Pádraig Delargy
Foyle · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I echo what other Members have said. Compassion is at the heart of the regulations, which are about understanding and ensuring that parents and families who have suffered the most heartbreaking and unimaginable grief are supported through one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
“The regulations have been extended to ensure that they also apply to parents who have lost a child through miscarriage and that parental bereavement leave is now a day-1 employment right.”
“Why are the public appointments and equality processes important in employment? They are particularly important here in the North, for one simple reason. It is because for so many years, even decades, the unionist Government stopped Catholics, nationalists and republicans from having any access to public appointments and jobs.”
“I start by going to the very heart of the motion and many of the comments that have been made around the Chamber today. The process for public appointments to Invest NI was fair, open, accountable and transparent. It was based on merit and ability.”
“It is a generation that is deeply proud of all those who ensured that we can enjoy the freedom that the unionist Government denied them. My generation will not lie down, will not acquiesce and will not allow regressive change. It will not return to the inequality, the suppression and all the other elements of the unionist state.”
“This is the same SDLP that voted to disbar any republican prisoners from the position of special adviser — the same SDLP that, when another nationalist or, God forbid, a republican, takes the office of First Minister, suddenly wants that title taken away.”
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“Far too often, young people in the North face barriers to accessing higher education, not because of lack of ability or ambition but due to gaps in careers services, complex and confusing application systems and a lack of alignment between key processes. Differences between the Central Applications Office (CAO) and UCAS application systems, particularly the misalignment of results release dates, place unnecessary stress on and create a disadvantage for students who are navigating all-Ireland educational opportunities. We must work together to remove those barriers. That means improving careers guidance in our schools to ensure that it is timely, independent and comprehensive, and it means pushing for a more joined-up approach to higher education applications across Ireland.”
“We need to encourage lifelong learning, with more students staying in education and continuing their education journey throughout their lifetime. The Department for the Economy has done significant work to encourage more courses and greater student support for those who are in full-time employment or who have childcare or other caring responsibilities in order to prevent them from being locked out of academic opportunities and career progression. <BR /> <BR />Fundamentally, we must ensure that equitable opportunities for higher education attainment are accessible to those who wish to pursue them in the North or the South.”
“I acknowledge the significant achievement in the South of holding the highest educational attainment rate anywhere in the world. According to CBRE's research in the 'Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025', over 52% of the population in the South now hold a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. That is a remarkable achievement that reflects a sustained commitment to education across Ireland and is testament to the value that families, communities and educators across the South place on learning. <BR /> <BR />In the North, we also have a fantastic and world-leading education system. I am proud to have been a teacher here and of the fact that I come from a family of teachers and educators. We know that our schools, colleges and universities punch well above their weight.”
“The Department has failed to commission more inpatient beds, to provide any additional staff training or bring in consultants or to tackle any issues that we raised about domiciliary care packages. <BR /> <BR />This is about the pressure that is being placed on front-facing staff, who are bearing the brunt of lengthy waiting times. It is about low morale and high staff turnover. I therefore again send a message to the staff in Altnagelvin hospital that we in the Chamber have their back and will continue to be their voice to the Department of Health. Excuses about the situation being related to winter pressures do not cut it. It is nearly the summer. It is now a 365-days-a-year crisis. The Department of Health needs to step up and introduce proper procedures to support patients and staff at Altnagelvin.”
“The physical infrastructure at Altnagelvin has a key role to play in addressing the situation. The Department of Health needs to step up and do better for the patients and staff there. In January, we had an Adjournment debate on the need for Altnagelvin's emergency department to be adequately sized and resourced, on which there was consensus from all sides of the House, yet nothing has been done about it. I understand that the building of a new emergency department is a lengthy process, but, during the debate, I outlined three aims and objectives that the Department of Health could implement at Altnagelvin on that day. That debate, as I said, took place in January, yet none has been implemented.”
