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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“Women's health does not sit neatly in one part of the system; it runs through primary care, hospital services, mental health, sexual health, screening and community provision. Without a joined-up approach and a framework that shapes and closes the gaps, those gaps will continue to appear, and the delays will continue.”
“The group in the report says that what it really needs is, obviously, the publication of the action plan, but the group also wants a commitment to a funded strategy that reflects the findings that will be placed at the heart of the report. <BR /> <BR />Recognition on its own is not enough. We still wait to see that plan published, funded and implemented, and that is why the motion goes further and rightly so. What is required is not just a short-term plan but a full women's health strategy with clear direction, clear targets and clear accountability. It must look at women's health across the whole life course from adolescence through to maternity, menopause and later life.”
“That experience should concern every one of us in the Chamber, because it shows a system that is not responding quickly enough or fairly enough. <BR /> <BR />We also know from engagement carried out in the north-west, including the work of Derry Well Women and Queen's University, that women want to see a different approach. It is my understanding that the Minister will receive their final report just after Easter. Those women want services that are far easier to access, clearer to navigate and more responsive to the realities of their lives, but, most of all, they want to know that women's health is being treated as a priority rather than an afterthought. The Department has indicated that work is under way on a women's health action plan: that is welcome, but we want to see it. Where is it?”
“That is not because the need is not known; it is because the system has never been fully designed with women's health at its core. <BR /> <BR />Endometriosis is one of the clearest examples of that failure, and that has already been raised today. That condition affects around one in 10 women, yet it still takes years, on average, to receive a diagnosis. For many, those years are lived in chronic pain with fatigue, fertility problems and a serious impact on mental health and family well-being. In my constituency, I have spoken to women who were passed from appointment to appointment without answers; women who were told that their pain was normal; and women who felt that they had to push again and again simply to be listened to.”
“I thank the proposer of the motion. It is a really important issue to debate on the Floor of the House. <BR /> <BR />The motion speaks to an important issue and paints a stark picture. Women's health in Northern Ireland is still not seen as the priority that it should be. Since I was elected to the House in 2020, I have repeatedly raised the need for a dedicated women's health strategy — a strategy that is women-centred, properly resourced and shaped around the real experiences of women, including those living in areas where access to services is already difficult. Too often, women here feel that their symptoms are dismissed, that responses to their concerns are delayed and that their treatment comes far later than it should.”
“Can the Commission outline how it is balancing legal compliance and its duty to ensure that Parliament Buildings remains an open, welcoming and respectful workplace for everyone?”
“I thank the Minister. We understand that the Housing Executive has conducted multiple visits to non-standard accommodation following concerns about quality. As far as we are aware, however, those visits are more or less to confirm that the properties are occupied. What steps are being taken to implement regular inspections to ensure that the houses are in a good, liveable condition and of a high safety standard?”
“<BR /> <BR />I place on record my sincere thanks to the dedicated and committed Marie Brown and everyone who is and has been involved in Foyle Women's Aid, past and present, for 50 years of extraordinary service to the people of our city and to the wider region.”
“I also want to recognise the wider progress that has been made in supporting victims of domestic abuse in our city in recent times. The opening of the Women's Aid Foyle Family Justice Centre in Bishop Street has been a hugely significant step forward. That innovative model places support services around victims as they navigate the justice system, and it allows women to give evidence in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by the services that can help them through what can be an incredibly difficult time in their life. It is genuinely leading the way, not just here but right across Europe, as a model of how justice systems can be designed around the needs of victims rather than expecting victims to adapt to the system.”
“<BR /> <BR />What began 50 years ago as a grassroots response by determined women in our community has grown into an organisation that is widely recognised as an exemplar in supporting women and challenging violence against women and girls. In the heart of Derry, their work represents solidarity and resilience. It sends a powerful message that women should never feel isolated, silenced or trapped by abuse.”
