Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
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“Is mná is mó a bhíonn sa bhaile ag tabhairt cúram do leanaí, rud a chuireann bac orthu fostaíocht agus taithí oibre a fháil agus a chuireann bac orthu dul chun cinn ina saol gairmiúil agus, sa deireadh, ardú páighe a fháil. <BR /> <BR />Tá straitéis sláinte ar leith de dhíth do na mná. Aithníonn níos mó daoine go bhfuil géarghá le straitéis sláinte na mban a dhíríonn isteach ar dhifríochtaí inscne agus ar thorthaí sláinte dearfacha do chailíní agus do mhná. Cuirim fáilte roimh an phlean gnímh ar shláinte na mban a d’fhógair an tAire Sláinte. Ach tá straitéis ar leith de dhíth a bhfuil maoiniú agus tacaíocht ag gabháil léi. <BR /> <BR />Is fadhb phráinneach ollmhór é an foréigean ar na mná in Éirinn agus níos faide i gcéin. Tá na Sé Chontae ar cheann de na háiteanna is contúirtí san Eoraip do na mná.”
“Agus muid ag tabhairt aghaidh ar Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan, ba mhaith liom labhairt ar chúpla ábhar a bhaineann leis na mná go ginearálta. <BR /> <BR />Fiú sa bhliain 2025, tá bearna ann idir pá na mban agus pá na bhfear. Níl sin inghlactha. Tá fáthanna difriúla leis sin: tá i bhfad níos mó ban ná fear ag obair go páirtaimseartha; bíonn ar na mná sosanna gairme a ghlacadh le clann a thógáil; agus tá níos mó ban ag tabhairt aire do dhaoine sa bhaile go ginearálta. Tá dualgas ar chomhlachtaí agus ar eagraíochtaí na bearnaí sin a dhruidim agus cothrom na Féinne a thabhairt do mhná ar fud na tire. Tá an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ag obair air sin fosta, tríd an chuidiú le costais cúraim leanaí, mar shámpla.”
“In addition, the Inclusive Future Fund will see a further investment of £110 million, with £55 million coming from the British Government and £55 million in match funding from the Executive. <BR /> <BR />As a result of those and many other developments, a powerful value proposition is emerging in the north-west. The motion reflects many of the positive developments that are already under way, and I hope that we can continue to work together to realise the economic potential of the region.”
“A comprehensive plan to achieve 10,000 students by 2032 has been published, and, last week, Minister Archibald announced that the land needed for those 10,000 students had been acquired. The Department for the Economy also supports a number of cross-border skills projects through the PEACE PLUS skills development investment programme. Those projects involve as prominent partners Ulster University, North West Regional College, Atlantic Technological University and the Donegal Education and Training Board. <BR /> <BR />Other important initiatives that are not mentioned in the motion are the city and growth deal projects. Those will invest £293 million in key sectors such as tourism, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, life and health sciences and clean energy.”
“The Department for the Economy aims to assume responsibility for airport policy and, subsequently, from 1 April 2025, the provision of funding to Derry City and Strabane District Council for the future sustainability of City of Derry Airport. That will lift the burden from local ratepayers and enable the council to reinvest about £3 million in funding initiatives to support regional balance. Membership of the partnership is primarily a matter for the council, but I expect cross-border links to be recognised and the organisations mentioned in the motion to be considered. <BR /> <BR />Although the motion refers to skills, it does not specifically mention the Magee expansion, which will be a key driver of economic development in Derry and the broader north-west region.”
“His vision statement identified regional balance as one of four priorities and specifically referred to the north-west as an area with "huge potential for growth." The motion references the need for various partners to come together to drive economic development in the region. A local economic partnership is being set up for that purpose. It will identify the key economic priorities for Derry and Strabane, which will undoubtedly include asks of Departments and the Irish Government. For example, a long-standing ask of the Department for the Economy has been that more be invested in City of Derry Airport. The airport plays a vital role by providing the north-west with connectivity to other parts of Europe and the rest of the world through its London Heathrow route.”
