Nicola Brogan
West Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Rinne muid Lá Idirnáisiúnta an Aistriúcháin a cheiliúradh an mhí seo a chuaigh thart. Tugtar seans dúinn an lá sin leis an obair thábhachtach, fhiúntach a dhéanann fir agus mná teanga ar fud an domhain a cheiliúradh.”
“Tugann sé seans do na daoine a bhfuil na teangacha sin acu a gcuid a bheith acu den tsaol anseo agus a bhuíochas sin ar na haistritheoirí agus na hateangairí.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mar sin de, a Cheann Comhairle, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil leis na haistritheoirí agus na hateangairí uile go léir, bíodh siad ag obair in institiúidí polaitíochta nó amuigh fríd na daoine sna hotharlanna agus sna cúirteanna.”
“<BR /> <BR />Despite an extremely tight budget that continues to be stripped to the bone by consecutive British Governments, investment in waste water infrastructure is continuing. NI Water is getting 90% of the capital money that it could spend this year, which is an increase from last year.”
“The appeal has been supported by the AERA Minister and is due to be heard this December. <BR /> <BR />I have said this before and will say it again: we need to continue to work together to ensure that the A5 is delivered.”
“Minister Kimmins and her predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, have fought tooth and nail for the progression of the A5 road upgrade. As a representative of West Tyrone and someone who uses the road daily, I appreciate the Minister's commitment to that vital project.”
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“<BR /> <BR />We need a new fiscal framework in which we are funded on the basis of our relative need. There was much discussion yesterday about the proposed fiscal floor. I look forward to working with colleagues on the Finance Committee to examine how that will work and to scrutinise the Fiscal Council's assessment of our relative need. Our current fiscal framework relies far too heavily on the British Government to properly fund the block grant. If we want to talk about fiscal sustainability, we need to ensure that we have more say over our own budgets. <BR /> <BR />I again thank the Finance Minister for bringing the Budget Bill to the Floor, and I urge all Members to support the Bill at Final Stage.”
“The simple fact is that the Bill has to progress this week to ensure that Departments do not run out of money. When we asked officials at the Committee, they confirmed that if Departments were to run out of money, benefits would not be paid to sick and disabled people and front-line services would potentially collapse. Given the circumstances, it would be reckless not to proceed with the Bill. <BR /> <BR />As many Members outlined at Second Stage, Tory underfunding over many years has caused deep and lasting damage to our public services. We are in a bizarre situation in which the Secretary of State has admitted publicly that we are underfunded, yet he thinks that it is acceptable to ask struggling families to make up the shortfall with unfair charges rather than ask the British Government to come up with the money that they owe us.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing forward the Budget Bill and for her engagement with Members during yesterday's debate. As has been said, the Bill will give effect to the allocations that were announced last week, including the £688 million that has been provided for public-sector pay. Our public-sector workers have waited long enough for a fair pay rise, so it is vital that we pass the Bill today to send workers the message that we have their backs. <BR /> <BR />In yesterday's debate, Members mentioned the lack of scrutiny of the Bill. As legislators, of course we want to have the chance to scrutinise legislation to the fullest extent, but, as officials outlined to the Finance Committee, this is a highly unusual situation and these are exceptional circumstances.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is hugely significant that the very first act of the restored Assembly was a united call from all the parties for a new fiscal framework that would ensure that funding be provided on the basis of need and that our finances be put on a sustainable footing. Sinn Féin is ready and willing to work with the other parties to achieve fiscal sustainability in the longer term, but we must be given the time and space to consider all the options that are available to us. In the meantime, I thank the Minister for bringing forward the Budget Bill to deal with the immediate pressures facing us, and I urge Members to support the passage of the Bill through the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the announcement from the Finance Minister last week that £688 million has been made available for public-sector pay. Our public-sector workers have waited long enough for fair pay, and that money now provides an opportunity for deals to be reached. I am delighted that the Minister made that a priority. However, it is worth noting that the pay negotiations associated with the money, earmarked for public-sector pay, could be jeopardised if the Bill was not to progress. Voting against the Bill could, in fact, be voting against a fair pay deal for workers.”
