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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“— address the epidemic. Education, prevention and support services must go hand in hand with urgent legal reform.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our amendment, which was ably proposed by my colleague from East Belfast Joanne Bunting, seeks to ensure that any changes in approach are firmly grounded in careful assessment and prior consultation. Doing so will ensure that protections are improved for victims while maintaining the important right to a fair trial. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the valuable work carried out daily to support women who have experienced violence. I have seen in my constituency how valuable the live-saving and life-changing work of organisations such as Women's Aid is. Legislation alone cannot —”
“Unfortunately, evidence from the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime through the recent victims' survey suggests that confidence in our criminal justice system is currently lacking, with 50% of victims reported as being "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" with how they were treated. Meanwhile, 77% of those who responded to the survey reported that they were not given enough support during their court experience. Those startling realities are a reminder of the need to do better. The lack of support and confidence in our system will only discourage victims from coming forward. There is certainly a clear body of work to be done to improve everyone's experience of our justice system.”
“I welcome the work that has been undertaken by the Justice Department and the Executive Office, including the recent investment through the local change fund, which was announced this month, in collaboration with councils. That is a positive step forward and something on which to build.”
“I hope that the measures that are being discussed today can have a positive impact on female and male victims of gender-based violence as we seek to eradicate a scourge that affects every corner of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister must take clear, affirmative action to ensure that our laws and the justice system are robust enough to protect victims, deliver justice and send a clear message that that kind of violence has no place in our society. A key part of the process is supportive measures that increase confidence amongst women and girls who are victims of such abuse to pursue prosecutions and bring perpetrators to justice.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue. The statistics around violence against women and girls are truly shocking and totally unacceptable. The sad reality is that the figures may not even be an accurate or up-to-date reflection of where we are with this terrible issue. The figures may not demonstrate the true scale of the problem, as, tragically, many cases of domestic and sexual abuse go unreported due to fear and coercive control. As has been said, not even a home is always a safe place. This issue is a scourge that cannot and must not be ignored. Every life lost, every harrowing account of an incident and every family left devastated by such acts of violence call us to act decisively.”
“I appreciate the Minister's answer. He will be aware that some in the sector have been calling for the Bill for some time and that it would benefit many areas, including our constituency of North Down, where derelict buildings can become a real health and safety hazard. Will the Minister give a more detailed timescale for seeing the Bill in action? When will it benefit the redevelopment and regeneration of our town, city and village centres?”
“It is important that the message goes out that our city and town centres are open for business both at this time of year, which is effectively the harvest time for many in the retail and hospitality sectors, and all year round. On the Sydenham bypass works, which commenced in October, there has been a good start and they have made a positive difference. What lessons can be learned for when the work restarts in the new year? Can consideration be given to keeping the road open on Saturday daytimes, given the significant volume of cars and road users on it?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Will she outline whether the Executive have engaged with any other jurisdictions that have such a delivery unit in place to ensure that ours can deliver efficiently and effectively?”
“I commend and pay tribute to the management team, including current coach, Adam Keefe, and head of hockey, Steve Thornton, and all those who had the vision to bring ice hockey to our shores. I wish the Belfast Giants every continued success —”
“It is also worth recognising and celebrating the role that the Giants have played in developing the rich historical and cultural links between Northern Ireland and the United States and, indeed, Canada. Since 2015, the Friendship Four tournament has brought players and fans from the University of Notre Dame, Boston University, Harvard University and Merrimack College to our shores. I firmly believe that there is an exciting future ahead for the Giants. We look forward to the redevelopment of Dundonald International Ice Bowl, which will improve the club's training facilities and give many aspiring young players an opportunity to have a career in the sport — something that was not on the agenda over 25 years ago. <BR /> <BR />This is an opportunity to reflect on the hard work of everybody who has been part of the journey.”
“Their presence in international tournaments has showcased our city and our country, while their success has attracted visitors, players, media attention and opportunities that have benefited our economy and shown the very best of Northern Ireland. That is something of which we can all be proud. The Giants' contribution to the cultural and sporting fabric of Belfast and Northern Ireland cannot be overstated.”
“<BR /> <BR />Based at their home in the SSE Arena, the Giants have introduced people from every corner of Northern Ireland and beyond to this exciting and entertaining sport. The Giants' influence extends far beyond their victories on the ice. They have been a pillar of community spirit and engagement, and they regularly give back through charitable initiatives and youth development and educational outreach programmes; indeed, they take great pride in dealing with and supporting families who have been affected by cancer. I know from personal experience just how valuable that outreach work by the Belfast Giants has been to constituents who have benefited from it. <BR /> <BR />I also acknowledge the role that the Belfast Giants have played in putting Belfast and Northern Ireland on the global map.”
