Cathy Mason
South Down · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The result is that pupils can still face barriers, whereas a straightforward legal entitlement would have resolved the issue once and for all. <BR /> <BR />Picture this: one of our daughters is sitting in a classroom during her period. She is worried about leaking through her skirt. She is anxious about standing up.”
“We have no new arts strategy in the North, while, in the South, serious efforts were made to rebuild the sector following COVID. Arts funding here has suffered real-terms cuts of around 40%, while funding per capita in the South is around four times higher.”
“I, too, welcome the fact that this important legislation has reached its Second Stage. Like the Chair of the Committee, I thank the Committee for its hard work, and I thank the Committee Clerk, the Bill Office and the legal team for getting us to this point.”
“I thank the Member for that, and, again, I could not agree more. Would any of us accept not being able to wear a coat in the pouring rain or the freezing cold when we walk in here? I do not think so. <BR /> <BR />A girl should not have to ask for permission to wear trousers.”
“When the Assembly returned, I had intended to introduce a private Member's Bill to make school uniforms more comfortable for pupils and more affordable for their families. The Minister, however, indicated that he planned to address the issue himself, so I was unable to progress that legislation.”
“Across the North, many girls still do not have the automatic right to wear trousers to school. Instead, they find themselves having to seek permission, request exemptions or rely on the goodwill of individual schools. I have heard the Minister use that as an excuse for why this legislation is not needed.”
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“Last week, a number of Sinn Féin colleagues and I met farming families in Seaforde in South Down to hear about the devastating impact that bovine tuberculosis is having on them. What I heard that night can only be described as heartbreaking. Generations — three, four, five or six generations — of families have seen their work and investment wiped out in a matter of weeks as their herds were destroyed by bovine TB. Farmers spoke that night with raw honesty about the huge emotional and financial toll that that has taken on them and about their despair at seeing their life's work reduced to almost nothing. <BR /> <BR />The overwhelming message from the floor that night was one of anger: anger at being neglected; anger at being ignored; and anger at being left behind.”
“Minister, you and I have discussed Knockevin School. I raise that because you specifically mentioned it in your statement. You have visited the school, and you know how vital it is for families in South Down. It provides incredible care despite the removal of its nurse and its being split over three sites that are bursting at the seams. Can you indicate where Knockevin is in your priorities and when we can expect to see a new build for its children?”
“It must have specific provisions for children with special educational needs, those with physical disabilities and those who learn through the medium of Irish or do not use English as their first language. The strategy must also support the wide range of caregivers in the childcare sector, including the vital community and voluntary childcare and early-years sector, the Irish-medium sector, the early-years preschool sector and childminders and approved home childminders alike. <BR /> <BR />The Education Minister must urgently come forward with a long-term plan to reduce bills for parents, support struggling providers and give our children the very best start in life, which they deserve.”
“The introduction of the childcare subsidy scheme was, indeed, a welcome first step towards making childcare more affordable for some families. The high cost of childcare, however, remains a significant and real pressure for many families. It is clear that the early learning and childcare strategy is long overdue. Parents are under pressure, providers are struggling and our children deserve the very best start in life. <BR /> <BR />The Education Minister must set out a long-term plan that reduces costs for families and properly supports childcare providers. High-quality, affordable childcare plays a vital role in a child's early learning and development, but it also supports families who are balancing the demands of work and home life. The strategy must meet the needs of all children.”
“On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Further to your point just before Question Time about Members speaking within the scope of the Bill, were you or any of the other Deputy Speakers privy to the rationale that the Speaker used for not selecting the other amendments?”
“If we are to be serious about ensuring that school uniform policy is fit for purpose, the Minister should take the opportunity today to clarify when we can expect the guidance to be produced. <BR /> <BR />We wanted a Bill that would truly make uniforms affordable for everyone, make them inclusive and promote equality. Unfortunately, I now need to be convinced that that is what we have in front of us in what remains in the Bill after it has been stripped of genuine interventions.”
“Instead, my Sinn Féin colleagues and I therefore worked alongside other parties on the Committee to table amendments on children's rights; on giving girls the option to wear trousers, although it is unbelievable that we are even discussing that in this day and age; on making reasonable accommodation for pupils with additional needs; and on introducing uniform reuse schemes. All were left out of today's debate. Perhaps, as Pat Sheehan said, we will, in due course, be offered an explanation as to why that happened. <BR /> <BR />We are now in the peculiar position of discussing a Bill on uniforms when neither the DUP Education Minister nor his Department has produced the draft guidelines that will accompany it. That is unacceptable.”
