Ciara Ferguson
Foyle · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill instructs the commissioner's office to prepare a strategic plan as soon as reasonably practicable after their appointment to review the effectiveness of the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter at least every three years and to provide annual business plans and reports.”
“Sinn Féin very much welcomes the fact that the Bill is the continued evolution of that work to strengthen the rights of victims and witnesses of crime, including the right of complainants to an opportunity to make oral or written representations to the court about any application, to be present at any hearing of the application and to be…”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will strengthen protections for complainants in serious sexual offence cases in which pretrial applications for a witness summons are made.”
“It is important because being a victim or a witness of crime is often a traumatic experience that requires dedicated support to recover from. It is important because all victims and witnesses of crime should be subject to a fair and supportive legal system that fully engages with them.”
“Victims and witnesses of crime are entitled to be treated fairly, professionally and with respect in all their interactions with the justice system; to be kept regularly updated, including being provided with relevant information in a timely fashion; and to have their needs considered.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at Second Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. I will begin by acknowledging the importance of the Bill in placing the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime and that office and its functions on a permanent statutory footing.”
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“<BR /> <BR />I also acknowledge and recognise Mary's commitment to achieving improved health outcomes, particularly for mental health and well-being. She was a keen advocate for improved health outcomes, not just locally but across the North. <BR /> <BR />I finish by simply saying may eternal rest be granted unto Mary, may she rest peacefully and may her loved ones be comforted by the immense gratitude that exists for all the work that she did for the city of Derry and its people throughout her life.”
“She made a significant contribution to advancing the role of women in public life and was held in high regard for her active involvement in community development. In my role as a community development officer in Shantallow for over 20 years, I attended many a meeting and public meeting with Mary and was involved with her in other ways, particularly on improving the quality of life of our people and communities. She was a very active member of the Resource Centre Derry (RCD), which is based in Carnhill. I never went in there to meet with the CEO, the late Betty Feeney, but Mary Bradley was sitting there as well. I had to get any decision that had to be made past both of them. Mary was very strong, clear and articulate, and I cherish the times that I spent working with her on advancing community development in the greater Shantallow area.”
“I express my condolences on the recent passing of Mary Bradley to Liam; Paula, Mary's daughter; Fiona and Aaron, her grandchildren; and Olivia, her great-grandchild; her wider family circle; her neighbours in Carnhill; her many friends across the city; and her colleagues in the SDLP. <BR /> <BR />Mary will be sorely missed by our city and beyond. She was held in the utmost regard as a strong voice for Derry, with a strong ability to form meaningful connections and relationships across the city whilst serving as a councillor for nearly two decades from 1995. She served a term as the Mayor of Derry city from 1991 to 1992. <BR /> <BR />Mary was also one of 17 women out of 108 MLAs elected to the Assembly back in 2003.”
“We need a strengthened and coordinated all-Ireland response for the protection of all our citizens.”
“The statistics that were published last week are evidence of the clear need to step up that response, including through a shared database to tackle fraud and protect consumers.”
“Sinn Féin tabled the amendment, which includes a reference to the cross-border joint agency task force, that we hope will attain cross-party support. We recognise that the joint agency task force, which exists between the gardaí and the PSNI and which was established under the Fresh Start Agreement in 2015, brings other agencies together to conduct synchronised operations, days of action and any other coordinated action that it takes on these matters. Consideration must be given to expanding and strengthening the existing all-Ireland collaboration that takes place in the strategic oversight group and the operations coordination group, alongside significantly improving data sharing on the issue. We have consistently called for that all-Ireland coordinated response to tackling the rising problems of scams and financial fraud.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we all know, scammers cause devastating harm to individuals and communities. They cause severe financial ruin for ordinary people, workers and families. Scammers can cause people severe emotional distress and create health implications due to the shame and stigma that are attached to scams. For all those reasons, a much wider challenge exists in rebuilding the trust and self-esteem of the many who have been impacted on and in restoring their confidence so that they feel fully safe online again. We cannot thank Victim Support NI enough for the work that it does to support people in such times. <BR /> <BR />We support the call for a:”
“<BR /> <BR />I, too, welcome the work of Scamwise and the community safety initiatives that it leads in our local communities alongside restorative justice organisations, which do excellent work. We also welcome the reference to stepping up public information campaigns on the matter, but we emphasise that those must be supported by adequate measures to enable us to hold large social media platforms accountable for any fraudulent content that is advertised online on their channels. Reports can be made to the PSNI, Crimestoppers and Action Fraud, alongside further contact with Consumerline and the potential involvement of the Trading Standards Service. People can forward any suspicious texts for free to 7726 and use the "report phishing" or "report spam" option for questionable email correspondence.”
