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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“I thank the Minister for his statement. DAERA recently published the 'Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory'. Based on the Department's document and data on the average rate of emissions reduction, Professor David Rooney, an energy expert in Queens University — I am sure that the Minister knows him — suggests that, at the current rate, net zero will be reached only by 2118: 68 years after the 2050 target. Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland is falling increasingly behind? That is the understatement in the question.”
“In the context of InterTradeIreland's research and, indeed, the COP conference that is taking place, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recently indicated that there is an excellent and largely untapped geothermal resource in Ireland, especially in the North. Given the urgent need to make progress on renewable energy development if we are to meet the "80 by 30 target", how is the Minister's Department working on a cross-border basis to exploit that resource?”
“The general allocation of £170 million for education in the monitoring round is very welcome. Will any of the money go to the provision of 22·5 funded preschool hours a week? If not, how can the Executive deliver on their key priority in the Programme for Government?”
“The commissioner, Fiona Ryan, has done really good work in this area. Will your Department consider extending her role?”
“I agree, and I hope that the Minister has heard the frustration across the House today. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I ask all Members to support the motion, because it is time for us to acknowledge the depth of the failures and to act upon them with the urgency and seriousness that they demand. Let us not wait for another crisis to force our hand. Let us take the necessary steps now to protect the public interest and restore the faith in our institutions, which has been severely damaged even in the past couple of weeks. It is only through decisive action that we can show the people of Northern Ireland that their Government are, indeed, committed to learning from the past and delivering for the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />We owe it to the public to demonstrate that we are capable of learning from our mistakes and committed to addressing the deficiencies identified in the Audit Office report. Reforming our institutions is not merely about responding to a past scandal; it is about ensuring that the systems that we have in place can withstand future challenges and deliver competent, transparent government. We must act decisively to restore public trust. That begins with implementing all outstanding recommendations from the RHI public inquiry without further delay. Diana Armstrong also made that point very well. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for her response, but I urge the Minister of Finance to take the report seriously and accelerate her efforts to address the deficiencies identified by the Audit Office.”
“I apologise, because you are obviously uncomfortable with the level of scrutiny that we are giving you. <BR /> <BR />We were told that the RHI scandal could never be repeated, yet here we stand, debating the very recommendations that should have been implemented by now. It is evident that, without robust mechanisms for oversight and accountability, we will continue to stumble from crisis to crisis. The Executive subcommittee on reform must be re-established immediately, with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. We need clear, measurable outcomes for reform, and those must be embedded in the final Programme for Government to ensure that the required changes are not merely aspirational but fully actionable and tracked over time. That point was well made by my colleagues Colin McGrath and Daniel McCrossan.”
“It is a problem characterised by a lack of training and transparency and by gross incompetence in the handling of such a critical matter. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better. They deserve accountability. If we are to have serious government that serves the interests of people, reform is not just an option but an absolute necessity. <BR /> <BR />David Honeyford says that Alliance is the party of reform. If so, it needs to start prioritising reform around the Executive table. The pace of progress has been far too slow, and the excuses have been worn out.”
“Diane Forsythe, Paul Frew, Timothy Gaston, Gerry Carroll and all my colleagues who spoke expressed anger and alarm at the fact that record-keeping practices have deteriorated since the most recent review in 2022, making it difficult to verify and monitor the recommendations' progress. I am afraid that the Minister's response on that aspect makes me think that I am living in a parallel universe. It was one of the core issues that led to the original scandal, and it appears that the lessons that we should have learnt remain unheeded. <BR /> <BR />Actions in recent weeks illustrate poor transparency and poor governance. Regression in that area is a clear signal that there is a systemic problem in our Civil Service.”
“<BR /> <BR />Nicola Brogan said that we were navigating difficult times, including a global pandemic, the absence of functioning institutions and Budget pressures, but those are not valid excuses for neglecting our duty to ensure that the scandal is never repeated. In fact, the lack of urgency and attention to reform further erodes public trust, which was already severely damaged by the original scandal. How can we expect the public to trust us when they see that, despite all that has happened, the necessary changes have not been made? <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office report also brings to light the issue of record-keeping.”
