Stephen Dunne
North Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the Minister recognise that the delays are causing a lot of stress to current officers and those who have served in the past and are impacting on the morale of current officers? What level of engagement has she had on the issue in the past, and what are her plans, in that regard, for the future?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. With approximately 15% of the entire Waterways Ireland estate located in Northern Ireland, I am keen to establish any detail that you may have on the scale of immediate safety risks, with regard to diseased trees in Northern Ireland specifically, that are linked to the tree management strategy, whic…”
“All the trust ports support the legislation, as was reflected in the responses to the consultation carried out last year on this important issue. It is also worth noting that trust ports in the rest of the United Kingdom — in Scotland, England and Wales — have been reclassified with no issues.”
“I am pleased to speak in the Second Stage debate on the Harbours Bill. As a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, I support the Bill's general intention, which, ultimately, is to provide all the trust ports in Northern Ireland with greater commercial flexibility. The trust ports are a key part of our local economy.”
“More than 20,000 people are employed in the harbour estates alone, and the harbours support over 15% of our country's total annual output. We can see the developments taking place at the D3 cruise terminal at Belfast harbour through the work that is going on there.”
“That should be the focus for all of us, and something that we can support and get behind. There is no doubt that all our trust ports already deliver significant economic and social benefits, but they are telling us that they can do more, want to do more and are willing to do more.”
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“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the Minister recognise that the delays are causing a lot of stress to current officers and those who have served in the past and are impacting on the morale of current officers? What level of engagement has she had on the issue in the past, and what are her plans, in that regard, for the future?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. With approximately 15% of the entire Waterways Ireland estate located in Northern Ireland, I am keen to establish any detail that you may have on the scale of immediate safety risks, with regard to diseased trees in Northern Ireland specifically, that are linked to the tree management strategy, which you mentioned in your statement.”
“That, combined with the ambitious projects in its 2025-2050 master plan, has significant potential to unlock further economic activity for our country. It is important that we now proceed with Committee Stage, particularly given the Bill's arrival to us at this late stage of the mandate. We know that we are operating within time constraints in a shortened mandate. We therefore have to make the most of the time that we have left in order to improve conditions for the trust ports. <BR /> <BR />For the reasons I have outlined, and those of my colleagues, I am happy to support the Bill at this stage, and I look forward to its continued progress.”
“More than 20,000 people are employed in the harbour estates alone, and the harbours support over 15% of our country's total annual output. We can see the developments taking place at the D3 cruise terminal at Belfast harbour through the work that is going on there. That £90 million project borders my constituency and is significant, as it further supports the Northern Ireland tourism growth sector that is cruise liners. We can see that day and daily, particularly at this time of the year. Cruise ship visits have a positive impact on our country and on our economy. <BR /> <BR />Belfast harbour has invested over £370 million in the past 10 years and has plans to spend another £313 million by the end of 2029 as part of its advance regional prosperity strategy.”
“All the trust ports support the legislation, as was reflected in the responses to the consultation carried out last year on this important issue. It is also worth noting that trust ports in the rest of the United Kingdom — in Scotland, England and Wales — have been reclassified with no issues. The Harbours Bill will therefore better equip our ports to compete effectively with other ports in GB and the Republic of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Infrastructure Committee visited Belfast harbour just over a year ago to hear directly from its representatives and, importantly, to see for ourselves the current facilities and the potential for further development. It was a very interesting visit. The Committee membership has changed a bit since then, but it was an important visit. Our harbours are very much a key driver of our economy.”
“That should be the focus for all of us, and something that we can support and get behind. There is no doubt that all our trust ports already deliver significant economic and social benefits, but they are telling us that they can do more, want to do more and are willing to do more. We should therefore be agile enough to consider what they are saying and always be in listening mode. The legislation paves the way for the borrowing capabilities that they need in order to invest properly in the critical infrastructure that is under their stewardship, and it will help safeguard their important assets today and for future generations. <BR /> <BR />There is clear consensus on, and general support for, the direction of travel.”
