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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“I thank the Minister for his statement. It is comprehensive and definitely allows us to move along the road towards regional balance. Does he agree that local enterprise agencies have a significant contribution to make to local economic partnerships?”
“No. I do not have time. <BR /> <BR />I will summarise by saying that this is not a niche or fringe topic. As my colleague Emma said, it is a fundamental human right. It is about an entitlement for young people and about giving them a voice and the opportunity to be heard. There are challenges that are specific to this generation. Those challenges are unique, and the best way in which to hear about them is directly through the voices of those who are impacted on: young people. <BR /> <BR />I will now set out our party position. Sinn Féin is very clear that it is time to lower the voting age in the North from 18 to 16. We are very clear about that and are proud to advocate an inclusive and progressive politics, where everyone has the right to shape the future. I encourage all Members to support the motion.”
“It is therefore important that the Department of Education be represented at the table. <BR /> <BR />The language that we use is important as well. We have to be conscious of the need to ensure that education staff are not discredited in anything that we say to or about schools or about young people. <BR /> <BR />To summarise —.”
“Members can look at the issues that are prevalent in their constituency and see that young people take the lead on all of them. The campaigns for change, progress and inclusivity are all led by young people, and that is very positive. <BR /> <BR />We will support the amendment. It is important that the role of the Department of Education was noted in the text of the amendment, and I share Ms Armstrong's surprise and disappointment that the Education Minister is not here, because there was a lot of discussion about the role of schools in the debate. As a former teacher, I hope that the role of education staff is not being discredited, because their role is vital. Our schools have an important role to play in developing our young people holistically, in every sense of their education.”
“I joined the Assembly as an MLA at the age of 25, but I had been a political activist for 10 years prior to that. Emma Sheerin and I both entered politics through Ógra Shinn Féin and have both been politically aware from a young age, and I am sure that many in the Chamber have had a similar experience. I am proud that Sinn Féin is leading the way. I am proud that we are a party that does not just talk about young people leading but has young leaders up and down the country and right across Ireland. That is something of which to be very proud. I know that many other parties do the same, and I hope to see every party in the Chamber doing so in future. From looking up at the Gallery, I can see the young people who have come here today.”
“We looked at Scotland and other international examples. There are many examples that we could look at, but that of Scotland is a particularly interesting one, because it is in a situation not dissimilar to ours. This is about increasing civic engagement and giving young people, in every forum across society, a voice and ensuring that that voice is heard. Sinéad and Michelle touched on the remarkable political activism that there is. <BR /> <BR />Fundamental to the debate is the fact that we are not speaking to young people but with them and ensuring that they can speak at the ballot box and that their voices are heard not just through voting but in the Chamber. We would all like to see a more diverse Chamber and the opportunity to have a more diverse politics for women, young people and many other groups across society.”
“I thank all those who contributed to the debate, during which several key themes were raised. The first was access to democracy, which Robbie Butler touched on initially. One area of broad consensus throughout the debate was that this is not just about the future but about now. It is about empowering young people now and ensuring that they have a voice. We are all aware — I am very aware in my role as Sinn Féin spokesperson for further and higher education — of the fact that many young people who are in apprenticeships and work, and thus paying National Insurance, face the consequences of policies that are made here, yet they have no right to vote. That is fundamentally wrong. <BR /> <BR />The second broad area of discussion was on the higher rates of young people utilising their vote. Both Danny and Sian touched on that.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your comprehensive answer. You have provided a lot of clarity on the details. We are all in agreement that this an ecological disaster and a complete national scandal, not just for Derry but right across Ireland, so I am glad to hear that your Department is working on it. Will you meet me, along with residents and environmental groups, as we are keen to campaign to make sure that the truth is got to and that there is a resolution to the scandal?”
“Minister, can you please outline some of the specific ways in which you currently support businesses?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As my colleague Philip McGuigan said, it is positive in a lot of areas. You mentioned that a huge amount of work is ongoing with the Department of Education on careers: can you outline some of that work? How do you intend that to progress in the coming years?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. You have already touched on one of the questions that I was going to ask. What engagements have you had with tourism organisations in border regions like Derry, such as the Museum of Free Derry and Visit Derry, on the ETA scheme?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. I note that the recent theme was around unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewable energies. Can she talk me through the next steps in that process, please?”
“It is very welcome to hear that, Minister. It is very welcome for the people of Derry and, actually, for the people of Donegal, who use that road daily. What engagement has the Department had with schools and local businesses around that?”
“Minister, thank you for your answer. We know the fantastic work that schools right across the North do, but it is clear that there is a significant gap in educational attainment between the North and the South. What do you identify as the key reasons for that gap, and how will you ensure that it is reduced?”
