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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“I ask the Minister — I look forward to hearing his response — and all the representatives in the Chamber to stand together with our rural communities in South Down. Let us work together to deliver the investment that our road network needs, the fairness that our rural residents deserve and the safety that all road users expect.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister and Sinn Féin remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening public services and addressing the neglect of rural infrastructure. It is imperative that we continue to press the British Government for fairer funding, recognising that investment in our roads is an investment in the safety, prosperity and well-being of our people. Our vision is one in which rural and urban communities are equally valued and in which no one has to endure poor road conditions, poor connectivity or the isolation that comes with inadequate infrastructure. It is about more than fixing potholes or gritting roads; it is about ensuring that all communities, no matter how rural, can thrive and prosper.”
“Rural residents should not have to live in fear every time a storm warning is issued, wondering whether their home and community could be cut off or flooded. The interventions are not just about infrastructure but about giving rural families peace of mind and security in their daily lives. <BR /> <BR />The roads in our rural areas are lifelines for those communities. They connect workers to jobs, children to schools and families to services. Poor infrastructure isolates those communities, making it harder for businesses to thrive and for young people to stay in their local area. Fairer funding would help reverse those trends, allowing us to build a road network that supports sustainable growth in our rural economies and enhances the quality of life for everyone.”
“That vital project will not only reduce commuting times for workers and families who travel back and forth to Belfast and other local amenities but enhance road safety and accessibility for rural residents. <BR /> <BR />Fairer funding is also critical for improving rural connectivity. For too many of our rural communities, poor infrastructure means longer, more expensive commutes, higher transport costs and limited access to essential services. Investing in our rural roads will help drive local economies, strengthen our agriculture sector and reduce the inequality that persists between urban and rural areas. <BR /> <BR />Additionally, fairer funding would allow for long-term flood mitigation interventions, such as those that are urgently needed in Newcastle and Downpatrick and along rural roads such as the Carnreagh Road.”
“<BR /> <BR />While those measures offer much-needed relief to road users in the months ahead, it must be acknowledged that they come against a backdrop of years of underinvestment and cuts that British Governments have imposed. Decades of austerity have taken their toll, leaving many rural roads in South Down and, indeed, across the North in an unacceptable state of disrepair. For too long, rural communities have been forced to bear the brunt of underfunded infrastructure. Fairer funding from the British Government is urgently needed in order to address those disparities and to deliver long-overdue projects, such as the Ballynahinch bypass, which my South Down colleague mentioned.”
“That project was jointly funded by the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. It has transformed a key gateway into the town, improving road safety and enhancing the area's overall appearance. Additionally, I welcome the ongoing work on Irish Street and Market Street, which includes the upgrading of traffic signals and further resurfacing improvements. Those works are vital not only for the residents of Downpatrick but for visitors and businesses that rely on the town's infrastructure. They show what can be achieved with targeted investment, and they serve as a reminder of the potential that fairer funding could unlock for our rural areas. I thank and congratulate the Downpatrick regeneration working group, which has championed those projects.”
“That funding is a step in the right direction and will help ensure that roads are maintained, that street lights are repaired and operational and that our entire road network is as safe as possible, especially in the rural areas in which neglect has been felt most acutely. It is also welcome news that the Minister has fully funded the winter service. That will help ensure that our roads will be gritted and kept in the best possible condition during the colder months. Again, that is especially important for rural communities, where icy or untreated roads can mean isolation and, in some cases, life-threatening delays for emergency services. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the completion of the £350,000 resurfacing and footway refurbishment of Church Street in Downpatrick.”
“I thank my South Down colleague Diane Forsythe for bringing this important topic to the Chamber. I could not agree with her more: South Down is definitely the best constituency to represent. The debate could not be more timely, because, as winter conditions settle in and the darker evenings come in, icy roads are becoming the norm. It is critical that all road users feel safe and that they can drive with confidence. <BR /> <BR />Our rural communities in particular face unique road safety challenges. It is imperative that their needs be prioritised. I welcome the announcement from the Minister of an additional £19 million investment in our roads and street lighting.”
“I thank the Minister for his welcome statement. A significant issue that faces the Irish-medium sector is the availability of language-appropriate support, curriculum resources and materials. Does the Minister intend looking at that issue with a view to supporting our Irish-medium school communities?”
“Without urgent and meaningful transformation, the future for too many children in South Down and, indeed, across the North will be compromised. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves to feel supported, not obstructed, by the education system. The time for action is now.”
