Deirdre Hargey
South Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“His double standards, including his condemnation of and opposition to equality and rights for our LGBTQ+ citizens, have caused real harm to others. The revelations about his double life expose the staggering hypocrisy of the DUP's moral facade. We need to know whether failing to act sooner left more vulnerable people at risk.”
“One week ago today, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sexual offences, including rape. That conviction was made possible only by the strength and resilience of the two victims who came forward and reported the abuse. Donaldson was an abuser. He abused children, but he also abused his position in politics and faith.”
“They now say that they knew about his behaviour, but, crucially, they did nothing to expose his inappropriate hypocrisy and double life. The 'Spotlight' programme and other reports have shown that senior members of the DUP — its most senior figures, including the then leader, Edwin Poots — were aware of serious issues and allegations abou…”
“It is therefore not credible to suggest that the intelligence agencies were blind to his compromised double standards and double life. <BR /> <BR />Those questions demand answers from the DUP leadership. They demand answers in the House from the deputy First Minister, who was closely associated with Donaldson.”
“It is clear that there is a huge disconnect between Whitehall and the reality that is being felt by people on the ground. A British Treasury policy that is managing decay, real-terms cuts and disastrous policy decisions such as Brexit or the funding of wars over public services comes on top of existing disparities between how public servi…”
“The answer is not the short-term fixes or cash injections that we have had in the past, which have allowed for the repeated Treasury script of record settlements and inability of the Executive to manage their finances — scripts that are often parroted in the Chamber.”
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“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. Following the halting of Reval2026, will you outline the next steps? As you said, there are many sectors involved. How important is it that they engage with you and provide further evidence?”
“Thank you very much, Minister. The trade union movement has said that the Bill is one of the most advanced and radical pieces of legislation on these islands. Will you outline your engagement with the trade unions here and their views on your proposals?”
“Yes. I would like you to rule on whether that was a point of order or just a DUP political speech.”
“Minister, will you outline the supports for local businesses under the current rating system? What provisions are there in the proposed three-year Budget for further supports?”
“It is about coordination and planning across our island and about good alignment, but, importantly, it is also about better outcomes for our people, our communities and an economy that works for those things —”
“It also reminds us that, without sustained action on areas around productivity, infrastructure and skills, existing gaps in living standards may widen. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, the survey is not just about statistics but about better jobs, higher incomes and improved opportunities for all our people and communities, particularly, as has been highlighted, in the border and regional areas such as the north-west and west of the Bann that, let us face it, through the policies of Executives and Governments in the North since partition were deliberately and politically marginalised and sidelined from economic opportunities. <BR /> <BR />The ESRI annual survey provides a foundation for more informed debate, better policy-making and stronger cooperation, and it is a resource that we should all fully use.”
“A lot of people have talked about that, but I am keen to find out, when the workers' rights Bill comes to the Chamber, where people will stand. Will they stand for protecting workers, enhancing trade union rights and representation and growing our local economy, or will they stand against those things? We will wait and see. <BR /> <BR />Importantly, the survey also identifies shared policy priorities across the island, ranging from supporting SMEs to addressing skills shortages and managing the transition to a low-carbon economy. That alignment highlights real opportunities for cooperation across all those areas. <BR /> <BR />For the North, the implications are clear: the report strengthens our ability to plan strategically and makes the case for investment in design policies grounded in the robust evidence that has been presented.”
“Employment is at a near-historic high across the island, with 20,600 jobs added to the North and 64,000 to the South. Strong participation rates show continued demand for workers and underline the importance of skills and workforce planning. <BR /> <BR />The report also provides a clear, evidence-based picture of incomes and living standards and confirms that average earnings and households' disposable incomes are higher in the South, reflecting the differences in productivity, sectoral mix and, of course, wage structures. Those are areas that the Economy Minister is addressing through her economic vision and not least through her progressive "good jobs" Bill, which will focus on creating good and well-paid jobs and, importantly, will protect employment rights and workers' rights.”
“In an uncertain global environment and amid political instability, that points to a resilient all-island economy and suggests that, when we work together, that can translate into positive outcomes and results for our workers, our communities and the economy. <BR /> <BR />I know that Diana highlighted the area of Brexit, but, since as far back as the financial crash of 2008, there have been economic shocks every couple of years. It is important that we use such research and surveys to mitigate those shocks. When you look around the world at the moment, you can tell that the shocks will continue, and, obviously, they all have an impact on our economy. For that reason, the research is important, and we must use it to collaborate and mitigate those future shocks. <BR /> <BR />The labour market stands out as a particular strength.”
