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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“I am pleased to speak to the Final Stage of the School Age Bill and once again express my support for this important Bill. As I have said a number of times, it is legislation that will have a hugely positive effect on the young children who will benefit from delaying starting school by a year. It will also be a huge relief to parents who are concerned about their children starting school before they feel that they are ready. It is really positive legislation, and today is a positive news day. <BR /> <BR />I say, "Well done" to all those who have advocated the change and campaigned for it for such a long time. Since becoming an MLA, I have worked closely with TinyLife and Belfast Mum. They have campaigned hard to have a flexible school starting age.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. Minister, you touched on Judge Marrinan's recommendations, one of which was assurance test review to create a legal definition of "sectarianism" in developing a hate crime Bill. Has your Department been informed by the flags, identity, culture and tradition (FICT) report?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Good Friday Agreement placed a duty on the Department of Education to "encourage and facilitate" integrated education. We want to build on that and see more progress being made. We want to ensure that the unmet demand for integrated education is met and that families across the North have the choice of an integrated school place available to them. Bringing more children and young people from different backgrounds together through the education system is a positive thing for society, and it will help to promote diversity and respect from a young age. <BR /> <BR />I support these amendments, and I urge other Members to do the same.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I support the group 1 amendments, both those proposed by the sponsor and amendment No 10, which was tabled by the SDLP. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Bill's sponsor for acting on the issues that arose at Consideration Stage and for bringing forward the necessary solutions through largely technical amendments. <BR /> <BR />It is fair to say that, up to this point, progressive parties have worked together on this legislation, which would ultimately help to ensure that families who wish to send their children to an integrated school would have that choice. Despite what some parties say about the Bill, it comes down to choice. We have a diverse and often complex education system. Currently, however, only 7% of pupils are educated in an integrated school.”
“The parents of any child who meets the criteria will have a choice to defer their child's school starting age. That simple and straightforward approach is very welcome. The Bill deserves to make it through to enactment. Let us ensure that it does.”
“Many groups have argued for that flexibility in the school starting age. With that amendment, the Bill is a victory for those parents and those support groups, such as TinyLife, that have been such strong advocates for change. It is also a victory for children, because it will continue to safeguard their absolute right to equal access to statutory education, as children whose parents decide to delay their starting school for a year will still stay in school beyond the age of 16. It is also a victory for our society, because the Bill manages to recognise different needs while protecting equal rights. Those are great achievements for what is a very modest Bill.”
“The legislative change will have a hugely positive effect on the lives and education of so many young people and will be welcomed by many parents and carers. I support the amendments tabled by the Minister. I am particularly pleased to support amendment No 1, which stretches flexibility to meet the needs of children who were due to be born between 1 April and 1 July but were born prematurely.”
“A LeasCheann Comhairle, may I begin by expressing how sorry I am about the sudden passing of Christopher Stalford? I take the opportunity to pass on my deepest sympathies to his wife, Laura, their four young children and his extended family. I also offer my condolences to the Minister in the Chamber and to the entire DUP on the loss of a friend and colleague. There is no doubt that Christopher will be sorely missed in the Chamber. He was always very warm and kind to me in any interactions that we had, and he really made me feel very welcome as a new MLA. I know that he will be a huge loss to you all, so you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the chance to speak on the School Age Bill and am pleased to see that this important legislation is progressing through the Assembly.”
“It is a positive step, and I hope that it leads us in the right direction, which is towards meeting the needs of children, young people and adults with autism and of their families and carers. The Bill will not do that on its own, however. Alongside the Bill and an autism strategy, we need to see long-term investment in our health services and education system. We need political will and political stability in order to deliver for those in our community who most need our support.”
“On the Education Committee, we previously discussed mandatory autism and special educational needs training. Back in 2020, the Assembly passed a motion calling on the Education Minister to make such training mandatory. Many teachers and school staff would like to be equipped with the necessary skills to support children with autism, and I would like the Education Minister and other Departments to engage with teaching unions and the relevant sectors to work out the best solution for providing the training that is mentioned in clause 2. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, this is important legislation, and I am happy to support its progress through the Assembly.”