“I am pleased to speak in the Second Stage debate on the Harbours Bill. As a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, I support the Bill's general intention, which, ultimately, is to provide all the trust ports in Northern Ireland with greater commercial flexibility. The trust ports are a key part of our local economy. <BR /> <BR />There are also some important provisions in the Bill on maritime safety, which is also a critical issue, and one that is worthy of consideration. The reclassification of trust ports by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will mean that they can borrow without there being any impact on public-sector accounts. Importantly, that will unlock investment by the trust ports, which will further help stimulate economic growth and create jobs across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The Minister will know that that is an issue across Northern Ireland, including in our constituency, where, even today, long delays in NIEA's consultee responses are curtailing economic development amongst other things. In the past five years, the Department's performance rate has ranged from 59% to 72%, which is simply not good enough. Minister, when will we see real improvement and action rather than just words?”
“According to a recent report from the Ulster Farmers' Union and the Livestock and Meat Commission that was launched just two months ago, TB is costing farmers over £96 million per year. Minister, when will we see direct action, given that, as you know, many farmers right across the country, including in our constituency, continue to face massive issues with TB?”
“It is a sensible, proportionate and common-sense measure that strengthens powers and improves public safety. It also sends a clear message that the Assembly is listening to our communities and that the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers will not be tolerated. I am therefore very pleased to support amendment No 90. I commend those Members who have worked collaboratively to bring it forward today. <BR /> <BR />I trust that all the amendments in group 5 will be supported, including amendment Nos 74 and 75, to which I am very proud to put my name. Hopefully, they will progress, and the legislation will become known as Jaidyn's law, which would be a fitting tribute to Jaidyn Rice from Bangor, who just last year sadly lost her life aged 16.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the amendment No 90, because the current requirement for police officers to issue a warning before seizing an illegally used e-scooter or scrambler can act as an unnecessary barrier to effective enforcement. Through the removal of that requirement, the Police Service will be better equipped to take swift action where dangerous or unlawful behaviour is taking place. It is about ensuring that the police have the practical powers necessary to tackle misuse. The word "misuse" is very important. It is not about the use of electronic scooters; it is about their misuse. That should be a key focus of the amendment. It is about protecting the public and allowing the police to respond effectively to growing concerns in our communities.”
“Many residents — particularly older people and families with young children — feel intimidated when such vehicles are driven recklessly through areas that are intended for public use. We see regular enforcement — I appreciate that this is through the Department for Infrastructure — when, for example, vehicles are parked in our town and city centres. Somebody can get a ticket if they are parked 10 minutes over the limit in a parking bay, yet we currently see little or no enforcement on the use of e-scooters. Again, the amendment will strengthen the enforcement tools available to agencies and improve public safety for all. Communities have the right to enjoy their neighbourhoods safely and without fear of injury or, indeed, antisocial behaviour.”
“I know that others have mentioned the serious issue of injuries and worse in recent days. I appreciate that the role and growth of e-scooters is a relatively new issue. Today is an important opportunity to ensure that the legislation is agile in order to reflect new realities and concerns that come forward. <BR /> <BR />We see e-scooters being used on public roads by individuals, who are often young people, as has been referenced, with no licence, no insurance, little or no understanding of road safety and, in many cases, no regard whatsoever for any form of the Highway Code. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are all being placed at unnecessary risk as a result of that.”
