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.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,594 lines we hold for Deirdre Hargey, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 52.
“Two weeks ago, they launched a community toolkit called "Amplify", which looks at how to build healthy communities and tackle substance use and trauma at a community level, working with Queen's Communities and Place, the local community organisation and, importantly, the schools. One of the key issues is that the school struggles with how it can be supported and how it can have the resources to engage in the important conversations that are taking place. I use that one community as an example and ask the Minister to look at the Amplify project, because it is very much being led by children and young people in that community and schools in that vicinity want to engage in it.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also important to hear what we are doing to build support and capacity at a community level, because we increasingly hear frightening stories from parents, communities and, as the proposer of the motion said, many principals who have to deal with vapes in a school environment. It is something that they probably never thought they would have to deal with, and now they do. What engagement is the Minister having with the other Departments. What support and advice is being given to principals? What capacity and support can schools be given to have wider engagement with local communities? <BR /> <BR />I will give one example from my community in the Market area.”
“It is fair to say that the issue is a societal one; there is no doubt about that. We must first look at the health implications and how trauma and social disadvantage play into the overall issue. For that reason, we must ensure that, from a prevention point of view, there is a cross-departmental approach and that we look at the intersectionality of the issue. It is right that the Education Minister is here, but we need to understand what engagement he is having with the Health Minister and, importantly, the Justice Minister to take a rounded view of all these things.”
“We know, from other illicit substances, that they are higher in potency and that their safety and impact cannot be verified; indeed, the substances that go into them cannot be verified. Ultimately our children and young people are inhaling those substances. Some young people have had to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Our concern is that we will start to see deaths because they do not know what they are taking, they do not know what is in them, and, importantly, they do not know their potency.”
“Given the recent health advice that children should not use vapes, it is highly concerning that children who have never smoked are using them. They are going straight to vapes, which is a concerning development. What is also concerning for children and young people is that, in many schools, we see the use of vapes that contain illicit substances that are synthetically made in factories.”
“Thanks to everybody for taking part in this important debate. I thank the Minister for being here. As has been said by most Members, vapes and e-cigarettes are still being researched to fully understand their implications. As we move through, we can see those implications in our communities and, importantly, in our schools. From the health research that has been done, we know that vapes are highly addictive. As has been said, more than one in five 11- to 16-year-olds has tried them. We know that the problem is not unique to this place. Indeed, increased usage of such devices by our children and young people is a global issue that we are all grappling with. <BR /> <BR />There have been many questions about how the devices are marketed. Many believe that the packaging and the flavours aim to entice and attract young people to use them.”
“I understand that there was another death in custody at the weekend, bringing to four the total number of deaths in the past five weeks. It is a concerning picture. What is being done to tackle that situation?”
“Thanks very much to Andrew for stepping in. <BR /> <BR />To highlight it, in the course of this question for urgent oral answer, two women will report domestic abuse. That really sets in context the importance of why we are here. I ask the Minister, beyond strategies and action plans, on the back of four women having been murdered in six weeks, many of whom were murdered in their own homes, what specific action has the Minister taken over that period and what meetings has she had in responding to this emergency of femicide within our community?”
“Following on from that question, does the deputy First Minister agree that there is a duty on all of us as political leaders actively to promote a zero-tolerance approach to racism and to build a future defined by inclusivity, tolerance and respect?”
“Was the issue of letting agents discussed? When will you be able to share the commissioned report by the Chartered Institute of Housing on letting agents and practices of charging?”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Will you remind the Member that, when he talks about other Members who have been elected to the Chamber, he should do so with respect?”
“We must, however, ensure that the process is not rushed; that we balance the human rights provisions in the Bill with a focus on how those provisions and further legislation engage with the European Convention on Human Rights; and that, as we move through the process, there is proper engagement on and oversight of all aspects of the Bill, including the additions to be made and, of course, the financial implications.”
“Our serious concern is that they were not included at the start of the Bill process. They are too important to leave until Consideration Stage, when we will have a more constrained period in which to properly scrutinise them, call witnesses and go through the legislation in greater detail. We need to ensure that the Committee has the time and ability to properly scrutinise those provisions, call for evidence and assess them against the European Convention on Human Rights. That is essential, given the High Court judgement that I highlighted and that the Committee has highlighted to departmental officials. <BR /> <BR />I welcome it that the Assembly is progressing the legislation. I look forward to working with the Minister and her officials and, indeed, with all my Committee colleagues.”
“Those will all need close scrutiny to ensure that the outworkings of the legislative changes are accountable, effective and, importantly, fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />It is concerning to note — as the Chair said, the Committee has already communicated this to the Department — that up to six additional areas of legislative change will not come forward until near Consideration Stage, as the legislation progresses. Those are six important areas: accreditation for restorative justice; provisions to amend rehabilitation periods; wider use of video and audio conferencing systems; streamlining of arrangements for Access NI certificates pertaining to sexual and violent offences; repeal of vagrancy legislation; and provisions to tackle serious and organised crime. Those are all critical areas of legislation that, of course, need to be progressed.”