“As my party colleague explained, adding the word "undue" risks allowing pupils still to be punished for uniform breaches. That means that a girl who is on her period cannot wear trousers; that a child who is standing outside in the freezing cold cannot wear their coat; and that a child who has sensory needs must go on feeling uncomfortable and distressed. Further amendments could have addressed such situations, but their selection was at the Speaker's discretion. <BR /> <BR />Although I support most of the amendments in group 1, I note a missed opportunity. I drafted a private Member's Bill that would have introduced stronger proposals to ensure that we drive down the cost of school uniforms. We are in this position today because the Minister's Bill takes precedence over private Members' Bills.”
“to review the cost of school uniforms and to consider the introduction of a price cap. A clear explanation from the Minister when no cap is applied would also be required. That is the transparency that families need and the test that is required. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 9 would give the Department the ability to intervene if schools breach uniform guidelines or if pupils are being unfairly punished for not following uniform rules. As my party colleague Pat Sheehan stated, amendment No 11 would remove any ambiguity, while amendment No 12 would require directions to schools to be published. Parents need to be informed when a school is being directed to change its approach. <BR /> <BR />We will not support the Minister's amendment No 10, as it seeks to undermine any limited protections that the Bill may offer to children and young people.”
“Uniform costs continue to spiral. In recent years, inflation, paired with the actions of some schools and suppliers, has increased costs for families. Regular inspection of the cost of uniforms would give families the assurance that such interventions are not temporary. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 4 would require guidelines to be brought before the Assembly, thus taking the decisions out of the hands of the Minister and his colleagues and putting them in those of the Assembly, thereby ensuring full transparency for families. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 8 would make it a requirement for the Department to publish a report:”
“Amendment No 1 would ensure that the Department reviews the guidelines:”
“The amendments are about ensuring that whatever guidance, when we finally get to see it, comes out of the Bill is not only written but enforced and monitored. I will speak briefly in support of amendment Nos 1, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12. I will not support the Minister's amendment No 10.”
“Minister, on the back of an industrial relations agreement earlier this year, you committed to a workload review in recognition of the huge burden that our teachers have been carrying. Will that workload review consider the implications on teacher workload that is in the TransformED programme?”
“<BR /> <BR />Every child must receive not only a place but the right place, one that is suitable, supportive and equipped to meet their needs. When a child enters a classroom, they must have wrap-around care to help them thrive. Frustratingly, that is just not the case. They must get the transport that they need to get there safely and comfortably. That is not optional; it is essential. Today, I call on the Minister to come forward with real solutions and to guarantee that every child will be placed in the right setting and get the full support that they deserve, because our children cannot and must not continue to be left behind.”
“On the first day of term, many were left stranded, with children unable to get to school because appropriate transport had not been put in place. Just think about that: a child with special educational needs finally secures a place, and the family is ready to go, but they are left with no way to get to school. For families who were already feeling abandoned and exhausted, that was the final blow. It lays bare the neglect and the lack of foresight from the Minister and the Education Authority in meeting the most basic needs of children with special educational needs. Let us be clear: those families are not asking for special treatment; they are just asking for fairness. They are asking for the chance for their children, who are ready to learn, to start school just like everybody else.”
“<BR /> <BR />Right now, there are vulnerable children and their exhausted families still waiting for confirmation of a suitable school place that meets their needs. Some are waiting for classrooms that do not even exist yet. Yet, what does the Department do? It records those children as though they have already been placed, when the truth is that they have no classroom to enter and no education to access. That is not just an administrative failure but a moral failure. The stress and anxiety that those families feel are a direct result of the Department and the Education Authority failing to plan strategically to meet the needs of our children. <BR /> <BR />For the families whose children have secured a place, the barriers do not end there.”
“For every child, the first day of school is crucial. It sets the tone for the year ahead. It is a cherished family memory that parents will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It marks the next big step in their child's life journey. While most families arrive early to capture those moments on camera, too many families of children with special educational needs are not standing at the school gates. Instead, they are anxiously waiting at home, clinging to the hope that a place will be found and their child will get their first-day memory too. That situation is not a one-off or an exception; it is an all-too-common reality for children with special educational needs in our education system.”