“It is not just about numbers or statistics. The patients and staff at Altnagelvin are our families, neighbours and members of our communities, and they will not be treated as second-class citizens. We consistently hear from constituents who come into our office about people waiting in corridors and being left there for a long time. People are leaving the hospital having not been seen after nine or 10 hours. That, in turn, increases the pressure on primary care and on out-of-hours services.”
“I raise a matter of pressing concern in my constituency. We all know that waiting times in Altnagelvin hospital and in emergency departments across the North have been continually rising, but, on 15 May, the waiting time to be seen in Altnagelvin was 581 minutes. People had to wait for nearly 10 hours to be seen in our emergency department. That is absolutely disgraceful, nothing short of disgraceful. The average across the North was 190 minutes. The waiting time at Altnagelvin is consistently at least twice the average waiting time of any other emergency department across the North.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. As we know, having timely data is particularly relevant. The Minister knows as well as I do that productivity is a key pillar of Minister Archibald's economic strategy. How therefore does the work of his Department interface with the work of the Department for the Economy? How can we encourage collaborative working on the issue?”
“Thanks to the Minister for his short answer. It is great to see the fleadh coming north again. It was in Derry in 2013 and was a fantastically successful event. What is the Department doing to support grassroots organisations such as Comhaltas?”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. You mentioned clustering: will you outline some of the purposes and benefits of clustering?”
“Is the Minister able to provide an update on the extension of the Fáilte Ireland branding?”
“We are trying to get healthcare workers. That is what we are saying.”
“Does the Member not agree that, given the points that we raised about all-Ireland opportunities, what we are flagging is that the skills gaps in the North are the same as those in the South? There is nothing ideological about noting that there are economic gaps.”
“I ask him to communicate the changes and opportunities to all schools to ensure that the Careers Service works effectively in providing the information to students and encouraging students to look at all the opportunities that are open to them. Similarly, the Department for the Economy should communicate that information to colleges. I acknowledge the ongoing work of Minister Archibald to engage with her counterparts in the South to discuss and promote all-Ireland student mobility. <BR /> <BR />Let us build an Ireland of equals, one that is not divided by invisible lines but is united by a common purpose of learning, growing and thriving together. I urge Members to support the motion. Let us tear down barriers and open a future that works for all our students.”
“Enabling more North-to-South and South-to-North student movement is a low-cost, high-impact way to address the urgent workforce shortages and boost economic growth in our border regions. <BR /> <BR />This is about choice and opportunity. It does not impose or compel. It creates additional opportunities for our students and would augment the already fantastic further and higher education systems that we have. Students would have all the data, all the careers support, all the joined-up thinking and all the opportunities to make informed choices. That opportunity needs to be clear in our colleges and schools. It is vital that we all push in the same direction. <BR /> <BR />I am disappointed that neither the Education Minister nor his colleagues who sit on the Economy Committee are here.”
“<BR /> <BR />Across Ireland, we face many of the same skills gaps, such as those in green and renewable energy technologies, cybersecurity, digital transformation, allied health professions, construction and advanced manufacturing. As members of the Economy Committee, we know those skills gaps, and they are clearly identified in both the skills barometer in the North and the 'National Skills Bulletin' in the South. We are planning for two economies on one island: that is inefficient. It does not make sense. A unified approach to skills planning would mean shared forecasts for our future industry needs and an ability to respond faster to cross-border economic demands regarding, for example, data centres, offshore wind, and biopharmacy. Student mobility is the same as skills mobility.”
“While I welcome the progress in the South to reduce the requirement from four A levels to three A levels plus an AS level, that is still restrictive. We have further to go to create real parity across Ireland. I acknowledge the amendment's intent to increase that parity. We have seen great progress on the issue, but, of course, there is further to go. I recognise and welcome the amendment's intent and am happy to support it. From our discussions, we know that many students are not aware that the CAO system is different, nor are they informed and supported by many schools around that. That is why we make our call primarily to the Department of Education. Let us work together to put as many options and opportunities on the table as possible.”
