Diane Forsythe
South Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The Schomberg Society and the staff and pupils of Kilkeel Primary School worked hard alongside the team from Blue Eagle Productions, especially director Rosie McClelland, to deliver a fantastic performance. We saw Northern Ireland's history, heritage and the pupils' great talent shining through.”
“<BR /> <BR />The production was an excellent way to mark that important historic event and for those P7 pupils to bring their time in primary school to a close. It was bittersweet for the year group, as one of their dear classmates was notably missing.”
“As we come to the end of another school term, I pay tribute to some excellent work at Kilkeel Primary School in my constituency, especially by the P7s. I declare an interest, as my son is one of them.”
“Mrs McCabe, the school principal, shared with the children the words of Proverbs chapter 17, verse 17 on how true friends love at all times — through the good times and the hardships of life. I thank Mrs McCabe for her leadership.”
“The Minister will not be surprised by my question on the delay of the accounts certification on SEUPB, as we are in June 2026, 18 months after the end of financial year 2024. Those accounts have still not been certified in both jurisdictions, and a full further financial year has since passed.”
“Minister, you say that you want to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and property owners, but those measures do nothing for existing long-term businesses that are struggling on, already occupy premises and cannot afford to invest in their properties, and there will be consequences for them.”
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“I am chair of the Assembly all-party group on domestic and sexual violence, and we were proud to arrange an exhibition that features artwork created by survivors to support the 16 Days of Activism and is on display currently in the Long Gallery. The exhibition was coordinated by Women's Aid Northern Ireland, and it showcases the artwork of women, children and young people supported by Women's Aid Northern Ireland, reflecting their journeys as survivors and powerfully highlighting the ongoing reality of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. It is really powerful. The aim of the artwork is to put the campaign here, in the heart of our Government Building, for the duration of that time to raise awareness and encourage all who take time to view it to be inspired to take action against gender-based violence.”
“I rise today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to share the sentiments of others on this the first day of the global 16 Days of Activism, as we join right across the globe to call for the end to violence against women and girls everywhere. Throughout the campaign, the challenge for all of us is to remind people of the devastating truths of the world in which we live and the tragic real-life stories of victims and survivors, and to take the opportunity, with whatever platform we have, to raise awareness. These are all not just numbers; they are real lives and real families, and often, until it hits close to home, many of us do not appreciate the impact on real communities.”
“The work of the Assembly should be focused on tackling waiting lists, addressing the pressures that are facing our public services and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. Instead, once again, we are spending our time dealing with this political point-scoring by Sinn Féin. <BR /> <BR />Our economic prosperity is clearly overwhelmingly linked to our links to the UK internal market. That must remain the primary context for interpreting labour market and mobility statistics. Sinn Féin may view joint census publications as a Trojan horse for advancing all-island integration, but, in truth, the motion smacks of desperation. It is on the road to nowhere.”
“It is time that Sinn Féin and the other parties on the opposite Benches began to focus their attention on dealing with the issues that face people in Northern Ireland, which they are elected here to do. <BR /> <BR />The Sinn Féin Economy Minister stated that her priority was to protect the all-island economy, yet that is not her remit. Her responsibility should be to champion the interests of Northern Ireland's economy and its business community above all else. The motion appears to completely ignore the risks that are posed by an all-island economy. The Republic of Ireland is facing 20% tariffs, double the 10% tariffs facing the United Kingdom, but, because of the Northern Ireland protocol, which Sinn Féin championed, we risk being caught in the crossfire of a trade dispute between the EU and the United States.”
“We would query whether the Department of Finance and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) are going to show the same level of endeavour when it comes to comparing Northern Ireland's census data with other UK regions, particularly in our social and economic interconnectedness. <BR /> <BR />Why would we want to obscure an understanding of Northern Ireland's specific needs and circumstances within the United Kingdom or the enormous contribution that the NHS and other UK-funded services make to the lives of our citizens by blending our census data with that of the Irish Republic? Ultimately, by consolidating data across both jurisdictions, the census could be manipulated to suggest trends or patterns that support the aspiration of breaking up the United Kingdom.”
“The facts on the ground are that the communities that we represent and throughout Northern Ireland are unionist. <BR /> <BR />The core purpose of any census is to harness population data in order to assist in the planning of future public services. The design, delivery and cost of those services to ordinary citizens in Northern Ireland is hugely different from those in the Irish Republic. The release of headline population statistics, even jointly, does not tell the full story. Numbers without full context can be misrepresented and sometimes dangerous.”
