Sinéad McLaughlin
Foyle · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“After decades of silence, being believed matters; having your experience acknowledged matters; and knowing that society finally accepts the truth matters deeply. That is what, I hope, the legislation provides. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the process, I wanted to ensure that, where we could strengthen the Bill, we did.”
“Today is an important day because it is a day of accountability. I welcome to the Gallery all of the birth mothers, all of the adult adoptees and all of their family members. I thank everyone who has journeyed with you and loved you throughout the process.”
“As time passed, I believed that the original figure no longer reflected the recognition as strongly as it should have done, so I was pleased that Members from across the Chamber supported that amendment.”
“Behind every clause is a person; behind every amendment is someone's lived experience; and behind every decision that we make in the Chamber are people who have spent years carrying the consequences of decisions that they never made. That is why the legislation is so important.”
“It is often Members who receive the attention in debates such as this, but good legislation depends on the dedication and expertise of many people working quietly in the background. Today, we complete the legislative journey, but we should not pretend that justice begins and ends with the passing of a Bill.”
“We are here because survivors refused to accept that their stories would remain untold. We are here because they never stopped asking for what should never have been so difficult to receive in the first place: recognition, dignity and justice.”
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“The delay in the climate action plan is concerning because of the global crisis. What impact will that have on our ability to meet interim carbon budgets and overall net zero targets? You mentioned the cross-cutting nature of the issue. Are you concerned about the lack of pace in our progress?”
“Those identities have been pushed, prodded and stretched by Brexit and the resulting crisis. As we enter this new period of relationships, let us be confident and optimistic about those identities and the potential for trading, collaborating and working as two islands. Let us secure the opportunity that we have in front of us for our economy through dual market access by developing our European ties closer still.”
“However, we must act with urgency. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the Labour Government have realised that Brexit has left us with new problems, not new opportunities. New EU regulations and an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, which is changing by the minute never mind the hour, has only increased the challenges that we face post Brexit. Therefore, I suggest that it is in the interests of Members opposite for the reset of relations with the EU to be a success: you should be pushing that with your Members of Parliament. If not, the argument to revisit Brexit only grows stronger. That is why we must consider an interim strategy that brings us closer to the single market and the customs union. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, people in the North have multiple identities.”
“Absolutely. It is the most porous border in Europe. It would be impossible to contemplate anything resembling a hard border. Again, we are talking about spilt milk at this stage. It is done. The deal is done, and we now need to make it work for everyone. Thank goodness that we have open borders on our island. <BR /> <BR />Our desire for closer alignment with the EU has also begun to match that of the British Government. Across the water, we have begun to see the Labour Government pursuing a so-called economic reset with the EU. Yesterday, Rachel Reeves became the first Chancellor since Brexit to meet EU Finance Ministers, whilst the Prime Minister is due to meet EU leaders in the new year. I welcome that, and it signals, albeit in a small capacity, a political will to put the disaster of Brexit behind us.”
“Such new mechanisms would have real-world consequences and present opportunities for high-value manufacturing and supply chains, offering specific advantages to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agri-food, precision engineering and many more. We could explore the role of the integration of regulations in key sectors by securing closer alignment with European agencies, creating initiatives to strengthen Northern Ireland and EU supply chains and exploiting the potential of dual market incentives such as tax credits. Those benefits would mean that a place such as Derry, which sits as the urban capital of a cross-border region, is uniquely positioned to take advantage of such opportunities and reverse decades of economic neglect.”
“They included our call for an independent review to be initiated to explore how centres of strategic economic importance can capitalise on the opportunities resulting from Northern Ireland's unique position. The review should evaluate the costs and benefits of establishing a new office in Northern Ireland for the European Commission. I gently suggest to my colleagues that, if we are looking for regional balance, that office could be in Derry. <BR /> <BR />Why should we foster cooperation and trust between Northern Ireland and the EU institutions? Doing so could play a crucial role in maximising dual market access and provide us with advice on trade, investment and regulation compliance. It could build on our ability to leverage the unique position in which we now find ourselves and engage meaningfully with Europe.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course we can appreciate the concerns of Members on the opposite side of the House about east-west trade, and a smoothing of processes would be welcome. Let us work together on finding common ground while exploiting the opportunity that we have in our hands. Northern Ireland now has an opportunity to be a bridge between two major markets, and that opens the door to major possibilities that we all must leverage. Until now, the focus has been on the UK's internal market. Now that we have dealt with many of those concerns, let us stop overlooking the prospects that we have as a result of our new arrangements. <BR /> <BR />Last week, the SDLP launched our proposals on our European future.”