“This is a significant development. It is the first time that policymakers across our island will have access to a shared and consistent evidence base on economic output, labour markets, incomes, living standards and public finances. That matters because good decisions depend on good data, and, until now, such data simply did not exist in a comparable form. <BR /> <BR />The findings are positive, but they also, obviously, highlight challenges and areas for future work and collaboration. Both economies record a solid growth in-year until the second quarter of 2025. Economic output in the North grew by 2·8% and in the South by 3·2%.”
“It is nice to see that Sinn Féin is in the frontal lobe of the SDLP's brain today. I thank the proposer of the motion and add my support. The ESRI report, which is the first to consider annual economic surveys and to assess economic trends across Ireland, using comparable data, is good, and it would be good for everybody to look at it and, importantly, to learn from it for policy formation.”
“The fleadh represents a huge opportunity for Belfast and beyond to showcase talent, support our local economy, strengthen our community arts infrastructure, honour our collective history and inspire a new generation to carry on that rich cultural tradition. <BR /> <BR />We will support the amendment. I note the transport issue. We are aware that we are working within constrained financial budgets, but I am sure that the Minister and, indeed, all of us are committed to ensuring that we have the most successful Fleadh Cheoil that we can. Obviously, we endeavour to work together with other partners to deliver that.”
“is central and celebrated. <BR /> <BR />The fleadh is arguably the largest annual celebration of Irish music, song, dance and language anywhere in the world. Our streets, venues and communities will be alive with competitions and performances, as hundreds of thousands of visitors, families, young people and musicians come together to celebrate that rich cultural heritage. It also offers an opportunity to build connections across these islands, highlighting our shared musical and cultural traditions. I think of the poetry of Robert Burns, such as 'A Parcel of Rogues', which has been embraced by the Irish traditional music scene and sung by Luke Kelly — one of my favourite musicians — and The Dubliners. We are reminded that culture can cross and has crossed boundaries and has brought people together.”
“It would not have been possible without Comhaltas or Belfast City Council. <BR /> <BR />That legacy remains strong today. Belfast's designation as a UNESCO city of music in 2021 reflects the strength of our tradition and builds on the success of festivals such as Belfast TradFest, Féile an Phobail, Woodvale Festival and, in my constituency, Fe´ile na hAbhann, which is now in its fifth year. This year's fleadh will also include Seachtain na Gaeilge, creating an inclusive cultural space in which an Gaeilge”
“That festival took place in the Assembly Rooms, a building that was recently returned to public ownership by Belfast City Council. It is hoped that it will play a role in this year's fleadh, connecting our past to our future. <BR /> <BR />Belfast's contribution to Irish music includes Edward Bunting and his vital work in collecting and publishing ancient airs, supported by figures such as Mary Ann and Henry Joy McCracken. The Irish Harp Society was also based on Cromac Street, which is in the Market area of my constituency and community in the city, reminding us that that cultural legacy is also rooted in our communities.”
“I am delighted that Fleadh Cheoil is coming to Belfast for the first time and to the North for only the second time. It has been around eight years in the planning and represents a major opportunity to build on the success of the fleadh in Derry in 2013, which attracted over 400,000 visitors and delivered significant economic benefit and a lasting cultural legacy. <BR /> <BR />Belfast is a city with a deep, rich and living tradition of Irish music, language and culture. It was here that those traditions were preserved and revitalised through activism, organising and community commitment. In 1792, Belfast hosted the Belfast Harp Festival, a landmark moment in the preservation of ancient Irish music during an era of Gaelic revival.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. As you highlighted, Minister, the criminal Bar has a right to take strike action, as any sector does. That said, we want to avoid that action. I was concerned when you said that you had rejected the Lady Chief Justice's suggestion of mediation. There are concerns that junior barristers, in particular, do not go into criminal work because the rate of pay is not of the standard that they may get in other areas. That is a concern, particularly for female junior barristers. It has been two months since the Lady Chief Justice made that suggestion, and we are no further on, so the working group is obviously not working. I ask you to reconsider the suggestion of mediation.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. In it, you touched on the fact that we need to do things differently. Bringing forward a three-year Budget definitely does that. It is needed, and the public will agree. <BR /> <BR />Another area to look at is further fiscal devolution. What do you see as being the benefits of that? What work are you doing to progress further fiscal devolution?”