“There will be an opportunity, which the Minister alluded to, for further development work to ensure that any issues are worked through and that the provisions in the amendments can be utilised and delivered in the most effective way. <BR /> <BR />I also support amendment No 90, tabled by Paul Frew, Patsy McGlone and Nuala McAllister, on the misuse of e-scooters and similar, motorcycle-like vehicles. It is becoming an increasingly significant issue right across Northern Ireland, including in my consistency of North Down. Constituents regularly raise concerns about the reckless and illegal use of e-scooters and scramblers on our roads, footpaths and parks and, indeed, in built-up, residential areas. What may appear to some as a nuisance can quickly become a serious public safety issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have engaged with organisations in a number of sectors, including the PSNI and Road Safe NI, the charity that does sterling work on such issues. It, too, has lent its support to the amendments, which I welcome. That group does a lot of important work with schoolchildren and young people, and I am pleased that they support the two amendments. My colleague Julie Middleton works closely with David Jackson from the charity, which operates across Northern Ireland, including in the area of the north-west that Julie Middleton proudly represents. <BR /> <BR />I encourage Members to consider the amendments carefully. I commend them to the House and trust that they will be supported.”
“Under the provision in amendment No 75, a preliminary test "must" be administered if, as referenced in paragraphs (4) and (5) of article 17 of the 1995 Order, a traffic offence is committed, or, indeed, an accident occurs. The amendment is also important for confidence in our justice system, which depends on consistency, thoroughness and clarity. <BR /> <BR />An important change of wording that is made through the amendments is that from "may" to "must" where paragraphs (4) and (5) of article 17 of the existing Road Traffic Order 1995 apply, which will remove any grey area, as my colleague Mr Frew referred to it, around the use of discretion. That is vital for victims and their families.”
“<BR /> <BR />Drug testing should be an automatic and routine part of any investigative process rather than a discretionary power, and amending legislation to that effect will ensure that police have access to all relevant evidence from the outset and that families across Northern Ireland are never left with unanswered questions at what is, obviously, such a traumatic time. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 74 will bring drug testing at authorised checkpoints into line with breath testing at authorised checkpoints under the current legislation. That will be an important tool to help the police prevent drug-driving on our roads, which, as we know, can have devastating consequences. Amendment No 75 seeks to further strengthen and bring clarity and consistency to that important issue.”
“As was mentioned, that has come on to our roads, making them even more dangerous places for us, our friends and families and those whom we represent. I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to make drug testing on our roads an automatic and routine safeguard rather than a discretionary power, the use of which may depend on subjective thresholds or subsequent developments or circumstances. Making drug testing mandatory where a traffic offence or an accident occurs and making it a more common, routine practice is worthwhile and something that we can all get behind.”
“I thank the Minister and the Member for their interventions and their input. The Minister makes a valid point that there are challenges — I accept and appreciate that — but there is also an opportunity. As the Minister says, we can work with partner agencies. There is evidence and we all know that, where drug testing by the police is in place, there is a strong record of people testing positive for drug use. That is alarming and reinforces the need for us to do what we are doing in strengthening our legislation to bring drug testing into line with alcohol testing. <BR /> <BR />We all know — it has already been touched on — about the ever-growing scourge that drugs are across our society and, ultimately, the danger that they have become.”
“<BR /> <BR />Alcohol testing has rightly become an accepted, important and normal part of road safety enforcement and messaging, which is welcome and vital. It is reasonable, therefore, to consider drug testing being treated with the same seriousness.”
“<BR /> <BR />The amendments, if passed, will be known as "Jaidyn's law" and will be a fitting tribute to her if they provide greater clarity, consistency and protection for every family in Northern Ireland. Jaidyn's legacy should be one that delivers positive change. My colleague Paul Frew outlined clearly the rationale for amendment Nos 74 and 75, which I do not intend to repeat in detail, given how articulately he did it. I encourage the Minister and the Assembly to give serious consideration to the amendments and work towards a legislative framework that provides greater clarity, consistency and confidence for those who, unfortunately, have been involved in serious road traffic accidents.”
“I also thank the Justice Minister and the Infrastructure Minister for meeting the family a number of months ago and for taking the time to listen. The family members' lives have, understandably, been shattered by Jaidyn's loss, and I know that they appreciated the opportunity to meet both Ministers and to share their passion for making our roads safer. The family have acknowledged that listening ear, which was very much appreciated. I welcome Minister Long's commitments made earlier in the debate about the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill, and the plans for tougher sentences, particularly in relation to drug- and drink-driving. It is important that that continues at pace.”