“I rise today to mark a very important milestone for Derry Women's Aid, which is a remarkable organisation in my city. This year, it celebrates its 50th birthday. For five decades, Derry Women's Aid has been a lifeline for women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse, providing accommodation, outreach services, advocacy and practical support. It has stood beside thousands of women and families at some of the most frightening and uncertain moments in their lives. That work has been carried forward by generations of staff, volunteers and campaigners who have shown compassion, courage and absolute determination. They have not only provided safety when it was most needed, but helped women to rebuild their confidence, reclaim their independence and begin again.”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion simply asks the Executive to approach that work with greater seriousness, greater consistency and greater ambition than we have seen in the past. That is not an unreasonable request. It is what people expect from a Government who are focused on delivery. For those reasons, I urge Members to support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />The SDLP believes that the future of this island should be built on partnership, cooperation and careful planning. Any new constitutional settlement, if it comes, will succeed only if it is designed to succeed economically as well as politically. That means doing the work now — strengthening cooperation is not cooperation now — and putting in place the structures that allow progress to continue, regardless of who holds office. Better infrastructure, stronger energy cooperation, closer alignment of skills and more coordinated investment policy all make sense today, regardless of anyone's constitutional view. They improve people's lives now and help to build stronger foundations for the future.”
“At present, Sinn Féin holds the Finance, Economy and Infrastructure portfolios. Those are the very Departments that the motion refers to, and they have the greatest ability to drive meaningful North/South economic cooperation. Holding those positions is an opportunity that the party has never had before, yet, when we look at what has been delivered, it is difficult to point to the progress that people were entitled to expect. Too many projects have stalled; cooperation has been uneven; and the ambition of what was promised has not always been matched by action. That is not a failure of circumstances; that is a failure of delivery and, ultimately, a failure of leadership. Trying to suggest otherwise or shift responsibility through an amendment is disingenuous to the House and the people who sent us here expecting results.”
“Working together on strategic infrastructure, energy networks, digital connectivity and skills planning should not depend on short-term political priorities. Those are long-term issues that require long-term cooperation. Part of that more serious approach is the proposal for an all-island economic task force. That should be seen not as another layer of bureaucracy but as a practical way to ensure that agreed priorities are driven forward. Too often, cooperation begins with enthusiasm and then loses momentum when attention moves elsewhere. A formal mechanism to keep that work focused would help ensure that projects do not stall and opportunities are not lost. <BR /> <BR />I will address the amendment tabled by Sinn Féin, because it attempts to move the focus away from where responsibility lies.”
“Progress on infrastructure requires leadership from the Department for Infrastructure; progress on skills and investment in energy require leadership from the Department for the Economy; and long-term planning and funding require leadership from the Department of Finance. Without that engagement, the ambition that we talk about will not translate into results. We can see the consequences of that inconsistency in projects that should have moved much further by now. When cooperation is treated as optional rather than essential, progress slows, opportunities are missed and people are left wondering why the potential of the island is still not being realised. That is why the motion calls for a more structured, deliberate approach.”
“Over the last 30 years, the North and the South have taken different economic paths, and the results have reflected those decisions. As a recent Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) report found, the Republic of Ireland has higher wages, stronger economic growth and better living standards than Northern Ireland. All those measures make a meaningful impact on the lives of our people. That is why we believe that a different approach is needed. For the SDLP, that means being prepared to make different choices now. <BR /> <BR />Building a better future also means taking cooperation seriously, not just in speeches but in the work of Departments and the priorities set by Ministers.”
“Therefore, it makes little sense for government to act as though the border should define the limits of our ambition. <BR /> <BR />The motion starts from a practical, simple position: stronger economic cooperation across the island makes sense if our focus is on better jobs, stronger infrastructure and higher living standards. It is not about ideology; it is about delivery. The SDLP has long argued that the potential of the all-island economy has never been fully realised, not because the opportunity is not there but because the political will to follow through has been inconsistent. Last week, we launched our paper, 'Success by Design: Preparing for a New Ireland', which sets out clearly that economic outcomes are shaped by choices made over time.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I propose the motion on strengthening North/South economic cooperation because the reality is that the economic future of this island will not be determined by slogans or constitutional arguments alone. It will be determined by the decisions that we make about investment, infrastructure, skills and how prepared we are to work together where doing so delivers real benefits for the people whom we represent. Too often, discussions about North/South cooperation become stuck in arguments about the constitution or identity before we even reach the practical questions. However, the reality is that the challenges that people face in their daily life do not divide themselves along the border. Economic opportunity does not recognise it. Health outcomes do not recognise it. Poverty does not recognise it.”