“Minister, you said that no money was lost to the public purse: was there any overspend as a result of this?”
“I recognise that the Minister said this morning that he is going to move at pace to ensure that he brings forward the necessary regulations and, importantly, that he is working with the baby loss organisations and others that support those organisations and families during their time of need. <BR /> <BR />Again, I recognise the stage that we are at. I commend the work of every MLA in the Finance Committee, and, importantly, the Minister, who has brought the legislation to this stage. At the Bill's Further Consideration Stage, I reflected on the fact that we come from a history of women across this island who were stigmatised. Today is a good day for those women. We are starting to break down that stigma and meet their needs. Again, I commend the Bill at its Final Stage.”
“Good work has also been done between the Minister and the Committee, as well as in the Chamber when the Bill was debated in each of its iterations. <BR /> <BR />Importantly, the legislation recognises loss. That was one of the issues that we heard about from families, particularly the women who came forward. I can reflect on my family. My mother lost a baby 12 hours after he was born, and she has a baby loss certificate for him, but she does not have certificates for the miscarriages and losses that she had before the end of pregnancy. That is one illustration, and I am sure that there is not one individual in the Chamber and beyond who has not been touched by these issues. <BR /> <BR />The legislation can make a huge difference across our communities. The introduction of the baby loss certificate scheme will be broadly welcomed.”
“I echo the sentiments of those Members who have spoken. It is great that we are at the Final Stage of this important piece of legislation. It has progressed at pace. The Bill makes temporary provisions permanent, which I know that Paul Frew will be delighted about, and it builds on those provisions to ensure that we have a progressive and, most importantly, as the Minister said, compassionate piece of legislation. <BR /> <BR />We have all listened to the lived experiences of women in particular and to those of individual family members from whom we heard about the wider ripple effect that a loss can have. Good work has been done through listening to those people and making sure that we have legislation that is fit for purpose.”
“Those key aspects were missing from the original scheme. <BR /> <BR />The temporary tariff uplift is exactly that — temporary — and forms a wider part of a carefully managed pathway to closure, not another delay or half measure. Keeping meters running or tinkering around the edges would only prolong a scandal that should have ended years ago. Real closure means ending the scheme outright, which the Economy Minister is committed to doing. The regulations before the Assembly today embed fairness and transparency and, importantly, deliver on the commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach'. I welcome this important next step.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the regulations forward. It is important that we are at the point of looking at the tariffs for the RHI scheme. The RHI scheme was flawed from day 1, resulting in incentivising more burning and in higher costs. In the clear mismanagement of the scheme, a further written assurance was given that tariffs would be guaranteed into the future. The scheme was fundamentally flawed from the very start. This Economy Minister has stepped in to clear up what was, undoubtedly, a mess and to deliver responsible action and finally close the failed scheme. Minister Archibald has brought forward clear legislation that is grounded in independent evidence from Professor David Rooney, ensuring that any tariff adjustment is fair and transparent, with the key point being that it is temporary.”
“Obviously, Together: Building a United Community exists to promote inclusion and to help unite communities. How important do you feel that that policy is, despite attempts today to try to create division and political posturing?”
“Thank you, Minister. You rightly pointed to discussions around road safety, given recent events on our roads across the island. What other engagement is taking place with Irish government officials around other innovative technologies, particularly data-sharing?”
“Minister, your statement outlines that Westminster does not serve the best interests of people here when you look at the breakdown of the Budget. When will the December monitoring round come forward?”
“We also believe that policing with the community is the foundation not only of the policing dispensation here, as it is often the early alert system for emerging issues and trends, but of the needs of and priorities in the issues that are to be dealt with.”
“In turn, it must also be a priority for the PSNI, and that should be reflected in its work programme and budget. I know that that case was some time ago, and improvements have obviously been made, but we need to continue to do more. <BR /> <BR />It is important that work be done to ensure that we break down the siloed approaches that can result in the delays that we know there to be in the justice system. It is also important that we are innovative, especially when it comes to looking at emerging technologies and AI, to ensure that we not only deal with the challenges of today but future-proof that work.”
