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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“<BR /> <BR />The Infrastructure Committee has been forced to intervene again in the issue to seek basic information about who owns or erected the billboard, who would be legally responsible if it failed and caused injury or death — that point cannot be overlooked or brushed aside — what sanctions are available and what role Translink has played in any consultation, given the billboard's proximity to key railway infrastructure. There is also the point that some of my colleagues have mentioned about setting a precedent for allowing illegal structures to remain in place indefinitely. <BR /> <BR />Most troubling of all is the Minister's continual refusal to answer a simple direct question: to whom were the Department's removal requests sent in 2023 and again in 2025, when the current Minister was in post?”
“Thank you, Mr Chambers. I concur with that, and it highlights the importance of everybody abiding by the law equally. The point is well made. <BR /> <BR />As I said, many of the signs were modest and non-political. Enforcement is swift when it comes to ordinary people, but, when it comes to Sinn Féin erecting illegal displays on public land, active enforcement and removal appear to be optional. That is double standards, and it damages public confidence, despite what some in the Chamber may say today.”
“I thank my colleague for reinforcing that point, which was well made and accurate. <BR /> <BR />The failure to act stands in marked contrast to how the law is enforced against everyone else. Businesses, householders, community organisations and many other groups across the Newry, Mourne and Down area and, indeed, right across Northern Ireland, including in my constituency of North Down, often receive warning letters threatening fines of thousands of pounds and daily penalties for unauthorised signage under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and advertisement regulations. Many of the signs involved are modest in nature and non-political, in stark contrast —.”
“Officials have stated that those responsible were asked to remove it, but the billboard remains in place years later, as do a number of other billboards in close proximity. That failure to act —.”
“to avoid conflicts between public duty and private or party interest, and to uphold the seven principles of public life. That means taking decisions solely in the public interest, resolving conflicts openly and being as transparent as possible about decisions and actions. In Newry, however, those principles appear to have been abandoned. <BR /> <BR />A permanent political billboard was unlawfully erected at the Egyptian Arch and surrounding locations without the consent of the landowner, which has been confirmed, without planning permission, which has been confirmed, and in clear breach of article 87 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that the structure is illegal. That confirmation is in black and white multiple times in correspondence and is publicly available.”
“I, too, commend my colleague Gareth Wilson for his maiden speech and welcome him to his position as an MLA. <BR /> <BR />The motion is not about suppressing political opinion, nor is it about cultural expression or symbolism. It is about something far more important: respect for the rule of law, and also the duty on Ministers to uphold that law fairly, transparently and without fear or favour. Under the ministerial code of conduct, every Minister is required to:”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the statement to the House. It references the success of Waterways Ireland's marketing campaign and the positivity around that. Will the Minister outline any learning or cooperation that could be applied to her Department in improving messaging on important issues such as road safety? Maybe the Department can also look at the principle of doing more with less.”
“Will the Minister outline her assessment of the Finance Minister's recent draft Budget with regard to addressing the waste water crisis, which she and her predecessors have overseen? Many would concur that we have seen little or no real action to deal with that crisis.”
“Does the First Minister agree that any employment rights Bill must not only come before the Executive for approval but have the full support and buy-in of our local businesses and their representative bodies?”
“As we move through 2026, it is worth noting that the associated road safety action plan 2025-26 has yet to be published, despite our receiving assurances from the Infrastructure Minister on several occasions that it would be published in the summer. <BR /> <BR />As we remember the 57 lives lost last year, the most meaningful way to honour them is through a renewed commitment to providing safer roads and effective policy and to doing all that we can to prevent more families from suffering the same tragic loss.”
“They work tirelessly all year round, educating, enforcing and responding, often in very difficult circumstances. I thank them for their commitment. However, more must be done. We need to see further investment in safer roads infrastructure, improved road design, better road maintenance and lighting and targeted education campaigns for young and new drivers. <BR /> <BR />Enforcement alone is not enough. Prevention must be at the heart of our approach. I know that the Executive agreed the road safety strategy 2030, which, rightly, recognises that progress depends not just on enforcement but on education, engineering and ongoing public engagement.”