“— by changing some of the small things quickly.”
“We work within the context of the Committee as well, but we think that some very quick results can be found —”
“Can I just progress with this? <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin previously used the term "joint First Ministers" and, in 2015, proposed formal changes to the titles. More recently, the former First Minister, Baroness Foster, spoke in favour of equalising the titles. That is a constructive position, and it shows that there is recognition across the political spectrum that change is possible. <BR /> <BR />The equalisation of the titles is not something to fear. It does not change Northern Ireland's constitutional position. It simply aligns the language of our institutions with the reality of how we already operate.”
“There is much more to be done, and we recognise that. The change would simply reflect the legal reality that already exists. I do not understand the pushback. The change would remove an unnecessary source of division and allow the Assembly to focus less on status and more on delivery. <BR /> <BR />This is not a new idea —”
“<BR /> <BR />The First Minister and the deputy First Minister do not hold authority over their ministerial colleagues. They cannot direct Departments or enforce collective responsibility in the way that most Governments can. Therefore, the titles carry more symbolic weight than practical power. When symbolism becomes the focus of politics, it detracts from the work that people expect us to do. <BR /> <BR />Recognising that something is not working does not mean rejecting the institutions that we have; it means that we are willing to improve them. For many years, the SDLP has argued that our institutions should evolve so that they function better for the people whom they serve. Equalising the titles of First Minister and deputy First Minister is one small step — but a meaningful one — in that direction.”
“I agree. I like the "double buggy" bit. <BR /> <BR />At a time when the world was watching the deeply concerning escalation of violence in the Middle East, the conversation in this Building still drifted towards arguments about who was in charge. That really should give us pause. It reflects the deeper problem of how this place operates. Stormont was designed at a time when the priority was to secure peace and stability after decades of conflict. Those institutions succeeded in bringing together communities that had been divided for generations, and that achievement should always be recognised, but the structures that were created were designed primarily to manage division not to maximise delivery. We see the limits of that every day.”
“Thank you for your intervention. As my colleague set out at the beginning of the debate, this is not the most important thing, but it is important in this regard: given that the offices are equal, why under goodness would they not have the same name? It would stop the nonsense of this childish, "Who is going to sit in the high chair?" time and again. Just back —”
“At a time when the world is watching a deeply concerning escalation of violence in the Middle East —.”
“The motion asks this simple but important question: if the offices of the First Minister and deputy First Minister are equal in authority and responsibility, why do we continue to suggest otherwise through their titles? Under the legislation, the offices are appointed together, they exercise their powers jointly and one cannot exist without the other. The titles that we continue to use imply a hierarchy that simply does not exist in practice. It may seem like a small issue, but it has real consequences. It feeds a political culture in which, too often, debate is focused on symbolism rather than substance. Too often, this place becomes caught up in arguments about who sits in the high chair rather than focusing on the issues that matter most to the people whom we represent. We saw that dynamic only last week.”
“The Member did not answer the last question that was posed by my colleague. A good few years ago, prior to his death, the former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that the offices were equal and the titles should be "joint First Minister". One time, at a dinner, he explained to me at great length the duties and roles of that office. He said that, when his party got into power, it would ensure that there were joint titles. Why do you not agree with that?”
“The economic activity rate of women with preschool-age children remains substantially lower than that of men. Carers NI has been clear that inadequacies in social services, healthcare, education and childcare limit many women's ability to work or to progress in their career. It is not simply a women's issue but an economic issue and a question of fairness. <BR /> <BR />If we are serious about equality, recognition alone is not enough. We must address representation, economic opportunity and safety. International Women's Day should remind us that talent is universal but opportunity is not. It is our responsibility to change that.”