“My colleague Matthew O'Toole made it abundantly clear that we are dealing not just with the aftermath of a failed scheme but with a failure to learn from the mistakes and to act on the lessons that were painfully laid out in front of us. <BR /> <BR />Of the 42 recommendations that came out of the inquiry, 26 have been implemented and 16 remain unaddressed, with five of those unlikely to be fulfilled in line with their original intent. The fact that the Executive subcommittee on reform has not met since 2020 is an indictment of our approach to governance. Indeed, the primary consideration of prioritising party over government is laid bare.”
“Thanks, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank all Members who contributed to the debate. Many recognised that the RHI report released last month by the Audit Office was sobering. It was a reminder of the serious failures in governance and oversight that continue to plague the administration of the RHI scheme. It highlights a lack of progress on implementing the recommendations, which were aimed at preventing a repeat of the original scandal, an inquiry into which, let us not forget, cost the taxpayer £13 million, exposed significant failings in our institutions and damaged public confidence in our devolved Administration.”
“Minister, I welcome the £114,000 of additional moneys for debt advice services. I recently visited Foyle Foodbank. Food poverty, as you know, is a complex issue. It is often the result of debt incurred from unregulated lenders, many of whom are paramilitaries. Those paramilitaries act as gatekeepers in our communities. Some are even pushing women into prostitution so that they can pay their debt. How are you tackling that issue, apart from having cosy conversations with those paramilitaries? How are we tackling the causes of debt in our community so that we do not have to direct money at advice centres? We need to get to the core of the problem.”
“Minister, have you done any proactive work to ensure that Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and other relevant bodies have the funding that they need to promote and maximise dual market access?”
“Let us seize the opportunity to invest in our own communities, to support our local businesses and to build town centres that are not only economically vibrant but socially and inclusively enriching. Our high streets are the heart of our communities, and, by taking bold action now, we can ensure that they are thriving places for generations to come.”
“Each high street has its own unique strengths and challenges, and local councils, businesses and community groups are best placed to identify and address those needs. By empowering local communities to take the lead in reshaping their town centres, we can ensure that solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each area. District councils should be encouraged to develop bespoke high street action plans that are informed by the views of local residents and other stakeholders. The report of the high street task force supported that place-based approach, which puts local needs and aspirations at the heart of the regeneration efforts. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I urge the Assembly to support our amendment, which recognises the importance of developing "a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate" our "high streets and town centres".”
“Providing support to small businesses to adopt digital tools, develop online sales channels and integrate e-commerce in their in-store offering will enable them to compete in a changing marketplace. <BR /> <BR />We must not forget that the future of our high streets must be environmentally sustainable. Investing in green infrastructure such as energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport will not only reduce costs for businesses but contribute to broader environmental goals. That can include incentives for businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades and measures to promote sustainable forms of transport, such as cycling and electric vehicle charging points etc. <BR /> <BR />Finally, any strategy to rejuvenate our high streets must involve local partnerships and community input.”
“It will also mean incentivising the use of vacant properties. We all know that empty shops and derelict buildings are a common sight on many high streets. They contribute to a sense of decline and, certainly, a sense of wasted opportunities. We need policies that encourage property owners to bring vacant units back into use, whether for new businesses, community spaces or, indeed, housing. We also need to support local events and community activities. We need to embrace digital and technological innovation and to foster sustainable development. <BR /> <BR />Each of those measures will be integral to the rejuvenation of our high streets, if they are properly implemented. While it is important to aim to revive traditional retail, we must also help local businesses to adapt to the digital age.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are letting down our high street businesses by ignoring the task force and its recommendations. Those recommendations could form the basis of a strategy for the Economy and Finance Ministers. The comprehensive strategy that we develop could be built upon the task force recommendations. That would mean greater investment in infrastructure and public space, making our high streets attractive, inclusive and accessible places where people want to spend. That is why we welcome the amendment by Gerry Carroll on the need for retail centres that are accessible for disabled people. <BR /> <BR />Investing in cleaner, greener and safer public spaces, as well as improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, can make our town centres more inviting and encourage higher footfall.”
“The strategy should be multifaceted, not only targeted financially but to address structural issues that have been exacerbated by the economic downturn and the shift to online shopping. <BR /> <BR />In 2022, the main political parties, representatives of the 11 councils and some 33 businesses, trade unions and community sector groups all agreed the final high street task force report recommendations. The high street task force outlined a vision for revitalising high streets and called for a five-year programme, focused on creating high streets that are fit for the 21st century. Since then, however, nothing has happened: absolutely nothing. Significantly, the Executive Office has refused calls from Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster for it to be recalled, and no explanation has been given to them.”