“As an accountant, I am well used to numbers and statistics. I fully appreciate the value of interrogating and using them in order to inform analysis and to strategise to make Northern Ireland achieve the best. As a representative of South Down, I understand the importance of gathering data on the economic behaviours of people in the border constituencies. <BR /> <BR />The Belfast and St Andrews Agreements provided the appropriate political framework for cross-border relationships, enabling practical cooperation where it is mutually beneficial to our citizens, whilst respecting the principle of consent. Nothing in those provisions mandates or even leans towards the idea of a joint census publication. As unionists, however, we do not fear current demographics or data.”
“On Saturday, Leid Week will finish with Belfast Tartan Day, which will see hundreds of pipers, drummers, drum majors and highland dancers parade from the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre to Belfast City Hall. <BR /> <BR />Leid Week will, once again, be a great success in highlighting our community, which thrives all year round. Our local radio station, FUSE FM Mourne — For Ulster-Scots Enthusiasts — will start in a couple of weeks, on Monday 8 December, for the two-week Christmas broadcast. You can listen on the FUSE FM Mourne app, online or on 106·2 FM in the Mourne area. As a proud Mourne Ulster Scot, I will, as always, be a presenter on it. I invite you all to tune in as I say, "Fair fa' ye" to everyone. I wish everyone a great Ulster-Scots Leid week.”
“As a proud Ulster Scot who lives in Mourne, which is an Ulster-Scots heartland, the Ulster-Scots language is integral to who I am and how I interact with my family, my community and all of you. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted to see so many events planned for this week. In my home of Kilkeel, we have a strong Ulster-Scots organisation, the Schomberg Society, which is based at the heart of our local Ulster-Scots community. Through its Reivers House and Hairtlan Hub facilities, it provides a local base for many Ulster-Scots groups and activities. Today, in my constituency, the Schomberg Society will hold an Ulster-Scots guided tour for weans around Kilkeel, with an Ulster-Scots language event — "A Vision for the Future" — to be held this evening in Reivers House.”
“I welcome Ulster-Scots Leid Week. As a proud Mourne Ulster Scot, I live and breathe this every day, but it is brilliant to join to mark this special time together and say, "Houl yer whisht, for we're still here". Ulster-Scots Leid Week 2025 runs from today and is set to be a vibrant celebration of our Ulster-Scots language, music and culture. Across Northern Ireland, our communities will join in a wide variety of activities, coordinated by the Ulster-Scots Agency. Many events are planned by local community groups and councils. <BR /> <BR />The most recent census figures told us that, in Northern Ireland, over 190,000 people now have some ability in the Ulster-Scots language. That is an increase of 8·1% on the 2011 figures. However, Ulster Scots is far more than a language: it is our bands, our heritage, our identity and our people.”
“Are we now so numb to such shocking statistics that they pass us by, or have we decided that that is just the way it is? Too many patients wait too long for diagnosis and treatment. The Assembly must do better. We need to hear answers from the Minister on how he will proceed. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland needs cancer waiting times stabilisation and a recovery plan that learns from what other regions of the United Kingdom have done to turn this around. Everyone in the Chamber will be united in wanting all cancer patients in Northern Ireland to have the highest quality of treatment and outcomes. Cancer services in Northern Ireland need to improve. People deserve better.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Diane Dodds outlined, the Department of Health has set a target that at least 95% of patients with an urgent referral for suspicion of cancer must start treatment within 62 days. That 62-days-to-treatment target has never been met, and performance continues to decline. That is terrible. Constituents regularly get in touch with me in absolute despair about that. A four-week delay in cancer treatment is associated with increased mortality, and every four-week delay in surgery results in a 6% to 8% increased risk of death. The numbers are horrific. As it has been said, they are not just numbers; they are people's lives. They are people whom we know and love. Sometimes, they are even ourselves. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland lags behind other nations.”
“<BR /> <BR />We hear so many stories of individuals raising awareness through their experiences and of local charities from throughout the voluntary and community sector providing many of the services and support. That is all so welcome, but we need to see more from our central Department of Health in leading the way. <BR /> <BR />As well as increasing awareness, we need to acknowledge some of the barriers to accessing GPs in Northern Ireland, which the Audit Office has reported on. We have a live inquiry in the Public Accounts Committee in which there has been huge public interest. People cannot access their GP to raise their concerns and symptoms. They cannot get into the system to begin with to even get a diagnosis or an initial referral. Some will give up trying to get that appointment, and those who do face further delays.”