“The motion references the benefits of dual market access. Minister Archibald sends her apologies as she is in Berlin, in part to raise awareness among companies in Germany and the EU more broadly of that unique status. Invest NI has established a dedicated unit to capitalise on that opportunity, to support our indigenous businesses to grow their exports and to attract FDI opportunities. There are indications that local exporters are already benefiting. In 2023, our manufacturing exports to the EU increased by 17%. For Wales, the figure was 0%, while England experienced a decrease of 4%, and Scotland saw a decrease of 17%. That trend continued in 2024. <BR /> <BR />Minister Archibald continues to deliver the economic vision set out by her predecessor, Minister Murphy.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Tá áthas orm a bheith ábalta labhairt thar ceann an Aire ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo.”
“If it is successful, it will aim to build positive relations in our communities that, we hope, will address potential future incidents of racism.”
“Let me start by reiterating that racism and hate have absolutely no place in our society. I mentioned the disgraceful behaviour during the summer and the behaviour that comes with that. It was absolutely disgraceful to see racist graffiti in south Belfast, but we will call that out at every opportunity. Work is being done. Our officials have started work on a review of the racist attacks here last summer, including why they happened, the response to them, who was involved and actions to prevent such attacks from happening again. <BR /> <BR />The Executive Office formed a cross-departmental working group, which it chairs. There is an application for an area-based education and myth-busting piece, which will potentially be funded under PEACE PLUS. That piece of work has been submitted.”
“Yes. I am delighted to say that the First Minister and the deputy First Minister have approved a refugee integration strategy and associated delivery framework that will be brought to the Executive next month for agreement.”
“Tackling racism and racial inequality is a priority for us, as is making sure that there is legislation to protect people.”
“Thank you for your supplementary question. I think that we all agree that having a diverse society only enriches the cultural and economic life of absolutely everybody who calls here "home" and that we want a society in which people are protected and treated equally. Our officials have already started to engage with the minority ethnic sector to support and develop how we move forward on racial equality beyond 2025. <BR /> <BR />As I mentioned in my initial answer, we intend to introduce legislation in 2025-26. We have seen disgraceful behaviour in recent times and again at the weekend in south Belfast by those trying to instil fear in our communities. We utterly condemn the attacks and stand with those who were targeted.”
“We are committed to updating and strengthening racial equality law so that everyone can benefit from a fair and inclusive society. Following an extensive 12-week consultation on the review of the Race Relations Order, a report on the responses that included more than 50 potential changes was published last August. We intend to introduce the legislation in the Assembly as part of the 2025-26 legislative programme, which will move us a step closer to providing the best possible legal protection against racial discrimination and ensuring that everyone is valued and treated equally.”
“I am not sure what the exact question is, but, of course, there should absolutely be full transparency. I have visited many Urban Villages projects, and it is clear that they have achieved a transformative impact or that such transformation is under way. I look at the Colin area of my constituency in West Belfast. It has been transformed and has been changed so much for the better as to be unrecognisable. We want to build on that, and that is why we have put together a working group to take forward the development of phase 2 of Urban Villages, which will also look at criteria. We must remember that Urban Villages was a first. We can learn from it for the next phase: what phase 1 looks like and how it can be improved on. We will certainly look at doing that.”
“The T:BUC review is under way, and a number of good relations projects sit under that. I do not have a time frame in front of me, but, if the Member writes to me, I can provide that for her.”
“<BR /> <BR />The additional £9 million investment will allow Urban Villages to develop four new capital projects: the Realm, in Derry, which will see a range of high-quality public realm improvements across the Fountain, the Bogside and Bishop Street; Westland Community Centre in north Belfast, which will deliver a new community centre, providing an innovative community-led service for the area; and the market arches in the Markets area of Belfast, where eight tunnels in former railway arches will be regenerated, providing new social and commercial spaces. Lastly, the former School of Music in Donegall Pass in south Belfast will be home to a range of social economy, charitable and creative ventures. Those investments are making a real, tangible difference to the communities in which they are located.”