“<BR /> <BR />While reforming non-domestic rates is a crucial step, we must recognise that it is only part of the solution. The recent Budget announcement grants us further opportunity. Rate reliefs for businesses from the relevant Barnett consequential funding must be ring-fenced by the Executive. Funding for services must not be allowed to come to Stormont and then just fall into a big black hole. Businesses are calling out for strategic planning of additional funding, and the SDLP will continue to make that case. Rate relief is just one measure that is used to support our struggling high streets. A comprehensive strategy of high street rejuvenation is needed to address the full range of challenges that our town centres face.”
“<BR /> <BR />If we do not take decisive action to support them, we risk losing not only those businesses but the character and vitality that they bring to our streets. Reform of non-domestic rates is central to that conversation. The case for change has never been clearer: the current system is outdated and does not reflect the economic realities faced by small businesses in our community today. Reforming that system is not simply a matter of easing the financial burden on small enterprises: it is about creating a fair and more balanced economic environment, where businesses of all sizes can thrive. We must ensure that the system is more equitable, with targeted relief for small businesses and measures that encourage investment and growth in our town centres.”
“The lasting impact of the pandemic, combined with evolving consumer behaviours, has placed tremendous pressure on retailers, the hospitality sector and other businesses that make up the fabric of our high streets. That pressure has not been felt by all businesses equally. Small businesses have faced particular challenges, and it is right to draw attention to just how important that is for considering how we reinvigorate our high street economy. Family-run shops, independent cafes, local pubs and unique speciality stores give our town centres character and diversity. Rising costs, inflation and reduced consumer spending are putting a strain on those businesses. I see it in my own city of Derry and across the North, where they are struggling to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”
“There can be absolutely no doubt that high streets and town centres play a vital role in the economic vibrancy and social cohesion of our communities, and we welcome the Alliance Party's motion. It is not an exaggeration to say that the businesses that we find on our high streets, big and small, represent the lifeblood of our economy, creating employment and driving growth across the region. We also know that that role goes beyond mere commercial activity. They are where our communities come together, where local identity is fostered and where social interaction flourishes. A bustling high street supports not only the economy but the quality of life in our towns and cities. <BR /> <BR />As the motion rightly points out, the challenges facing our high streets are significant.”
“Thank you, Minister, for coming along this afternoon. There is considerable concern and alarm in my community after the four serious sexual assaults. Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney and Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher have just finished a press conference in Derry, in which they reassured the community that the PSNI will have an increased, high-visibility presence in key areas. Minister, are you confident that the PSNI has the resources and capacity to invest heavily in ending violence against women and girls when, across all Departments, the budget against the strategy is only £3 million over two years?”
“A strong and compassionate justice system is essential. It must be prepared to act swiftly and effectively to protect victims and prevent future violence. <BR /> <BR />Addressing violence against women and girls also means confronting the structural inequalities that make women vulnerable in the first place. Women must be empowered with equal opportunities and included in decision-making at every level. Let us seize the moment to reform and reaffirm our commitment to action and strengthen our resolve. This is not just an issue for women; it is our shared responsibility. We need to stamp it out.”
“This is a moment that calls for a strengthened response and an unwavering commitment to change. We must take a clear stand: violence against women and girls is unacceptable. The Executive must allocate greater investment to the strategic framework on ending violence against women and girls, accelerate its delivery and work closely with front-line services to ensure that they, too, are well supported. We need comprehensive, well-funded support systems that ensure shelters, hotlines, counselling and legal services are accessible to every survivor. That also means prioritising education for our young people about healthy relationships, respect and consent in order to address the issue at its very roots. We must hold perpetrators accountable. Too often, the victims are silenced or made to feel at fault, while abusers face few consequences.”
“It impacts on not only the individuals concerned but entire families and communities who struggle to heal from their trauma and loss.”
“I rise with a deep sense of urgency to address an issue that impacts on women, families and entire communities profoundly: the critical need to end violence against women and girls. In just the past week, four reported sexual assaults against women have been reported in Derry — a grim reminder that far too many women in our communities still live in fear. Each of those women will have to live with the trauma of her experience. <BR /> <BR />Violence against women is a profound violation of human rights, a pervasive injustice and a crisis that crosses all social, economic and cultural boundaries. The violence, whether it is domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking or harassment, leaves deep and lasting scars on those who experience it.”