“In the past year alone, Tory underfunding has delivered cuts of up to £1 billion to our public services. <BR /> <BR />As elected representatives, we see every day the impacts that those cuts have on our communities, and many of those have been mentioned here this afternoon already. It is utterly reprehensible that Tory cuts inflicted so much hardship on the most vulnerable in our society, many of whom were already struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. The £3·3 billion financial package that was agreed is, of course, very welcome, but, as many others have stated, the funding package will only plug the gaps left by the years of Tory underfunding and is simply not enough to deliver long-term sustainability.”
“As a result of the previous Budget, Departments will reach the cash limit much earlier than usual, and we need the Budget Bill to progress so that Departments can continue to access the cash that they need to deliver services for the remainder of the financial year. <BR /> <BR />We have waited far too long for the opportunity to come to the Chamber and debate a Budget Bill that will bring much-needed stability to our public finances. The Bill's being debated today is an important step in finally addressing the chaos that has been a feature of the past 18 months of Tory misrule, both for our public finances and for our ability to deliver decent public services. Let us have no doubt that the difficult financial position that we find ourselves in today is a direct consequence of the underfunding of Budgets by the Tory Government.”
“I begin by welcoming you to the role of Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for bringing the Budget Bill to the Floor of the Assembly. I thank my colleagues in the Finance Committee for agreeing to its accelerated passage in the exceptional circumstances as well. Urgency is required to ensure that the Budget Bill passes through the Assembly and receives Royal Assent as promptly as possible. That is to make sure that Departments do not reach the limits of the cash allocated to them through the Budget that was set by the Secretary of State in April 2023. As we know, those allocations fell well short of the funding that Departments need, and we saw the devastating impact of that Budget on many of our public services.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“The long delay in the project has obviously been hugely frustrating for the many families who have lost loved ones on that dangerous road and for the many users who know the dangers that they incur when using it. Does the First Minister agree that work needs to begin as soon as possible?”
“I also urge the Minister to clearly set out a timeline for the publication of the early years and childcare strategy to ensure that there are no more delays to its development. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin wants to see urgent and significant investment delivered to the childcare sector so that we can support the development of children, including children with special educational needs, reduce the cost of childcare for parents, ensure that the childcare sector is sustainable and supported and recognise the invaluable work of childcare staff and improve their pay and conditions. I hope that you will all work with us and support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />We really have an exciting opportunity right now to deliver a top-class early years and childcare strategy, but, as I say, we must get it right. I urge the Minister of Education to work with us; to engage extensively with the experts in the field who have the experience and understanding of what is needed to protect the sector and help it flourish for the benefit of us all; and to co-design the strategy with childcare providers, parents, businesses right across the economy and those involved in inspection and regulation of services. As we are waiting for the strategy to be implemented, it is also important for the Minister to consider re-establishing a childcare reference group to deal with live issues that the sector faces.”
“We expect childcare providers to do a lot of the heavy lifting, but providers can only support us if we support them. The sector employs around 10,000 people, the vast majority of whom are women. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, businesses in the childcare sector are most likely to be headed up by women. Providers also include charities, local voluntary groups, not-for-profits, social enterprises and self-employed childminders. In a recent survey, more than 40% of childcare providers described their financial situation as "struggling", and over 80% said that they were making a loss or just breaking even. Without direct support, more than three quarters anticipated increasing their fees, and the current mechanisms of support — for example, tax-free childcare — do not meet the needs of many families here.”
“As part of the all-party group's work, we examined England's scheme, which claims to offer 30 hours of free childcare. Although that sounds good, in practice, it is not meeting the needs of parents, providers or children. We need our own model that ensures the sustainability of the sector by protecting workers' conditions and pay and that reduces fees for parents to drive down the costs for families. That approach would improve the sector's financial sustainability, thereby attracting new childcare providers. It would make childcare more affordable for parents, and it would make it easier to attract and retain childcare staff. It would create a relationship between government and the sector, which could be harnessed to maintain the high standards in the sector and to ensure a focus on childcare's educational benefits.”