“Those are not abstract statistics or figures; they are often preventable tragedies and real lives. <BR /> <BR />Road safety is not solely the responsibility of government or enforcement agencies; it is a shared responsibility. Every time that any of us gets behind the wheel, we all have a duty and a sense of responsibility. Whether we are crossing a road or setting off on a journey, we all have choices to make that can either save or cost lives. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the work of members of our emergency services, who often have to deal with very tragic circumstances upon their arrival at road traffic incidents; road safety partnerships; community organisations and groups such as Road Safe NI; and road victims' groups that are scattered across the country.”
“What is particularly concerning is the continuing vulnerability of pedestrians, cyclists and young drivers, and too many lives are being lost due to speeding, distraction, drink or drug driving and simple lapses in judgement and concentration.”
“I rise to address an issue that affects every community across Northern Ireland, which is road safety, and to highlight the tragic year that we had on our roads in 2025. According to figures provided by the PSNI, 57 lives were lost on our roads last year. Whilst that represents a modest reduction compared with the previous year, when 69 lives were lost, each of those deaths is a real tragedy, leaving a family devastated, lives cut short and communities grieving. One death on our roads is one too many, and, sadly, two lives, as well as the life of an unborn baby, have already been lost just days into the current year.”
“<BR /> <BR />The unauthorised recording and sharing of photos of road traffic collisions is truly traumatising for families, and it can spread so rapidly and virally across the world in such a short space of time. It goes not just to a local paper distribution area but right across the globe. We support the motion and wish to see more constructive and joined-up work between the Minister of Justice, the Minister for Infrastructure and the UK Government to that end.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members have rightly reflected on the experience of Caoimhe's family and, sadly, we can all point to similar stories in our constituencies. As my colleague mentioned, in recent weeks and months, we have had the privilege of engaging with the family of the late Jaidyn Rice, who was just 16 years old, with her whole life ahead of her, when she was so horrifically killed in a road traffic collision in Bangor. That was only a number of months ago during the summer. Losing a loved one devastates families, and spending a short time with the family of Jaidyn was a real reminder of the pain, hurt and heartache that is now a part of their lives, 24/7.”
“<BR /> <BR />Loved ones should have dignity, and family privacy should always be respected during such heartbreaking times. No family should ever have to see such horrific videos or images of their loved one's final moments or, indeed, find out from social media that their family member has been involved in an accident. We have heard countless stories of cases in which the families first heard about the accident through social media rather than the official channels of the emergency services. There is no doubt that that type of activity is a form of voyeurism. We have to call it for what it is: non-consensual. Often, it makes victims of people while they are vulnerable, exploits them and causes them, their families and the wider community humiliation.”
“In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the level and, indeed, the graphic and disturbing nature of the content, which is so easily accessible for all users, regardless of age, on social media platforms, such as Facebook, X, TikTok and others. There is, ultimately, an ethical duty on those companies to play their part in moderating the content on their platforms. The role of AI has added a further layer of complication, raising questions about what is genuine and what is fake news. Unfortunately, that only adds to the pain of loved ones and those who are left behind. All of that can be done so instantly — within seconds — which also highlights the seriousness of the situation and reaffirms the need for action.”
“We have seen examples, as others have said, in Germany and other parts of the world, including the Netherlands, of various steps being taken to tackle the issue. The evidence suggests that that has had a positive impact on dealing with it.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is disappointing that measures such as those proposed through Caoimhe's law should even have to be considered, but, with the omnipresence of social media in the lives of us all, I agree with the Members who tabled the motion that it may, ultimately, be a necessary step.”
“As a Member of the Infrastructure Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. I, too, thank Mr McGlone, the proposer of the motion, for tabling it. <BR /> <BR />The loss or serious injury of a loved one in a traffic collision is a truly devastating event. It not only tears through the fabric of immediate family life but can have a lasting and deeply distressing impact on close friends and the wider community from which the victim comes. I, too, commend Caoimhe's family for their campaign over the years. To have that trauma exacerbated by the selfish actions of individuals chasing engagement on social media or, indeed, any other form of media outlet is as immoral as it is avoidable. Importantly, it can also interfere in the work of our emergency services and compromise the judicial system.”