“Whilst I agree with the broad principles in that section, further in-depth scrutiny is needed to ensure that it achieves the desired outcomes that we all want to see: changes that are proportionate and necessary. The use of live links is another area that needs close attention. Whilst it is recognised that their use can be effective, it is important that that use is balanced and proportionate to proper access to justice and due process and, importantly, that safeguards are in place. <BR /> <BR />Part 4 covers the administration of justice, including powers delegated to the Policing Board, addressing gaps in existing legislation and technical amendments and the role of the Taxing Master on legal aid.”
“Whilst I welcome them being reviewed on the back of the European Court judgements, there still needs to be close scrutiny of other corresponding legislation, any new provisions and compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights. <BR /> <BR />There is also the issue, which was raised earlier, of future-proofing, particularly of biometrics and DNA, against developing technology. We want to pass good legislation, but, if it is already out of date when it is passed given technological advances, it will not serve much purpose. We need to look at that as an evolving space. <BR /> <BR />Children's bail and custody is another important area.”
“For those reasons, it is important that we learn from that judgement but also from the more recent judgement looking at issues pertaining to Brexit and the Windsor framework. <BR /> <BR />It is important that, in considering the legislation, we look carefully at the human rights impacts and how the proposed changes in law interact and engage with ECHR law. Significant changes in the Bill interact with the convention. Biometrics and DNA retention are one of those areas. That was, as the Minister said, the result of two legal challenges that resulted in judgements at the European Court of Human Rights on the retention of data that it infringed on people's rights due to the indefinite retention periods and the absence of a meaningful review process. The amendments here need proper scrutiny.”
“— by the Department's head of criminal policy unit —”
“As the Chair said, that summary also stated:”
“I will draw out two key areas from that judgement that highlight the concerns that are being raised in the Chamber about the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill could have been two or three separate Bills. For that reason, there is a series of important issues and changes in the legislation that the Bill proposes. It proposes a number of delegated powers that need proper scrutiny, including a detailed assessment of the EFM. The Committee's ability to properly scrutinise the Bill will be important, particularly, as has been said, given the recent High Court judgements on legislation. One of those related to justice legislation that was passed in the Assembly during the previous mandate. Parts of that legislation were found to be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). That was touched on earlier, as was Justice Humphreys's judgement on the previous Justice legislation.”
“I welcome the Second Stage of the Justice Bill. It is good to see legislation passing through the Assembly again. I declare an interest, as I have an immediate family member who works in the Courts and Tribunals Service. <BR /> <BR />As previous contributors have said, the Bill is sizable and far-ranging. It has, broadly, four main aims, as the Justice Minister outlined. Those relate to retention periods for DNA and biometric material; changes to bail and custody arrangements for children and young people; improvements to services for victims and witnesses, including live links — we heard from the Research and Information Service yesterday that it is imperative that we move forward on those areas of work— and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of aspects of the justice system.”
“I thank the Minister for the update as a part of the overarching economic strategy. Does he agree that there is a need in Belfast, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas, to continue to support some areas in order to address regional imbalance and to connect that economic development focus to inclusive growth and building community wealth?”
“On the back of that, why can storm overflows not be removed? What would the implications of that be?”
“Following on from the previous contributor's question, the unions are there to represent the workers. Does the Minister agree that any future decision on Harland and Wolff must involve continued engagement with the trade unions that are there to represent the workforce?”
“Thank you, Minister. Instead of resetting relationships, they have unsettled them over the past couple of days, and that is unfortunate. It is good that the Minister is being proactive with the deal partners. We know that the Derry and Strabane deal is due to be signed this week to go ahead. At what stage are the other deals, and what is the impact of any delay on those around the momentum that has been built?”
“Setting targets can only increase accountability and act as a signal for other industries that they should do the same. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister for the work that she has been doing so far and the engagement that she has been having with key stakeholders, particularly those relating to our small businesses. I support the motion.”
“Indeed, central government is performing well in paying invoices on time. We need to focus on areas of improvement, but let us not forget the contribution that those services and procurements make to society, our economy and those small businesses. <BR /> <BR />Annually, we procure over £3 billion in local services. While that money is going directly into those businesses to the supply chains, importantly, it is recruiting workers to our workforce as well. That adds to infrastructure, training and investment. Importantly, if we can do more to align that to social value, what role can the bedrock of our economy play in doing more to lift up all people in our economy? We should not forget that the economy should work for the people, rather than people working for the economy. That does not mean that we should be complacent.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, crucially, along with the role of labour and, importantly, our workers. Proper and prompt payment is the least that they should expect for the services that they provide. Minister Caoimhe Archibald has been working closely with the Federation of Small Businesses to ensure that that is the case. Indeed, the federation has been quick to thank the Minister and her officials for the work that she has done on the issue. <BR /> <BR />While there is always room for improvement, it is worth noting that the Executive Departments are largely meeting their payment time frames, and payments are being made much more quickly, when compared with those coming from trusts, arm's-length bodies, councils or other agencies.”