“The Trading Standards Service is highlighting the "12 scams of Christmas" to help raise awareness and educate people about the common festive frauds to look out for during the holidays, including fake shopping sites, delivery texts phishing for details and other risks, such as technology viruses and tech support scams. <BR /> <BR />Some core advice includes the following: never share personal or banking details; use strong passwords; avoid clicking on suspicious links; end incoming calls and return them using numbers from an official website; and, importantly, adequately report all scam efforts to protect not only yourself but others. We have a duty to spread an awareness and understanding of common scam tactics and to stay vigilant by stopping to think and making checks when approached.”
“<BR /> <BR />We recognise, as the motion does, that we are experiencing a rise in the number and an increase in the sophistication of scams across online, telephone, postal and doorstep methods. We also know, as outlined by Age NI, that, sadly, it is only too often older people who are specifically targeted. I welcome Age NI's campaign, in collaboration with Power NI, to provide practical steps to help people recognise, avoid and report fraudulent activity. I also thank the Minister for the Economy for her recent warning to consumers to be alert to scams set up by heartless rogue traders during the Christmas period.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I, too, thank those who tabled the motion on tackling scams and improving public protection. I will start by acknowledging the publication last Friday of the research and statistical bulletin on the findings of the 2023-24 safe community telephone survey, including experiences of cybercrime and awareness of online cybercrime-related issues. Whilst it is welcome news that the proportion of respondents who know where or how to seek advice about cybersecurity and staying safe online has risen by 3%, concerningly, the number of those who are confident that the criminal justice system can effectively deal with cybercrime has fallen by 3%.”
“If something could be done in this mandate, that would be welcome. <BR /> <BR />I will finish by sending my solidarity to the family of Caoimhe O'Brien and the many other relatives here today who may have lost loved ones. I thank and commend them for their efforts and for their ongoing campaign to highlight the human impact on families such as theirs who have been affected by that reality. We have a collective duty to close a harmful gap and ensure that those who are suffering do not have to face additional suffering.”
“<BR /> <BR />I recognise the distress and trauma to which the motion refers that can be caused by the recording of footage by individuals or media outlets of individuals at their most vulnerable: injured or, devastatingly, deceased. In current times, that is all the more prevalent, given the constant access to phones with cameras and to social media. Such sensitive situations should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect for the individual and their grieving family, friends and community. They should be left alone. We should help reduce crowding to enable our first responders to act and, vitally, to allow families to be properly informed by the relevant authorities. Alongside my Justice Committee colleagues, I encourage whatever can be done within a review of existing legislation to be done.”
“I commend our Minister, Liz Kimmins, for her work on the Share the Road to Zero campaign, which is a road safety initiative encouraging all road users to slow down, stay alert and respect others, alongside specific campaigns for Road Safety Week, the wearing of high-visibility clothing and the protection of particularly vulnerable groups. I acknowledge the Department's road safety strategy and the accompanying action plan and targets, which have been set in collaboration with the blue-light organisations in order to keep a shared focus on reducing the number of fatalities and on specific matters including excessive speed, pedestrian casualties and the prevention of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.”
“As a Derry MLA, I acknowledge the work of Life After and Road Victim Support NI-Donegal. They are voluntary, family-led initiatives by people who have used their personal grief to support others through providing professional counselling services and peer support on shared harrowing experiences and through awareness-raising initiatives. <BR /> <BR />In border constituencies such as mine, we know that partnership working across Ireland and honest conversations about what we can all do are vital if we are to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
“I thank the signatories to the motion, alongside Derry City and Strabane District Council and others that have agreed similar motions in recent weeks. I acknowledge the individuals and families across Irish society who have been affected by fatal road traffic accidents and collisions and have suffered unimaginable loss and heartbreak that no family member, parent or grandparent would ever want to happen to them. I also thank the road safety organisations across our small island that have focused on providing emotional and practical support to people who have been impacted on by the greatest possible tragedy as they navigate life after such heartbreaking loss. I recognise the work that they do on training, education and advocacy around road safety awareness, responsibility and care.”