“What assessment has the deputy First Minister made of Communities in Transition, specifically on how it has tackled paramilitary coercive control in communities across Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Breeding and production moves will not be permitted to or from farms in the temporary control zone (TCZ). That has the potential to have serious consequences for some farms and, indeed, farmers' livelihoods, depending on how long it is in place. What more can be done to support the farmers and the farm businesses that are most impacted? Is there any indication of the length of time that the restrictions will be in place? Obviously, I appreciate that it is a live situation.”
“Can she also outline why there has been a delay in the publication of any plan, given that it was advised that it was expected in summer 2025? <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for meeting the family of the late Jaidyn Rice, who was tragically killed in the summer, with us. That was a reminder for us all of the pain that can be inflicted on us by road safety tragedies.”
“The statement referenced meetings about road safety initiatives. Can the Minister outline whether any of the initiatives discussed will be included in a road safety action plan for 2025-26?”
“<BR /> <BR />Such parties as the Alliance Party, the SDLP and Sinn Féin continue to defend the current approach to immigration and recently voted against a DUP motion aimed at addressing illegal and uncontrolled immigration. That position speaks for itself. We will keep pressing the Government to fix the system and ensure fairness for local communities.”
“A hospitality venue sitting idle has had an adverse impact on our local economy, but the pressures and impact extend much wider. Our GP surgeries and the wider NHS are under severe pressures — we hear, see and feel that daily — and our housing system is already stretched, with more than 49,000 households on the waiting list and over 37,000 in housing stress across Northern Ireland in every town, village and city. A broken asylum system only adds to those pressures while taxpayers cover the excessive cost of hotel-based accommodation. As the Home Office moves away from hotels, many people are asking, "What happens next?" There is a risk that Mears and the UK Government will start buying or leasing homes in our communities, further reducing available housing and increasing already high rents.”
“They are worried about planning pressures, housing shortages, the strain on our public services and the lack of transparency in how such decisions are made. <BR /> <BR />One of the biggest issues is how the Home Office has been able to operate outside the normal planning framework. Local residents and businesses must follow every rule, yet the UK Government can change the use of a major hotel without scrutiny. If a shop puts up the wrong style of sign, for example, enforcement is often swift, but a hotel can effectively become a large house in multiple occupation (HMO) with zero accountability. That is why many believe that there is one law for the public and another for the Home Office and the UK Government. Equality before the law matters, and public trust depends on it. <BR /> <BR />The impact on our area has been clear.”
“I welcome the decision last week by the Home Office to end the use of the Marine Court Hotel in Bangor in my North Down consistency as asylum accommodation. That was the right move and was long overdue. It highlights the failure of successive UK Governments to properly manage immigration in a controlled and responsible way. For many years, the Marine Court Hotel was a premier venue in North Down and a landmark that supported Bangor's tourism sector and, indeed, the local economy. Instead, it has been closed to the public and used for asylum accommodation at a very significant cost, causing concern across the local community. My constituents regularly raise those concerns with me. They are reasonable and fair-minded people; they are not motivated by intolerance.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Businesses in Northern Ireland face some of the highest rates in the UK. When combined with rising energy and labour costs, significant pressure is being put on their ability to survive and grow. Given the urgency of the situation, how do you plan to ensure that your proposed rates reforms will provide meaningful and immediate relief for businesses, including those on our high streets? If you wait until the end of the 2027-28 rating year to do a full review, for some that will be too little, too late on your watch.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for his recognition of the value of outdoor learning and his commitment to that. The Minister may be aware that my constituency is home to a flagship forest school site, based in Clandeboye estate. What support is available to schools and school staff who wish to become involved in forest schools, of which there are quite a few across the country, and will he agree to visit the Northern Ireland Forest School Association at Clandeboye with me?”
“Sorry, but I do not have a question, Mr Speaker.”
“I thank the Minister for her brief answer. What message do your actions in the last week send to the 9,000 people employed here in our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, including those who live in my constituency? The sector is worth over £2 billion to our economy. Will you outline any work undertaken by your Department to assess the potential risks to jobs and further investment as a result of your actions?”