“I welcome the statement and the comprehensive report from Professor Renfrew. Minister, you spoke about proposals for the partnership and programme board and the implementation of a consolidated regional action plan on maternity and neonatal safety. Minister, the same recommendations could be made on many other gynae health issues. Is it not time to consolidate and widen the recommendations under a wider women's healthcare strategy? We are the only region on these islands that does not have one.”
“They are the next generation of politicians — God forbid — doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and everything in between. We must ensure that they are not burdened by the failure of the Government. We must support their aspirations. The delivery of a childcare strategy must be an immediate priority.”
“Earlier this year, we finally saw some progress through the Northern Ireland childcare subsidy scheme (NICSS), a practical success that was achieved by many politicians working in collaboration right across the political spectrum. Yet, we know all too well that that is only a start. The NICSS is a welcome intervention, but it is not a long-term solution to the issues that we face. It is not a childcare strategy. Parents cannot continue to wait for more support with their childcare bills. <BR /> <BR />The childcare sector has some of the hardest-working, most-dedicated and passionate people that I have met in all my years in business. Those people deserve better from the Executive and cannot afford to wait years for a strategy. Our children are our future.”
“Parents and those in the childcare sector cannot afford to wait years. It is true that stakeholders will want the strategy to be comprehensive and detailed, but, after years of delay and waiting, they should be able to expect such a strategy to be delivered with urgency. It is one of the key priorities in the Programme for Government. Parents need long-term sustainable support, and they need it now. <BR /> <BR />The childcare system in the North has been at breaking point for well over a decade, with many parents paying much more on childcare costs than their mortgage every month. Childcare providers are desperate for support, and families cannot make ends meet. We all know that the status quo cannot be allowed to continue.”
“I have really strong concerns about Minister Givan's response last week when asked about the development of a childcare strategy. In his answer, the Minister suggested that we would have to wait:”
“<BR /> <BR />Across the UK, an alarming number of specialised teachers have left the profession, and it is evident that we are not training enough new teachers. I call today for the Minister of Education to act urgently. We need a comprehensive plan that guarantees that every deaf child has access to a qualified teacher of the deaf and specialist support staff as early as possible, regardless of the severity of the child's condition. It is not just about fairness. It is about ensuring that every child has the right to an education that meets their needs. I will support the motion so that we can give deaf and hearing-impaired children the support that they so desperately deserve.”
“Qualified teachers of the deaf play a vital role not only in educating those children but in empowering their families with the tools and confidence that they need to support their child's learning. With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, the experience of raising a deaf child is often upsetting and isolating. The circumstances that those families find themselves in routinely lead to a loss in earnings and added expenses as parents take time from their careers and pay for services to support their children's needs. While the National Deaf Children's Society does brilliant work in supporting those families, too often, the Department for Education fails to best support those children in their education.”
“Deafness is not a learning disability, but without the right support in place, deaf children can face massive unnecessary barriers in their education and in their development. Every child, regardless of their level of deafness, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, yet many deaf children are being left behind due to the shortage of qualified teachers of the deaf and specialist staff. That lack of support has a profound and negative impact on their education, communication skills and emotional well-being. We know that early intervention is key. The earlier a deaf child receives support, the better their chances of success in school and in life. <BR /> <BR />Families also need guidance from the start.”
“If we ensure that deaf learners are supported from the earliest stages of their education by qualified, professional teachers of the deaf, those children stand the best opportunity to succeed in school, develop the skills and qualifications that they need for a fulfilling career and participate and contribute as equal and valued citizens in wider society.”
“Yet, with the right support and instruction from an early age, the challenges faced by deaf and hearing-impaired children need not be insurmountable, and deaf learners may have every opportunity to succeed in education and lead rich and happy lives. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we endeavour to ensure that all deaf children are provided with the appropriate professional guidance that they deserve. <BR /> <BR />Simply put, it is a human rights issue, and, without guaranteed access to such professional support, it is an issue on which we are failing.”