“I am also pleased to speak on the motion. It is vital that our businesses and traders are paid promptly and in full when working with the public and private sectors. Government has a duty to set an example to all industries by ensuring that invoices are paid as soon as possible. The prompt payment of invoices is particularly important when working with small businesses in order to ensure that they can maintain their proper cash flow and, importantly, pay their employees and suppliers. The previous Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, provided an important intervention in that regard when, during COVID, he instructed all Departments to continue paying suppliers who provide goods and services for which the demand had been reduced or paused temporarily.”
“No longer can people be allowed to hide from public scrutiny. With one voice today, we say, "Stop". Stop the hate, stop the Islamophobia, stop the racism, stop the hatred and discrimination and stop the intimidation. We must stand in solidarity with our minority communities, and I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as one community.”
“<BR /> <BR />Throughout the past week, I have been on the ground, constantly engaging with our minority communities and our businesses in areas where sporadic violence and attacks have been continuing. People are living in real fear, and you are hearing that daily. Already, we are hearing reports of nurses planning to leave the North in search of a safer location. They are people who work in our hospitals, they are our local shopkeepers and they are our neighbours. <BR /> <BR />The message coming from the Chamber today must be one of unity — no ifs, no buts. Belfast is a proud, multicultural city. Hate, racism and discrimination will not be tolerated by its people. It is time for all political parties and community leaders to be unequivocal in their condemnation of racist, Islamophobic violence.”
“Indeed, accommodation housing refugees and asylum seekers was attacked. <BR /> <BR />Lessons can be learned from the policing operation, and mistakes must not be repeated. The priority must be to protect people and property and face down racism, violence and intimidation. However, those responsible for what happened over the past number of days are the individuals and groups who whipped up hate online and then came out onto our streets to cause havoc and mayhem, fuelled by Islamophobia and racist hate. Those people must now be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law. There can be no place for racism, hatred, discrimination or intimidation anywhere in our society.”
“I absolutely condemn and abhor the vile Islamophobic and racist attacks that have occurred in my constituency of South Belfast and other parts of Belfast over the past number of days. First, let me be clear that Belfast is a progressive, forward-looking and inclusive city. It is a place that I am proud to call home and it is proudly diverse. The scenes of racist violence, destruction, thuggery and intimidation are disgusting and are not reflective of the Belfast that I know and love. On Saturday, I was on the ground alongside activists, countering the racist demonstration at City Hall. Later that day, I stood side by side with the proud residents of the lower Ormeau Road, who stood up and stopped the racist mob from progressing further on our streets. Later that day, I met the owners of businesses that were attacked along Botanic.”
“I thank the Minister for coming along and giving a bit of clarity. We are here in the context of the High Court having spoken and struck down the defective sections in the Act because they are incompatible with article 10 European Convention rights on press rights and freedom of expression. Sinn Féin is opposed to any appeal of the judgement. Will the Minister outline what steps she will take and in what timeline, if she has it, to address the defective sections and ensure that the Act meets the needs of victims, is in the public interest and, importantly, restores the balance of convention rights?”
“You nearly answered my supplementary question about the timescale for progressing that work. It is good that there have been additions and that the consultation responses support that. Can you give a more definitive timeline at this point?”
“Like everybody else, I support the rule. There was unanimous support for it at the Committee. Obviously, the rule revises two of the codes, and it adds an additional code. As was said earlier, we need to make sure that our justice system is up to date with regard to the evolution of technology. It also allows for assets to be seized during the course of an investigation and enables the courts to better enforce unpaid confiscation orders against defendants regarding those crypto assets. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I support the rule.”
“Parties and the Committee await the outcome of that review to see what further changes or modifications will be made. We agreed to allow the statutory rule to progress and to publish all the documentation, which went out from the Chair last week, and all the oral evidence. That is now in the public domain for people to look at and see the scrutiny that we applied as a Committee.”
“As highlighted by the Minister and Committee Chair, the Committee gave the statutory rule careful consideration during a number of meetings. Those included oral evidence sessions looking at annual weekly earnings, the change to RPI and, of course, modifying the standard rate of adjustments. We reiterate the concerns that were highlighted and about which we wrote to DOJ relating to the impact on insurance premiums, as has been stated here. We know that, due to the geographical make-up of the North, insurance is higher here and that that impacts on premium holders. Sinn Féin fully supports the principle of 100% compensation. <BR /> <BR />The Chair laid out the context: we were limited in what we could do at this time, and a review is pending.”