“The Minister may be aware that the latest figures from Invest NI show that zero jobs were created by external investment in the Ards and North Down area for the fifth consecutive year. Can the Minister outline what steps her Department is taking to address that worrying trend? Does she believe that the LEP can be an effective part of the measures addressing that regional imbalance?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for his recognition that it is a real issue. It is a concern in my constituency, where there are over 2,000 stroke survivors. Given that a thrombectomy is most effective within six hours of a stroke, can the Minister outline how he will address the inequality in treatment for those unfortunate enough to have a stroke outside of current treatment hours? Furthermore, how will he tackle the regional variation?”
“<BR /> <BR />UEFA, rightly and understandably, talks about the Respect campaign, but, unfortunately, this incident reminds us of the need to do much better. There must be respect for all cultures and backgrounds. I call on UEFA to urgently review the matter, hold Shelbourne to the same standards as any other football club across the world and send out a clear and unambiguous message that sectarian abuse, in all its forms, is wrong and will be punished.”
“<BR /> <BR />It also raises very important questions about the monitoring of such matches. Let us be clear: sectarian abuse is sectarian abuse, and it is wrong, whether it is directed at Catholics, Protestants or any other group or race. There can be no hierarchy of hatred and no acceptable targets. The principle of equality rightly demands that all abuse be treated with the same seriousness, no matter what direction it comes from. UEFA has sent out a very dangerous and shameful message that Protestants, or those perceived to be Protestant, are somehow fair game. That cannot be tolerated. It is unacceptable, undermines confidence in football governance and deepens divisions across our communities.”
“The situation was so serious that the BBC commentators felt compelled to issue on-air apologies to viewers, yet UEFA has chosen to do nothing — nothing to sanction Shelbourne Football Club and nothing to send a message that such behaviour is unacceptable and wrong. By contrast, earlier this summer, Linfield found themselves sanctioned by UEFA after some of their fans engaged in sectarian chanting. The club acted swiftly to condemn those responsible and, understandably, faced the consequences. The question that we must ask today is this: why is it one rule for one club and another rule for Shelbourne? Why is it that, when players and supporters from one background, or perceived background, are targeted with hateful sectarian abuse, UEFA seems to turn a blind eye?”
“I rise to address a concerning issue that has, understandably, provoked anger and frustration in the local community and was, rightly, highlighted at the weekend by former football manager David Jeffrey MBE in the 'Belfast Telegraph': the message that UEFA, the governing body of European football, sent out by not punishing sectarian abuse at a recent UEFA Conference League fixture in Dublin between Shelbourne and Linfield Football Club. <BR /> <BR />During that game at Tolka Park, Linfield's Matthew Fitzpatrick, who is a former Gaelic footballer at inter-county level for Antrim, was subjected to chants branding him an "Orange b—". That vile, offensive abuse was broadcast across the world. The Linfield manager, David Healy, was subject to similar abuse.”
“Is there any further update on the time frame for delivery for innocent victims across Northern Ireland through the redress scheme?”
“I hope that she will take the opportunity to take action and that the clock will not be run down while she is in office. <BR /> <BR />I commend our amendment as a balanced and constructive way forward, and I ask the House to support it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the very serious and ongoing road safety concerns, the High Court judgement has only added to the urgent need for action. As others have said, now is the time to seriously consider the necessary practical steps towards improving road safety. There are simple, practical steps that have been seen to work and be effective in other areas, including my constituency, such as better signage, better junction layouts, average speed cameras and targeted enforcement. Those measures could make a real difference and, ultimately, save lives in the short to medium term. Given the road safety concerns, there is a duty on the Minister for Infrastructure to deliver action urgently and not at some distant point in the future. I look forward to hearing from the Minister.”