“As screening is not in place in the NHS for women until they are 50, it is a common misconception that it is a disease of older women. That is completely wrong, and awareness of how to check for lumps needs to be increased. My colleague Joanne Bunting MLA has spoken out strongly and shared her experience to raise awareness and encourage women to check. A neighbour of mine, in my constituency, Natalie Charleton, spoke out so bravely about her experiences this year. As a young mum of two in her mid-30s, she had a shock breast cancer diagnosis this year, resulting in surgery and treatment. Natalie has been a huge factor in raising awareness of breast cancer in the Mournes area. She had the Action Cancer Big Bus out to Ballymartin today, such is her dedication to raising awareness and helping others. She is truly inspiring.”
“Our motion highlights the fact that, in Northern Ireland, we have the lowest one-year pancreatic and ovarian cancer survival rate in the UK, which is horrifying. A former colleague of mine, Stephen McCormick, recently lost his wife, Julie, to ovarian cancer. Ever since then, he has campaigned tirelessly, in memory of his Julie, to raise awareness among others of the symptoms. Often, as with many women's health issues, the concerns are not well known, and the issues are cast aside, put down to other things and not taken seriously. It is so important to raise awareness in order to help to increase early detection and to improve outcomes for patients. It is truly horrifying that 31% of women in Northern Ireland who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will not survive a year. <BR /> <BR />Awareness of breast cancer is also somewhat lacking.”
“Sadly, cancer touches the lives of most people in Northern Ireland in some form. One in two of us will have cancer in our lifetime. <BR /> <BR />Cancer services are essential. There are many amazing healthcare staff and voluntary and community sector organisations that provide a range of care and support. The excellent work that is going on does not, however, hide the fact that we must see transformation in cancer outcomes and stabilisation in cancer waiting times. The people who are waiting for cancer referrals and treatment are people we know, anxiously waiting for answers and clarity on what is happening to their body. <BR /> <BR />The issues span a wide range. We do not have a high enough awareness of various types of cancers and their symptoms, of what to look out for or of what screening is available.”
“The ability to register death and stillbirths without having to attend a registration office in person is to be welcomed. The opportunity for bereaved parents to obtain a baby loss certificate is hugely significant. Having a new law in Northern Ireland that recognises that every life matters is something that we, as an Assembly and a society, should be proud of. <BR /> <BR />I express sympathy to all who have lost loved ones and are affected by this legislation. I hope that the process to deliver guidelines and practicalities progresses efficiently, with compassion remaining at the heart of the process. The DUP supports the Bill.”
“It is really good to see that work delivered through the legislation. A key principle of the baby loss certificates was that they should be free of charge. The Department had advised that, as this was coming forward in legislation rather than policy in Northern Ireland, a safeguard provision to charge should be included. My colleague Paul Frew and I felt that that was not clear in stating the intention that a certificate and copy should be guaranteed as free, so we drafted an amendment. We are pleased to have worked with the Department on the wording of the amendment, and we support the Minister's amendment today, which encapsulates our intention. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased to speak in support of the Bill and to have played a small part in delivering this legislation.”
“I am pleased to speak at the Further Consideration Stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill. As I have previously stated, I am pleased that the House has worked together with a clear voice to agree this legislation, which embeds compassion into modernising the legislative process of registering deaths in Northern Ireland. I am also pleased that, through this new law, here in Northern Ireland, we are clearly recognising the precious life of every single unborn baby from the moment that they are formed within the womb. No longer will those babies who are heartbreakingly lost prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy be without formal recognition of their life. <BR /> <BR />The legislation introduces baby loss certificates. In the Finance Committee, we ensured that those were included in the Bill.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his move towards sensible and pragmatic approaches to the budget situation. Minister, can you confirm that, at every possible opportunity in Budget and monitoring rounds, you have bid for the equivalent capital required to meet the housebuilding target that was agreed in your housing supply strategy and in the Programme for Government?”