“I look forward to working with the Justice Minister, through the Committee and the Assembly, to ensure that a hate crime Bill coming forward is effective, fit for purpose, has a real impact on our communities and, importantly, is delivered within this mandate.”
“We acknowledge the work that has been done so far by the Marrinan review, the Department of Justice's public consultation and its call in 2022 for views on how to improve the effectiveness of our hate crime legislation. We also welcome the fact that the Justice Minister has committed to introducing a hate crime Bill in this mandate. The Bill must strike the difficult balance between providing freedom of expression and protecting people from hate crime. We must make the time to get that balance right. Sinn Féin fundamentally believes in the right to freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. We need to make sure that the legislation protects the right to freedom of expression. We must also ensure that specific hate crime legislation is robust, provides protections for minority groups and deals with incitement of hatred.”
“I thank the proposers for today's motion and amendment. <BR /> <BR />Hate and hate crimes are wrong and have no place in our communities and, indeed, in wider society. They must be opposed wherever they raise their head and be robustly challenged. I note the recent incidents of hate in my South Belfast constituency, about which I spoke in the Chamber in March. Threats and offensive and intimidating material that aim to frighten and intimidate sections of our community are totally unacceptable. South Belfast is one of the most diverse constituencies in the North. Its rich tapestry adds to the vibrancy of our communities and adds real value to them. That makes the recent incidents all the more repugnant. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin recognises that our hate crime legislation is out of date, is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”
“The High Court has made a decision and ruled on the matter. The Minister knows that I raised concerns about the legal case in February when we met, although, granted, the legal process was ongoing at that time. In the context of the ruling and in order to give clarity to victims and survivors, will you indicate a timeline for your next steps?”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for securing this important debate, and I look forward to continuing engagement with key stakeholders in the time ahead. When we receive the information from the college, we will look at it robustly.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank Belfast Met for its continued engagement and thank all those who offered their views on the future of the much-valued institution. On my part, I am committed to ensuring that our further education system is fit for the future, is accessible to all and, importantly, is a key contributor to the economic vision that Conor set out around good jobs, productivity, decarbonisation and regional balance. <BR /> <BR />We want to robustly look at all the issues around the ambition of Castlereagh campus. Areas such as IT, engineering and the creative industries are all growth sectors for the economy going forward. Locality is incredibly important, and that is something that we want to pay particular attention to as well.”
“I have met officials on the back of notes that I have taken to make sure that we robustly look at the issues when they come forward from Belfast Met. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the ongoing provision of services at Castlereagh, I can confirm that the college has advised that it fully intends to continue its standard curriculum delivery in 2024-25. I am aware that speculation had been building on the issue of closure due to minor adjustments to service delivery and the renewal of contracts. I have been assured by the college that those are standard changes and in no way signal the decision to run down the campus. An issue around catering contracts was also raised in February. I have received assurances that those contracts will continue to run into next year. Some of that was clarified on the night of the meeting.”
“That is reflected in the numbers that came forward. When full, proper consideration has been given to the issue, the college will share its findings and proposals with the Department for a decision to be made. The Department will ensure that all key concerns have been taken into account in the decision-making process. It will also ensure that all risks and opportunities are thoroughly evidenced and considered as part of any decision on the future of the campus. <BR /> <BR />The previous Minister, Conor Murphy, met a variety of representatives with an interest in the campus, including the MP for the area and the trade unions that have been involved in the ongoing discussions and consultations. He has tasked officials in the Department to ensure that any future proposal is robustly assessed.”
“That includes exploring alternative uses for the campus, consolidation or restructuring possibilities and the need to be mindful of the legal and financial implications. I am encouraged to see that Belfast Met is taking proper time to understand all the potential inputs to the important consultation process.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Conor Murphy set out when he delivered his economic vision here a number of weeks ago, skills are a key enabler of driving good jobs, increasing productivity, delivering regional balance and decarbonising our economy. Conor's vision statement explicitly referenced the importance of colleges and the need to grow college numbers. The significant uplift in lecturers' pay represents the first important step towards that goal, and Belfast Met's consultation criteria for the campus include investing in the Castlereagh campus to address structural issues, review curriculum delivery and increase student numbers. As a result, full consideration should be given to investigating all possible options in the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />The institution makes a contribution to the lives of people not only educationally but in the economic and social links with the campus, and that as been touched on in the contributions today as well. Equally, it is right that Belfast Metropolitan College take the appropriate steps to understand the long-term viability of the campus, including looking at whether there is an ambition to invest in the site. That is something that I will want to look at closely. Belfast Met's criteria include important elements such as health and safety, increasing sustainability targets and the need to deliver a meaningful modern curriculum for learners from state-of-the-art facilities that are in line with the current emerging industry needs.”