“Will the Minister provide more detail on what his Department does to promote music and arts events across the board?”
“The Minister will be acutely aware of the investment already going into the Fountain, Bishop Street and across my area, the Moor. Can she provide any more updates on some of the specific programmes and achievements to date?”
“It is about ensuring that every young person here has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is about creating a society where talent and hard work are rewarded and every individual has the chance to contribute to the common good.”
“I welcome that Ms McLaughlin raised the positive progression that we have seen in CAO applications, because I have worked with my colleague Mairéad Farrell, my party's spokesperson on further and higher education in the South, to ensure that that is advanced through the Dáil and through Conor's work as Minister here. That really shows the opportunity to create positive change and difference, working as an all-Ireland party, on all those all-Ireland issues. <BR /> <BR />I also note the mention of Magee. It is positive that we will see an additional 500 students coming to Magee this September. We all have to welcome that. That is positive progression and a step in the right direction. <BR /> <BR />Inspiring and retaining young people is not just an economic imperative but a moral one.”
“We must ensure that our schools and universities are not just institutions of learning but incubators of talent. That means investing in industries that have the potential for growth, such as technology, renewable energy and creative arts; supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy; ensuring that young people have access to apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training to give them the practical skills to succeed; and looking at our economy as a whole. <BR /> <BR />We must address the issues of fair wages and job security to ensure that young people are not stuck in low-paid, precarious jobs with little hope of advancement.”
“It is with that passion and that creativity and determination that we can build a brighter and more prosperous Ireland. To harness that potential, we must create a path that values education and creates ample opportunities with meaningful careers. Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. It is through education that we equip our young people with the tools that they need to succeed, innovate and lead. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about inspiring a love of learning, nurturing curiosity and fostering critical thinking. It is about creating an environment where every young person feels valued, empowered and encouraged to pursue their dreams. <BR /> <BR />Our current education provision, whilst strong in many respects, needs to evolve to meet the demands of the modern world.”
“By working together in the Chamber to create new and exciting opportunities, good working conditions and fair pay, we invest in that next generation to ensure that we can build brighter, better and stronger futures on our island. It is a win-win: our talented youth get the chance to thrive, and our island gets the enormous economic benefit of everything that their skills and passion bring. Let us make this island that we call "home" the place where dreams can come true, careers can flourish and the future of every young person has endless possibilities. <BR /> <BR />Together, we have the power to deliver that real change, create a future where our young people have those opportunities at home and be a game changer for everyone in society.”
“That cannot continue. We must work together to do everything in our power to ensure that young people see their future here at home. Today, I want us to commit to working together to make sure that that can happen, that young people can stay in Ireland and build a life, get a good job and own their own home here and that young people from here are no longer built for export. <BR /> <BR />Imagine having an even bigger powerhouse of young, bright minds teaching in our schools, working with patients in our hospitals, contributing to our communities and innovating in industries here, being trailblazers for positive and progressive change.”
“I thank the Member for moving the motion. When I read through it, I saw a lot of things that have been brought up in the Chamber and clear policies that the Department is bringing through. The motion is very welcome, and I am glad to speak on it today. <BR /> <BR />When I read the motion, the first thing that I thought about was the number of my friends who have had to move away in recent years. They are teachers in Doha, healthcare workers in Australia and tradespeople in America. Sadly, they see very little compelling reason to stay and build their careers here. That is heart-wrenching, and we all understand the devastating impact that that has on their families and our entire community. It is an experience that many of us have felt personally.”
“In conclusion, the North has a unique opportunity to redefine its economic future. By embracing all-Ireland cooperation while simultaneously augmenting east-west relations, prioritising economic growth and leveraging our unique dual market access, we can create a prosperous and inclusive economy for all. We know that those relations are more important than ever, as are our offices in Brussels — they presented to us, as I said, this week — and the North/South bodies that we are able to access this information through, and we should seize the opportunities that we now have. Let us work together, North/South and east-west, to build a brighter future for the North and be recognised as a beacon of innovation, trade and opportunity.”
“Vertiv has leveraged its unique position to streamline operations, enhance supply-chain efficiency and access a broader market base, all while creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the north-west. <BR /> <BR />Do not just take it from me. Listen to John McGrane, head of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, and to Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI, who stated:”
“Just last week, at the Committee for the Executive Office, we heard from offices across the world about the opportunities that that has created and the interest in the North that has arisen and been augmented. Dual market access has to be recognised and promoted, as it affords the North the potential to bring good jobs and prosperity to businesses, farmers and families across the North. <BR /> <BR />One of the most exciting prospects is enhanced cooperation across Ireland. There are numerous examples of businesses operating seamlessly between North and South, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit. Companies such as Vertiv in Derry are shining examples of that success.”