“I thank the Member for her question. In general terms, the Urban Villages initiative has supported a range of community-led, cross-cutting and capital projects to improve good relations outcomes and to develop thriving places where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. As of 31 January 2025, there has been £49·8 million in capital investment, revenue investment sits at £15 million, the number of event attendees has reached in excess of 1·1 million, and almost 3,500 training courses, with almost 4,000 workshops, have been delivered.”
“<BR /> <BR />The strategic direction for Urban Villages that we have set out includes completing the current Urban Villages plan, with a focus on delivering the remaining capital portfolio projects; investing over the next few years to help secure the sustainability of capital projects that will be delivered through grant support for capacity building to support community organisations in taking forward large capital projects; and planning for the future by establishing a working group to take forward the development of phase 2, which includes joined-up delivery by Departments to catalyse the linkages that Urban Villages has made in supporting ministerial priorities. That will fully demonstrate TEO's impact on the Urban Villages areas.”
“Thank you for that question. We know the significant impact that the Urban Villages programme has on communities. Successful delivery of the remaining capital projects will increase access to shared-space facilities and continue to promote integration across the five Urban Village areas and beyond.”
“Last week, we announced a £9 million extension to the Urban Villages capital plan. That will allow the development of four fantastic new projects in Belfast and Derry, providing much-needed physical regeneration, creating safer communities, and making a positive difference to people's lives. The updated capital plan also ensures the successful continuation of the 70 capital projects that are already being delivered across the five Urban Villages areas. <BR /> <BR />The Urban Villages initiative is providing funding for skills and training in areas such as capacity building and sustainability to all key project promoters to ensure that they can deliver on long-term objectives as well as social, economic, environmental and good relations outcomes over the next two years.”
“<BR /> <BR />We concur that our older people not only make a vital contribution to our society but add to it. It is so important that we keep working together to protect their well-being and ensure that their rights are protected and their needs are fully met.”
“Pam and I, along with officials from TEO, recently met Claire to discuss her proposed Bill and some of the challenges around developing legislation on the issue. It is clear that the development of the Bill will require careful consideration and work to inform its potential scope, as well as the required exemptions. Our officials continue to review the current position and are liaising with stakeholders on the development of age-related goods, facilities and services legislation. <BR /> <BR />Before I conclude, I will touch on Mr McGrath's and Ms McLaughlin's comments on the Commissioner for Older People. I can say that, following the public appointment competition, an announcement on the successful candidate for that post will be made very shortly.”
“The final decisions on the timings and content of any new action plan will be subject to Executive agreement. <BR /> <BR />Legislation to prevent discrimination on the basis of age in relation to goods, facilities and services would provide protection from discrimination for a range of age groups. We recognise, however, that it is a particularly important issue for older people. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge Ms Sugden for tabling the motion, for her clear intention to bring forward a private Member's Bill on the issue and for keeping our ageing population at the fore of Members' minds in the House and the Executive. She is a true champion, but we all need to be champions for our older population.”
“Since the expiry of the strategy's time frame, the Department for Communities has undertaken evaluation studies and gathered data in anticipation of the development of a successor strategy that is fit for purpose in a context that is very different from that of 2016. <BR /> <BR />Engagement with the sector is crucial to the development process to ensure that the voices of older people are heard. During the lifetime of the current strategy, there was significant stakeholder engagement with older people and their representative organisations. On the basis of that engagement and the evidence that officials had gathered, it became apparent that the existing strategic framework remained appropriate. Therefore, the Communities Minister recently decided to retain the existing strategy and to create a new action plan based on its framework.”