“The rise of artificial intelligence has enabled the spread of deepfake imagery, including the manipulation of women's photographs into sexually explicit content without consent. That is a profound violation, and it causes real harm. Female public representatives continue to face unacceptable levels of abuse and misogyny online. The anonymity of social media has created an environment in which intimidation is normalised. That discourages participation and silences voices. It damages not only individuals but our democracy. <BR /> <BR />Alongside that, women continue to shoulder the majority of unpaid care. Nearly 60% of unpaid carers are women. Women are far more likely to provide care during their life, often at significant economic cost, and that economic cost goes right through to their retirement.”
“Just six of our top 100 companies are led by women. In the judiciary, women hold fewer than one third of the most senior positions. Two thirds of the most senior roles in the PSNI are held by men. Although women now make up 40% of MLAs, they account for less than one third of councillors, while only four of our 11 councils have female chief executives. Those are not isolated statistics: they reflect structural barriers that continue to shape who leads, who decides and who is heard. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA, I am acutely aware that progress does not happen by accident; it requires deliberate effort and sustained political will. The growing threats that women face, particularly online, must also be confronted.”
“Women make up over half of our population, yet, across many of the most powerful roles in Northern Ireland, women remain unrepresented.”
“I thank the Women's Caucus for tabling the motion. Before I talk about the motion, as chair of the all-party group on UNSCR 1325, women, peace and security, I say that, on International Women's Day, we must remember the women of Sudan, Gaza and Afghanistan and throughout the Middle East. War is cruel, and women and children bear the brunt of the evil and instability that prevail in our world today. We must never forget them. <BR /> <BR />International Women's Day is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary contribution that women make across every part of our society in public life, business and education and in our communities and families. Women's leadership enhances the quality of life for everyone. However, celebration must be matched with honesty.”
“OK. That is why I welcome the intention of the Economy Committee to engage with student unions. Policy decisions on mobility, funding and support must be informed by the lived experience of our young people.”
“Without that foundation, growth becomes far more difficult to sustain. More broadly, our higher and further education sectors require that stability. Many institutions are operating under really sustained financial strain. Without timely intervention, the conversation shifts from growth and mobility to basic sustainability. <BR /> <BR />Responsibility for addressing the structural pressures rests with the Minister for the Economy. The higher education funding review must proceed with urgency and deliver a settlement capable of supporting long-term development, wider participation and regional balance. Is it essential that we listen directly to those most affected. Student voices must be central to the discussions. That is why I —.”
“Students from the South who wish to study in Northern Ireland often face confusion around student finance and support arrangements. I agree totally with Michelle that there is not a lot of information out there. You have to search for it to overcome some of the barriers. Complexity and uncertainty risk becoming barriers that undermine the very mobility that we seek to encourage. Clarity, transparency and simplicity must, therefore, be the priorities. <BR /> <BR />At the same time, institutions must have the capacity to support growth. If Magee is to attract students from across the island, it must be funded properly. Expansion requires investment not only in teaching facilities but in student accommodation. Those who come to study in Derry must have access to affordable and appropriate housing.”
“The cost of student accommodation in Dublin, even in the outskirts, is very prohibitive. It is horrendous.”
“Such collaboration would expand education pathways, support research links and reinforce the north-west as a centre of skills, innovation and growth. It would also send an important signal that regional development and educational opportunity must go hand in hand. <BR /> <BR />Student mobility and cooperation cannot be separated from the lived realities that face learners, wherever they come from. For many young people, the high cost of living reshapes their decisions about higher education. Rising accommodation costs and financial pressures deter capable students. Access to university should not depend on the student's ability to absorb escalating costs. Those challenges can be even greater for those considering cross-border study, particularly those who are seeking to study in places such as Trinity in Dublin.”