“It has become abundantly clear that delivering childcare in a fair and sustainable way is difficult. Producing a properly funded childcare strategy that delivers quality care for children, affordability for parents and sustainability for providers will not be easy, but it is crucial that we get it right. It is important that we create our own childcare model and strategy that works for the people of the North. <BR /> <BR />We expect a strategy that puts the interests of the child at its core, supports early development, addresses disadvantage, meets special educational needs and supports the childcare workforce. We want childcare to be affordable and to support parents to return to work or take up new employment opportunities.”
“For 41% of families, childcare is the largest monthly outgoing ahead of mortgage or rental costs, and 56% of families have to use means other than their income to pay for childcare, including savings, credit cards and loans. The costs are simply unaffordable for families. They place an unfair burden on families who are already struggling, and it is unacceptable that they are being put in that position. We really need to see urgent and significant investment in the childcare sector. <BR /> <BR />As chair of the all-party group, together with my fellow members, I listened to many people sharing their experiences and concerns about delivering and availing themselves of childcare. We have also looked at the delivery of childcare in different jurisdictions and countries.”
“We must ensure that a new early years and childcare strategy focuses on meeting their needs as well as the needs of others. It is also crucial that we recognise the role of early education and childcare in helping to lift families out of poverty. High-quality, affordable childcare plays an essential role in tackling disadvantage by enabling parents to work and helping to give children and young people the best start in life. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the cost of childcare is having a crippling effect on families in the North right now. According to Employers for Childcare's most recent survey in 2023, the current average cost for a full-time childcare place is £10,036 per year. That is an increase of 14% since 2021.”
“<BR /> <BR />We also understand how poor childcare provision is a massive barrier to women who are trying to join the labour market or to get back into work after having a family, and the detrimental effect that that has on the local economy. In rural areas, such as my constituency of West Tyrone, it is particularly difficult for parents to find adequate childcare provision, with many relying heavily on the support of grandparents and their extended family. We must do more to improve the access to suitable childcare right across the North. That includes adequate childcare for families with children with special educational needs. Children with additional needs and their families have been overlooked and neglected for far too long.”
“It is clear to see that childcare is a massive issue for people right across the North right now. Very often we hear about the rising cost of childcare and the impact that that has on parents and families who are already struggling with the cost of living. We talk about the very real and concerning pressures that our childcare providers face right now in trying to keep their doors open, with increased operating costs and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. We saw just last week that a day nursery in Lisburn will have to close its doors this month because of increasing costs and staffing pressures. That is not only putting untold pressures on families to find new childcare arrangements in just a matter of weeks, it is putting hard-working staff out of work. We really need to do better for everyone involved.”
“Whilst the work of the all-party group has been of great value, further progress was stalled in the absence of an Executive. The motion:”
“Members are honest about their personal challenges and the struggles within the sector, and parents and users are so forthcoming about the serious problems that they face in trying to pay for childcare. <BR /> <BR />I give a special thank-you to Aoife Hamilton and Employers for Childcare for the work that they do as secretariat of the all-party group. Aoife, Employers for Childcare and the all-party group members have been a driving force in ensuring that the early years and childcare strategy is not only progressed but is ambitious and meets the needs of children, families and providers across the North, and that the expertise, knowledge and views of those in the sector are taken into consideration throughout the development of the strategy.”
“I am really pleased to be here this afternoon to move the motion on behalf of Sinn Féin. I am delighted that one of the first motions to be debated in this new Assembly is on the need to prioritise high-quality, affordable childcare. <BR /> <BR />For almost two years, in the absence of a functioning Assembly and Executive, the Assembly's all-party group on early education and childcare has worked tirelessly to address the serious issues and concerns that the childcare sector faces. It is testament to the childcare providers, users and organisations involved in the all-party group that we are debating childcare at the earliest opportunity. As chairperson of the all-party group, I thank all those involved in the group for their invaluable input to the meetings.”