“I have spoken before about families in the Western Trust waiting for over two years for an assessment, yet some families in the Southern Trust have been seen within thirteen weeks. That postcode lottery is unfair, and it is letting down our children. It extends to autism services in education services and between sectors. The long-term autism strategy must address the postcode lottery for autism diagnosis and allocation of education provision. Services must be accessible and timely, and they must meet the needs of our young people. <BR /> <BR />On autism training, I note the Committee's recommendation that the Department of Health and the Department of Education consider mandatory training for front-line staff. It is an important recommendation that should be given serious consideration.”
“They want to do everything in their power to help their child's development, but they are met with delays in assessment, in diagnosis and in receiving the necessary support and guidance. It is a minefield for parents and carers of those with autism, and the support and guidance offered to them and to people with autism is severely lacking in the North. I hope that the amendment goes some way towards tackling the delays. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 6 is also really important. It sets out how health and social care trusts and education services must achieve consistency of practice, and that is a welcome step. As we know, there is huge disparity between health trusts when it comes to ASD assessment and diagnosis.”
“It is clear from all those conversations that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A future autism strategy must reflect that, and Departments must acknowledge it. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 4 requires the health and social care trusts and the Department of Health to set out clearly how they plan to reduce waiting times for autism assessment and follow-up services. It is a really important amendment. I have raised the issue of lengthy waiting times for ASD assessments on many occasions in the House. I previously explained how members of my family are awaiting an assessment for their son. They, like countless other families in the Western Trust area, have faced lengthy delays in accessing autism assessment. <BR /> <BR />The delay causes parents and carers of young children with suspected autism huge stress and anxiety.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the autism strategy, clause 1 sets out clearly the need for a consultation to include persons other than just Departments. The Committee recommendation to consult people with autism and their families and carers when developing an autism strategy is really important and should be given due consideration. I have spoken with a number of groups and families who have first-hand experience of autism. Their real-life experience has been invaluable. It has also demonstrated the need for wider consultation and for them to have an input into a future longer-term autism strategy. I met a man with autism who took the time to share his experience of growing up with autism and of moving into the field of work and employment and how autism can affect his work.”
“I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate. The Bill is of huge significance to families right across the North. It is an issue that I care deeply about, so I am pleased to lend my support to the Bill. I join other Members in thanking the Bill sponsor, Pam Cameron, for bringing the Bill to the Assembly and for the work that the all-party group on autism has done. I thank the Health Committee members for all their work in scrutinising the Bill. I also thank the Committee Clerk's team for its work in drafting the report and on the amendments. I will, of course, support the Bill's passage to the next stage. I am happy to support the seven amendments tabled by the Committee. Those amendments really strengthen the Bill and address some of the issues that were raised during earlier discussions.”
“However, if we are not obliged to review outcomes and report on those findings in a transparent way, how can the interests of children be assured? Monitoring and scrutiny are fundamental to the provision of services to children and young people, so I support amendment No 21. <BR /> <BR />As I said, this is substantial legislation that is long overdue. At its heart are the lives and futures of many vulnerable children and young people. It is essential that we focus on their well-being. To that end, it is also important to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in the system so that any problems can be quickly identified and addressed. With only a matter of weeks left in the Assembly mandate, it is critical that the legislation proceeds through the House.”
“It is really important that we do all that we can to support the education of young people in care. I thank the Committee for tabling those amendments. We know that young people in care often fare less well than their school-age peers, with just under 55% achieving five A to C grades in their GCSEs, compared with more than 85% of children in the wider population. Also, a much higher proportion of young people in care have special educational needs. Our children in care are amongst some of our most disadvantaged, and it is right that we pay extra attention to tackling that disadvantage. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 21 sets out a duty to review and report at least once every three years. Advocates for the Bill have highlighted the virtue of it being child-centred and the interests of children being paramount.”