“We have seen the impact of the PSNI's Fatal Five, as has been mentioned by other Members. Many KSIs involved drug-driving, drink-driving and other such issues, and it is important that the legislation reflects the realities of today. <BR /> <BR />As we all know, however, behind statistics are lives, and one fatality last year stood out for me when 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice, a young girl whom I was privileged to meet in this Building just over one year ago, lost her life on a summer evening last year. She was an impressive young lady with dreams and ambitions. She had her whole life in front of her, but her life was lost. Jaidyn's family has campaigned passionately for safer roads across Northern Ireland, and I, along with my colleague Mr Frew, pay tribute to Jaidyn's family for that sterling and ongoing work.”
“The numbers from the past 10 years in Northern Ireland tell a truly shocking story that should make us all pause and reflect. In just 10 years, since 2016, more than 600 people have lost their lives on our roads in road traffic collisions. That is 600 families who have been left devastated by lives tragically cut short. In 2023 alone, there were 71 fatalities. In 2024, 69 lives were lost. In 2025, 56 lives were lost. Alarmingly, 31 lives have been lost this year already. Over the same decade, the number of people killed or seriously injured — what statistics call "KSIs"— has also risen to truly staggering and shocking levels. While total annual fatalities have seen slight fluctuations, serious injuries have, alarmingly, climbed sharply. Last year alone, over 1,100 people sustained life-altering injuries.”
“I will focus my remarks on the two amendments — amendment Nos 74 and 75 — that stand in my name and in the names of my colleagues Paul Frew, who, everyone in the House will know, has done a considerable amount of work on the Bill and has much more to do, Brian Kingston and Maurice Bradley, all of whom serve on the Justice Committee. Ultimately, the motivation behind tabling the amendments is to improve road safety, to ensure that legislation keeps pace with the ever-changing nature of challenges across the whole of Northern Ireland society and to ensure that our Police Service has every possible tool available to it — the right tools at the right time in the right place — and that those tools are used effectively. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, we have seen the number of deaths on our roads continue to rise.”
“The Justice Bill has certainly been a considerable piece of work. As someone who served on the Justice Committee for one year, I have some appreciation of the extent of detailed consideration that has been given to such important work. I join others who spoke earlier in thanking all those who took part in the evidence sessions on what is an extensive Bill and worked on the considerable number of amendments. I also thank the Committee staff for their ongoing work. <BR /> <BR />I very much welcome the opportunity to speak to this important group of amendments.”
“Minister, time and time again, you say that our prisons do not have a culture problem, but, time and time again, ordinary hard-working prison officers tell me that there is a fundamental problem in our prisons, with some prison wings out of control. Minister, have you lost control of Northern Ireland's prisons, and what will you do to address the fundamental issue around confidence in our Prison Service, both for the general public and, importantly, for our prison officers, who often put their own welfare on the line?”
“I know that a lot of work has been done so far and that there is much more to do, but people across the UK and beyond are looking forward to the Ulster Grand Prix, hopefully, getting under way once again. <BR /> <BR />Congratulations to Michael Dunlop and all the competitors at the Isle of Man TT.”
“It was an excellent week for local competitors in the Isle of Man. I congratulate all competitors and those who took part in the event. Congratulations also to Paul Jordan, who secured a podium finish in one of the races. <BR /> <BR />Road racing is dangerous, and there are risks involved. Our thoughts are with the families of the two riders who were tragically killed — one at the Isle of Man TT and one at the North West 200. I offer my best wishes to local rider Gary McCoy and to Maria Costello MBE, who is a regular visitor to Northern Ireland as a competitor, who were both injured at the TT. <BR /> <BR />We look forward to the rest of the road racing season and to the 2027 Ulster Grand Prix — plans are afoot to restore that great event. I wish the organisers well.”