“Overall, the strategy achieved progress on a number of fronts. There has been:”
“Work is ongoing in earnest to analyse the over 1,400 responses received and produce a consultation report for consideration by the Executive. <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, the active ageing strategy is currently overseen by the Department for Communities. The strategy was initially launched in 2016 and was due to expire in 2020. However, the Executive refreshed and extended the life of the strategy to May 2022 to allow time for the development of a new strategy in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />The stated purpose of the active ageing strategy is:”
“The demographic shift will have an impact on key areas such as health and social care, housing, transport and the labour market. Therefore, strategic planning is vital to ensuring that our ageing population is supported. <BR /> <BR />The consultation on the draft Programme for Government closed in November. Through the PFG, we are keen to support people of all ages, including older people. Throughout the consultation process, we have made every effort to meet older people and the groups that support them to hear their views. That work has paid off: a third of those who responded to the PFG consultation were over the age of 55, so we are confident that the interests of older people will be well represented in the PFG.”
“I very much welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion. I agree with the wording of the Member's motion: our ageing population presents "challenges and opportunities". Addressing those is a key priority. Often, we talk about our young people and future generations and rightly so, but we cannot forget the here and now, which is today's generation. They are our family, our loved ones, our mummies and daddies, and ageing will come to every one of us. We live longer, so it is essential that government policies and services adapt to support older people to live active, independent and fulfilling lives. <BR /> <BR />When we talk about older people, we are talking about our parents, grandparents, friends and family. Around 20% of our population is aged 65 or over, and that figure is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades.”
“on an incredible weekend and career. You make us all incredibly proud in West Belfast and across the island. Keep pushing the boundaries, raising the bar and showing the world the incredible power of creativity, culture and identity to deliver positive change across society.”
“Through their art, they have opened doors to a worldwide audience, delivering a powerful message about language, identity and culture. They have shown us how creativity can be a vehicle for preserving the language. As the director of 'Kneecap', Rich Peppiatt, rightly said in his acceptance speech, everyone should have their language, their culture and their homeland respected. That success is a testament to the power of art to promote cultural identity and to build awareness of political and social causes, not just here at home but internationally. That includes the struggle for freedom in Palestine. <BR /> <BR />Last night's victory marks another significant step in the ongoing resurgence of the Irish language, which continues to grow in strength, influence and pride. Maith sibh, a Lola, Anto agus Kneecap”
“The weekend was nothing short of monumental for local artists, and, once again, West Belfast was at the very heart of it all. I begin by offering my congratulations to two exceptional actors, Lola Petticrew and Anto Boyle, both of whom won prestigious awards at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) awards last week. Their talent and dedication continue to set new standards in the world of performance. <BR /> <BR />Just last night, Kneecap added a BAFTA to its growing list of accolades. Liam Óg, Naoise and JJ have revolutionised the Irish language, showcasing and putting an Ghaeilge to the forefront on the global stage. Their work has helped make the language relevant to a new and growing generation, ensuring that it is not just preserved but celebrated.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand that the Communities Minister is now in possession of the independent assessment of the fundamental review of allocations, which explored the housing selection scheme and the allocation process. Surely that is an opportunity to deal with this pressing issue. I hope that Members join me in calling for the current points system, particularly how it relates to domestic violence, to be reformed so that we can ensure that victims of that heinous crime are properly and compassionately supported whenever and wherever they ask for help.”
“Given that that has been caused by the Housing Executive's policy, there will, unfortunately, be many other women and children enduring similar traumatic circumstances. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly has, rightly, committed itself to a strategy to end violence against women and girls. We have made clear that violence and abuse in relationships is never acceptable and that we want to change society into one in which women and girls no longer live under that underlying threat and very real risk of harm and abuse and to create a place where everyone can thrive and be safe. That cannot be delivered by one Department, group or organisation, so I am by no means singling out the Housing Executive for criticism. However, in that instance, it has a particular responsibility.”
