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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“At the time that the motion was tabled, the call for evidence was still open, and we wanted to ensure that, in the event of a large number of responses arriving between the deadline for tabling the motion and the closing date of the call for evidence, the Committee would still have sufficient time to consider fully all responses before the end of Committee Stage. As the call for evidence closed on 19 March and only a small number of late responses were received, I assure the House that we will work to complete the Bill's Committee Stage well within the time frame proposed in the motion. <BR /> <BR />As we reach the important, final stages of our scrutiny of the Bill, the Committee wants to take some time to form a view based on the evidence that we have received.”
“<BR /> <BR />Since our first meeting, the Committee has been briefed by Assembly staff from the Research and Information Service (RaISe), the Bill Office and Legal Services to support the Committee's understanding of the Bill's provisions. The Committee has also considered written and oral evidence from the Assembly Commission, as well as evidence from remuneration bodies from other legislatures. In addition, the Committee has considered the views of 74 respondents to our call for evidence.”
“As Members are aware, the Ad Hoc Committee was established on 17 February to undertake the Bill's Committee Stage and to report to the Assembly by 1 April 2025. While the Committee has made good progress on its scrutiny of the Bill to date, a short extension is necessary to complete the work and to prepare our report on the Bill. Although it is a short and mostly technical Bill, its provisions are of considerable public interest, given that the Bill deals with matters relating to Members' salaries, pensions and allowances. The Committee has been cognisant of the importance of our work demonstrating to Members and the wider public that we have carried out our scrutiny in a robust, thorough and impartial manner.”
“The motion seeks Members' support to extend the Committee Stage of the Assembly Members (Remuneration Board) Bill until 16 May 2025.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Does the Minister have confidence in the NI Water board?”
“Minister, what measures are being considered as part of the active travel toolkit?”
“Niamh, we are all incredibly proud of you. Your dedication and success are an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. We have no doubt that this is only the beginning of an even greater journey ahead. Comhghairdeas.”
“Her father's All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal for County Down is proof that talent and determination run in the family, not that I am biased. Today, however, it is definitely Niamh's time to shine.”
“Having picked up a table tennis racket for the very first time at just nine years old, she was immediately a natural, and she is now an all-Ireland champion. Niamh now plays with the Ormeau Table Tennis Club, where her passion and dedication have set her apart. She has continually pushed herself to new heights, with the backing and support of her family, who are extremely proud of her achievements. <BR /> <BR />Last weekend, she truly made her mark by becoming the all-Ireland champion, winning, as I said, the under-19 and under-21 categories in an all-female competition that featured the very best players in the country. It is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her hard work, discipline and, of course, love for the game. At just 17 years old, Niamh is following in the footsteps of sporting excellence in her family.”
“It is a great honour for me to stand here today and congratulate an exceptional young athlete, Niamh Mason from Loughinisland, on her incredible achievements in table tennis. Yesterday, at just 17 years of age, Niamh secured the under-19 and under-21 all-Ireland table tennis titles. She now ranks number one in the country at both levels, which, I am sure that all Members will agree, is an amazing feat. At this stage, I declare an interest and a slight bias, as Niamh is my niece. <BR /> <BR />Niamh's journey in sport began purely by chance. While she was on holiday with her dad, she discovered a games room with a table tennis table in it. For a bit of fun, they started to play. From that moment on, she has never looked back.”
“Will the First Minister provide an update on the ending violence against women and girls change fund?”
“I will follow up on the line of questioning from the Chair of the Education Committee. Minister, professional development appears to be a key aspect of the strategy. Our teachers continue to go above and beyond despite their mounting workload. You mentioned the timeline in your previous answer. When will those workload concerns be addressed?”
“The Minister mentioned childminders, which, as we know, are a vital part of the childcare and early years sector. Has the Minister engaged directly with childminders to hear about their issues with ratios? Has he engaged with the Minister of Health on the review of the minimum standards when it comes to ratios in particular?”
“The recruitment and retention of qualified professionals have become major obstacles, threatening the sustainability of the sector. <BR /> <BR />Those issues demand urgent action from the Minister of Education. If we are serious about delivering high-quality and affordable early years and childcare, we must commit to fairness, proper funding and genuine support for those who care for our young people. Standardisation should be about ensuring quality and access, not creating unnecessary barriers for families and providers. I urge the Minister to acknowledge those acute challenges and take meaningful steps to protect and strengthen the non-statutory early years sector. We must ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and education that they deserve. The future of our children depends on it.”