“I add my congratulations to the Minister on his new role and wish him all the best in the time ahead. I welcome the Minister's commitment to the Strule shared education campus in Omagh and his intention to bring forward investment proposals. Can he offer some kind of timeline for when he plans to bring forward those proposals?”
“<BR /> <BR />I also pay tribute to and thank all the families who have lost loved ones on the A5 for their contributions to the inquiry and their determination to ensure that the project is completed. They have shown great strength and dignity through difficult times. We cannot accept any more delays to the upgrade of the A5. I look forward to working with the Executive to ensure the delivery of the A5 and again urge those who have so far delayed progress of the development to reconsider their objections.”
“<BR /> <BR />The recent public inquiry reflected the widespread support for the A5 upgrade from the local community, business leaders and the many families who have been affected by the loss of loved ones on that road. I take this opportunity to commend and thank Tyrone GAA for the work that it has done through its Enough is Enough campaign and its participation in the public inquiry. The Enough is Enough campaign was successful in raising awareness of the dangers of the A5. It highlighted the devastating impact that the loss of life on the A5 road has had on individual families and local communities, and it expressed the urgency that is required to deliver the upgrade.”
“I join others in urging those objectors to reconsider their challenges and instead consider how deadly that road is and think of the many lives that have been lost and the people and communities that have been left devastated by the death of loved ones because that road is simply not fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />I raised the issue of the safety of the A5 in the previous Assembly mandate, following the deaths of three young men over Christmas 2021. I am saddened to say that the road has taken more lives since then, again with families in our communities having been torn apart with devastating loss. It is the heartbreaking reality that, until the A5 is upgraded and made safe for users, it will continue to take lives.”
“I take my first opportunity to speak in the restored Assembly to raise the importance of having the A5 road upgrade delivered as a matter of urgency. First, I would like to welcome the commitment from Michelle O'Neill in her inaugural address as First Minister that delivery of the A5 road upgrade is a priority for the newly established Executive. I also welcome Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd's commitment and determination to progress the A5 and prioritise its delivery. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, due to legal challenges by a small minority, there have been significant delays to this project.”
“I will be very brief. I am happy to support the Bill. It is important legislation that will benefit many teachers and student teachers. I, too, commend those who have worked hard to ensure that the Bill made it to Final Stage and that it gets through in this mandate. As my colleague Pat Sheehan said, it shows how successful we can be when people work together and how we can pass legislation that will have a positive impact on real people and their lives. <BR /> <BR />I commend and thank Chris Lyttle for the work that he has done on the Bill and as Chair of the Education Committee. He has shown real integrity, fairness and equality throughout. The Bill reflects the MLA and the Committee Chair that he has been. Well done and thank you, Chris, for all that.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. I thank the Minister for his answer. <BR /> <BR />The reforms tabled in England mean that students have to start repaying their student fees when they are on a lower wage and could be forced to make payments for up to 40 years, which could potentially be into their retirement. Can the Minister give a commitment that his Department will not follow those regressive changes and drive more graduates into poverty?”
“I will continue with the local politics trend and ask you for an update on the Civil Service hub in Omagh.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. I thank the Minister for her answer. She is right. I have been contacted by a number of school bus operators who have contracts with the Education Authority and are afraid that they will be unable to maintain them because of the cost of fuel. Will the Minister confirm whether she will provide support to bus operators that are really struggling because of the increases in the cost of fuel?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister. Thank you for meeting the families so that you could see for yourself just how busy that road is and how much the temporary safety measures are needed. As you said, the temporary safety measures are important, but we need to see the upgrade of the A5. I know that you published the environmental statement last week, but will you give us an update on the progress of the entire project?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I am really glad that Dean Maguirc College has been included in the announcement. Minister, you will be aware that another key project in West Tyrone is the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh, which I have been campaigning for during your tenure. Can you update the House on the progress of the campus, please?”