“Parents across South Down have told me about the delays in assessments and statements that are creating an unacceptable backlog and leaving schools to manage complex needs without the necessary resources or specialist input from allied health professionals. That is having a profound impact on principals, teachers, support staff, children and families alike. One parent whom I spoke to whose child was placed in one of the new SPiM classes spoke of the sheer exhaustion caused by the constant battles for assessments, statements, places and even basic communication. That is not an isolated experience, and it reflects a wider failure in the system that forces families to fight for what should be a fundamental right: access to education. <BR /> <BR />The Department must now step up and listen.”
“<BR /> <BR />The challenges faced by children, families and educators in South Down highlight the urgent need for a major transformation of how SEN services are delivered. Without swift and meaningful action, I am deeply worried about the future of those children and their families. The staff who deliver the support to children with SEN are underpaid and under-resourced and feel undervalued. Those professionals keep the system afloat despite limited resources and ever-increasing demands, but their goodwill and determination cannot be relied on indefinitely. <BR /> <BR />At the heart of the issue are the children and families who rely on the SEN system.”
“At the end of last week, I met a large group of local principals and special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) to discuss the critical issues facing the special educational needs system in our schools, following widespread concern among school leaders in response to the Department's comments about the role of SENCOs. Following the meeting, it was clear that there is a disconnect between the Department, the Education Authority and the stark reality of SEN provision in our schools. Parents of children placed in the new specialist provision in mainstream (SPiM) classes shared their struggles and highlighted the constant battles they face to secure an appropriate education for their children. The stories paint a deeply troubling picture of the current state of SEN provision.”
“It really worries me to have to ask this question: is this the beginning of the end for ward 15? <BR /> <BR />Ward 15 is more than a service. It is a haven and a shelter for those who need care, dignity and understanding. To allow its services to dwindle or its doors to close, even temporarily, is callous and an ill-conceived move. It is crucial that the South Eastern Trust and the Department of Health do all that they can to retain the vital services on ward 15 and ensure that they continue to be provided in Downpatrick. They must do all that they can to ensure that ward 15 remains operational and that those vital services are secured for Downpatrick and communities right across South Down and, indeed, the North. The recruitment of a replacement consultant must become a top priority, not tomorrow but today.”
“I am particularly alarmed by the decision to close ward 15 for two weeks over Christmas. That is an unprecedented step. Christmas, which is already a challenging time for those battling addiction, should be a period when vulnerable individuals and their families can rely on the services that they need the most. What is most concerning is the apparent lack of communication. Staff, constituents, elected reps in the area and the long-standing partner charity, the Friends of Ward 15, all had to hear through the grapevine of the closure. We accept that the trust has had staffing issues over the past six months, but the decision to close the ward over the holiday period seems dangerous. Is the trust prioritising clinical cover in mental health inpatient treatment units, home treatment teams or other mental health teams?”
“Countless families are grappling with the devastating impacts of addictions and other mental health issues. The demand for support has never been greater, yet the South Eastern Trust seems to be taking a step back when we should be stepping it up.”
“I am deeply concerned about the future of ward 15 in Downpatrick. That facility is not just a ward; it is a lifeline for so many patients locally and across the North. It offers a sanctuary of hope and support for those who are battling addictions and mental health challenges, and it must be protected at all costs. It is so disheartening to learn that its essential services seem to be under threat. Despite assurances from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in July, little progress seems to have been made in recruiting a long-term consultant psychiatrist. That lack of action puts people's lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. Let us be clear: that is unacceptable. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis across the island.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank all my South Down colleagues and those across the Chamber from neighbouring constituencies for staying to take part in the debate this afternoon. The issue is cross-cutting, and we must unite and work together on it. I sincerely hope that the message that comes out of the debate is that we must invest in our fishing industry; modernise infrastructure; improve access to funding; enhance facilities for storage and processing; and address the issues that we will raise today that put the sector under extreme pressure. I look forward to hearing Members' contributions and the Minister's response.”
“Will the Minister confirm that the opportunity for economic growth in the fishing industry, should those labour issues be resolved, is an argument that he is fully outlining to his Westminster counterparts? <BR /> <BR />This debate is not just about policy intervention. It is about the ordinary people who rely on the sector. It is about the fishermen who get up at the crack of dawn, braving the elements, to bring in their yield. It is about the workers in our processing plants who ensure that fish from the Irish Sea reaches plates across Ireland, Europe and beyond. It is about the communities that rally round those industries in which every job loss ripples through local economies.”
“It highlights that were stability in the labour market to be achieved, growth potential could mean an extra £16·1 million of revenue generated in our local fishing ports. Economic growth seems to be the British Government's new mantra. The message to the British Treasury is that there is clear growth potential, and it is there, but it is going to require the Home Office to meet the North's fishing communities halfway and offer them support. The Government have two choices: either they continue to turn their back on our fishing communities and the 48·7% growth that they can deliver, according to that report, or they offer the fishermen the same flexibility that they have already offered to people who are working in fruit picking, vegetable picking, poultry processing and many other industries.”