“Amendment Nos 14 and 15 are about strengthening the duty to improve the educational outcome for children and young people in care. Amendment No 14 adds a duty to "facilitate and support" to the Bill's duty to promote educational achievement, and amendment No 15 widens educational achievement to include:”
“<BR /> <BR />The number of children and young people in care has grown steadily over the past decade. There are currently more than 3,500 young people in care here in the North. There has been a 45% increase in the number of children in need of care in the past decade, with the numbers continuing to increase during the pandemic. I am sure that all Members here agree that anything we can do to improve the experience of and outcomes for young people in need of care is vital. <BR /> <BR />I support the Committee amendments and those tabled by the Minister. In my role as Sinn Féin spokesperson for children and young people and in my capacity as a member of the Education Committee, I want to ensure that the needs of children and young people, in this instance their educational needs, are prioritised throughout the legislation.”
“I join other Members this afternoon in wishing the Minister and his family well. I wish him a speedy recovery from COVID. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate today. The Adoption and Children Bill is an important piece of legislation. I commend all of those who have worked really hard to bring it to Consideration Stage. I also commend and thank the children and young people who shared their experiences and views. Their vital insights have assisted the progress of the Bill. This is substantial legislation that, if passed, will have a significant impact on the lives of children and families throughout the North. The Bill aims to modernise the framework for adoption and improve outcomes for children and families in need of support, children in the care system and those who have left it.”
“Will the Minister provide an update on the extension of payments that protect people from the bedroom tax and other cruel Tory welfare cuts?”
“I also welcome the amendment that the Minister is due to table for the Further Consideration Stage, which will allow babies who were due to be born between 1 April and 1 July but were born prematurely to be included in the legislation. I thank the Minister for that. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support this legislation's passing through to the next stage of the process.”
“Children born prematurely or those with developmental delay who fall into the young-for-year category will also be able to start school a year later. It also means that preschool placement can be deferred for a year to ensure a smooth transfer to primary school. <BR /> <BR />The Bill also protects a child's right to 12 years of education, regardless of deferral, so children who start late can continue at school beyond the age of 16. I am glad that the Minister has proposed an amendment to review the effectiveness of the definition of "deferred case", which will allow any evidence to support the widening of the option of deferral beyond young-for-year children to be gathered and considered.”
“Belfast Mum has been instrumental in bringing the issue into focus and highlighting the need for legislative change. I am pleased for those organisations that this legislation is progressing. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is certainly a welcome first step in creating the necessary flexibility for parents and children starting their journey through education. The Bill provides an option for the parents of children who, under the current legislation, would be the youngest in the class to defer starting school for a year. There is evidence that some young-for-year children carry a disadvantage for exam grades, but that is not the case across the board. The Bill allows parents to assess their child's readiness for school if they fall into that young-for-year category.”
“First, I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate this afternoon. I am pleased that the Assembly has granted accelerated passage for the Bill. Whilst it would be preferable for the legislation to have gone through Committee Stage and to have had in-depth scrutiny, in these circumstances, because we are so close to the end of the mandate and because the legislative change will have a real-life impact on so many young people and their families, it was important that there was no delay to bringing it forward. <BR /> <BR />When I became an MLA, one of my first meetings was with an organisation that was battling to ensure that there was flexibility with the school starting age. I am pleased for that organisation and the many advocates who have worked hard to bring this change into law, including Belfast Mum, who I have also met.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Does he agree that, while the protocol guarantees sanitary and phytosanitary standards, the new free trade deals on food imported from Australia and New Zealand will not do that and that, as a result, animal welfare standards will be jeopardised?”
“I welcome the Minister's announcement today. Will she assure us that the fund will be provided quickly to those registered childminders?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister. She knows that I have raised the issue with her a number of times, because the surge in COVID transmissions has had such an effect on registered childminders in particular, which affects not only them but the families who rely on them. That has an even more devastating effect in rural areas such as West Tyrone — my area — because they rely on childminders more than other areas do. Immediately after Christmas, 69 registered childminders were forced to close because of increased COVID transmission. Although I welcome the fact that the Minister is working on —”
“The issue of misogyny and gender-based violence and abuse against women and girls has been to the fore in the news recently. It is a problem in wider society and one that we need to address. A key way of addressing it is to focus on relationships and sexuality education in schools and to educate our young people on a wide range of issues, particularly consent and respect for one another. Does the Minister therefore agree that RSE should be completely mandatory and consistent across schools and the curriculum and that it should be age-appropriate and inclusive?”