“Our priority must be to put the economy and jobs first. <BR /> <BR />Given our strategic position, and with the right policies, the North has the potential to become a dynamic, forward-thinking economy that is driven by innovation and trade. We can create an environment that attracts global business, fosters local entrepreneurship and ensures high-quality, good jobs for our people. We must advocate policies that support that vision and work tirelessly to create a thriving economic landscape. The economy of the North must be allowed to move forward on a stable and secure footing in order to take advantage of dual market access. <BR /> <BR />The economic and global potential arising from our dual market access has been significantly showcased around the world.”
“Today, we discuss the significant opportunities for and the challenges facing the North of Ireland in the post-Brexit era. As representatives who are committed to the prosperity and well-being of all our people, it is essential that we recognise and seize the potential that lies ahead. <BR /> <BR />Since Brexit, the North has found itself in a unique position. Our continued access to UK and EU markets offers unparalleled trade benefits. We have seen recent statistics that showcase the fact that, between the North and the Republic, there has been a marked increase in trade, with exports rising by over 40% in the past year alone. Dual access has therefore allowed our businesses to thrive in a way that is unmatched by other regions, ensuring that the North is an attractive hub for trade and investment.”
“I brought these photos in, because, if children in our communities, in our constituencies, see that every day when they go to school, it is very important that the people in here, who make the decisions, see photos of it. There are also conditions such as those that you can see in this photo. It is simply not acceptable that children go into school every day to conditions like those in the photos. <BR /> <BR />The issue may not be a priority for the Education Minister, but it is certainly a priority for me and for Sinn Féin, and we will continue to stand up for those children, their families and our community to ensure that children can go to schools that are fit for purpose and safe and where they can be taught in conditions that are appropriate for education.”
“We are in that situation where change is needed, but it is not happening. <BR /> <BR />I recently visited many schools in Derry that are in these conditions: children are being taught in Portakabins that are cold, have black mould and are in an extremely poor condition. It is not acceptable, in 2024, for any child to be taught in conditions that look like those in the photo that I am holding up. Children are being taught in schools that have black mould on the ceiling. That is an extreme health risk for those children and is not acceptable at all. There are also schools with Portakabins that look like the ones in this photo and are simply not being maintained by the Education Authority.”
“I will speak about the condition of many schools in Derry. I am aware that we have raised the condition of those schools with the Department of Education and the Education Authority (EA) over the past months. It is a constant issue of maintenance, because our schools simply cannot get, and are not getting, the capital funding that they require to make sure that they are fit for purpose and safe for pupils. <BR /> <BR />The Minister recently made two statements on the issue, one of which was more positive for Derry schools than the other. Essentially, two schools in Derry — Lumen Christi College and St Brigid's College in Carnhill — are on that waiting list, but both will languish, as they have been languishing, on that list. We know that change needs to happen for staff and for families, but also, most importantly, for pupils.”
“I would definitely appreciate that. Thank you. Can you also provide me with an update on any cross-departmental work that you are doing, particularly with the Executive Office?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her response. It is welcome that an announcement will be made in due course on those recruitment competitions. Will the deputy First Minister detail the reason why the three bodies have not yet been established? Can she commit to setting out a more definitive timeline for the recruitment to those three bodies?”
“In order to get a proper localised service that is fit for purpose and allows quick and easy access for all our patients, we need to look at all-Ireland solutions and treat our regions properly. I implore the Health Minister to look at the business case that will come from the trust. I implore all local representatives to get behind that and ensure that we have access to an accident and emergency service at Altnagelvin that is fit for purpose.”
“There is simply not enough space, so myriad people with complex medical conditions are there, waiting for treatment in a confined space that is totally inappropriate for their emergency medical needs. <BR /> <BR />No one chooses or plans to be in an emergency department. If we look at the issue simply by examining the critical mass of people in Derry, we will never solve the problem. We need to look at the issue across the entire trust; indeed, across the entire north-west. We have seen the breakthroughs that we can make in people's care and access when we have things like the North West Cancer Centre, which treats people on the basis of their localised need.”
“I rise to talk about the emergency department at Altnagelvin Hospital. I welcome the opening of the minor injuries unit at Altnagelvin, which has helped to alleviate some of the pressures. In only a few weeks, the unit has seen over 2,000 patients, which has made a critical difference, but, until there is a new emergency department at Altnagelvin, the hospital will never be able to cope with the huge number of admissions. I was there recently not as an MLA but as a close relative of someone in the emergency department. I saw at first hand the pressure that the nurses, doctors, porters, cleaners, admin staff and, indeed, the whole team are under in that department.”
“Minister, what changes are you planning to bring forward in respect of marriage law?”