“That reduction in yield, paired with the low cost per kilo of catch, means that the average boat owner cannot see the financial viability of the sector. With astronomical prices in the supermarkets, the fishing industry has been bled dry and is struggling to survive as it is. <BR /> <BR />Our fishing communities are now at a crossroads. Either the British Government continue to ignore the appeals of the fishing industry and push it further down the path of neglect and socio-economic deprivation, or they recognise, as we do, that with considered, sensible and, let us face it, minor policy tweaks, the future of the industry will be bright enough to support its communities for generations to come. <BR /> <BR />The NI Fish Producers' Organisation was due to publish a report today on the fishing industry's potential for sustainable growth.”
“If that issue is not rectified, it will force the majority of our local fleet to tie up their vessels as, understandably, they cannot afford the punitive penalties if they are found to be in breach of regulations, and they cannot find other staffing arrangements in order to ensure that their boats are safely staffed. That will be catastrophic for our local industry, with severe human and financial consequences for workers, families and the wider economy. <BR /> <BR />The fishing industry should be granted the same flexibility that has been shown to the horticulture, poultry, salmon and offshore energy industries. Staff shortages in the sector mean that 30% of quotas could be left uncaught.”
“A number of months ago, along with colleagues, I was with the Minister in Ardglass, and I know that he is very well aware of the issues that the industry is facing, as well as the dedication of our fishermen to their industry. The industry is facing many challenges, and, to be quite honest, the fishermen are feeling completely neglected. <BR /> <BR />For many years now, our local fishing fleet has relied on workers from Asia and Africa, with workers accessing transit visas or seasonal worker visas that give them the opportunity to secure employment with vessels in County Down and across the North. When I met the NI Fish Producers' Organisation (NIFPO), along with a representative group of fishermen, they made me aware that visas, in particular the seasonal worker visa allocations for 2025, are the key issue that is facing the sector.”
“I welcome the opportunity to propose this Adjournment topic to highlight the need to protect our fishing industry in Ardglass, which is a vital lifeline for our communities, our economy and, of course, for our heritage. <BR /> <BR />The picturesque harbours of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie are not just hubs of activity: they are the beating heart of those coastal towns. They have supported livelihoods and sustained families for generations. I welcome to the Public Gallery a number of our fishermen who have travelled to watch the debate, such is their concern, their worry and their sheer dedication to their cause. I also welcome the fact that the Minister has taken the time to come along this afternoon to listen, and hopefully respond, to the debate.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“We must ensure a future in which sheep farming continues to thrive and to contribute to the economy, environment and identity of the entire island of Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Beyond its economic and environmental contributions, however, sheep farming is a social lifeline. Livestock marts in Hilltown and Saintfield, for example, are not just places of trade but hubs where farmers gather, connect and support one another. For many in isolated rural areas, those interactions are crucial for mental health and well-being. We must work together to ensure that farmers on both sides of the border have the tools that they need in order to thrive. The Minister must act to establish a sheep scheme that provides direct support for farmers and levels the playing field with the South. <BR /> <BR />Sheep farming is so much more than just an economic activity. It is a way of life that sustains our communities, landscapes and heritage.”
“From 2025, our sheep farmers face losing 17% of their basic payment unless they adapt their practices to include protein crops or to integrate cattle. For many farmers in upland areas such as the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob, that is not a viable option, owing to the unsuitability of their land. Those farmers are effectively being punished for circumstances that are beyond their control. It is both unfair and unsustainable. <BR /> <BR />Sheep farming in the Mournes also plays a critical role in maintaining our shared environment. Grazing sheep help manage upland vegetation. They support biodiversity and sustain the landscape that is the cornerstone of much of our tourism industry. Far from being at odds with environmental protection, sustainable sheep farming can complement our climate goals and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.”
“That scheme has created a competitive imbalance that has left the North's farmers at a disadvantage in what is an already difficult economic climate. <BR /> <BR />Brexit has clearly compounded the challenges. The loss of EU agriculture funding has left a gap that policies here have struggled to fill. Farmers in the South continue to benefit from CAP funding and from schemes that support diversification and innovation while, in the North, our sheep farmers face the stark reality of reduced payments and limited targeted support. That imbalance must be addressed urgently. <BR /> <BR />Data from DAERA shows that the total income from farming in the North fell by 44% in 2023. That reflects the significant challenges for the sector amid rising costs and economic pressures.”