“Many groups are frustrated by the fact that you have to have planning permission in place to qualify. Will the Minister clarify why that requirement was added?”
“Such an official local presence will help to support our position, which has been recognised to be unique, offering an enhanced communication channel and better support for people and small businesses that have been left bewildered. <BR /> <BR />I will finish with this: we were dragged out of Europe against our wishes, and nothing has come from Brexit for our economy and our people. There are huge opportunities ahead to continue to build momentum for a stronger and fairer Ireland and to realise our full potential as an island and a people. In the interim, in recognition of our unique, at present, position as a region, the fulfilment of observer status is a reasonable, sensible and practical step forward.”
“It was set up to improve all-Ireland health outcomes, yet concerns exist about its continuing post 2028. Derry, Donegal and other border counties have benefited enormously from that fund. It has, quite literally, transformed communities across the region. <BR /> <BR />Whilst we know that, in the event of Irish reunification, automatic re-entry to the European Union is guaranteed, we have a duty in the interim to enhance all-Ireland mobility, to provide businesses and workers with stability and trade continuity and to mitigate the very worst excesses of Britain's failed agenda on Ireland and its people, which include risks to health outcomes and vital support services for some of our most vulnerable people. <BR /> <BR />Additionally, we support the call for the opening of an EU Commission office in Belfast.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will give one example of the ridiculous implications of Brexit. Some of our councillors recently met the North West Academy of English, which, through ERASMUS, has always hosted European students in Derry. Due to electronic travel authorisation (ETA) regulations, those students now have to stay in Donegal, limiting the potential for tourism and cultural enrichment in Derry city. The context is this: if an MEP were to try to meet students at the North West Academy of English, which is based in Derry, they would not be able to meet them there. <BR /> <BR />Additionally, vital projects are funded by the European PEACE PLUS programme, including the Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT) cross-border health and social care partnership, representatives of which I met last week.”
“Only two weeks ago, DUP Members bemoaned the fact that there is a democratic deficit and a lack of representation for people here on Brexit and trading arrangements. It is therefore, in my opinion, hypocritical of DUP Members to attempt to block the motion and its practical call to give our communities greater representation. <BR /> <BR />As a Derry-based MLA, I am only too aware of the continued impacts of Brexit, which are particularly felt in border constituencies such as mine, on students, workers and the wider community. Those impacts include the continued risk to so many voluntary and community sector jobs and life-saving projects that, without adequate replacement of the funding from Europe that has been lost, will disappear. It is our families, people and communities who will suffer.”
“I make the case clearly today that offering observer status to our locally elected representatives will assist in upholding that duty and protecting our peace process. EU observer status enables a formal but limited form of voice and participation in Europe that includes attendance at plenary sessions and the strengthening of lines of communication. It is a practical and constructive step that we can take to strengthen our voice on the European stage. <BR /> <BR />I am confident that the public see the DUP petition of concern for what it is: a political stunt that, like the DUP's position on Brexit, is not representative of the views of the majority of people in the North and on this island, who oppose Brexit and want us to return to the EU.”
“Article 3 of the Treaty on the European Union confirms that the European Union shall:”
“The call from the Sinn Féin team in the wake of Brexit was for EU observer status for elected representatives from the North, something that the majority of Irish MEPs has now endorsed and that, I believe, the Assembly would also endorse. <BR /> <BR />Notably, as of 2022, over one third of this region's population had an Irish passport, and, therefore, Irish and European citizenship. That birthright is protected in the Good Friday Agreement, an international treaty registered with the United Nations, the provisions of which are binding under international law.”
“Those benefits include, but are not limited to, receipt of significant funding towards peace and regional development; enablement of free movement and educational opportunities for workers and students; protection of international human rights agreements; and unfettered trade. Whilst Britain ignored our democratic mandate, our Derry-based MEP at the time, Martina Anderson, got to work, carrying out a dedicated campaign alongside the wider all-Ireland Sinn Féin MEP team. That campaign fought to secure key commitments on no diminution of hard-won rights and protections as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. The motion goes to the very heart of the unique position of the North of Ireland as a region that remains in the EU single market and where over one third of our people retain European citizenship as Irish passport holders and where that birthright is enshrined through our peace agreement. The motion seeks, once again, to address the democratic deficit that Brexit created and give us a stronger voice in Europe. No one has anything to fear from that. <BR /> <BR />Almost a decade ago, the majority of our citizens voted to remain within the European Union, recognising the significant social and economic benefits to our island as a whole.”