“For example, research carried out by the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) found that 87% of its members viewed dual market access as the biggest opportunity for growth over the next decade. Some Members across the way said that there had not been one investment as a result of dual market access. My colleague Matthew O'Toole and I spoke to the chief executive of Invest NI, and he indicated a few days back that that was because there had been no opportunity to promote and sell dual access, which Invest NI is now doing across the world on its trade missions. There will be a trail here, so we will hopefully maximise that opportunity in the not-so-distant future. InterTradeIreland has seen an increase of £7 billion in cross-border trade since 2015.”
“Looking purely at the economic impact, we know that the Office for Budget Responsibility has stated that both exports and imports will be around 15% lower than if the UK had remained in the EU and that new trade deals with non-EU countries will not have a material impact. <BR /> <BR />In the North, thanks to the protocol, we have been shielded from some of Brexit's worst effects, although not all of them. We now have something that we can work with, however, and it is a unique opportunity and a unique position. The uniqueness of having unfettered and flexible access to both markets on the island of Ireland is an opportunity that we cannot afford to pass up, so we must now grasp it with both hands. We all know that that is the mood of business as well.”
“The decision to leave the EU was one of the reasons why I, like many others in the Chamber, entered politics. As former vice chair of the Remain campaign in Northern Ireland, I saw how little our issues featured in the UK's decision. I, with others, worked really hard with people from all corners of our society to make the case for remaining a part of Europe. The Remain campaign won that argument in our region, but, as we all know, we were still dragged out against our will. Brexit was a bad idea then, and it is a bad idea now. <BR /> <BR />It was not just a bad idea; it was the most profound act of economic and social self-sabotage that any Government have ever undertaken.”
“My goodness, today really has triggered me. It is like rolling back the years and arguing over spilt milk. The Brexit band has reformed and is playing many of the old tunes, and, now, I will rehash some of my old tunes as well.”
“They deserve stability and security, and they deserve to know that their services are valued by people from across our society. For 40 years, Nexus has provided vital services for women and girls across the North. It is time to reward its work with a better approach from government. Nexus helps to lead the way as we seek to end gender-based violence. We must support it and all other life-saving organisations in our community.”
“Northern Ireland still does not have a dedicated source of stable state funding for such organisations. The publication of the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework was welcome, but only £3 million over two years has been pledged towards its delivery. Many people will rightly ask whether the change that is needed can be delivered with such a small financial envelope. The lack of funding directed towards these matters has caused serious issues over many years. Services such as Nexus have, in large measure, been left to fend for themselves or receive sporadic and inconsistent funding. <BR /> <BR />Eight months ago, the previous Minister of Health cut funding to Nexus, only to reverse that decision due to the public outcry. The organisations deserve better than that.”
“<BR /> <BR />The services that Nexus provides are driven by a desire to enable positive change for those who have been impacted on by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. It wants to bring an end to the cycle of domestic and sexual abuse. For four decades, Nexus has provided life-changing and life-saving support for women and girls. I met a few people whose lives were turned round as a result of their engagement with the services. They were pleased to attend the 40th anniversary event, because, they said, Nexus gave them their life and dignity back. The impact of its work is immeasurable when it comes to the individual. <BR /> <BR />Today's debate is our chance not just to pay tribute but to recommit to delivering that support. Nexus and many other organisations are operating at maximum capacity.”
“That is especially true in cases of domestic and sexual abuse within relationships. Bruises are covered up, abusive texts remain locked in a phone, and derogatory comments remain unchallenged. <BR /> <BR />Far too often, women suffer in silence. That is never truer than in the case of domestic and sexual abuse, which is complex in nature. Victims not only suffer in silence but often try to heal in silence. Victims often fear that they will not be understood or, indeed, believed, and, as a result, they do not come forward. Not only are they sometimes fearful of medical professionals but they are apprehensive about going to their family for fear of being judged for what they have experienced. That is why the work of Nexus has been and will continue to be so vital and why I am pleased that we are able to mark its achievements today.”
“Absolutely. That is really important, because, in the work that has developed in Nexus, there is a concentration on education to support those in our schools and communities. It is about educating our young people and others about sexual abuse and the forms that it takes. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the increased media coverage that violence against women and girls has received over the past few months and years is also a welcome part of the education piece. Our public conversation on the issue has come a long way and become more progressive. It is now spoken of and out in the open, whereas, years ago, it was not; it was hidden. The victim felt ashamed and did not speak about it. It is important to remember that it is often the abuse that others cannot see that is most prevalent in the victim's life.”