“The motion calls for a coordinated effort on an all-island basis to harmonise student support; ensure fair access to funding, regardless of which part of the island a student is from; strengthen cross-border pathways in further and higher education; recognise the need for alignment in the Central Applications Office (CAO) and UCAS results dates to ensure that students can choose which option is best for them; and create greater harmony between the two systems. Crucially, we want to create a shared strategy to make all-Ireland student mobility a reality, not just a talking point. <BR /> <BR />With my colleagues in the Dáil, Mairéad Farrell and Donna McGettigan, I have met dozens of students to discuss the issue, and one common theme prevailed: they want greater choice.”
“The barriers come in many forms: a lack of joined-up information on courses across Ireland; differences in fee structures and funding supports; complexities in the recognition of qualifications; and — let us be honest — decades of underinvestment in and political indifference towards the potential of all-island cooperation and collaboration in education. <BR /> <BR />Here is the good news: we can change that.”
“, we ask the House to support a simple but powerful idea: no young person on this island should be held back from accessing education by an artificial barrier, be it financial, bureaucratic or political. Education should open doors; it should not be a postcode lottery. We live on one island. Our communities are connected, and our students are ambitious; yet, for too long, the systems and structures that we have inherited continue to divide and disadvantage our students. It is time that we faced that head-on. <BR /> <BR />This is the reality: if you are a student in Donegal and want to study in Derry, given the great chances already at the Magee campus and the plans for more to come, you are more likely to face barriers than if you were to apply to study in Galway or Cork. That is not just wrong; it is absurd.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed answers. Minister, your statement represents a significant step forward on your 'good jobs' Bill agenda. Do you agree that it will also help us to improve productivity, which is another of your key economic objectives?”
“Thank you, Minister. It is reassuring to hear that. You have answered my supplementary question. It is great to hear about that progress. When will the regional strategic transport network transport plan be published? Do you have any further details on the timeline for it?”
“Will the First Minister detail her thoughts on the benefits of the community and voluntary sector partnering with government in delivering services that support and build communities?”
“<BR /> <BR />I therefore welcome the opportunity that the regulations provide for our citizens and for those who come here to join the workforce and make a valuable contribution to our local economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is still a lot of work to do to achieve full recognition and accreditation for physiotherapists and other allied health professionals, as well as for teachers who have completed placements and studied abroad. My constituency office supports many professionals who have taken up posts in the South and many teachers who have studied abroad and want to return to Ireland but are having to navigate an unnecessarily bureaucratic process. I do not need to tell anyone here how valuable those professions are and how critical it is that the mutual recognition of qualifications is achieved to support and grow our workforce with a diversity of skills, talent and experience. It is pivotal, therefore, that we have a united voice today to support other professional bodies towards achieving that mutual recognition and understanding.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to note that mutual agreements and memoranda of understanding have been critical in supporting Irish citizens: those at home who have been impacted by Brexit and those who are studying or working abroad and wish to have their qualifications recognised at home. The national awarding body for further education in the South, Quality and Qualifications Ireland, published detailed comparisons in 2019, noting the impact of ending the mutual recognition of qualifications directive in the North following Brexit. Thankfully, many of those negative consequences have been curbed by memoranda of understanding between North and South.”
“The mutual recognition of comparable qualifications is a welcome step that provides people with the opportunity to move to other countries and gain employment through the skills and experience that they have developed. These specific regulations will enable those who have received legal qualifications in Switzerland to have them recognised here and will enhance an already strong and talented legal profession in the North. It is also important to highlight that it is part of implementing an overall agreement that will ensure that citizens here can have their professional qualifications recognised in Switzerland should they seek employment there.”
“Minister, how are absences such as PTSD and other psychological illnesses managed under the sickness absence policies and procedures?”
“Sinn Féin is committed to working on an all-Ireland basis to deliver for the north-west. That means working in the Assembly and in councils, and it also means working in Dublin. Let us seize this opportunity to work together to build prosperity for the people of the north-west and for our entire island.”