“Minister, you will be well aware of the situation in Knockevin School. Can you give us any update on communication that you have had with the principal there? That school has had its onsite nurse removed. You will also be well aware of the growing medical complexities that that school is facing. Can you give us any update on what your Department is doing in that regard?”
“On behalf of the Committee, therefore, I put on record our thanks to and appreciation for Dr McCullough. The progress that she made in developing the office will provide a sound base upon which the new commissioner can build. <BR /> <BR />I expect that the other members of the Committee will welcome the appointment of Mark McEwan, as I do, and look forward to engaging with the new commissioner on progressing the vital work of implementing the Assembly's ethical standards system. On behalf of the Committee, I support the motion.”
“As such, in order to safeguard the timely exercising of the commissioner's functions, it is important that the Assembly ensures that the office of Commissioner for Standards remains filled, without undue interruption. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to look back on and acknowledge the contribution of the outgoing commissioner, Dr Melissa McCullough, over the past five years. During her term, Dr McCullough addressed a range of challenges, including working through a three-year backlog of complaints, taking on additional functions in relation to ministerial complaints and taking initiatives to modernise the office of the commissioner, while dealing with a range of complex, sensitive and challenging cases. Dr McCullough did so professionally, engaging positively and empathetically with the Committee and with Members, generally.”
“The process for investigating complaints is designed in such a way that allegations of breaches of the MLA or ministerial codes of conduct go directly to the commissioner for assessment of admissibility and, where applicable, for investigation. For complaints against MLAs, the Committee then considers the commissioner's investigation reports, determines whether a breach of the code has occurred and, where appropriate, recommends to the Assembly the sanction to be imposed. The commissioner, the Committee and the Assembly therefore exercise the complementary functions of investigation, adjudication and sanctioning respectively, and each has a key part to play in ensuring that appropriate and proper standards of conduct are upheld by Members of the Assembly.”
“I speak to the motion having sat on the Assembly's recruitment panel for the appointment of a new Commissioner for Standards as the Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. <BR /> <BR />As Members are aware, the commissioner is an independent officer who is appointed by the Assembly to consider and investigate complaints of alleged breaches of the MLA code of conduct and the ministerial code of conduct. In fulfilling the role, the commissioner contributes to the overseeing and safeguarding of the ethical standards of MLAs and Ministers. The commissioner's independence is therefore essential to ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability and public trust in our standards regime.”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. You mentioned that you received an update on the progress of the construction of the Narrow Water bridge. As you know, that is a key economic and tourism project for the wider south Down and County Louth area. Minister, what work is your Department doing with Louth County Council and, of course, the Irish Government on the delivery of the Narrow Water bridge?”
“Staff who are at the coalface, dealing with difficult situations, deserve adequate guidance and the tools to respond with care, and any incident that involves restrictive practices must be recorded. The parents must be informed. Anything less than that is a failure of duty. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin is committed to a child-centred, trauma-informed approach that protects the dignity of every young person, supports the staff and holds the system accountable. Schools should be places of safety, support and trust — never, ever fear. We must never accept less.”
“A special school is pleading for empty early years places to be filled — places that are specifically designed for children with complex medical and learning needs who cannot access mainstream or specialist provision. What is the school met with? Silence, delays and frustration. What message does that send to other schools that may be considering a specialist provision? <BR /> <BR />All children deserve to thrive. All children deserve play, freedom of movement and emotional safety. Those things are essential to a child's development. Restrictive practices deny them that. Locking doors, blocking access to outdoor space and isolating children as a way to control behaviour are not solutions; they escalate distress and break trust. We need real training, real investment, real compassion and real therapeutic interventions.”
“Like others, I pay tribute to the courageous parents and families who have refused to stay silent. They have shared their pain and continue to shine a light on what happens behind closed doors. Without their strength and relentless campaigning, the issue would remain hidden in the shadows. <BR /> <BR />I also extend my support to the parents of children with special educational needs who are still waiting for a school placement for their child. Families have been left in limbo, with the child's future hanging in the balance. Even when a place is secured, the question remains about whether it will be the right place and meet their needs. Let me tell you what is happening on the ground. One school in South Down is fighting tooth and nail with the Education Authority (EA) for a basic disability ramp.”