“<BR /> <BR />What is the estimated time frame for seeing this make a difference to dilapidated buildings in our towns for businesses and housing?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I also place on record my thanks to his officials and particularly to Andrew McAvoy, who gives us regular updates on policy in the area. It is welcome that, having initially been announced as a 10-year process, the review is being brought down to two years, which is something that we discussed at Committee. Non-domestic vacant rating is raised regularly with me by businesses that are struggling to pay their rates when a dilapidated building next door to them is not paying rates. Minister, you said that there is potential to unlock a further £20 million of revenue. That is huge potential, which the Communities Minister also referenced yesterday with regard to housing. I welcome your mention of the need for a cross-departmental approach.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. You know that I am passionate about Ulster-Scots culture, and I look forward to welcoming you to some more events in the Mournes. Can you outline some of the tangible outcomes that you foresee from the investment resulting from the America250 celebrations?”
“The Minister will be aware that home heating costs are particularly challenging for those who feel the cost-of-living pressures. Will he give an update on the fuel poverty strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. It is quite shocking that, in 2025, we are presented with those facts and that case of discrimination against a Protestant boxer. Daryl Clarke is to be commended for taking forward his case. In the face of difficult circumstances and that type of discrimination, what sort of support is available for those brave individuals who come forward to take discrimination cases in sports, which are under the remit of your Department?”
“I want us to ensure fair competition in sports between biological women and girls. Together, we can make a difference for all women and girls in sports in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />As I said at the start of my remarks, this is a good day for women's rights, a good day for women's sports and a good day for common sense.”
“I thank all those who have engaged with and completed the consultation on the proposed Bill. <BR /> <BR />Some of the key points that I want to address about women and girls' sport are to do with equality, safety and fairness. On equality, I want to remove barriers for women and girls who wish to access sport. I want to improve safety in sport through having safeguarding processes in place and securing single-space changing facilities for women and girls.”
“It is simple biology, and the fact that there has been such a debate about it shows how far our society has gone to appease the woke agenda. I am pleased to see that positive progress for women in sport. <BR /> <BR />Women's rights have been hard fought for across many domains, including sport. We are still not on an equal footing, but we have made significant progress. The recent compromising of women's rights through some attempt to be politically correct is unfair and wrong. I unashamedly stand up for the rights of women: the rights of biological women and of all women and girls from the moment that they are formed in the womb. I feel so strongly about the inequalities that women and girls face in sport that I have brought forward proposals for a private Member's Bill in order to address the issues in Northern Ireland.”
“It was great to see a strong move for common sense in the world of women's sport this week. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has moved a step closer to introducing a blanket ban on transgender women from female categories across all sports. The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, vowed to bring in the policy as part of her election campaign and subsequently set up a working group on the protection of women's sport. After a presentation by the IOC's medical chief, sources have said that a ban is likely to be introduced in 2026. <BR /> <BR />The initial findings of the IOC's science-based review suggested that athletes who were born male retain physiological advantages even after reducing their testosterone levels. I would say that that is and always has been common sense.”
“Like others, I am glad to see the health service pay award. Minister, when there is good news at Finance, such as delivery on childcare and health pay, Sinn Féin is quick to take the credit for it, even though those are delivered through other Departments. Yet when there are pressures across the board, Sinn Féin is quick to say that the pressure lies with other Ministers and not with yourself, as Finance Minister. That fact is not lost on us. In Health, a £100 million overspend this year carried into next year will be recurring. You said that the Health Minister has accepted that and is taking it on board. Are you saying that he should be planning to make cuts of £200 million in Health from April 2026?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I look forward to seeing the progress report. In the meantime, is he able to detail whether there has been an increase in engagement and trading with small and medium-sized enterprises? It was a key target coming through on that to reach out to the smaller businesses in Northern Ireland, which are such a key player.”
“<BR /> <BR />My colleagues Paul Frew and Brian Kingston will speak in the debate, but I reiterate that I am pleased to have been able to play a small part in the process of bringing forward the legislation, which will make a real difference to the lives of so many. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, death is a part of life that we all have to navigate, and every life matters.”
“I thank the Member for clarifying that. <BR /> <BR />We do not support amendment No 6. The Department previously indicated its desire to lay regulations prior to the end of calendar year 2025. It is unclear where the proposed duration of 12 weeks has come from or whether it is likely to improve the timeliness of the scheme's introduction. I would be grateful if the Member who tabled the amendment would clarify whether there is any rationale for that. In the same vein, the effect of the proposed new subsection (5) of clause 11 is unclear. I would appreciate him clarifying how the procedure would differ from that currently in the clause, whereby the secondary legislation would have to be laid before and approved by the Assembly before regulations could be made.”