“A stronger economy in Derry and Donegal will benefit people right across Ireland. It is not only relevant to us all; it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to make it happen. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, while we can work collectively to deliver change in the here and now, we know that the biggest change that the north-west needs is Irish unity. Ní bhainfidh geilleagar an Iarthuaiscirt barr a mhaitheasa amach fad is a bheidh Éire roinnte.”
“Meanwhile, continued investment in the Ebrington site has led to the establishment of a maritime museum and EY's regional headquarters being situated there, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. <BR /> <BR />We are fully committed to an all-Ireland approach. We work in tandem with our Oireachtas team to deliver investment and growth across Ireland. Sinn Féin representatives in the Dáil have been pressing for increased funding for all-Ireland infrastructure and to ensure that the Irish Government prioritise investment in the north-west through the Shared Island Fund, particularly in the development of Magee. <BR /> <BR />The idea that investing in the north-west benefits only people in the north-west is fundamentally flawed. We know the old adage: a rising tide lifts all boats.”
“That agreement has allowed for the growth of our airport, with over 130 flights now leaving City of Derry Airport each month. <BR /> <BR />On another aspect of connectivity, Sinn Féin has led the campaign and ministerial commitment on the vital upgrade of the A5, connecting the north-west with the rest of Ireland. We are also advocating enhanced support for businesses that wish to operate on both sides of the border, ensuring that workers and entrepreneurs can fully avail themselves of the opportunities presented by dual market access. <BR /> <BR />In local development, the £290 million Derry and Strabane region city deal will deliver infrastructure and economic growth.”
“I want to outline our commitment to key strategic projects in the north-west. In January this year, Conor Murphy allocated £5·15 million to Derry City and Strabane District Council, the largest funding of any region. Sinn Féin has played a key role in the expansion of the Magee campus, securing land for development. Just last week Caoimhe Archibald announced the acquisition of Timber Quay, Queen's Quay and the council car park. Together, that will allow us to get to 10,000 students and more. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin has consistently advocated, through word and action, balanced economic development of City of Derry Airport. The Department for the Economy is now a key partner in developing our connectivity, which lifts a significant financial burden off ratepayers in Derry.”
“The development of a Derry-Letterkenny economic corridor has the power to transform not just the north-west but the entire island, creating high-quality jobs, developing world-class infrastructure and delivering prosperity for workers, families and businesses.”
“As a party with representatives in both Derry and Donegal, Sinn Féin is acutely aware of the long-standing obstacles that the north-west has faced. The north-west is rich in opportunity. To realise its potential fully, however, we need strategic, coordinated and ambitious action.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“They are not just preserving the Irish language and Irish heritage but creating jobs, providing services for families and communities and promoting the language in a host of ways. I therefore appeal to everyone to approach positively the issue of providing proper funding to those organisations, with a determination to find a workable, long-term resolution.”
“Tomorrow, Irish language and community organisations across the North and across Ireland will take a stand in protest against funding cuts. I offer those groups my full support and solidarity, as well as that of Sinn Féin, on the picket line. Fair funding is essential in order to ensure that they remain sustainable and continue to grow. <BR /> <BR />The organisations that rely on funding from Foras na Gaeilge deliver essential services at the very heart of our communities. They play a pivotal role in the ongoing development and preservation of the Irish language. The revival of the Irish language is well under way. We see it thriving across our society every day. Grassroots organisations play a vital role in its resurgence. We must rally behind those groups and support their invaluable work in every way in which we can.”
“Before I begin, I declare an interest: a family member of mine is employed through Foras na Gaeilge funding. I also inform the House that I intend to make my initial remarks in Irish. <BR /> <BR />Amárach, beidh eagrai´ochtai´ Gaeilge agus gru´pai´ pobail ar fud na ti´re ag dul ar stailc mar gheall ar chiorruithe. Imri´onn na gru´pai´ sin a fhaigheann maoiniu´ o´ Fhoras na Gaeilge, ro´l la´rnach i bhforbairt agus i gcothu´ na teanga. Déanann siad obair den scoth i measc an phobail ar son na Gaeilge. Tacai´mid leo agus iad ar stailc ama´rach.”