“As a Foyle MLA, I note our much-cherished Foyle Hospice, which has been operating in the city for over 40 years. It relies on the fundraising and goodwill of the people for 60% of its funding, and it is a much-loved organisation. Do you agree that the funding model is totally out of date and that we should move urgently to a 100% funding model, as has happened in the Twenty-six Counties?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. When NI Alternatives and Community Restorative Justice Ireland presented to the Committee recently, it felt as though they were being pushed to the periphery of the Department of Justice's new system, despite being accredited since 2007. Whether it is from a community or criminal justice perspective, could it be more beneficial to lean on their expertise, particularly for complex and sensitive cases?”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, and fundamentally, we must deliver never-before-seen levels of investment in social and affordable housing and the scaling up of the Housing First model in the North. Once again, I remind Members that there is a range of events in Derry, Armagh, Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dungiven, Newry, Newtownabbey, Portrush and Strabane this week, and I encourage Members to attend their local events to honour Homelessness Awareness Week.”
“The British Government's approach of recent days — keeping local housing allowance rates frozen and unable to keep pace with rising rents — is absolutely shameful. Homelessness is not inevitable, yet nothing changes if nothing changes. Unlike the British Government, we recognise that our response must focus on the entwined nature of poverty and homelessness. Today, we see in research that was published on the fundamental Housing First model evidence of high housing retention rates and how that model helps to resolve non-housing problems, including offending and re-offending rates and mental health issues. We need the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive to carry out a full, comprehensive review of our homelessness legislation here.”
“It means that homelessness is never about personal failure. Homelessness across Irish society is our collective shame. Statistics evidence that, in each of the past 10 years, the number of homeless households here has consistently risen. Last week, sadly, we heard more of the same. We are creating a cycle of exclusion that is almost impossible to break.”
“<BR /> <BR />What does that mean if we strip it right back and see the person?”
“Today marks the beginning of Homelessness Awareness Week 2025, the theme of which is "See the Person". We are well aware of the recent research by the Simon Community that revealed that childhood trauma plays a powerful role in the levels of homelessness here. Some 66% of those who reside in hostel-based homeless accommodation have had four or more adverse childhood experiences. To put that in context, that figure is four times higher than that for the general population. As we are well aware, behind those statistics are real people who have dreams and aspirations for their lives; people who have an equal right to a safe, secure place to call "home"; and people who evidently encountered far more difficulty in their childhood than should be expected of anyone at any point in their life.”
“Minister, you mentioned the difference between baseline, earmarked and discretionary funding. Do you consider pay to be a discretionary cost?”
“Thank you, First Minister. The letter also noted that, in the event of Irish unity, the North will automatically rejoin the EU. Does the First Minister believe that granting observer status would help us to better plan and prepare for the future?”
“<BR /> <BR />Let us work collectively to listen to all others and their stories without judgement; recognise different rationales and the pain that people carry; and, fundamentally, deliver a real process of reconciliation and build a better future for all.”
“I do not want to labour the point, but I emphasise the fact that there is room in both those realities to apply a concept of additionality and work collectively to provide a truly shared space for all our citizens. <BR /> <BR />It is notable that the motion is silent on the imagery and actions of British state forces and on the pain and misery that their actions inflicted on many in our society. That is a glaring omission in a conversation such as this. We must instead create opportunities for all sections of society to tell their story in their own words and have those reflected to provide a more accurate perspective.”
“The steps by Belfast City Council in recent years to erect statues in honour of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney are welcome attempts to address that imbalance. <BR /> <BR />There is no denying that, if an audit were carried out on memorials, it would reveal that there is a disproportionate number of unionist and state memorials in the form of cenotaphs, statues and plaques. Many of those monuments were erected during the time of an inbuilt unionist majority that was created as a result of partition, when consensus on such memorials was not reached or even sought. Their presence should be examined in our changed political dynamics, which have seen the unionist majority come to an end in successive elections and the election of a nationalist First Minister.”