“Will the Minister ensure that the maximum student number (MaSN) cap will not impact the expansion of the Magee campus?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer and her ongoing commitment to the site. As she is well aware, the people of Derry want concerts back in Ebrington Square. What can the council and the Executive Office do to work together to ensure that not only does that happen but the number of events increases to put our city back on the map as a world-class music venue?”
“<BR /> <BR />Our children should be looking forward to a new phase in their education: to going to big school; to making new friends; to meeting new people; and to starting new subjects. They should not be left without a school to go to or with a school that is miles from their home, miles from their friends and, in some circumstances, miles from their brothers and sisters. We can work together to change that. The EA can make simple changes to make the process simpler for schools, families and, most importantly, children. Making the process work is not a difficult thing to do. We can take steps today to ensure that the same issues do not arise next year.”
“No child should be left not knowing what school they will go to in September. At the weekend, I was contacted by dozens of families and schools across Derry whose children are in that exact situation. <BR /> <BR />We all know how unfair the transfer system is, as it judges children at the age of 10 or 11. As a former primary 7 teacher, I know at first hand how many children are impacted and how families are left feeling worried and unsure of the next steps. Receiving the news from the Education Authority (EA) on a Saturday is not acceptable, as they have to wait until Tuesday before they can appeal that process. Last summer and the summer before, I highlighted that to the EA, but, seemingly, nothing has changed.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Does she have any plans to request Shared Island funding for an expansion of the US-Ireland research and development programme?”
“I appreciate that the Minister has already touched on this, but will she give more detail on any consideration of future delivery of the Urban Villages project?”
“Future generations — your children and your grandchildren — will ask you what you did when Palestinians were being indiscriminately murdered. You can stand silently today, or you can stand with them. Every Member in the Chamber today has that choice. Will you say that you stood with them, or will you say that you sat in silence while western Governments orchestrated and funded the killing of Palestinians? Today, we stand at a critical juncture. We have an opportunity for our voices to resonate with others across the world that are calling for an end to the genocide and for a ceasefire. Today, I call on every Member to join that call to end the violence, the apartheid, the genocide and the occupation. Ní saoirse go saoirse na Palaistíne.”
“However, it reached them eventually. It reached them with a message of solidarity and hope: in your darkest days, Ireland will always stand with you.”
“It is because we can show international solidarity and the need for a unified voice for peace, for a ceasefire and for humanity so that we can tell Israel, "Stop bombing children. Stop targeting hospitals. Stop forcibly starving an entire population." What in that is controversial? Those are not defensive actions. They are war crimes committed while the world watches, and blocking humanitarian aid is not defensive either. Killing humanitarian aid workers is certainly not defensive. <BR /> <BR />In 2014, during yet another Israeli bombardment of Gaza, I, along with others in Derry and across Ireland, helped to establish the Gaza toy drive. For months — it was for over a year — much of that humanitarian aid failed to reach Gaza and the people who were in need, because the Israeli state blocked it.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is an onus on all of us here to act, move heaven and earth and do anything that we can through these institutions to ensure that the genocide cannot continue; to make the voices of Palestinians heard in every room and every political chamber that we enter; and to implore leaders around the world to follow the example of South Africa and refer Israel for its war crimes to the international courts to show that we will not be silent in the face of atrocity. Many of our councils have now adopted an ethical procurement policy. Many organisations have begun to look at divestment, and, in motions in councils across Ireland, we have called on Israel to desist and ensure that ceasefire continues. We need to stand united in order to ensure that those diplomatic efforts continue. <BR /> <BR />Why is today important?”
“Last night, amid hopes of a ceasefire, we saw Israel raining bombs on 1·5 million Palestinians who had fled, in the hope of shelter, to Rafah. They had fled Israeli war crimes in Gaza City and been driven from north to south, with people being indiscriminately killed all the while. Rafah has been described as "a city of children", and it has been described as that because those children's parents have been murdered by the Israeli state. Entire families have been killed by the Israeli Government, and those children now seek refuge in tents in Rafah, where Israel continues to bomb and indiscriminately kill them.”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. First Minister, can you provide an update on the PEACE PLUS programme?”
“Sandra was inspired by the grassroots On the Ball campaign led by three young women who are passionate supporters of Celtic Football Club and who wanted to make the provision of period products as normal as the provision of soap and toilet roll in the stadium that they visit every other week. Not only did they achieve that, they were pivotal in sparking an important conversation and in making free availability of period products the norm in football grounds everywhere, with well over 100 football teams now getting on board. <BR /> <BR />That is a powerful example of positive change. It is important that we in the Assembly work together to deliver positive change for people here by making period products the norm in public buildings.”