“Although resourcing pressures impact on policing capacity, as was highlighted in the ombudsman's recent report, we know that prioritisation and culture play key roles in tackling those issues consistently and systemically. Of course, a cultural shift is not only for policing but for society as a whole. Our key public bodies that lead on public safety should, however, be leading the way in that area of work. <BR /> <BR />A recent Criminal Justice Inspection report highlighted the need for the criminal justice system to have a collective vision and shared priorities. The Executive in their Programme for Government prioritised tackling violence against women and girls. It is therefore important that that systemic issue be highlighted and reflected in the collective vision and shared priorities document.”
“Although work is ongoing to address the underlying issues with funding, recruitment and retention, the discussions must also point to budget management and prioritisation in policing. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the case mentioned in the motion is one of the most serious in recent times. It again shines a light on the need to tackle violence against women and girls and the direct impact that violence against women and girls has on victims, their families and, indeed, the wider community. It also demonstrates the importance of the Office of the Police Ombudsman, which highlighted some of the failings and shortcomings.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. We debated earlier the importance of Budgets and the forthcoming multi-annual Budget. The multi-annual Budget is an important step for the Executive and, indeed, the Assembly. Of course, there will still be challenges, as our Budget does not meet all the identified needs and pressures, but it will bring into focus how such Budgets can provide longer-term certainty for planning. That will include how they are managed and how we work together in order to prioritise need. The multi-annual Budget will also present an opportunity to be more innovative and joined up in how we approach delivering public services to meet that need. That includes the policing budget, which is a sizeable part of the Justice budget, as the Minister outlined.”
“Thank you, Minister. You are right: the British Government can make a political decision tomorrow to protect workers and families. To that end, will you outline the specifics of the other issues that you have raised with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury?”
“We will continue to stand for workers and families through this period. We will continue to stand for fiscal devolution so that we can do more whilst we plan for the change that is taking place on this island whereby the people here can determine their future.”
“It is clear that, if we are to deliver the strong, fair and accessible public services that people in our communities rightly expect, the Executive must have the proper funding arrangements and the real fiscal levers to do so. Fiscal devolution has to be part of that. If we are serious about managing our finances in a sustainable and responsible way, we need the ability to make decisions here in the interests of the people. That builds on the positive work that Sinn Féin Ministers have delivered. <BR /> <BR />We established the Fiscal Commission to bring forward key recommendations on fiscal devolution. Our previous Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, brought forward the fiscal framework that, for the first time, recognised and, indeed, funded our Budget on the basis of need. Of course, there is more work to be done in that area.”
“<BR /> <BR />In shaping a responsible, fair and long-term Budget, Sinn Féin has been clear: we need a Budget that supports workers and families, backs our small- and medium-sized businesses and ensures that, if we are ever to have tax increases, the burden should fall on those with the broadest shoulders. We will continue to do all that we can with our stretched Budget. Many of the financial pressures that, we know, people face here come from decisions taken at Westminster. Sinn Féin has been clear and consistent in calling for a reduction in VAT on domestic energy bills to help ease the cost-of-living burden; an end to the two-child tax limit, which pushes families and children into hardship; and a cut to insurance premium tax, which inflates home and car insurance costs.”
“<BR /> <BR />Notwithstanding those challenges and the policy and fiscal climate in which we operate, there is an opportunity with the introduction of multi-annual Budgets to prioritise, plan and, of course, deliver. Our Sinn Féin Executive team, working with partners, is focused on delivering real and meaningful change. We have blocked water charges, prevented unfair hikes in student fees and prioritised health and cutting waiting lists. Through the 'good jobs' Bill, we will strengthen workers' rights, end zero-hours contracts and deliver secure employment. We will bring forward legislation to help tackle holiday hunger and extend free school meals during the holiday period.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin has consistently championed multi-year budgeting, as we know that that can lead to better planning and better outcomes for people. Of course, that will still be challenging, as we continue to operate under significant pressures and demands and a legacy of policies at Westminster that drove austerity, divesting from public services, and, of course, Brexit, while offering bailouts to bankers and tax breaks for the super rich and, of course, continuously funding wars. Of course, the Opposition leader does not want us to focus on those, and maybe I would not either if I had worked for the Tory Government during that time.”