“<BR /> <BR />The implementation of standardisation, whilst obviously well intended, has placed many preschools, statutory and non-statutory, in an impossible position. Some are being allocated standardised places far below their actual capacity, forcing them to make heartbreaking decisions about which children receive the support and which do not. No provider should have to choose between children who are in need. <BR /> <BR />Instead of focusing on providing the best care and education, non-statutory preschools are being pushed into financial insecurity, with the burden of rising costs falling on parents and providers alike. Meanwhile, unfair funding allocations, excessive inspections compared with those in the statutory sector and severe staffing shortages are compounding the crisis.”
“The early years of a child's life are the foundation on which their future is built. Those formative years are the bedrock of a child's cognitive, social and emotional development, shaping their ability to learn, grow and thrive throughout life. Quality early childhood education is not just beneficial but essential to their future and the future of our society. Across the North, the non-statutory community and voluntary childcare sector plays a critical role in delivering that care, ensuring that our children have the best possible start. Despite their dedication, however, those providers face mounting challenges that threaten their ability to continue that vital work. I have spoken to early years practitioners who are deeply concerned about the future of preschool education.”
“I associate myself with Matthew O'Toole's remarks about Eamonn. I am a blow-in to Loughinisland — I have lived there for 12 years — from a neighbouring village. The villages are harsh rivals on the football pitch, but Eamonn was always so welcoming to me. I had many chats with him about history. I offer my condolences to Matthew and the whole O'Toole family.”
“We need strong, robust legislation that meets the needs of all children by ensuring that school uniforms are affordable. For that to be achieved, we must pass legislation that will drive down costs by ensuring that schools have competitive tendering processes, remove requirements for expensive branded items and permit the use of affordable high-street alternatives. Families need to see action urgently, so I, alongside my Education Committee colleagues, will work to ensure that the legislation is the very best that it can be and is passed through the Assembly as quickly as possible to ensure that money goes back into the pockets of families as soon as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last year, when I was researching for my Member's Bill, we undertook a survey that asked families for their views on the subject. The response was overwhelming; it really highlighted just how much pressure was being put on parents and children. We cannot have a single parent having sleepless nights, worrying about whether they can get their child an expensive blazer; a family member working extra hours to get a PE uniform; or a grandparent spending their much-needed pension on their grandchild's branded jumper. Families are already struggling to make ends meet, and, when the summer comes around, the cost of school uniforms really can be the final straw. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin wants to see legislation that will make a real difference to bringing down the cost of school uniforms.”
“I will never forget the day that I sat with a grandmother in my constituency office, watching her break down in tears, completely overwhelmed with worry about how she would afford the new uniform of the high school that her grandchild really wanted to go to. That moment reinforced my determination to push for change. The situation cannot continue. That is why I proposed my Member's Bill to tackle the issue head-on. Although I welcome the Minister's progress on the legislation, it must be strong, robust and truly effective in making a difference. I am grateful that a local school uniform swap was able to help the woman who was in my office that day. That initiative has already brought relief to so many families.”
“It is welcome that the Minister has moved the Second Stage of the legislation to attempt to make school uniforms more affordable. The legislation should be a real opportunity to finally cut the cost of school uniforms and ease the pressure on families. Each summer and throughout the year, parents face astronomical costs when buying school uniforms and PE gear. The pockets of workers and families are hit. Parents are already struggling with rising living costs. They need and deserve our support. We need to make sure that going to school is as easy as possible for every child. That means removing unnecessary barriers to education. That can start with making school uniforms more affordable for all families, which is what the legislation must do. <BR /> <BR />This issue is very close to my heart and something about which I feel very strongly.”
“Let us have reform that delivers efficiency, value for money and, above all else, common sense. <BR /> <BR />In a response to my colleague Pat Sheehan, Caoimhe Archibald, the Finance Minister at the time, confirmed that there was no impediment at her end to easing procurement rules for schools. The Education Authority has the power to progress a review of procurement processes. I therefore urge all my colleagues and everyone else in the Chamber to back the initiative and to work together for a procurement system that truly serves our schools and communities. I commend the motion to the House.”
“We advocate not a complete removal of oversight but a more balanced approach that distinguishes between high-value, high-risk procurement exercises and those that are of a more routine nature. Schools should still be accountable for their spending, but that should happen within a framework that allows them to operate efficiently and effectively. <BR /> <BR />Our schools are not just centres of learning but the heart of our communities. They deserve procurement rules that support rather than hinder their ability to provide the best possible education for our children. By easing restrictions on taking smaller-scale financial decisions, we would give them the tools to make practical and sensible choices that benefit everyone. Let us show confidence in our school leaders.”
“They understand the day-to-day needs of their school much better than anyone else. By granting them greater autonomy over smaller procurement decisions, we would empower them to act in the best interests of their pupils, their staff and their budget. Other jurisdictions have already implemented more flexible procurement models, allowing schools to make sensible financial choices without unnecessary intervention. The benefits of that are clear: reduced administrative burdens, greater financial efficiency and stronger support for local businesses. It is time for the North to follow suit. <BR /> <BR />Of course, any change must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards.”