“Time and again the Committee has heard harrowing accounts about how some restriction and seclusion practices in our schools cause deep and lasting trauma for children and young people and unimaginable distress for their families. Let us call this what it is: harmful. Being strapped down, locked out and isolated are not therapeutic interventions. They are acts that strip away a child's dignity, safety and humanity. For a second, imagine a child's fear when they are already overwhelmed and struggling to be understood. Instead of care, they are met with control. Instead of comfort, confinement. What message are we sending to our most vulnerable children? Those practices are deeply damaging. They feel like punishment and abandonment, and, for many children, they leave invisible scars that last a lifetime.”
“I appreciate the Minister's response. Minister, given the feedback, have you considered the impact of the current NAP proposals on hill and sheep farmers, particularly those in the Mournes and Slieve Croob in my constituency, alongside the withdrawal of the areas of natural constraint (ANC) payments?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you are well aware of the specific needs of fisheries in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. What funding do you hope to see? What initiatives would you like to implement to support those fisheries, and when do you expect to see such initiatives in place? You know that local fishermen are on their knees and are crying out for help.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. How has NISRA, which sits within his Department's remit, been helping to support the Department of Education with the gathering of data for the development of the early learning and childcare strategy?”
“Minister, in your previous answer, you talked about much-needed funds for childcare. How much funding will be allocated to childcare in June monitoring?”
“By placing decisions about MLA pay in independent hands, we set a standard that says, "This Assembly is ready to put fairness and integrity at its core". It is better for public confidence and for the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some of the amendments would threaten the independence of the remuneration board. The principle of the Bill should not be undermined. The public's understandable concern when politicians appear to decide their own pay is damaging. That is why independence is not just a desirable quality in the process but a requirement. The creation of a new independent remuneration board brings fairness and transparency to the process. <BR /> <BR />When salaries are decided by an external board with no political ties, we can focus on our job and serve people without being mired in debates about how much we are paid. The Bill gives us a chance to draw a clear line between personal interest and public responsibility.”
“I speak in support of the amendments proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee. When people look at the Assembly, they expect to see fairness, transparency and a commitment to doing what is right. The Bill is an opportunity to prove that trust in public institutions still matters and that we, as MLAs, are prepared to ensure that there is independent oversight of our pay. The Bill does something fundamental: it removes the power to set salaries from MLAs and places it where it belongs — in the hands of an independent board. That is not just procedural but a correct move forward. Sinn Féin has been consistent in our belief that MLAs must not influence the level of salary that they receive. The public must have confidence that decisions are being made in the interests of good governance. The Bill is rooted in that principle.”
“It demands physical strength, courage, resilience and an extraordinary level of excellence. Corin has demonstrated all those qualities, and he has done so with humility and grace and, importantly, an infectious smile always on his face. It is clear that Corin's story is only just beginning. His achievement is not just a personal triumph; it gives so much hope and inspiration to others. It shows us all what you can do with belief, perseverance and passion: the impossible can become a reality. Corin, we are immensely proud of you. You have made history and inspired an entire community. We cannot wait to see what you are going to achieve next.”
“Anyone who has children who take part in Irish dancing knows the dedication that is involved. The local communities of Drumaness and Ballynahinch have given Corin so much encouragement. That has surely helped to fuel his ambition and supported him to reach the highest level of success. A special word of appreciation must also go to Murray School of Irish Dance. Corin is lucky to have the most devoted teachers there who have helped him to craft his talent. Murray School of Irish Dance has helped not only Corin but hundreds of young people in the local area, from all walks to life, to enjoy the world of Irish dancing. It has provided, and continues to provide, opportunities for so many young people to travel the world and follow their dreams. <BR /> <BR />Winning a world championship is no small feat.”
“I am delighted to celebrate the phenomenal success of a truly outstanding young man: Corin Murray from Ballynahinch, the new minor world champion in Irish dancing. At just nine years of age, Corin has achieved what many spend a lifetime chasing. From his first competition win in Larne in May 2024 to now lifting the world title, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. His story is a testament to what passion and hard work can achieve. <BR /> <BR />Corin's dedication to his dancing has been remarkable. His commitment has not only led him to victory but made him a role model for young dancers everywhere who dare to dream big. However, no journey is taken alone. Behind Corin is a very proud family who have supported him every step of the way.”
“The Department of Education must ensure that young people have the necessary information and guidance to apply for courses through the Central Applications Office processes. While it is disappointing that the Education Minister is not here this afternoon, it was positive to hear his acknowledgement earlier that there are circumstances in certain areas in education in which the North lags way behind. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin will continue to work to remove barriers and to promote education opportunities across Ireland as the best way to increase access to third-level education. Given the debate, it is clear that we should all continue to work to improve cross-border student mobility to enable our children and young people to build a future and a career in the communities on this island. Go raibh míle maith agat.”
