and literature. Former Irish president Mary McAleese, a fellow County Down woman, symbolises that influence. How ironic and absurd, then, that someone from County Down can be the president but cannot vote for the president. So much of what we know and recognise as Irish culture and identity hails from this part of our island.”
“Irish citizens in the North are being denied a basic right — the right to vote in presidential elections — yet those same citizens can stand for the office of president. What kind of democracy allows someone to run for the highest office in the land but denies them a vote in the process? <BR /> <BR />The Assembly knows well the promise of the Good Friday Agreement, which is an international treaty that was voted on by the people of this island, North and South. It guarantees the right of all the people of the North to identify and be accepted as Irish, British or both. That right is not conditional or partial; it is absolute. However, recognition without rights is hollow. Today, in 2025, Irish citizens in the North, in places such as Newry, Belfast and Derry, cannot vote for their own president.”
“Rostrevor, to be precise. <BR /> <BR />The second mistruth was from Phillip Brett and the DUP. Despite what you may want to believe, Irish citizens living in the North are part of the Irish nation and share its identity and culture, yet we are denied a voice in choosing the president, who is a head of state representing all Irish people, not just those in the South. <BR /> <BR />Extending the presidential franchise to Irish citizens in the North would affirm their equal citizenship, reflect the all-island nature of the place in which we all live and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to inclusion. Those principles were enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and supported broadly by people, North and South.”
“I will start by addressing some mistruths, the first of which was from Matthew O'Toole. I contend that Mary McAleese is a County Down woman, as opposed to a North Belfast woman.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Will you make a ruling on whether Jonathan Buckley's comments about Danny Baker were in violation of the Standing Order on Members' Statements, which states that they cannot:”
“I appreciate that the Member has been generous with his time. Mr Kingston posed the question: who will pay the price? Does the Member agree that communities in the Mournes have had to deal with not only this wildfire but previous incidents in 2004, 2011 and 2021? People are still dealing with the impact of the floods. Ordinary people's energy bills are going up. Those are the people who will pay the price for the DUP and others' cowardice when it comes to this matter.”
“I appreciate the Member's giving way. I find it bizarre that the DUP and the Member are encouraging a race to the bottom. Does the Member not agree that investing in climate action is a bargain but waiting for climate collapse definitely is not?”
“I appreciate the Minister's being here to respond on this important matter. Will the Minister review the DAERA regulations on the burn period, which allow burning in the countryside up to 14 April, given that we are in bird-nesting season, with many birds nesting in the Mournes, and that the existing regulations, procedures and safeguards are clearly ineffective?”
“Thank you, Minister. I appreciate that response. How much funding has been allocated for transformation projects in the 2025-26 Budget?”
“The Minister indicated that he thinks that it is a sensible approach by the Infrastructure Minister, so can we take it that he agrees with the Infrastructure Minister's approach to the issue?”
“How much longer do we have to wait? I call on the Minister to review urgently the current burn period and to deliver on the promise of a fire prevention and management plan for the Mournes. It is not just about protecting our natural heritage but about safeguarding communities, about biodiversity and about the future of our environment. The Mournes are burning as I speak, and we can wait no longer for somebody to start doing something about it.”
“The communities around the Mournes, the groups that work daily to protect and conserve the Mournes, those whose livelihoods depends on the mountains and those whose homes and lives were put at risk at the weekend deserve leadership and action. I pay tribute to and thank the heroic Fire and Rescue Service, which has been battling to control fires in the Mournes not just at the weekend but over recent weeks. <BR /> <BR />While we wait for a plan, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs continues to allow controlled burning in the Mournes and across the North right up until 14 April. The emergency is not over. The mountains are burning. Controlled burns are anything but controlled. The regulations, safeguards and enforcement mechanisms are clearly not working. How many more fires will there be? How much more damage?”
“In April 2021, we all watched in horror as fire tore through the Mournes. We were promised swift action then. We were promised a comprehensive fire prevention and management plan to ensure that such devastation could never happen again, but here we are: it has happened again. As I stand here, the mountains are ablaze. Massive damage has been caused by a 2 mile-wide fire front. The risk to life and property has been severe, with terrified people moved from their homes in the middle of the night. <BR /> <BR />What people want to know is this: where is the plan? Four years on, we still do not have the robust strategy that was pledged.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission's special lighting policy seeks to ensure that the lighting of Parliament Buildings is done in a balanced way. Clearly, VE Day is an important anniversary that will be recognised across Europe. As I have indicated, the Speaker is making arrangements for the anniversary to be marked at Parliament Buildings regardless of the position on the lighting of the Building. At its next meeting, the Assembly Commission will consider the lighting of the Building in the context of wider plans.”