“A recent report from Ulster University found that 98% of women in Northern Ireland had experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime, which is a remarkable statistic. I am sure that every Member knows someone who has been a victim of domestic and sexual abuse.”
“I am really pleased to speak in this important debate. I thank the chair of the Women's Caucus for moving the motion. <BR /> <BR />Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary celebration at the Nexus office in Derry. The chief executive, Joanne Barnes, took us down memory lane, and it was remarkable how much has changed. However, it was also remarkable how much has not changed and how much work remains to be done. <BR /> <BR />The Nexus team is dedicated and is to the fore in helping those impacted by sexual abuse. Its services are vital and, as others have said, a lifeline. They are needed now more than ever. We know that violence against women and girls can take place in many forms. It can range from misogynistic attitudes in the workplace to sexual and domestic abuse at home.”
“In relation to regional balance, £45 million has been put aside to support local economic partnerships. How much of that will fund administration in the councils, and how much will go towards capital projects or other projects?”
“The head of the Construction Employers Federation and the head of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations have said consistently that we are, unquestionably, in a housing crisis. If that rise is not addressed, we will be putting a handbrake on the building sector, which we so desperately need for our economy. What steps have you taken to ensure that that does not happen? Have you spoken to the Infrastructure Minister about the impact of NI Water's issues on the construction industry?”
“North Channel Wind has been developing a significant offshore project. Recently, a pause has been put on it through the consultation. The MOD asked for it to be stopped due to submarine activity. Minister, what are you doing to unleash that major project? We are really struggling to meet our renewable targets.”
“That package includes a legal right to independent living and self-determination, the reform of our education system so that it is truly inclusive and urgent action to ensure that our welfare system is made fit for purpose for disabled people. <BR /> <BR />I strongly call on the Minister for Communities and the Minister for the Economy to work together to introduce an ambitious and strategic disability employment strategy in order to close the disability employment gap once and for all. That should include measures that provide for the gathering of comprehensive and robust data to monitor progress. I welcome the motion and hope that we can work together as an Assembly to address every serious challenge that faces people with disabilities.”
“The main substance of the debate is about improving the life of people with disabilities and enhancing and supporting their human rights. The debate is not about abortion — absolutely not. It is unfortunate that the DUP amendment chooses to distract and deflect from a very important issue. <BR /> <BR />I hope that our amendment makes a useful contribution to the debate. We should continue to champion stand-alone hate crime legislation and hold the Department of Justice responsible for its introduction and implementation. The implementation of the UNCRPD into domestic law is just one part of series of measures that must be introduced in order to ensure that disabled people have full equality under the law and the ability to realise their rights.”
“That is all to say that there is still a long way to go before we finally reach full equality. The motion represents an opportunity to come together as an Assembly on that issue and call for the urgent implementation of the UNCRPD into our domestic law. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, we already know that the Minister does not believe that he has the time in this shortened mandate to review and reform disability legislation. That represents another casualty of the political dysfunction that his party caused and another missed opportunity for devolution to deliver for disabled people. I hope that all parties can, at the very least, commit to the implementation of the UNCRPD at the earliest possible opportunity. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to the DUP amendment.”
“That is the biggest gap in any UK region. It should be profoundly concerning to us all that deaf and disabled women are twice as likely as non-disabled women to suffer physical abuse from an intimate partner. Families with a disabled child are also less likely to be able to afford formal childcare, from which far too many children are still shut out. Our education system still fails to work for children with disabilities, leaving thousands without access to quality education, with the result that there is a persistent educational attainment gap. <BR /> <BR />Those are just some of the gaps that the Equality Commission identified. That is not to mention other issues that were cited, such as accessible housing, the impact of social security reforms and health inequalities, which impact on disabled people perhaps more than any other group.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to how vital it is that we incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into law. As other Members have outlined, across society, people with disabilities still face far too many barriers to equal participation. Across far too many measures, full realisation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disabilities has still not been achieved. Nowhere is that clearer than in the economy. <BR /> <BR />Research by Disability Action in 2021 found that 89% of deaf and disabled people find it difficult to find and keep a job. Research from the UK's Women's Budget Group found that, across the UK, disabled women earn 12% less than disabled men. The disability employment gap, which is the focus of article 27 of the UNCRPD, still stands at over 40%.”
“Deputy First Minister, recently, at the Executive Office Committee, your lead departmental official was unable to outline what type of targets will be measured. Are you able to give us any specifics on the measurements that you will look at? The official was also unable to talk about the type of measurements that will ensure that there is balance throughout Departments when it comes to commitments in the Programme for Government.”