“A principal should not have to navigate an arduous tendering process for a minor maintenance job that a trusted provider could complete quickly and affordably, nor should schools be compelled to purchase from a limited list of suppliers, if better, more cost-effective options are readily available. I spoke with a school leader who had recently set up a number of specialist provisions at their school and listened as they described the money that was wasted when they purchased simple resources through the procurement process. They could have purchased those items for almost £3,000 less had they been able to shop around. <BR /> <BR />Given the budgetary constraints that the Department faces, it seems ludicrous that we cannot address the issue. We must place our trust in school leaders.”
“Procurement regulations exist for a good reason: to ensure that there is transparency, fairness and, of course, value for money. However, as, I am sure, we will hear throughout today's debate, the current rules can be overly restrictive, creating unnecessary bureaucracy for our schools. Too often, head teachers and school leaders find themselves tangled in red tape when trying to make relatively minor purchases, whether that be securing a local contractor for repairs, purchasing classroom materials or arranging essential services. <BR /> <BR />When schools are forced to adhere to rigid procurement processes, it can lead to inefficiencies, delays and even increased costs.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Minister for that information on the important research that her Department is doing to support the Education Department. She referenced other actions. What else is the Department for the Economy doing to assist the Department of Education when it comes to childcare specifically?”
“I thank the Minister for that information. Minister — I have written to you about this — we have been contacted by preschool principals who feel that they are now at a disadvantage and are in competition with preschools in the same area that can offer more hours. How do you plan to support them in the short term, prior to the next roll-out?”
“How is the skills fund in particular supporting educational attainment rates across the North?”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. Is the Minister aware of the current project taking place in the Ballykinler camp? The Down GAA county board is undertaking a project to develop a centre of excellence for sport and a community facility. What support can the Minister give to that? Will he engage with those involved in the project?”
“Let us ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter what path they wish to take.”
“It is important that we enhance cooperation between sixth forms and further education colleges to broaden subject options. The Minister must improve accessibility for all young people to ensure that every student can fulfil their potential, whether they pursue an academic role, a vocational path or a blended pathway. <BR /> <BR />Every child must have the very best opportunities to reach their full educational potential. Young people should be afforded the opportunity to explore a comprehensive and diverse selection of subjects and career paths. I urge all Members to support an education system that meets the hopes and aspirations of all our young people. The school funding system must be fair, sustainable and centred around the needs of our young people.”
“Despite the pressures that are facing principals and teachers, they deserve credit for going above and beyond to develop acute subject choices and deliver the best career pathways for their pupils. However, the lack of flexibility in school budgets forces principals to make rigid decisions that may not have the best interests of pupils at heart. That is disadvantageous to many children who simply cannot access the pathway of their choice due to circumstances that are beyond their control. <BR /> <BR />The school funding system must be fair, sustainable and centred around the needs of our young people. Let us ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter what path they wish to take.”
“In order for our young people to thrive, we must ensure that they are in an environment that harnesses their full potential. Young people should be free to choose the path that they feel best fits their interests and abilities. Our education system should not inhibit that. When I speak to school leaders, teachers and principals, it is clear that our current per-pupil funding model is restricting their ability to meet the needs of every one of their pupils. Budget constraints often dictate course offerings rather than courses being offered to meet students' needs. <BR /> <BR />Schools work incredibly hard to offer a broad and balanced curriculum.”
“Minister, trade unions are opposed to the establishment of another management authority, the independent review of education recommends a single managing authority and the chief executive of the Education Authority, who you appointed, disagrees with your assessment that the EA has, in fact, failed controlled schools. Why have you set yourself against those key stakeholders and the expert recommendations of the independent review?”
“Minister, despite the pressures that you face, I welcome the support and the priority that you have given to childcare, which has allowed the development of the very much-needed first steps that we have seen. Will you outline how the 2025-26 Budget will also support childcare?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The very committed Newcastle community flood defence group that you mentioned has raised the issue of communication between all of the agencies, including the local council. What coordination has taken place between the agencies and the council to ensure that a comprehensive flood emergency response is in place for Newcastle residents?”
“Is the Minister considering a cap as part of the legislation as a way of keeping costs down for families?”
“That is necessary to ensure that Irish-medium childcare thrives as part of a vibrant and diverse education system. <BR /> <BR />While we welcome the progress that has been made in making childcare more affordable, we cannot lose sight of the broader vision. All parties must work together to ensure that all families can access the childcare that they need. It is not just an investment in children; it is an investment in our future.”