“No, I will not. <BR /> <BR />That is why it is right to call on the AERA Minister to bring forward proposals to amend aspirational yet unachievable net zero targets. Targets must be realistic, affordable and balanced with the urgent need for investment in infrastructure that saves lives and strengthens our community and connectivity. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned the burden of uncertainty on landowners and farmers and the disruption that that has caused to businesses. Our amendment rightly calls on the Minister of Finance to look at fairly compensating those who have been impacted on, not only for the value of their land but for the ongoing loss of income and the cost of reinstatement amid the confusion. That is a matter of basic fairness and respect.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our amendment recognises a hard truth, which is that unless we address the barriers that have been created by the current legislative framework, major infrastructure projects will continue to be tied up in legal wrangling rather than being delivered on the ground. We have yet to hear from the Minister how the appeal will address Mr Justice McAlinden's clear reference in his ruling to climate targets that were supported by Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party, the SDLP and others. Some of those parties continue to live in denial about the impact of those climate targets on so many areas of life in Northern Ireland, not just in relation to the A5 but on a whole range of vital infrastructure projects and other key flagship projects.”
“The Infrastructure Committee, in joint meetings with the AERA Committee, has heard that directly a number of times from landowners and groups such as the Ulster Farmers' Union, which has tried to support farmers and their families throughout what can only be described as the shambolic handling of the scheme by the Department, certainly in recent years. Land has been vested and then is not vested. Preparatory work has started, been halted and then started again. Significant disruption has occurred while legal proceedings have dragged on. Farmers have had their land dug up, with some of it rendered unsuitable for agricultural purposes. The impact of that has been nothing short of devastating, and lessons about the handling of the case should have been learned much earlier, given the impact that it has had on so many families.”
“That should be first and foremost in all our minds. <BR /> <BR />The A5 upgrade has been promised for almost 20 years, having been first mooted in 2007, yet, time and time again, all we have seen is false dawns. There have been repeated delays, and, most recently, the High Court ruling has stalled progress once again. My colleague the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee highlighted how clear — black and white — the High Court verdict was. All that has been delivered by this Minister and her predecessor's Department to date is confusion and yet more uncertainty. That is simply not good enough. <BR /> <BR />The most recent High Court ruling has caused considerable distress and further uncertainty for landowners and farming families, whose livelihoods have been left in limbo for well over a decade.”
“I speak in support of the amendment that we, as a party, have tabled to the motion on this very important issue. As others have said, we cannot lose sight of the human cost behind the debate. The A5 has been the scene of far too many tragedies. Families across Tyrone and Northern Ireland and beyond have been left truly devastated by the loss of lives, young and old, that were tragically cut short on this very dangerous section of road. Our thoughts and prayers must always remain with the people who have lost loved ones, bearing in mind the impact on those families and communities who live daily with the consequences of the real risks on that road. Having recently met a family in my constituency who lost a loved one in a road tragedy, I know that it is horrific and that the pain does not just go away.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have a proud track record of success in motor sport, and that must be matched with investment. That is why it was excellent to see the Communities Minister invest £187,000 recently to improve motor sport safety across the country, including at iconic events like the North West 200. We look forward to seeing further investment. Jonathan Rea MBE, thank you very much for your service, and congratulations on an incredible career.”
“Motorcycle racing runs deep in the Rea family, as they supported and raced with the late, great Joey Dunlop, another of our greatest ever sportsmen. Jonathan has been a superb ambassador for Northern Ireland, promoting our country with pride around the world and always recognising his loyal fan base, his team and his family. He was rightly honoured with an MBE by the late Her Majesty the Queen in 2017. <BR /> <BR />Jonathan's contribution goes far beyond the racetrack. He has helped raise the profile of motor sport, tourism and much more here for many years. As he steps away from the world superbike track, we say, "Thank you, Jonathan Rea, for your dedication, for your excellence, for making us all proud and for giving us so many memories".”
“I pay tribute to one of Northern Ireland's greatest ever sportsmen, Jonathan Rea MBE, who recently announced his retirement from world superbike racing. Jonathan represented Northern Ireland on the world stage with incredible distinction, humility and professionalism, He had an incredible, glittering career that included six world superbike championships — a world record — a record 119 race wins and over 260 podium finishes. He firmly established himself as the most successful rider in world superbike history. <BR /> <BR />Jonathan comes from a proud motor sport background and has never forgotten his roots. His achievements have truly inspired young people across Northern Ireland and beyond. He has shown that someone from here can reach the very top of global sport.”