“Concerns about the rights of access were raised during the Committee Stage, so I am pleased that an amendment has been tabled by the Department to address those. Many of the remaining amendments are for technical adjustments, and I am happy to support them as well. <BR /> <BR />This is an inclusive Bill that has many opportunities for further development after it is enacted. The Bill will go some way towards addressing gender inequality, social injustice and period poverty. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude by again thanking the Bill sponsor, Pat Catney, our Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, and all the organisations, groups and individuals who helped us to shape this very important piece of legislation. I support the amendments and urge all other Members to do the same.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also speak in support of the amendments tabled by the Communities Minister. I am grateful to the Minister and her departmental officials for their guidance in ensuring that the legislation can progress through the Assembly. The amendments provide additional clarity, which will make the implementation of the legislation easier. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 1 clarifies that the public bodies specified in the Bill must include bodies whose functions would enable them to discharge the duty in relation to hospitals, schools, further education, and higher education premises, but it does not restrict provision at other locations. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 2 establishes the right of access to premises, and it addresses safeguarding issues around who can have access to a school or other premises when they are closed.”
“I welcome the chance to speak at Further Consideration Stage of the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill. I commend all those who have campaigned for the legislation, and I commend the Bill's sponsor, Pat Catney, for bringing the issue before the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />The facts in support of the Bill speak for themselves. Of those in need of period products, one in 10 is unable to afford them at some time in their life, and one in seven reports struggling to afford period products. As I mentioned before, research found that 49% of girls have missed a day at school because of their period. So I am glad to show my support for legislation that will go some way to ensuring that girls do not miss school because they do not have access to period products.”
“Crucially, the development of the Bill also included input from children, young people and their parents. It is really important that the voices of young people are not only heard but heeded. I am glad that they have been able to shape the legislation with their views and opinions. <BR /> <BR />I conclude by thanking the Minister and his team of officials for their work in bringing the legislation together, the Committee, the Chair, Colm Gildernew, and the Clerk and Committee team. A lot of work has gone into this long-awaited legislation. It is complex, so I appreciate all of the efforts to put it in place.”
“I am delighted to speak on the Final Stage of the Adoption and Children Bill. It is long-awaited legislation and has secured widespread support, so it is great that it has reached Final Stage. The Bill will reform the legal framework governing the delivery of adoption, making it more child-centred and more consistent with international human rights. It aims to improve outcomes for children, parents and carers and includes the introduction of special guardianship. It enhances services available to children, parents and carers in the hope of improving the outcomes for children in care. <BR /> <BR />It is lengthy and complex legislation, and I commend and thank all those who worked so hard to deliver it, including agencies such NICCY, VOYPIC, the Human Rights Commission, Barnardo’s, the NSPCC and many others.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I have written to the Education Authority outlining those very serious issues and how many contracts will have to be abandoned because the contractors simply cannot afford to run the buses any more. Will Minister Poots tell me whether Minister McIlveen will work with senior management in the Education Authority to find a resolution for those bus operators so that our children can still be transported to school safely?”
“We have a diverse and often complex education system, but, currently, only 7% of pupils are educated in an integrated school. No one has anything to fear from integrated education, and the Bill does not disadvantage other sectors. It will do no harm to the controlled or maintained sectors. The Bill is about choice, and it tries to ensure that the growing demand for integrated school places is met. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support the Bill, and I urge other parties to join us in supporting those parents who want their children to attend integrated schools.”
“I am pleased to speak on the Final Stage of the Integrated Education Bill. I thank the Bill sponsor, Kellie Armstrong, for all her work in getting the Bill to this stage and for engaging so extensively with the Committee for Education, with individual Members and with our party. In finding solutions to the many issues and concerns that were raised throughout the process of scrutinising the Bill, Kellie was always very forthcoming. <BR /> <BR />It is fair to say that, up to this point, progressive parties have worked together on this legislation, which will ultimately help to ensure that families who wish to send their children to an integrated school will have that choice. Despite what some parties might say about the Bill, choice is what it comes down to.”