“I rise to celebrate a special anniversary in Northern Ireland's sporting history, as this season marks 25 years of the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. In their debut season in 2000, the Giants became the first professional ice hockey team in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Since then, the team has steadily grown its average attendance and its trophy cabinet as well interest in it across our country. The Giants have amassed an impressive array of titles, including multiple league championships, cup victories and prestigious play-off titles; indeed, they won the treble in 2023. Those triumphs have been a source of immense pride for Northern Ireland and have elevated the profile of ice hockey across the UK and, indeed, our world.”
“I appreciate the pressures on your budget. The demands across our schools estate highlight the need for more investment in your budget from the Northern Ireland Executive. Will the Minister outline how a school can raise urgent maintenance issues?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Figures acquired from his Department show that no new jobs have been created from foreign direct investment in the Ards and North Down Council area since 2020. Does the Minister think that that is acceptable, and will he explain to my constituents why his Department's new subregional economic plan includes a commitment to move investment outside the Belfast metropolitan area, which includes my constituency, despite figures showing that it is not currently receiving the benefit of Invest NI's work?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, which is certainly wide-ranging. Minister, you will be aware of the alarming findings of the 2023-24 victims' survey by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, with only 7% of crime victims having confidence in your justice system and 50% being dissatisfied with the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The victims of crime want actions not just words. How confident are you that we will see real, positive change to improve victims' experiences? Given the lack of clarity in your statement on time frames, can you spell out a clearer time frame for those affirmative actions?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. We are indeed very fortunate to have so many areas along our coastline. On the back of that, will the Minister commit to looking at introducing year-round testing at many of those spots?”
“Staying on the same railway line, is there any update on the provision of a safer railway stop at George Best Belfast City Airport to resolve the situation where passengers are often faced with a long and dangerous walk along the Sydenham bypass?”
“I will write to the Post Office management and the Economy Minister about the issue. It is important that every effort is made to oppose the changes, and I ask that every effort be made to reverse the decision. The loss of a post office will be yet another hammer blow to our city centre in Bangor, to the public and to other local businesses and traders, particularly our smaller and medium-sized businesses, which really are the backbone of our towns and city centres. Many of them rely daily on the post office for important services. There seems to be a growing trend for Bangor to be a soft target for cuts, which we have seen in recent years with the closure of the Bangor minor injury unit and the decision to remove the public enquiry office from Bangor police station. This move is a step backwards, and I ask for it to be reconsidered.”
“Following the disgraceful and shocking findings of the investigations of the Horizon scandal, there is a moral imperative for the Post Office management to avoid any further unnecessary job losses and to protect its already damaged reputation across the UK.”
“Whilst we recognise that, today, a wider range of post office services is available in other retail units and outlets in different places, traditional post offices such as the one in Bangor Main Street provide a valuable and important service, particularly with so many bank closures, which we have seen in town and city centres over the past decade. As with many such closures, those who are impacted on hardest are the elderly and the more vulnerable people across our society, particularly in accessing cash and paying bills, including important utility bills. <BR /> <BR />Given the uncertainty created by the negative announcement last week, my thoughts are also with the staff whose livelihoods could be jeopardised by the changes, particularly as we approach the Christmas period.”
“I express my extreme disappointment at the decision of the Post Office to consider closing the branch in Main Street, Bangor, in my constituency. An announcement was made last week that affects, potentially, over 100 other branches across the UK, which are now under serious threat of closure. The post office was opened in 1936 and is an historic and integral part of the character of Bangor. Indeed, it is a notable post office and was one of the few that were opened during the short reign of King Edward VIII. <BR /> <BR />Many local residents who rely on these key services share my concerns and feel real disappointment today.”
“As was mentioned, many of those are historical issues, and it can be tricky to get clarity on ownership and so on. There is definitely room for improvement, given the issues that we are having, as we seek to make this more effective and efficient.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and I thank my colleague Mr Brooks for that. There are opportunities to improve things for everybody in this process. That opportunity is there, and, hopefully, it will be taken forward by the Department and the Minister. That is why we call on the Minister to do more, and, in the case of unadopted alleyways, a partnership approach is needed between local communities, the councils, the Housing Executive, DFI and others to adopt those areas and instigate a programme of basic maintenance. That is why we are happy to support the amendment to bring in the councils. It certainly strengthens the motion. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls on the Minister to put the interests of ordinary homeowners first and to take the necessary steps to identify high-priority and legacy sites for adoption.”