“We need binding legislation that ensures that regional economic balance is a thread running through every Department's decision-making. Today, I will take another step towards introducing legislation as I launch the official public consultation on my private Member's Bill on regional jobs, skills and investment. The consultation is an opportunity for businesses and individuals to have their say on regional balance and the steps needed to finally address the inequalities in our economy. It is in everyone's interests that we break down barriers to opportunity and give everyone a fair shot by levelling the playing field once and for all. That is why I am pushing forward with legislation. I encourage everyone to contribute to this important debate.”
“<BR /> <BR />We should all want to see a society in which, no matter the postcode of your birth, you can go as far as your talents will take you. It has been welcome that, since devolution returned in February, a new emphasis has been put on regional balance by the Minister for the Economy in particular. I welcome the subregional economic plan, despite its limitations, and acknowledge the fact that regional balance features as one of the four pillars in the Minister's economic vision, but, as the Minister has said, he cannot achieve regional balance alone. That is the job of every Department. Although we have seen warm words, strategies and even the Programme for Government, which are welcome, they will not address the imbalances here.”
“As many Members will be aware, I care deeply about regional economic balance. It is what drove me to stand for election in the first place and what drives me every day in the Chamber. That is because, having worked in business development for many years, I know all too well the inequalities faced by left-behind places and that our peace process and the agreement have not delivered prosperity for everyone. Of course, I see this every day in Derry. In my city, we feel the disparities in our economy deeply. They still hold back far too many people in our community, force too many of our young people to move away to access higher education and trap generations in poverty. That has terrible consequences for our population's health and well-being.”
“It would not be a very complicated process to tell households, "If you do not want this money, you can send it back to the Department, and we will ring-fence it and give it to the appropriate charities that are dealing with fuel poverty on the ground".”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. Many pensioners in my constituency and throughout Northern Ireland will really welcome the one-off £100 payment. My household will get it, but I do not need it. I would like to regift it as part of a process set up by your Department so that the money can go to the charities that are trying to tackle fuel poverty throughout Northern Ireland, such as Bryson House and others. Will you set up a system whereby those who, like me — sorry, my household — do not need the money, can send it back to be targeted to those who need it? Surely, that would be a better way to do it.”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Minister for Communities walked past while another Member was making a point of order and shouted to her, "Sit down". Is that in order?”
“The money that we need is on the table to start that investment with some of the biggest interventions. The Executive will receive over £70 million from additional Barnett consequentials as a result of higher childcare spending in Britain. Unlike the DUP in its amendment, we believe that that money should be ring-fenced and invested immediately. <BR /> <BR />Finally, let us demand that the Government move heaven and earth to build the system that parents, providers and children deserve. Nothing is more important than that.”
“Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Portugal and Sweden apply fee caps for public and, sometimes, private services. We can too. <BR /> <BR />With the right priority, we would design a strategy that invests in providers and raises pay and qualifications for workers through a new public funding scheme. We would also put in place a structure around early education that delivers quality through a new independent body and by accelerating cross-border collaboration. In short, we would want a guarantee of affordability for parents, a guarantee of sustainability for providers and workers and a guarantee of the best start in life for every child. <BR /> <BR />As has been said in the House many times, childcare is not just a cost; it is an investment.”
“The model's focus on working parents means that it fails to make the biggest difference to the children who may need it most. Early education is a tool for intervening positively in a child's earliest days to alleviate disadvantage and level the playing field. By intervening too late and meeting the needs only of some children, the free hours model fails to meet that test. <BR /> <BR />The new strategy must set a much higher ambition. It should treat early education and childcare as what they are: the most important tools at our disposal to address poverty, reduce disadvantage and boost our economy. If we thought about childcare like that, it would seem only sensible for the strategy to cap costs so that no parent would pay more than they could afford and fees would be at least halved by 2030.”
“It is clear that the Government need to step up a gear, as the families and providers suffering from crushing costs are done waiting. <BR /> <BR />A 10-year early learning and childcare strategy must be agreed, published and funded without further delay. We in the SDLP know what we want to see from that strategy. We want to see a transformative, ambitious and child-centred approach that meets both the seriousness of the crisis facing families and the opportunity to get this right. <BR /> <BR />We know that the English standardised hours model of childcare does not work in practice. The childcare sector in England is at breaking point, with fewer than half of childcare providers being able to deliver the expanded model and a quarter of providers having said that they are likely to close.”