“The recent announcement of a cross-border collaboration between Queen's University and the Dundalk Institute of Technology is also genuinely welcome. It is a really positive example of institutions recognising shared interests and shared opportunities. <BR /> <BR />If we recognise the value of such partnerships, we must ensure that their benefits extend across all of our regions, and that, obviously, includes the north-west, because it is uniquely positioned to benefit from increased student mobility. It is a region defined by natural economic and social connections, and it operates on a cross-border basis on every strand. Strengthening cooperation between Ulster University and the Atlantic Technological University would represent a practical and strategic investment in shared regional potential.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on an issue that is fundamentally about opportunity, access and the future potential of our young people across our regions. We rightly acknowledge the positive work that has been undertaken to improve understanding between A levels and Leaving Cert qualifications. That progress reflects the simple truth that talent and ambition are not constrained by borders. However, I endorse and echo the comments made by my colleagues on the Economy Committee about the complexity that still exists between the two grading bodies. That misalignment of results places unnecessary stress on our students, who are trying to navigate all-island educational opportunities. It is on the Executive and the Irish Government to work together to ensure that publication dates are better aligned so that students have more choice.”
“For those reasons, I ask you to support the motion.”
“It is about ensuring that Northern Ireland acts strategically in a period during which European priorities are being shaped. <BR /> <BR />Economic resilience does not happen by accident; it is built through planning, engagement and ambition. In a world in which geopolitical instability can quickly affect energy costs and trade flows, the regions that will succeed are those that are outward-looking and prepared. <BR /> <BR />Ireland's presidency offers Northern Ireland a moment to demonstrate that we are serious about economic growth, serious about stability and serious about cooperation. The Executive should not treat the presidency as peripheral; it should be a central element of forward planning. For the sake of our businesses, our workers and our young people, we should approach the presidency with confidence and clarity.”
“I will give you my stated position: we believe in Irish neutrality. <BR /> <BR />We need to recognise that economic progress increasingly depends on cooperation rather than isolation. North/South collaboration is already embedded in everyday life, whether that is in energy markets, higher education, healthcare cooperation or supply chains. Strengthening cooperation is not ideological; it is practical. Improving UK-EU engagement is not a concession; it is the recognition of economic reality. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP has always been clear that it believes that Northern Ireland's long-term future is best served back in Europe, as part of a new Ireland. That is our settled position. However, tonight's motion is about something immediate and practical.”
“and trade security are security issues as well.”
“Ireland's holding the EU presidency does not change Northern Ireland's defence arrangements. That is a distraction from the economic substance of the motion. The issues that we are raising are also about security. Economic security, energy security”
“It is particularly important for regions outside Belfast. As a representative of the north-west, I am acutely aware of the need to ensure that international engagement translates into regional opportunities. Infrastructure investment, research partnerships, cross-border services and innovation funding must not cluster in one part of the region. Strategic moments like this must benefit all parts of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Can I give way to David, please?”
“Sorry. Just a moment, please. <BR /> <BR />It is also regrettable that the Alliance Party wishes to remain on the fence. Where is your ambition for all the people on this island? <BR /> <BR />The question is whether the Executive will approach the matter with ambition. Serious economic planning requires preparation, clarity on priorities and engagement. I want to see structured dialogue between the Executive and the Irish Government starting now, not in July when it will be too late. Northern Ireland's economic priorities must be clearly articulated; everybody across the House must want that. Our infrastructure needs to be understood, our energy challenges should be highlighted, and our research and skills ambitions should be part of the conversation. If we do not set out our interests very clearly, others will set the agenda without us.”
“Ireland's holding the EU presidency should, therefore, be seen as a strategic opportunity. David Brooks, on behalf of the DUP: you never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. This is an opportunity to advance Northern Ireland's economic interests; strengthen cooperation on infrastructure and connectivity; support innovation and research collaboration; and ensure that energy transition policies enhance competitiveness rather than add cost. It is also regrettable —.”
“I will move on and, hopefully, get to that. <BR /> <BR />Ireland’s holding the EU presidency creates the opportunity to strengthen constructive engagement between the EU and the UK. It creates the space where practical issues can be addressed in a measured and solution-focused way. We should all want that — even you, Jonathan, should agree that Northern Ireland benefits economically when relationships are steady and predictable. Our unique position means that we trade east-west and North/South. Our energy system operates on an all-Ireland basis. Our universities collaborate across Europe. Our firms rely on access to markets in both directions. It would simply not be credible to pretend that developments at a European level do not shape our economic environment.”