“As has been said, some people can reappear in close proximity, under a new name sometimes. That emphasises that homeowners need to be protected.”
“<BR /> <BR />The current situation is such that, should a developer default or dissolve, the bond can be used by DFI and/or NI Water to complete the roadworks and sewers. As my colleague Deborah Erskine said, legislation is indeed outdated and ineffective. That is where there is room for improvement. <BR /> <BR />Some action has been taken, particularly on the bond rates, when they were increased by around 70% in 2023. We understand that the Department plans to adjust that bond rate at the beginning of 2025, and we look forward to hearing more detail on the Minister's intentions. Homeowners must not be left to foot the bill or be liable for bringing the development in which they live up to an adoptable standard in cases where that developer has defaulted.”
“That situation sometimes gives the opportunity where developers can, unfortunately, wash their hands of responsibility in getting those areas properly upgraded. Indeed, statistics provided by the Department show that the southern division, which covers my constituency, has the highest number of unadopted bonded phases of developments with 80% occupation, with 485 developments; 303 being the next highest and the lowest 205. Indeed, in my council area, we have 151 unadopted housing developments, which highlights the significant scale of the issue. That is reflected right across our country. <BR /> <BR />It is an unacceptable backlog, and, each year, unfortunately, it gets worse. Homeowners can face deteriorating road and footpath conditions and, as has been said, experience difficulties in selling on their property.”
“The associated costs were eye-watering for them and simply unaffordable.”
“People have invested heavily in purchasing properties in the context of ever-rising house prices, and, when they tried to get their road upgraded, they faced an extensive list from DFI to get it up to standard.”
“We will have to hear what the Minister says. I might have to change that. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, this is not a new issue for the House, but we have a useful opportunity to remind the Minister again about the need for action. I certainly hope that the Minister is in listening mode, as he always is when it comes to us on the DUP Benches. <BR /> <BR />There are many things to consider for those purchasing a new home, and one factor is whether the roads and footpaths have been adopted. As our motion rightly points out, there are a litany of problems that can come from that, particularly, as has been said, with the public services that flow both outside and below the property. In my constituency of North Down, I have recently been working on a number of examples of problems in developments.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on an important issue that affects so many parts of Northern Ireland. At the outset, I declare an interest, as I plan to move into an unadopted housing development shortly. I just want to keep myself right”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Does she agree that it is important that the outstanding institutions recognise the harm that has been caused and contribute to the scheme? Equally, as she stated, with the scheme beginning to wind down, is it her assessment that time is running out for the outstanding institutions to do the right thing and make a contribution?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. You recently spoke about wanting to create a rates system that is fair and equitable. Is it fair to raise rates for residents who may be faithfully paying each year whilst ignoring the £175 million of unpaid rates in the past financial year ?”
“Minister, what action, perhaps including testing, is your Department taking to improve the water quality in Belfast lough, specifically for sea swimming, which, as you know, is very popular across North Down, in order to bring it above its current status of "satisfactory"?”
“We are often reminded of that, particularly when we go round the doors and see the number of dogs — often not just one but two or more dogs in, sometimes, every other home — and the love that they bring to so many people across our community in every corner of Northern Ireland. It is important that we give a voice to them today. I encourage the Minister to work with all colleagues and, through a joined-up approach, to look at a range of measures to improve the welfare of animals across Northern Ireland.”
“Without such a register, the ability of the relevant statutory agencies with animal welfare enforcement responsibilities to ensure that bans on animal possession are enforced is severely limited. This is a welcome opportunity to put that forward. With those points in mind, our motion calls on the Minister to look seriously at establishing a register and to ensure that he consults with Ministers in the Republic of Ireland and, importantly, across the UK to ensure that we remain a world leader for animal welfare protection. <BR /> <BR />We all know the value that so many of us place on animals.”
“As my colleague Michelle McIlveen rightly highlighted, a number of examples exist around the world, including in New York and Finland, that demonstrate that it can work. Every effort should be made by the Minister on best practice from around the world. I appreciate his efforts, to date, on this important issue. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, there is strong appetite around our council chambers, with seven out of the 11 having debated or passed motions calling for the creation of a banned offenders register, since 2019 — something that has been supported by a number of charities, including the USPCA. I noted that one of the Minister's first visits was to the USPCA and that he stated that he wanted to make animal welfare a priority. This is an opportunity for him to demonstrate that with actions.”