“I will highlight the urgent need to support sheep farmers, not only in areas such as the Mournes and Slieve Croob in South Down but right across the North and, indeed, across Ireland. Sheep farming is a vital industry that sustains livelihoods, maintains our rural communities and preserves the unique landscapes that we share, yet the sector faces growing challenges that demand action from all of us. <BR /> <BR />On this island, farming has always been at the heart of our economy and culture. In the North alone, there are two million sheep, contributing to an agri-food sector that is worth approximately £5 billion. In the South of Ireland, sheep farming is similarly significant, with farmers benefiting from a dedicated sheep scheme that provides targeted support.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister and welcome the statement. It is well known that school budgets are extremely challenging for principals and school leaders. Clearly, there will be an ongoing cost for the maintenance of the devices. Will you indicate what that ongoing cost will be and confirm whether principals will be expected to take it out of their budgets?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I —.”
“I thank the Minister for her comprehensive answer. It is widely accepted that establishing, as she mentioned, one child-friendly setting, where children do not have to repeat their story constantly, provides better support for child victims of sexual abuse. The Minister mentioned the Barnahus scheme. Will she give us more of an overview of what her Department's plans are to establish such a scheme? We know that it has been very successful in the South.”
“As the railway celebrates 40 years of service, the award honours not only its historic and social impact but its ethos of accessibility, tradition and community partnership. <BR /> <BR />I also make special mention of Robert Gardiner, whose dedication to and passion for the railway is uplifting. He truly deserves to be extremely proud of the award. Downpatrick and County Down Railway's achievements showcase the best of the North's social enterprise and reinforce the values of organisations dedicated to social, environmental and community-orientated goals. I am really proud to recognise its outstanding contribution. I am sure that the entire Assembly will join me in celebrating its success.”
“His dedication to the preservation and operation of steam locomotives and his leadership across the organisation clearly impressed the awards panel and stands as a shining example of youth leadership. <BR /> <BR />In addition, the railway was awarded the title of "Social Enterprise of the Year". That recognition is especially significant, given the challenges that Downpatrick and County Down Railway has faced over the past year. Severe flooding last year devastated its premises, causing substantial damage and demanding immense resilience and hard work to recover. Despite those setbacks, the railway's volunteers all pulled together, embodying their values of determination, inclusivity and, of course, community service.”
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Downpatrick and County Down Railway on its remarkable success at the recent Social Enterprise NI awards. That distinguished local organisation achieved a double win, securing not one but two prestigious awards, which is a testament to its exceptional contribution to our community and, of course, our heritage. <BR /> <BR />First, I commend Morgan Young, the railway's operations manager, who was awarded the title of "Emerging Leader of the Year". Morgan's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From beginning as a 14-year-old volunteer to becoming director and operations manager at only 18, he has proven to be a remarkable role model for young people across the North.”
“We need to transform childcare to meet the needs of all children by helping providers and childcare staff to utilise early intervention practices in the childcare setting to improve children's educational outcomes. <BR /> <BR />No matter whom I speak to in the childcare sector, their biggest concern is always the workforce. Real, dedicated plans to transform the childcare workforce are imperative for any strategy to work. We will continue to work hard to deliver high-quality, affordable childcare to ensure that all families are supported and our young people get the best start in life.”
“<BR /> <BR />Every child must have fair access to appropriate childcare. A long-term childcare strategy must create more places for children with special educational needs and physical disabilities; support the rapid growth of the Irish-medium sector; and give real and targeted backing to the community and voluntary sector, which works hard every day to provide real wrap-around care for families who need it most. We must support our childminders who provide bespoke home-from-home care. New initiatives must be welcomed and nurtured, particularly for our home-approved childminders who give care and attention to young children who need to be cared for in their own home.”
“Thanks to the work of the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, we have secured the initial £25 million investment to fund critical first steps towards making childcare more affordable. <BR /> <BR />Positive developments include expanding preschool places; creating additional childcare places, including more places for children with special educational needs; and delivering the childcare subsidy scheme. Whilst there is much more work ahead, those steps are meaningful and mark progress towards reducing childcare costs and supporting parents, children and providers. Sinn Féin is committed to working with everyone to build on that momentum by creating a bespoke childcare scheme that expands existing support for families and providers to ensure that childcare services are accessible, high quality and affordable for all.”
“The high cost of childcare is a serious burden on many families, and it leaves parents struggling to make ends meet after paying their essential bills. Delivering high-quality and affordable childcare across the island is a priority for Sinn Féin, and we are working hard to ensure that working families get a break and that children have access to first-class services from birth. <BR /> <BR />Transforming childcare has been a priority for the Executive from day 1. All Barnett consequentials are allocated directly to the Executive, where locally elected Ministers prioritise spending and allocate finances on the basis of need. The Executive have agreed that delivering affordable, high-quality childcare is a priority for this mandate.”