“For too long, our public services have been forced to work within the limits of short-term, uncertain, one-year Budgets that have been handed down by various British Governments. That approach consistently undermines planning, delays essential projects and makes it harder to meet people's needs. Tomorrow, the British Chancellor will announce her autumn Budget, which will have a direct impact on the Executive's finances. The Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, has previously outlined his intention to bring a multi-annual Budget to the Executive after the autumn statement. The spending review that was announced in June set a three-year funding allocation and a four-year capital allocation. That provides us with an opportunity to set the first multi-annual Budget in over a decade.”
“A joined-up, cross-departmental approach is important for the agencies that need to be there. Of course, I agree that prevention is the best cure, but where there is a need for enforcement, that can be looked at in the forthcoming sentencing Bill, which would be a good way to provide clear guidance to tackle the issue. I welcome the debate, and I have listened intently. I look forward to hearing the rest of the speeches.”
“Of course, engagement with local communities is also key to getting a balance between all of the rights: how people can celebrate and how we mitigate the worst excesses.”
“<BR /> <BR />We need a system that balances community celebration with the community safety aspects and supports well-run public displays, while cracking down on illegal supply, the antisocial behaviour that raises its head and, importantly, unsafe use. When we look at tackling the issues, whether through legislation or ongoing improvements in prevention and education, it is crucial that we do so in a coordinated way. That is one of the key issues. Are all of the agencies working in a coordinated fashion? Are they speaking to one another, particularly around prevention and not just when something goes wrong? That is important. We must always look at it from a preventative and proactive perspective rather than wait until something goes wrong.”
“Thank you. Yes, that is a welcome step. It shows that the more controlled events we have, the more we can look at health and safety, hold the events in a managed way and people can get enjoyment from them, if that is what they want. <BR /> <BR />We know that a section of our community — particularly older residents, children, maybe those with sensory needs and, of course, our beloved pets, which are part of the family — does not always take joy from fireworks. It can be distressing when fireworks are set off, particularly when it is not done in a controlled way and when due regard is not shown for how it might have an impact. We must always look at those issues.”
“We want to make sure that we avoid such incidents.”
“I saw it recently over the Halloween period with Féile an Phobail in west Belfast, when we saw thousands of children, young people and adults dressed up for the Halloween festivities and going to the Falls Park in an organised way. The main event there was a fireworks display that the community in west Belfast put on. There are good examples of how such things can be organised in a controlled environment, where it can be done safely and, of course, where much of the community supports those activities. <BR /> <BR />Equally, there is another side to the story. That is the story of serious injuries, burns, lifelong scarring and trauma, as has been mentioned, which can be caused by fireworks, particularly when they are misused or obtained illegally. Every year, our emergency departments report cases that could have been avoided.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. Thanks to those who tabled the motion and the amendment. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue. It is an issue that affects many communities across the North, particularly at key times of the year, as has been outlined, so it is right that we look at the current system and the areas that are working and those that are not working. <BR /> <BR />Fireworks, when used responsibly, safely and in an organised way, can be a source of joy and can bring our communities together at different times of the year. Many of us will know the positive and inclusive atmosphere around Halloween events, for instance, community festivals and seasonal celebrations.”
“Thanks very much, Minister, for your statement. It shows that you are a Minister who is listening and is willing to take action. How will other rate reliefs, particularly those for people on low incomes, sit alongside any increase to the maximum capital value?”
“Belfast City Hall is a prime example of that.”
“I know that Healing Through Remembering has a day of reflection on 21 June each year. When we are looking at these issues, we should engage in a way that is inclusive and has communities at its heart.”
“I will, if I have time at the end, Phillip, no problem. I am just conscious of my time. <BR /> <BR />The need for inclusivity, and to rebalance and represent, can be satisfied. The Housing Executive's re-imaging scheme has been mentioned, and it was successful. It was involved in my community, and the re-imaged murals that depict the history of the Market are still there today. That scheme assisted many communities. What made it work and what was unique about it was that it was a voluntary process that engaged communities and built capacity at that level. It was not imposed on the communities that it was trying to work with. Those are important points to make. <BR /> <BR />There was further talk of a day of reflection. The FICT report mentioned the need for that.”