“Moreover, our local police officers and animal welfare officers are unaware if a potential offender already has a track record of animal cruelty when investigating complaints and potential crimes. By introducing an animal welfare offenders register, we can equip the relevant organisations with the tools to crack down on those responsible for these cruel, heinous and barbaric crimes, but we can also ensure that offenders are accountable for their crimes. Accountability is crucial, and we could do more on that. <BR /> <BR />Whilst there are legitimate concerns around the register's implications relating to budgets, data protection and human rights, there is evidence from across the world that it can be done, and I believe that it should be done.”
“There is also a body of evidence that highlights an inconsistent approach by our judicial system to animal welfare sentencing across Northern Ireland and the awarding of sentences, including disqualification orders. Recent figures show that just 12% of those convicted of abuse or neglect towards animals end up with a custodial sentence. From that, we can take two points. First, it is clear that we need stronger deterrents to send a message to would-be abusers and, importantly, to prevent repeat offenders. Secondly, it is clear that reputable dealers and rehoming charities do not have access to the information to vet individuals who express an interest in purchasing or assuming care for an animal.”
“There is a very important role for the Department, our councils and the PSNI around animal welfare. We need to see a more coordinated, collaborative and joined-up approach to tackling animal cruelty. As can be the case on a range of issues here, there are often 11 different approaches to animal welfare across our councils — something that is not unique to the issue of animal welfare, where we have that variation, positively or negatively, across our 11 councils.”
“However, the statistics for animal abuse and those responsible for it show that, far too often, repeat offenders are able to get access to animals continuously, despite having already been punished for heinous animal cruelty crimes.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on an important motion on animal welfare across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />It is appropriate that the United Kingdom, as a nation of animal lovers — animals both domestic and farmed — has one of the toughest sentencing regimes in the world for animal cruelty. It is imperative that we in Northern Ireland keep pace and, indeed, lead the way on animal welfare when compared with neighbouring jurisdictions. <BR /> <BR />Our party is fully committed to ensuring that animals receive the necessary protections from harm and cruel mistreatment. We have been pleased to see recent progress in the area, as my colleagues have said, to tackle pet abductions and immoral puppy breeding practices.”
“Will the Minister provide an update on any NI Prison Service recruitment campaigns, particularly to help deal with the pressures of ever-increasing prisoner numbers?”
“Many of our most decorated athletes, including Lady Mary Peters, enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games: long may that continue. <BR /> <BR />The games are an incredible opportunity for athletes from across Northern Ireland to compete at an elite level in so many sports, including athletics, boxing, netball, swimming, gymnastics and other sports that we have excelled in for many generations. I wish Team Northern Ireland — Conal and the whole team — all the very best, as they can now plan and train with certainty for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
“The Commonwealth Games provide the only opportunity for our local athletes to represent Northern Ireland while competing at international level in a multi-sport event. It is welcome that our aspiring athletes will again have that opportunity. <BR /> <BR />Team Northern Ireland has always punched well above its weight at the Commonwealth Games, and the 2026 games represent a fantastic opportunity to build on the success of the 2022 games in Birmingham, at which our athletes won a record 18 medals. We saw in the summer the success of our golden Olympic heroes, including Rhys McClenaghan and Daniel Wiffen, who both won medals at the 2022 games in Birmingham. That clearly demonstrates the pathway to success that is available to all.”
“I am pleased to welcome the news today that the Commonwealth Games are set once again to be hosted by Glasgow in 2026. That secures the future of those prestigious games, which were in real jeopardy following a number of setbacks, with the Australian state of Victoria pulling out late in the day from hosting the games. <BR /> <BR />Often referred to as the "friendly games", the Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930 in Canada. Northern Ireland has competed in 19 of the 21 Commonwealth Games, beginning with the second games, which were held in 1934. Our wee country has achieved an incredible 142 medals at the games. A total of 3,000 athletes from up to 74 of our Commonwealth nations and territories are expected to compete at the 2026 games across a new, compact 10-sport programme.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Will he provide some more detail on the curriculum review and, in particular, how better outcomes can be achieved on literacy and numeracy?”
“What is the latest position for the schools announced under the Fresh Start Agreement scheme?”
“What due diligence did you, as Economy Minister, carry out before making those inaccurate comments? Will you correct the public record and apologise clearly?”