“We need high-quality, affordable uniforms built to last that can be passed down in households or to new pupils, removing requirements for branded items and allowing families to buy from high-street retailers. Families deserve that relief now, more than ever. I am committed to working with everyone right across the Chamber to make sure that it happens. The Education Minister and his Department must act now. It is time for real action to make school accessible, affordable and fair for every single family across the North.”
“However, I do feel strongly that the outcome must address this issue fully and urgently. We cannot be sitting here next summer with parents in the exact same situation. Any legislation that is introduced must make an impact on families. It must make a real difference in their pocket and remove any unnecessary barriers to a child's right to an education. <BR /> <BR />We need a strong commitment to support working families as school costs rise. The Education Authority's uniform grant, as it stands, does not keep pace with the cost of living, and it also needs urgent reform. It is time to establish a fair, competitive tendering process for school uniforms.”
“Across these islands, the North has the highest number of parents concerned with the cost of regular voluntary contributions to schools. Our schools must be adequately funded. That stark figure only cements the outworkings of years of Tory austerity and the impact that it has had on our public services. <BR /> <BR />The Department of Education's current guidance on uniform costs fails to make a meaningful impact for struggling families. During my first weeks in the Assembly, this was one of the top issues that was brought to my attention. Following the Sinn Féin motion on the cost of school uniforms, I submitted a proposal for a private Member's Bill on the topic. I welcome the fact that the Department has issued a consultation on this and that the Education Committee is due to get an update in the coming weeks.”
“The evidence is clear. According to Parentkind, two thirds of parents in the North say that the cost of school uniforms is their top worry. Nearly a third of families struggle to afford the full range of school-related expenses, with the Children's Society revealing that items from specified suppliers can be 50% more expensive. The financial strain is taking a toll on children's education. Save the Children found that one in 10 parents has kept their children out of school because of issues related to school uniform or PE kits. Families should not be priced out of schools. Children, especially, should not be burdened by financial pressures. <BR /> <BR />The practice of requesting voluntary contributions, which has been mentioned, also adds to pressure on families.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue. As each school year approaches, families across the North face the heavy financial burden of school uniforms and PE gear. We need to ensure that going to school is as easy as possible for every child. That means removing unnecessary barriers, making school uniforms affordable, providing access to a good meal and helping children to get to and from school, with ease. <BR /> <BR />Too many parents experience sleepless nights over the cost of school uniforms. Families are burdened with debt as they pay hundreds of pounds on uniforms for just one child — some parents going without to ensure that their child is not left without expensive branded items.”
“Minister, the community and voluntary sector provides first-class care for children of school age with breakfast clubs and after-school clubs. Unfortunately, we do not have enough of them. What plans do you have to further support and stabilise that sector, specifically in respect of staff and attracting new workers to the sector?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and welcome her commitment not only to health but to education. Is she able to outline the capital funding challenges to be faced?”
“If we are serious about improving the educational outcomes of all children, rather than just using buzzwords, the Department should work to invest in early intervention through early years and primary-level education to give children the very best start in life. <BR /> <BR />The Minister must go back to the drawing board with this. We need a plan that will deliver the investment on the basis of objective need and target and support the children and communities that need it most in order to promote the very best educational outcomes for all children.”
“It is an area outside Belfast, yet it does not feature at all. Fantastic schools like St Colmcille's Primary School in Downpatrick have been excluded from the RAISE funding despite being in an area that scores higher on the deprivation index than other areas that are included in the proposals. <BR /> <BR />If we are serious about tackling educational underachievement, we must accept that poverty is the biggest predictor of educational underachievement. That has not been fully accepted in the design of the programme. There is an over-reliance on GCSE data in determining eligibility. That is deeply problematic and runs counter to the concept of early intervention. Time after time, we hear that early intervention is key.”
“The decision to pursue a greater geographical spread through the RAISE programme rather than target resources on the basis of objective need is fundamentally flawed. By trying to achieve a greater geographical spread, the Minister is directing much-needed funding away from communities that need it most. I am really not convinced that the design of the programme has been fully thought through. If, as the Department officials suggested, the goal is indeed to increase geographical coverage, a goal that cannot be disagreed with, why have large working-class communities from mid-Ulster, Omagh, Strabane, Armagh city and the entirety of my constituency of South Down all been excluded from the RAISE programme? For instance, there are parts of Downpatrick that rank highly in terms of deprivation.”