“To that end, I support the view that we should not advocate removing existing places that provide a sense of acknowledgement or peaceful closure for communities who have experienced significant ramifications of our recent conflict. However, we should work to deliver community cohesion, inclusion and equality. <BR /> <BR />We support the adoption of a day of reflection, as referenced in the FICT report, to be held on 21 June each year. We also emphasise the need for an audit of all memorials across the Six Counties rather than a selective audit that focuses on some political identities whilst ignoring others. Reconciliation must reflect and recognise equally the experience of all in our society. There should be a particular focus on reflecting the stories of women, which are often invisible or largely unexamined in our history.”
“Equality should be central to our vision for society: a society underpinned by fairness and respect. That should also be a society where we are able to deal with difference in a positive and constructive manner; demonstrate openness; and show maturity and respect to all people regardless of any identity factors. In truth, as outlined by the Ulster University lecturer Eilish Rooney:”
“All people should have the right to remember their dead in a respectful, sensitive and dignified manner. I welcome the recognition of that fundamental point in the motion. The importance of providing places where individuals, families and communities can gather to reflect, reminisce and remember their loved ones, their history and their stories should not be undermined. As outlined in the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition report:”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, is there a timeline for or further information on when the prohibition of cross-examination in person in civil and family proceedings will be implemented? What work has been done to date on the Criminal Justice Inspection's (CJI) recommendation to develop the role of specialist domestic abuse prosecutors?”
“We need balanced regulation and common-sense approaches to tourism and investment as interconnected drivers of economic growth. <BR /> <BR />Additionally, we urgently need to see the delivery of social and affordable housing at scale, the prioritisation of community wealth building and regeneration projects and, fundamentally, the eradication of poverty and homelessness once and for all.”
“<BR /> <BR />As an MLA for Foyle, I emphasise that, whilst we are immensely proud of the history and culture of the area, from the Bogside to the Waterside, we are equally angry about the sight of boarded-up homes and the reality of rising rents and house prices when families are desperately calling out for support to find suitable, affordable and sustainable places to call "home". <BR /> <BR />Across Ireland, we do not lack space, nor do we lack heart; however, housing policy and investment are not keeping pace with people's needs. We need more investment now, in social and affordable homes. We need genuinely collaborative partnership working across our councils, housing associations, the Housing Executive and our communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />With nearly 50,000 households on our social housing waiting list as of March this year, which is the highest total number of applicants since 2010, I cannot emphasise this point enough: we have a moral responsibility to make housing accessible and affordable for all. A lack of affordable housing affects not just individuals but entire communities. Businesses cannot attract and maintain workers, schools lose pupils and staff, hospitals lose key workers, and whole communities become unstable and unsustainable.”
“Whilst we are making headway on economic development plans, including investing in our universities and the economy, there are still significant questions about the status of the Housing Executive's revitalisation and how, practically, we are going to deliver the targets laid out in the housing supply strategy, which runs until 2039. Balanced regulation can work, and tourism and community can coexist; however, that is only deliverable if social and affordable housing is delivered at scale to meet the level of existing need and if we place sustainability before short-term gain.”
“I thank the Members who tabled the motion, which is similar to one that we debated in May 2024. It acknowledges specific concerns about certain coastal towns and scenic areas, such as the Causeway Coast and Glens area and the Mourne Mountains, and our city centres. The motion notes the growth of unregulated short-term and holiday lets, which, due to rising house prices, risks eroding the very existence of our local communities who make those areas so special. Further to that, as a Derry MLA, I express my deep-rooted concerns about the general lack of delivery of social and affordable housing. <BR /> <BR />In our constituency offices, we all have a significant number of daily interactions about the lack of suitable social and affordable housing for struggling renters, students, workers and families.”
“Therefore, we all have a duty to ensure that all people have the opportunity to live, work and make a life for themselves in their local area and community.”
“Sustainable, affordable and year-round vibrant communities must be achievable across all our rural, coastal and urban communities. The reality is this: our schools, businesses, services and communities cannot exist without people.”
“I very much welcome the close working relationship between Translink and the Department and the resubmission of an updated business case to progress service enhancements. Will the Minister provide an update on the proposed new rail link from Derry to Portadown?”