“Minister, will you provide an update on the Magee planning, given that its expansion is so vital to regional balance?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Does she agree that it is important to ensure that experiences are heard and lessons learned?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for his commitment. Will he provide a time frame for that work? More broadly, a number of schools are in the same predicament. How can the Department work better so that an increase in school numbers is reflected in any future planning for those schools?”
“Minister, thank you for your response. The collegiate approach is exactly what we want. It is just that, on this specific element, it is the Department of Education. We have touched on this already: we did not want to broaden it out so much, because there needs to be an enabler and a necessary prerequisite to taking this conversation forward. Do you recognise, in that context, that the Department of Education is the primary Department in this specific instance?”
“There are models in Finland, Scotland, Australia and France that look at different national priorities. They focus on need by region, deprivation and other factors, which we do not have here. I mentioned a number of the positive educational elements to this approach, but the economic conversation will have a hugely transformative and positive impact on identifying the broader skills gaps that we have. <BR /> <BR />This approach is a win for schools, it is a win for colleges but, most important, it is a win for students. Fundamentally, the careers piece cannot move forward without this approach being looked at. It is a necessary prerequisite. I encourage members to support the motion.”
“I was going to respond to both amendments, so I will do that now for clarity. <BR /> <BR />On the DUP amendment, I recognise the need for collaboration. I implore that, but it is important for us to look at a specific element of the broader careers conversation. While we very much welcome the broader conversation, I will not support the DUP amendment on the basis that the motion is about a specific element that is a necessary prerequisite. I will support the Alliance amendment, because, while we focused on one element, I recognise that it enhances the broader conversation. In this context, the DUP amendment fundamentally shifts the basis of it, but I am happy to have a broader conversation. <BR /> <BR />There are models across other countries that we can look at to enhance the model that we have here.”
“Our solutions must be caveated by the fact that, in calling for the review, it is imperative that schools, colleges and, most important, students have the most important voice in the room.”
“For example, many schools here teach construction and motor vehicle studies, but our colleges often have a much greater wealth of equipment and resources than our schools. By fostering a closer working relationship, we can ensure that all students have access to state-of-the-art resources. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that progress has been made on the 14-to-19 strategy, and, of course, that needs to continue. It is a golden opportunity, and it is one that we cannot miss if we are to ensure that there is collaborative working across all Departments and if we are to show a unified agenda and show that, in word and deed, we are all committed to developing a skills agenda.”
“We have seen sixth-form numbers staying consistent over the last 15 years, but we have seen almost a 50% drop in enrolments in further education. As a teacher by profession, I recognise the work of our school staff and our Careers Service and their commitment to young people. This conversation is particularly pertinent, as budgets are tight in schools. We can all agree that all our Departments are underfunded because of a lack of support from the British Government. That means that schools are not only financially incentivised but are under a financial imperative to keep students in school. <BR /> <BR />A competitive environment can have benefits, but it also creates duplication in this context. There is clear delineation in the South between education and training boards (ETBs), colleges and schools, and there are clear focuses.”
“I welcome the support for the motion from the Members who have spoken so far. The motion is about a pupil-first approach. It is about strong opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources better. The motion is about how we can work together. <BR /> <BR />There has been a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) focus and an Economy focus on the issue. We have all identified that there are skills gaps and that we need to reform the Careers Service careers guidance. However, we have had that conversation for the last 20 years, and we could have it for another 20. The motion is about bringing forward a necessary prerequisite to a broader conversation on careers, which we would welcome very much. <BR /> <BR />We need to work to find a solution. This is about equity across all sectors. It is about a consistent approach.”