“<BR /> <BR />On amendment No 5, I welcome the clarity in the Chamber today from the Member who tabled it. We stand over the proposed voluntary nature of the scheme. It is consistent with our pro-life position that the loss of an unborn baby up to 24 weeks' gestation in any circumstances is recognised and covered. Where a woman has had a termination because there was a risk to her life or for any other reason, there should be space provided in the envisaged scheme to have that loss recognised, should they come to regret the decision, seek healing or seek closure but only where a parent requests it. The Member has outlined that that is his intention. I am happy to give away if he wants to clarify that.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. I completely agree. Something that came through in the Committee's consultation is that we do not want to see a difference made between babies, as every one of them and their loss matter so much. <BR /> <BR />As outlined by Ms Armstrong, many parents do not know the sex of their baby because of the early loss. We must be compassionate and consider how the format of any certificate and optional fields may make those parents feel. The intention of the certificates is to recognise the life of a precious baby who has sadly passed away; it is not to cause further distress. Ultimately, the format of the certificate must be as flexible as is practical to respond to the wishes of the parents whilst recognising that the experiences and emphases of individuals will differ.”
“We would be grateful if the Member who tabled amendment No 4 would elaborate on how he envisages the statement referenced at (b) in the amendment being catered for. For example, would it be provided as an annex to the main certificate? It is worth noting that the name and sex are standard but optional fields on the English certificate. Equally, we are mindful that some parents cannot or do not wish to know the sex of the baby that they have lost, particularly —.”
“We believe that every loss of a baby represents the loss of a precious life. In keeping with that belief, we feel that it is appropriate that the Bill provides assurances that any future scheme will afford applicants the opportunity to have their baby's identity, including name and sex, formally acknowledged.”
“That will particularly be the case if there is demand that exceeds the Department's expectations from those who formally wish to have their loss recognised. <BR /> <BR />Paul Frew and I tabled a compromise in amendment No 3, which would provide for a free certificate plus another free copy and permits the ability to levy a fee for a replacement, second copy or subsequent copies of the certificate. We felt that that wording struck the fair and right balance between ensuring that controls are in place for potential costs that may arise from the scheme and the need to ensure that the system is as accessible as possible for grieving parents and families, and that is our intention. We seek clarity from the Minister on how we move forward on that. <BR /> <BR />On amendment No 4, the DUP is an unashamedly pro-life party.”
“We are content to support amendment No 1. It is notable that, in England, the baby loss certificate scheme is not enshrined in regulations. The provisions of the Bill, therefore, provide security for the introduction of the scheme in Northern Ireland. Making the act of bringing forward parent regulations compulsory for the Department will not affect the flexibility in the rest of the clause with respect to the scheme's criteria and implementation. <BR /> <BR />On amendment No 2, whilst we agree with the focus on removing unreasonable barriers to accessing the scheme, it does not seem prudent to make a provision to prohibit any fees in any circumstances, as was highlighted by the Department during the Committee's deliberations.”
“I thank the Minister for working with the Committee at pace to consult and bring it forward for parents here and especially for those babies who, until now, have left only footprints on the hearts of those who love them. They will now be able to have a certificate that recognises their life. <BR /> <BR />I know, as a mother, the feeling the moment you find out you are pregnant and will have a baby. You know your due date, you know what age they will be for their first Christmas, and you have hopes and dreams for that child. No matter how old the baby grows to be, the baby lived, it existed, it mattered, and it was your child. When that child passes away, your loss is huge. It is so real, and it matters. <BR /> <BR />At the Consideration Stage, I turn to speak to the amendments that have been tabled.”
“We believe that every loss of a baby represents the loss of a precious life. The existing law on registration makes the clear difference that babies who, sadly, pass away during pregnancies that reach 24 weeks are considered to be stillbirths and formally registered in that way and that babies who, heartbreakingly, pass away before 24 weeks do not receive that. The difference is heartbreaking. <BR /> <BR />Today, I am pleased that, through the legislation, we are bringing forward baby loss certificates to Northern Ireland to provide a way to formally record and recognise the lives of all babies lost here. We saw it brought forward in England, and it was great to be in the Chamber when, with a united voice, we supported the need for it in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />In relation to deaths and stillbirths, which are defined in legislation as babies who have died in pregnancy at 24 weeks or beyond, the temporary provisions introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 enabled telephone and electronic communications to support the registrations during the lockdown restrictions. They have proved to be efficient and effective and have significantly reduced the trauma for those who have suffered a loss. I am pleased that the Department has brought them forward as law. A number of clauses in the legislation today relate to recording deaths and stillbirths and the repeal of the temporary provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, which we welcome. <BR /> <BR />As an unashamedly pro-life party, the DUP recognises and values the life of every baby from the moment that it was formed in the womb.”