“The lack of period product provision is yet another barrier for girls in their education and for the most vulnerable. I hope that the Bill goes some way to help to break down those barriers. <BR /> <BR />From all the engagement that the Committee had while going through the Bill, we noticed that there is still a stigma, taboo and shame associated with periods and menstruation. It is brilliant that, today, so many people are openly discussing the topic and shining a light on the issues around period poverty and period product provision. I hope that the Bill goes some way to alleviate and remove the shame and the taboo. I urge all Members to support the Bill and the amendments.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will also support amendment No 1. The scope of the Bill is comprehensive. It incorporates women's health, gender equality, period poverty and social justice, so I agree that it sits best with the Executive Office. I also welcome the decision by the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, to assist in ensuring that the Bill successfully passes through the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />As party spokesperson on children and young people, I am particularly concerned about the impact that inadequate period product provision and period poverty have on school attendance. Research found that 49% of girls had missed a day of school because of their period. Attendance is known to be a factor that drives the educational gap between the most and least advantaged children and young people.”
“As other Members mentioned, many of those amendments are technical, but I will refer to a number that were tabled by the Committee for Education. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 9 and 14 refer to having regard to reusable period products. Those amendments are important, and we should try to make environmentally friendly products available to those who wish to use them. However, when we spoke to a range of stakeholders throughout our time scrutinising the Bill, it was clear that a steady supply of regular period products for those who need them should be encouraged and that we should not put an onerous obligation on any public service body or Department to supply reusable period products ahead of less environmentally friendly ones. I agree with that, and I do not want to jeopardise the provision of period products in any way.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank all who campaigned for free period product provision and everyone who presented to the Education Committee as we scrutinised the Bill. I particularly thank those who joined us at the youth engagement event that we held so that we could hear their views on the Bill. I also commend the work of The Homeless Period Belfast. When its representatives came to present to the Committee, I was struck by the work that their organisation does and how they shaped the Bill. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir. <BR /> <BR />As I said, the Bill is extremely important legislation, and I am glad to lend my support to it. I am happy to support all the amendments tabled in the single group of amendments.”
“I am pleased to participate in the debate on the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill. It is timely that we are discussing the Bill today, International Women's Day, because it incorporates a gender equality issue. It may have been just an accident of timing, or maybe somebody, somewhere, planned it very well. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Bill sponsor, Pat Catney, for all the work that he has done in bringing the Bill to and through the Assembly. Pat engaged extensively with the Committee as we scrutinised the Bill. He worked really well with us the whole way through to make sure that we offered the Bill every opportunity to progress and to make any changes to ensure that we can help all the people who need our help.”
“Finally, we need to ensure that there is the right offer of support and guidance for people with autism and their families to help them through any tough days that they have. <BR /> <BR />It is a really positive day. As I have said, I am delighted to show my support for the Bill. I am sure that every other Member will support it as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill and the autism strategy that will come out of it are real opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of many children, young people and adults with autism, as well as on the lives of their families. However, we need to make sure that the Bill is implemented properly so that we can deliver real and positive change for so many families. We need to see proper investment in autism services and a clear commitment to tackling the disparity among trusts in waiting lists for autism assessments and diagnoses. That is one point that we have all encountered while going through the Bill's stages. I am very passionate about that, and it needs to be tackled swiftly.”
“I am delighted to speak in support of the Autism (Amendment) Bill at its Final Stage. It is a really important Bill, and I am pleased that it has got to this stage. A lot of work has gone into getting the Bill to this stage, so I begin by thanking the Bill sponsor, Pam Cameron, for bringing the Bill to the House. I also thank Autism NI for all the work that it has done; the all-party group on autism for the work that it has done to get the Bill to this stage; the Health Committee and its members for tabling amendments at previous stages that really strengthened the Bill; and, of course, all our constituents who raised issues that show the importance of improved services for those with autism. A big thank you to all those advocates for change.”
“"Well done" to them for getting the legislative change made and to the Education Committee and the Minister for working together to make it.”