“I congratulate Mr Michael Dunlop MBE on yet more incredible success. Last week, he won three races at the Isle of Man TT, bringing his record to an incredible 36 TT victories in a glittering career. The Isle of Man TT is revered as one of the toughest tests for competitor and machine in global motor sport, and it has been fantastic to see the Dunlop legacy continue to go from strength to strength over many years. His success, last week, with two super-sport class victories and a sport-bike victory brings him up to 10 more TT successes than his late great uncle Joey Dunlop, who is still revered across the world. Joey is truly iconic. <BR /> <BR />Michael Dunlop is one of Northern Ireland's greatest ever sports stars. We have a rich and proud history of road racing and motor sport in our country; it is something that we can be proud of.”
“My question stays on the theme of public transport. The Translink chief executive recently gave evidence to the Infrastructure Committee and warned of very serious consequences for future service delivery. Minister, how do you justify potentially significant service cuts that will, ultimately, under your watch, hit our most vulnerable the hardest?”
“Thank you, Minister, for that detailed answer. The Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) recently reviewed 29 major IT projects across our Departments. Those projects have an estimated cost of £5·2 billion, with your Department's six key projects costing approximately £1·12 billion. What will you do to tackle delays in replacing outdated IT infrastructure? Do you believe that that is value for money?”
“He felt that it was "gaslighting" by you and your Department. I note that the court case was discussed at the recent meeting. Minister, it is extraordinary for a High Court judge to say that. How do you defend it? Has the penny finally started to drop in relation to unaffordable and unrealistic climate targets?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Justice McAlinden recently said that your approach to the A5 appeal was:”
“What bids did the Minister make to the Executive to increase the funding for support, given that the entire support scheme is funded by His Majesty's Government?”
“I therefore call on the Minister urgently to review the policy that was announced with great fanfare by then Minister O'Dowd back in late 2022 and introduced in 2023 and get our basic road infrastructure right.”
“I highlight yet another failure of the Department for Infrastructure under successive Sinn Féin Ministers, which is the lack of maintenance of grass verges across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />In 2023, former Minister O'Dowd changed the policy to a single swathe of grass cutting and approximately 1·2 metres of cuts only twice a year, leaving many sight lines greatly restricted at key junctions across Northern Ireland. That compromises the important road safety messaging coming from the Department. The 1-metre strips also apply in many residential areas, and I see that in my constituency of North Down and across Northern Ireland. It is a reflection of the failure of the Department for Infrastructure to get basic maintenance right. We see that every day on our roads, and we see it with maintenance of grass verges.”
“Thank you for that, deputy First Minister. Despite significantly more votes for pro-Union parties than separatists in Scotland and Wales, nationalists are pretending that the Union is somehow under strain. Can the deputy First Minister confirm that, given the joint nature of the office, the First Minister will not be able to use the Executive Office to advance such an ideology?”
“The SIB has responsibility for the delivery of major infrastructure projects. However, some, including the A5 and many other important road projects, are stalled due to climate change legislation. That is not helped by the head-in-the-sand approach from some if not all Executive parties around its negative impact. What can be done to unlock that?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will the Minister commit to introducing new safeguarding triggers or flagging systems in A&E departments and across GP settings to ensure that no patient who presents repeatedly with injuries ever again falls through the cracks?”
“To date, it seems that she certainly does not. The Minister has also ignored the role that utility companies play in the poor reinstatement of road openings. She has ignored the recent Northern Ireland Audit Office report on that subject and the findings of the Public Accounts Committee, with zero enforcement and even less accountability. <BR /> <BR />Compounding those failures, of course, is the ongoing waste water crisis, which is blocking housing and economic development, growth and regeneration across Northern Ireland, with no solutions. Infrastructure is not a luxury. The people of Northern Ireland deserve decisive leadership and actual delivery, not endless delays, consultations or sound bites. Minister, words are no longer enough; it is time for urgent action and delivery.”