“I am pleased to debate the legislation. It is a piece of legislation that, whilst largely procedural, is made with a spirit of compassion to help people at a time of loss. We all know that death is a part of life, but, when we are faced with it, that does not make it any easier. There are practical things that need to be done at that time. Whilst the legislation is not the usual Finance Committee work, I was proud to work alongside colleagues to bring it through. We consulted on it and heard from members of the public, funeral directors, councils and representatives from baby loss groups. I give special thanks to the Forget-me-not Group for working closely with us so that we fully understood the reach, impact and importance of the legislation and its language for those who face those difficult circumstances.”
“I thank all the poppy sellers across the country for their dedication, and, of course, I thank our armed forces for their selfless service to us all. The Members on this side of the House will always remember those who fought in service of our country and those who died in defence of our freedoms and way of life. We will stand up for everyone's right to sell a poppy without the fear of intimidation. We wear our poppies with pride.”
“That is disgraceful. Online intimidation is disgraceful. All intimidation is absolutely disgraceful. Newry city was the scene of many shocking and heinous attacks during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Those attacks resulted in the murder of two British Army soldiers, one member of the British Territorial Army and four members of the Ulster Defence Regiment. Three former members and 21 serving members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary also lost their lives to terrorists. The humble poppy pays tribute to all of them. <BR /> <BR />To those poppy sellers in Newry, volunteering their time to support that valuable charity and its work to support our armed forces community, I say, "Thank you. We stand with you".”
“This year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was officially launched on Thursday 23 October. Many of us will wear a poppy proudly in memory of the fallen of our nation and for the future of the living. The sale of remembrance poppies and donations enable practical, financial and emotional support to be given to our armed forces community. I wear my poppy with pride. <BR /> <BR />Last week, I was made aware of a sinister threat to poppy sellers at Tesco in Newry. The faceless group behind the threat called on Tesco to:”
“Accountability, openness and honesty should be the pillars of our health system at every level. Women across Northern Ireland deserve clarity. They deserve better. Their confidence in the system needs to be restored.”
“I am one person with lived experience, but I like to think of myself as a reasonably well-informed person when speaking on the issue. Given that I feel that way as an individual, it is difficult for me to be open and honest with constituents who come to me with the same concerns without having more information and assurances from the Department. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Ladies with Letters. Their strong voice on the issue has been incredible. We remember those who have, devastatingly, been lost along the way. I thank my colleague Diane Dodds for her strong advocacy on the issue. There is a clear need for greater candour and transparency in our health service. We support the call for a public inquiry, but it should not have had to come to that.”
“Nobody committed either way when giving me information. I spent the entire Christmas, with my children, incredibly stressed. <BR /> <BR />With the support of my sister, I got on to a clinical trial for the next six to nine months to help to improve possible outcomes. It was mid-February before I got a letter from the Southern Trust to say that my investigative tests from November were clear and that nothing more needed to be done. To be honest, I had zero confidence in that letter. I continued on my clinical trial until late 2024. After that, I went for screening again, because I still believe in smear tests. Thankfully, earlier this year, I got clear results, but I still have a crisis of confidence. The failure of the Southern Trust to be open and honest throughout has really affected me.”
“She said, however, that I should not be overly concerned, and went on to explain further, although I heard very little after that. I was in Cookstown, two hours from my home, and I felt like I had taken a gut blow. I should have thought immediately, "It's OK. I get that test every couple of years; this will be new and treatable," but that is not what I thought. I thought, "This is it: I'm dying. This has been growing within me for 20 years and they've missed it because they are useless. Look at how many people have been let down. It is all over the press, and I'm another one of those people". Perhaps that was an overreaction, but that is how I felt. It hit me hard, and I had a long journey home that day. When I got home, there was my letter. I went to Daisy Hill the following week. I got my test.”