“Yes, obviously, it is very much welcomed. That cross-party intervention has delivered over £1 million of savings to parents in Northern Ireland and is to be commended. However, we still wait for the early learning and childcare strategy to be published more than nine months into the mandate. As we look ahead to the final month of 2024, families are still being put under immense pressure by eye-watering costs that are much higher than their mortgage. Too often, workers in the sector are still subject to low wages and a lack of professional support. Providers still struggle to keep the lights on and the doors open. Registered childminders still ask themselves when they will receive some long-awaited and hard-earned support from the Government.”
“No, sorry. I am pushed for time. <BR /> <BR />While there is no doubt that some progress has been made with the introduction of the childcare subsidy scheme —”
“The DUP amendment would water down our motion, whilst, sadly, the People Before Profit proposals are not remotely viable or realistic.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Since the Assembly was restored, childcare has been a key focus of many contributions in the Chamber. When we debated the issue in February, there was cross-party agreement on the need for progress. Childcare now features in the Programme for Government as a stand-alone priority, which is no small thanks to the determined organising on the part of parents and providers outside this Building to highlight the scale of the crisis facing the sector. However, merely signalling that childcare is important is not enough if it is not properly addressed. There is a real issue here that we must deal with in an ambitious but realistic way, but neither the DUP amendment nor the People Before Profit amendment seeks to do so.”
“Will the Member agree that every Member of the Assembly has a responsibility to maximise our post-Brexit status?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. The pressures of costs and inflation have not gone away, and businesses are really struggling. Many business organisations have said that it is sometimes difficult to meet the Minister. Will you commit to meeting representatives of small businesses, such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and our regional chambers, as a collective, so that, together, you can address some of their challenges?”
“We recently had a briefing at the Economy Committee from Professor David Rooney, your critical expert in net zero. He suggested that, at the current rate, net zero will be reached only by 2118 if we continue to work at the pace that we are working at. That is 68 years after 2050. Does that concern you, and what are you doing to ensure that we are within target?”
“We must ensure that each person feels that they have a place here and that they are valued as an integral part of our society. Let us unite in purpose and action and commit to making Northern Ireland a society that celebrates its diversity, respects all its people and provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Together, we can create a future that is free from fear, division and hatred. Let the Assembly lead the way by demonstrating that we are committed to the values of inclusion, unity and respect for everyone. Let us have a rapid review, but, please, let us also have action.”
“That includes making progress on the current outstanding areas within the Executive Office's responsibility that can help to build a culture of respect, understanding and inclusivity. The review that will be produced by the Executive Office as a result of the motion should also seek to give a fulsome update on the racial equality and refugee integration strategies. We need appropriate and meaningful legislation with stand-alone hate crime legislation built in. Accountability is vital here, and we must see progress being made without any further delay. <BR /> <BR />I say again to those who have been affected by such racist incidents, "You are not alone; you have a place and a role in our community, while racists do not and never will".”
“In the aftermath of the riots in the summer, thousands of people came on to the streets to protest against racism and violence but, too often, we have felt that the Government here have been far too slow to react and to demonstrate the same kind of solidarity. This motion is a chance for the Assembly to come together to commit to making the changes that are required and to ensure that lessons are learned. Such lessons can only be learned in the context of a comprehensive review. This review must thoroughly examine what took place, why it happened and who was involved. It must go further to provide us with proposals and real, actionable measures to prevent those horrific incidents from happening again. <BR /> <BR />In addition to addressing the events of the summer, we must work proactively to combat racism at every level.”
“Those attacks had one main objective, which was to sow fear, distrust and hatred in Northern Ireland and to intimidate members of our shared community who have built their lives, their families and their businesses here. Everyone here knows that such incidents are far from spontaneous. They are the products of years of dangerous rhetoric and anti-immigrant sentiment. They are also the product of paramilitary influence, which still looms large in the lives of many of our young people. It was right that politicians from across different parties condemned those attacks during the summer and it is right that we repeat those condemnations today. <BR /> <BR />Condemnation, however, is not enough.”
“I have no doubt that everyone in the Chamber will agree that the events of the summer were profoundly disturbing and deeply troubling for communities and, in particular, for those in our communities who are from ethnic minority backgrounds. This debate is about action and not warm words. My colleague Matthew O'Toole raised the issue with the deputy First Minister yesterday and asked why, disappointingly, there had been precious little action from the Executive to date. <BR /> <BR />A surge to the far right, hatred and racism spilled on to our streets with devastating consequences last August. I express our solidarity with all those who were intimidated by the violence and who feared for their place in Northern Irish society as a result.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. Will you provide specific details on the discussions in and around business and trade, particularly those on the promotion of balanced regional growth? Was the north-west cross-border city region featured in that balanced growth discussion?”