“If you live on the planned route, you will know that there is no want of stones but certainly not much sign of tarmac. <BR /> <BR />With zero progress on key infrastructure projects, we have seen zero interest in recognising the impact that unrealistic and unaffordable climate targets have on those projects. Under this Minister for inaction, it seems that vital investment in our roads and economic development will continue to be delayed, and all we will see delivered is excuses. Our road network continues to be in a state of real crisis, with wheel-wrecking potholes lining urban and rural roads in every corner of Northern Ireland, costing the public thousands in vehicle damage daily and compromising the important road safety messages that come out from the Department. Does the Sinn Féin Minister recognise the pothole pandemic?”
“The Minister has been taking her time from day 1 in office: taking her time to fix our roads, fix the infrastructure and waste water crisis and deliver much-needed infrastructure projects across our country. For years, communities have waited for the A5 project to finally get moving. Yet, despite the repeated empty promises, including most recently from Michelle O'Neill at the weekend, who stated that they:”
“There is ever-growing frustration across Northern Ireland about the persistent inaction of the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, on the delivery of projects that are both long overdue and totally essential for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Take the York Street interchange as one recent example. That strategically vital project would transform our connectivity, ease chronic congestion and drive economic growth across Northern Ireland. Yet, despite over £27 million being spent on the project, there is absolutely nothing to show for it. It is time for accountability. Just weeks ago, the Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister told me that officials had presented their findings on the project and that she was "taking the time" to consider the next steps.”
“Her example of duty, dedication, resilience and selfless service continues to inspire us all. One hundred years on from her birth, we can say with confidence that we will truly never see her like again. Hers was a life defined not by words alone but by her unwavering commitment and lifetime of service to others.”
“In moments of celebration, she shared in our nation's joy; in times of hardship and sadness, including conflict and the most recent global pandemic, her words brought reassurance, calm and inspiration to many. Many will remember her simple yet powerful message that we would meet again. <BR /> <BR />Of course, her long reign was not without challenges and much change over many years, but what endured was her resilience, her willingness to adapt, her unwavering dedication to constitutional responsibility and her remarkable leadership. As we mark the centenary of her birth, we remember the late Queen with deep affection and profound gratitude for her leadership. We cherish her enduring legacy. That leadership is still missed to this day in these difficult and challenging times.”
“Even before she ascended to the throne, she set out the principle that truly defined her life; aged just 21, she pledged that her whole life, whether long or short, would be devoted to service. It was a promise that she faithfully and truly kept right to her last day, during her long and glorious reign. <BR /> <BR />Queen Elizabeth's lifetime witnessed immense change, from post-war recovery to the digital age and from empire to commonwealth. Through it all, she remained a constant presence, steady and composed, guided by a deep sense of duty and faith. She visited more countries than any other monarch in history and made 25 visits to Northern Ireland, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to every part of her United Kingdom even in the most challenging of times.”
“Today, we mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a moment to reflect on a truly extraordinary life that helped shape modern Britain and, indeed, the wider world. Born in 1926, Queen Elizabeth could not have foreseen the long path that lay ahead, yet, from a young age, she very much understood duty. During the Second World War, she served in uniform, and, at just 25 years old, she became Queen, beginning a truly remarkable reign that would span more than 70 years.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. As of 2024, of the 276 people who had participated in the court since 2018, 117 have been convicted of a further drug-related offence, which is alarming. Given that almost £3 million has been spent on the programme since 2018, does the Minister have any concerns about its value for money to the taxpayer and, importantly, its effectiveness and efficiency?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The Public Accounts Committee, of which I am a member, recently completed work on the role of utility companies on road openings, which was missing from the draft strategy. Will the Minister confirm whether the updated strategy will, in fact, include action to address the role of utility companies in the poor condition of our roads, particularly through poor reinstatement and the frequent and repeated road openings that weaken the road structure and contribute to its deterioration? When will you take action and fix the crisis on our roads?”