“They should not be penalised for not speaking up straight away. However, because of the bureaucratic and inflexible approach that is currently being adopted by the Housing Executive, that is exactly what is happening. Victims are being denied points because of procedure, not because of their circumstances. <BR /> <BR />My constituent is currently living in a mixed-sex hostel. She has told me that male residents have been banging on her door in the middle of the night, retraumatising her over and over again. The bathroom facilities are shared. She has no toilet in her room. She is so afraid in the middle of the night that she cannot use those facilities. That is an intolerable situation.”
“Despite accepting that that woman is a victim of domestic violence and is in desperate need of appropriate accommodation, the Housing Executive has refused to allocate her primary social needs points because, when she first presented as homeless, she did not make it aware that she was fleeing a violent relationship. <BR /> <BR />For an organisation that is at the forefront of supporting vulnerable people, that approach is inexplicable. It ignores the fact that many women in that position are living in fear. Escaping an abusive relationship is the most difficult thing that they will ever do. Many will be too terrified or traumatised to put into words what they have been through. When they later find the strength to do so, their circumstances should be recognised and responded to.”
“I want to highlight an issue that needs urgent attention, particularly from the Housing Executive and the Department for Communities: the failure to properly support women and children who are fleeing from domestic violence and need suitable accommodation. <BR /> <BR />I am working with a young woman from my constituency, West Belfast, who is a victim of domestic abuse. She is being supported by Women's Aid and other community counselling and trauma services, and I thank them for all the hard work that they do in our communities.”
“Níl an t-eolas sin díreach os mo chomhair, ach tá mé breá sásta scríobh chuig an Chomhalta agus an t-eolas uilig a chur chuige.”
“A consultation on a racial equality Bill began in March 2023 and formally closed in June 2023. A report on the responses to and feedback about the consultation was published in August 2024. We aim to bring updated race relations legislation before the Assembly through the legislative programme in the 2025-26 session. That report considers over 50 amendments. It will inform the basis of any legislative change and will move us a step closer to providing the best possible legal protection against racism and towards a more equal society.”
“Tá an Foghrúpa ina chomhpháirtí lárnach go fóill inár rannpháirtíocht le mionlaigh eitneacha, agus tá ról suntasach aige le tacú le tosaíochtaí reatha a chur i bhfeidhm agus tosaíochtaí amach anseo a stiúradh. Déanann an Foghrúpa ionadaíocht ar 28 n-eagraíocht faoi láthair agus bíonn sé ag obair le príomhcheisteanna agus príomhghníomhaíochtaí a shainaithint a chuirfidh feabhas ar na daoine a ndéanann sé ionadaíocht orthu. <BR /> <BR />Cuideoidh an t-eolas sin ar fad leis an rannpháirtíocht a mhúnlú agus muid ag obair i dtreo straitéis comhionannais chiníoch ó 2025 amach.”
“Is féidir, cinnte, agus ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt don obair a rinne an Comhalta sa réimse seo le linn a thréimhse sa Roinn. Is féidir liom a dhearbhú don Chomhalta go bhfuil Airí tiomanta lena chinntiú go bhfuil an Straitéis nua um Chomhionannas Ciníoch oiriúnach don fheidhm agus go léireofar inti taithí saoil na ndaoine atá i gcroílár a bhfuil sí ag iarraidh a baint amach. <BR /> <BR />Faoin Straitéis roimhe seo, bunaíodh an Foghrúpa um Chomhionannas Ciníoch mar ghuth i gcroílár an rialtais do mhionlaigh eitneacha agus imircigh, agus le tacú leis an obair ar chomhionannas ciníoch agus dea-chaidreamh cine a chur chun cinn.”
“<BR /> <BR />I mí na Nollag, d'fhoilsigh muid an t-athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar chur i bhfeidhm na straitéise reatha um chomhionannas ciníocha 2015–2025, mar aon le freagra ón Roinn. Leagadh béim san athbhreithniú ar an athrú suntasach atá tagtha ó seoladh an straitéis, chomh maith leis an ghá atá ann le bheith níos solúbtha le freastal ar imeachtaí seachtracha. Leagadh béim fosta ann ar a thábhachtaí atá ar tháinig siad tríd sa tsaol. <BR /> <BR />Is é an rún atá againn leanúint ar aghaidh leis an phlé le mionlaigh eitneacha le héisteacht a thabhairt dóibh agus páirt a thabhairt dóibh i bhforbairt na straitéise.”