“It must also focus on the use of early intervention practices in order to raise educational outcomes and address educational challenges at the earliest possible stage. Our childcare and early years staff must have the resources, training and support to ensure that those children have the same opportunities to grow and learn. I urge the Education Minister to recognise and bolster the community and voluntary childcare sector. Those providers are often the lifeline of local communities. They are tackling disadvantage, breaking cycles of poverty and giving every child the opportunity to succeed. <BR /> <BR />We need targeted support for the Irish-medium childcare sector. Families who choose to immerse their children in the medium of Irish must not be disadvantaged and must have access to high-quality, well-resourced and accessible childcare.”
“We need the Department of Education, with support from the Department for the Economy, to continue to work at pace to ensure that the targeted business support scheme gets off the ground and that emergency money can go into the pockets of hard-pressed providers. We eagerly await the childcare and early years strategy from the Education Minister. That strategy is long overdue and is urgently needed not just by providers and childminders but by families across the North. The strategy must tackle the mounting pressure that faces the sector and lay the groundwork for a system that is accessible, affordable and sustainable. <BR /> <BR />Every child must have access to the care and support that they need to thrive. That means prioritising provisions for children with special educational needs (SEN) and physical disabilities.”
“Why are we using precious time to debate this issue when we are still waiting for the delivery of a childcare and early years strategy by the Education Minister? Surely time would be better spent on that. <BR /> <BR />The high cost of childcare remains a significant pressure for many families, and, while the subsidy marks progress, much more needs to be done to ensure that parents, children and providers are fully supported. Our childcare providers and childminders are under immense pressure to keep costs low, and it is critical that they are given the recognition and support that they need to continue to deliver the highest level of care.”
“The sum of £25 million, which was delivered by the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, went straight into the Department of Education to start delivery of the childcare and early years strategy. The subsequent introduction of the childcare subsidy scheme was, indeed, a welcome first step towards making childcare more affordable for families. That move acknowledged the vital role that high-quality, affordable childcare plays as the foundation for a child's early learning and development, whilst supporting families who are balancing the demands of work and home life. Sinn Féin was then instrumental in securing an additional £25 million, which doubled the childcare budget to £50 million. I am, therefore, bewildered as to why the motion has been tabled.”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. He will be aware that the requirement for prior educational psychologist service assessments has been removed, which, in theory, means that children should now be able to access support without such a referral. Is it not the case, however, that special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) are now under even more pressure and are essentially carrying out the role of the educational psychologist? What will the transformation plan mean for that? Will it address the issue, and how will SENCOs be supported?”
“We must work with schools, families and the tech companies to educate young people about safe and healthy social media use. <BR /> <BR />We must also demand accountability from social media platforms, whose algorithms profit from amplifying harmful content. This is a call to action. Mental health and well-being provision must be woven into the fabric of our education system. Every single child deserves to feel safe, supported and understood in their school environment. This cannot wait. If we truly care about our children's futures, we must invest in their mental health now. We need shorter waiting lists, mental health practitioners in every school and an education system that prioritises well-being alongside academic study. I urge Ministers to make it a top priority, because the stakes are simply far too high.”
“That means embedding mental health practitioners in schools and ensuring that there is immediate access to support when children need it most. Early intervention not only saves lives but reduces the long-term burden on our health services. <BR /> <BR />Mental health provision in schools cannot stop at crisis response: it must include preventative measures. We need to equip our children with the tools to manage stress, build resilience and navigate the complexities of life in this digital age. Speaking of the digital age, we cannot ignore the enormous impact of social media on our young people's mental health. The pressure to conform, the endless comparison and the damaging effects of online bullying are contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression and self-harm.”
“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, especially in areas of high deprivation, yet, as the crisis grows, the services that are designed to support those in need are failing to keep up. <BR /> <BR />Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) waiting lists are shockingly long, with children and their families often waiting months — sometimes years — for the help that they so desperately need. For many, those delays are life-altering; for some, they are life-ending. We cannot let that continue. That is why I am calling on the Minister of Education and the Minister of Health to prioritise health and well-being in our schools. Schools must become front-line hubs for early intervention.”
“I will talk about an issue that is nothing short of a crisis: the mental health and well-being of our children and young people. That crisis is claiming lives, devastating families and stretching our health and education systems to their limits. I begin by acknowledging the parents who, last month, just prior to Christmas, shared their heartbreaking experiences with me: your courage in speaking out reminds us why urgent action is needed. <BR /> <BR />Last month, I also met people from New Script for Mental Health, who spoke passionately on topics such as the need for early intervention, the rise in the use of prescription antidepressants to treat our children and young people and the stark reality that suicide is more prevalent in areas of high disadvantage. The statistics are clear and deeply troubling.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. What are her thoughts about the calls for an independent review of rates?”