“A major problem with the skills system is the fact that we rely heavily on English awarding bodies that provide qualifications that are not always relevant to the needs of local employers. Will the skills strategy address that by delivering more vocational qualifications through local providers?”
“I do not want to return here after another serious or fatal accident on the A5 to send my condolences to another devastated family and plead with the Infrastructure Minister to progress the project. For the safety of the people of West Tyrone and beyond, we need to come together to ensure that the A5 is upgraded and that that upgrade proceeds at pace.”
“There is housing, a shop and a restaurant in close proximity to that section of the A5, and it is important that motorists are aware of those facilities and that housing in order to avoid accidents. I also ask that the Department complete a review to ensure that there are adequate catseyes, reflective arrows and solar lighting along the entire A5. Those measures, although temporary, are vital for road safety. <BR /> <BR />As I said, I brought the adjournment debate to the Assembly to reinforce the importance of safety on the A5 and to ensure that we see the upgrade commence at pace. The A5 has been talked about for years, and I have made the same points in the Assembly before. We need to see movement on the issue.”
“The Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, recently confirmed funding that would get workers on site and ready to start the first phase of the upgrade. That is hugely welcome. In the meantime, I ask the Infrastructure Minister to implement temporary road safety measures along the A5 whilst we wait for the full upgrade. Sinn Féin colleagues in West Tyrone have asked for additional slip roads to reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents, especially around Garvaghy. I make the plea again to the Minister to have those slip roads put in place. <BR /> <BR />I recently asked and ask again that the Department put lighting along the stretch of the A5 near Garvaghy.”
“I am hopeful that it will lead to urgent and decisive action that will bring about much-needed safety improvements to the road. Crucially, however, a full upgrade of the A5 is required. <BR /> <BR />The A5, and particularly that stretch of road at Garvaghy, is notoriously dangerous and has been responsible for many serious accidents over the years. Since 2006, 42 people have lost their lives on the road. We cannot accept any more delays to the A5 upgrade project, because delays are costing lives. I therefore ask the Infrastructure Minister to do what she can to ensure that there are no more delays to the upgrade of the A5 and to give assurances that her Department will be fully prepared and ready to act when the public inquiry is reconvened.”
“No problem. Go raibh maith agat. <BR /> <BR />I secured the Adjournment debate in response to the tragic deaths of three young men just over three weeks ago, on 27 December. Sadly, they lost their lives following a road traffic accident on the A5 at Garvaghy. A fourth man was also seriously injured in the accident. I express my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the men who lost their lives and to all those who have been affected by the tragic accident. As you can imagine, a Cheann Comhairle, the local community was left shocked and devastated by the loss of those young men. It is our job, as public representatives, to make sure that we are doing all that we can to improve the safety of our roads, which, in this case, is the A5. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of the debate is to highlight the very serious concerns about the A5.”
“I welcome the opportunity to bring a debate on road safety on the A5 to the Assembly this evening. I thank the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, for attending. <BR /> <BR />Improving the safety of the A5 is of critical importance to constituents in West Tyrone.”
“Again, it is important that we get clarity on those definitions. Following clarity from the Bill sponsor, the amendments and the clause could be considered again at Further Consideration Stage.”
“Another example is clause 10(2)(l), which talks about:”
“Will the Bill sponsor define what those public bodies are and the services that they will be providing?”
“Democratic oversight is particularly important in order to ensure that the ethos and intention of the legislation is not weakened over time. <BR /> <BR />My party and I will not be supporting amendment Nos 52, 53, 54 and 55 for now. Instead, we ask the Bill sponsor to provide more clarity and define some of the phrases used in clause 10. Clause 10(2)(j), for example, mentions:”
“I again welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. As we have heard, this group of amendments focuses on regulations, as set out in the Bill. Regulations play an important part in the successful delivery of any legislation. As I mentioned in the debate yesterday, the Committee worked constructively to bring forward amendments that would improve the Bill. I therefore welcome the amendments in this group that the Committee tabled: amendment No 47 and amendment No 56, the latter of which was advised on by the Examiner of Statutory Rules. Amendment No 47 provides clarity that the regulations will relate to integrated education only, while amendment No 56 ensures that the Assembly will continue to play its part in overseeing the implementation of the Bill, if enacted.”