“Chuaigh oifigigh i gcomhairle le hearnáil na mionlach eitneach cheana féin le tacú le forbairt na straitéise nua comhionannais chiníoch ó 2025 amach. <BR /> <BR />Ghlac muid na torthaí ó chláir eile ina bpléitear le saincheisteanna sochaí agus creideann muid go bhfuil gá le fócas láidir ar chur chuige sláinte poiblí má táimid le dul i ngleic leis an chiníochas agus neamhionannas ciníoch. Seolfar glao poiblí ar thuairimí gan mhoill, agus ba mhaith linn cluinstin ó phríomhpháirtithe leasmhara, ó earnáil na mionlach eitneach agus ón tsochaí i gcoitinne. Mholfaimis do gach duine a nguth a chur in iúl sa chomhairliúchán thábhachtach sin nuair a bheidh sé ar fáil go poiblí.”
“Beidh an freagra seo as Gaeilge, más maith leis na Comhaltaí na cluasáin a chur orthu.”
“When you look at the ongoing good relations strategies that we have in the Executive Office, you see that T:BUC, for example, has had a clear impact on the lives of people here through the development of and investment in headline actions and wider commitments by removing interface barriers and bringing people together through sport, education and the camps. As I said, since 2015, we have invested over £12 million in the camps programme, and more than 950 have been delivered. We have reached a massive 33,000 young people. As I said, that demonstrates the commitment of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, and junior Minister Cameron and me. We will do all that we can to continue that work.”
“In 2024-25, a further £1·5 million has been invested, with over 110 camps currently being delivered. That investment in our young people and their future is so vital. Learning from each another, understanding each another and recognising that we have more that unites us than divides us in what is an increasingly diverse, vibrant and multicultural society is, simply put, invaluable. We will continue to support that work.”
“I thank the Member for his question. My focus in this role is on supporting the work of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, along with junior Minister Cameron, to build a future that is defined by inclusion, equality and respect. Many across the Chamber are also committed to working to deliver that outcome. Investing in our young people and creating opportunities for engagement are key to building on that process. <BR /> <BR />The T:BUC camps programme that is delivered under the strategy specifically gives our young people the opportunity to build positive relationships with young people from different communities. Since summer 2015, the Executive Office has invested over £12 million in the T:BUC camps programme, with over 950 camps having been delivered, reaching over 33,000 young people.”
“Are we committed to doing so? Absolutely. As political leaders and leaders in our community, the First Minister and I will do everything that we can to demonstrate every day that we will do just that.”
“When it comes to good relations, we all have a part to play. People from different political, ethnic and religious backgrounds, whether they live in a city or in a rural community, all need to be committed to improving community relations. <BR /> <BR />Just last week, junior Minister Cameron and I met the Clonard-Fitzroy Fellowship, two faith groups that have come together to have conversations with and learn from each other. They are leaders in the community. We also met TACIT in north Belfast at the end of last year, where community leaders are standing side by side and working together for a better future and legacy for the generations coming behind them. <BR /> <BR />As I mentioned, there is a lot of amazing work happening in the community and voluntary sector. Do we need to build on that? Yes. Do we need to do even more? Yes.”
“That is shown through our cross-cutting commitment to peace in the draft Programme for Government (PFG). <BR /> <BR />We recognise that challenges remain. The day-to-day needs of communities have also changed considerably over the past few years. Communities experiencing good relations issues often face wider socio-economic challenges. As well as tackling those issues, we will need everyone across government and the community sector to work even better together. <BR /> <BR />A review of the T:BUC strategy has been initiated. Its recommendations are being considered and will shape the process for developing a refreshed approach to good relations.”