“I, too, thank the Member for tabling the motion. Everyone in the House will recognise the immense importance of schooling, as well as the challenges that those years can bring. However, for those who are born deaf or hearing-impaired, the challenges are considerably greater, whilst the importance of school is no less. <BR /> <BR />As others have said, it is estimated that there are around 1,400 children who are deaf in Northern Ireland. Being born into a world deprived of hearing is a challenge that most of us cannot imagine. Hearing is a gift that most of us take for granted. Not knowing the sound of your parents' voices, crossing a road without being able to hear a car engine or being unable to partake in normal conversation means navigating life with a profound and permanent barrier.”
“First Minister, when were you first made aware of the reason for Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile's suspension from your party?”
“The RHI scheme's history is a painful reminder of the dangers of rushing legislation without proper oversight. Let us not allow history to repeat itself. We must demand transparency, accountability and a fair deal for all participants as well as for all taxpayers.”
“How can we make an informed decision when the evidence base is hidden from us? That not only undermines public trust but raises serious questions about due process. <BR /> <BR />We have learnt hard lessons from the original RHI scheme, which suffered from poor design and excessive financial incentives, yet we are here again, potentially repeating the same mistakes. Just last week, the Northern Ireland Audit Office condemned the dither and delay in implementing the recommendations from the RHI public inquiry. Now, we face new regulations that seem to ignore those hard-earned lessons. <BR /> <BR />I urge Members to consider the consequences of supporting the amendment. It risks breaching commitments that were made to investors in renewable energy and undermines our progress towards a net zero transition.”
“The tariff fails to account for capital and operational expenses adequately and uses 2020 as a baseline, ignoring the significant inflation and energy price hikes since late 2021. That oversight threatens to leave many scheme participants running at a deficit. The regulations do not address years of under-compensation, and there is no provision for backdating payments or incorporating past losses into the new rates. Those failures leave many who invested in good faith in renewable heating feeling short-changed and betrayed. <BR /> <BR />A central issue is the lack of transparency. In 2021, a consultation was held to chart the future of the RHI scheme, but, as we know, its findings remain unpublished. We are now asked to support regulations without having seen the consultation results.”
“I and my party have deep concerns regarding the draft RHI scheme regulations 2024 and will therefore vote against them. The Northern Ireland (Regional Rates and Energy) Act 2019 outlined a commitment to a 12% average rate of return, yet the new tariff falls short. We know all too well the deficiencies of the RHI scheme. It was poorly designed from the start and did serious damage to public trust in the institutions. However, for the many operators, we cannot allow the overall failure of the scheme to allow government to act with impunity on the issue. Businesses invested in the scheme in good faith, and we must reach an agreement on the way forward that is also fair to them.”
“I urge the Executive and the Assembly to step up to the challenge and support our motion and stamp out paramilitarism once and for all.”
“Steve Aiken made that point in his address as well, and I totally agree with Connie Egan's assertion that it is long past time for those paramilitaries to leave the stage and to do so for good. We need to see an end point, as Matthew just said. That end point was unclear in the First Minister's response. <BR /> <BR />Our current approach is clearly not working, and we must not let this Assembly mandate end, as the previous one did, with very little movement made and organised crime still able to control communities. The contributions from Members across the Chamber during the debate affirmed that there is cross-party support and agreement for change on the issue, but the Government must deliver a better society and reconcile our people.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our Government cannot continue to pander to paramilitary organisations. Indeed, as Gerry Carroll said, we cannot have a revolving door for paramilitary groups.”
“That is a worrying underestimation of the scale of the problem. When paramilitary representatives are being invited into the heart of government and given privileged access that many in our communities, including community organisations, could only dream of, it is hard to see how the Executive Office's work can be effective when the very Ministers in the Executive are meeting paramilitaries. Many Members expressed their disappointment and anger at the Education Minister and the Communities Minister, who have denied multiple meetings with grassroots community groups and voluntary organisations yet find the time to meet paramilitaries. The Education Minister has turned down over 205 requests for meetings, but he managed to find time in his diary for a meeting with the LCC after it sent him a one-line email request. Now, that is access.”
“I absolutely agree with the Member, and I am coming on to that. <BR /> <BR />I am not sure that the current approach represents true value for money and whether it will lead to the end of paramilitarism once and for all. In a recent answer to a question for oral answer, the deputy First Minister said that paramilitarism represents a:”