“It is also welcome that further progress has been made in providing equivalence in A-level and Leaving Certificate admissions processes ahead of the 2025-26 academic year. The amendment to the admissions process is a significant step forward in opening opportunities for Northern students to attain university degrees in institutions across Ireland. As we know, previous arrangements created inequalities for Northern students because their grades were not recognised equally in the points systems and admission processes. The changes for the upcoming year will help address that imbalance and, in doing so, improve cross-border student mobility. Sinn Féin has long called for those changes to be made so that Northern students stand a fair chance of accessing courses and opportunities in universities in the South.”
“As junior Minister Reilly outlined, Minister Archibald's Department has worked with students to design and publish improved information and guidance for students from the North who wish to apply to higher education in the South. Minister Archibald's Department has also introduced access to a tuition fee loan to postgraduate students from the North who are studying in the South, and work is ongoing to provide tuition fee support to students from the North who are studying part-time in the South. <BR /> <BR />The junior Minister outlined, and I acknowledge, the call that has been made by the North's Secondary Students' Union, with support from the South's Second-level Students' Union, for reform of the university application process between North and South.”
“Students from the North make up less than 1% of the student populations in the South's colleges, as Cara Hunter mentioned, even with a lack of third-level education capacity in the North. Differences in admissions and funding, and a general lack of collaboration between government institutions, have resulted in limited opportunities for young people. The process of going to university in Belfast or Derry should be the same as the process of going to college in Galway or Dublin. I commend the work of my colleagues Pádraig Delargy MLA and Mairéad Farrell TD, as well as many others, who have worked tirelessly to try to progress the issue. <BR /> <BR />Reducing barriers to all-island student mobility is also a priority for my colleague the Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald.”
“It is crucial that all children and young people, including those with disabilities, those from low-income families and those with special educational needs, are given support, knowledge, encouragement and opportunities to overcome barriers and avail themselves of education and training at whatever facility meets their needs, no matter where it is. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin believes in an all-island approach to education that is based on accessibility and inclusion and is free from barriers. Despite their living on a small island, it is clear that partition has had a huge impact on where young people choose to study — something that has limited their opportunities. Cross-border student enrolment on the island has remained low.”
“I welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate and to make a winding-up speech on the motion, which, I think it is safe to say, has had broad agreement across all parties. As suggested by the Member who has just spoken, it is not worth going through everything that everybody has said, because we have that broad agreement. <BR /> <BR />We believe that it is important that all children and young people have opportunities to develop appropriate knowledge and skills so that they can become economically active, find gainful employment and thrive.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Has the Minister reflected on any of the criticisms regarding the eligibility criteria for RAISE? Also, were there discussions on possible future funding from the Shared Island funding pot?”
“I thank the Minister for that information, which will be a comfort to many businesses in Downpatrick. Can she provide a further timeline for the actual implementation of flood mitigation measures for Downpatrick?”
“Donagh serves as an inspiration to aspiring young sportspeople not just in South Down but across Ireland. His hard work, graft and determination to hone his craft and elevate his skills to an international level is a testament to his family, his friends and the local organisations that helped build the foundations for him to thrive. I congratulate Donagh and wish him every success on his professional journey. I look forward to congratulating him on many more successes in the future. Comhghairdeas.”
“He has setbacks, but he comes back from them bigger and better.”
“I rise to congratulate Castlewellan's very own Donagh Keary, who put south Down on the international platform by claiming victory on his boxing debut at Madison Square Garden on St Patrick's Day. Boxing legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Robinson displayed their greatest on the grandest stages. It is only right that local legend, Donagh, follows in the footsteps of those boxing giants. After four hard-fought rounds, the judges ruled that Keary had outboxed his opponent, securing a really impressive win. <BR /> <BR />Donagh began his boxing career at just six years of age, having fallen in love with the sport at his first training session. Donagh went on to win his first Irish title at the age of just 14. He has set goals for himself every step of the way — goals that he continues to smash.”
“We also want to consider potential amendments to the Bill and explore options with the Assembly Commission. The outcome of our deliberations will be communicated to the House in the Committee's report, which will be published at the end of the Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />I therefore ask the House to support the extension to allow the Committee a limited additional period to finalise our scrutiny of the Bill and to ensure that it has been completed in a rigorous and thorough manner.”