“As a party, we remain committed to supporting all sectors in their work to provide equality of opportunity, mutual understanding and respect, as well as tackling underachievement.”
“I support the amendments tabled by the Bill sponsor in the group, including the ones that will remove the word "promote" in clauses 4 and 5 and replace it with "support". That change, alongside amendment Nos 20 and 21, will ensure that the needs of the integrated sector are met without putting other sectors in the education system at a disadvantage. <BR /> <BR />We had a significant period of engagement on the Bill throughout Committee Stage. It was through that process that we realised how complex the legislation was. It was a useful exercise. I voice my support for the Committee amendments in the group. Throughout the process, we listened to a range of concerns and worked hard with others to address them. We have a shared obligation to give all our children the best start in life.”
“<BR /> <BR />From the outset of the process, it was important to acknowledge the role and contribution of all sectors that deliver education here. It was also important that, in progressing the Bill, we did not undermine or disadvantage other sectors while bringing about much-needed support and assistance for the integrated sector. I thank the Bill sponsor for being attentive to the concerns of a wide range of groups and organisations in the education system here and for listening to those concerns and tabling amendments that ensure that no sector will be unfairly promoted over another. The amendments tabled by the Bill sponsor in group 2 will ensure that the challenges facing the integrated sector will be acknowledged and that the much-needed support will be put in place to help to meet the demand for integrated school places.”
“I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate. As an Education Committee member, I have spent many hours poring over the details of the Bill, alongside my Committee colleagues. It is great to get to this stage. I also thank the Bill sponsor, Kellie Armstrong, for her work in bringing it to the Assembly and her entire team, including Fiona, for the constructive work that we have carried out together. I also thank my fellow Committee members for the work that we have undertaken as a group while scrutinising the Bill, and I thank Committee staff, including the Clerk and her team, for the long hours and hard work that they have put in to help us to scrutinise the Bill throughout Committee Stage.”
“Sinn Féin colleagues and I have called for the Department to consider enhancing the safety of the road, and, today, again, I call on the Minister to prioritise the safety of road users. I ask the Department to put lighting along that stretch of the A5 near Garvaghy, because residential housing, a shop and a restaurant are all in close proximity and it is important that motorists are made aware of that in order to prevent further accidents. I also ask for a review to ensure that there are adequate catseyes, reflective arrows and solar lighting along the entire A5. Those measures, although temporary, are vital for road safety, especially on such a dangerous stretch of road.”
“The recent tragedy brings to 42 the number of lives lost on the A5 since 2006, and many more people have been left with life-changing injuries. It is time for that to stop; it is time for action. The will of the vast majority who support the upgrade of the A5 has been repeatedly frustrated by a tiny vested interest. That cannot be allowed to continue. To prevent further loss of life, the planned upgrade to the A5 must be permitted and the legal challenges overcome. <BR /> <BR />Today, I ask for three things: for immediate action on the A5, with no more delays to road improvements; for the Department for Infrastructure and Minister Mallon to be ready to act immediately following the A5 inquiry; and for temporary safety measures to be implemented in the meantime.”
“On 27 December 2021, three young men tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident on the A5 Omagh Road in Garvaghy. All were in their early twenties, as was a fourth man who was seriously injured. I take the opportunity to send my deepest sympathies and condolences to the heartbroken families and friends of those who lost their lives and to those who have been affected by the accident. Their families, friends, colleagues and the wider Beragh and Garvaghy communities have been left totally devastated by the loss. I also wish a full and speedy recovery to the young man who received such serious injuries. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, as we are all aware, that was not the first tragedy or serious accident on the A5.”
“I will. Sorry about that. <BR /> <BR />Thank you to the Member for his intervention. I absolutely agree. It has been a very difficult 18 months to two years for our children and young people, but they have shown real resilience. It absolutely is OK not to be OK and to reach out and ask for help. We all support that and encourage children to reach out if they are suffering or have any kind of concern. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, I thank everyone for their contributions today. I will, of course, support the motion, and I urge all Members to do so.”
“We need to keep the focus on early education as well. I am glad that you are looking into that. We would really like confirmation that both funds will be extended.”