Connie Egan
North Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“As the Minister referenced in her opening remarks, creating a legislative assumption that hate crime victims are to be treated as being eligible for assistance on the grounds of fear and distress will give them deeper assurance that they will not be put into a traumatic and distressing situation in which they are forced to engage with the…”
“Being a victim of or a witness to a crime can be one of the most traumatic and challenging periods in one's life. It is therefore vital that, when entering the justice process and throughout it, people have confidence that it will be as fair, trauma-informed and comprehensive as possible.”
“Minister Long's proactive step to create that role before the legislation was introduced served the dual purpose of giving victims and witnesses as much of a voice as possible in the here and now and testing some of the responsibilities that could end up in primary legislation.”
“When I speak to victims who have engaged with the commissioner's office and ask them about their experience, their answer is always one that is grateful in nature. They highlight the importance of having someone independent who listens to them and engages with their experience.”
“Clause 27 addresses a future legal gap caused by the implementation of direct committal, limiting the power to dismiss charges involving the death or serious physical harm of a child or vulnerable person. <BR /> <BR />Part 3 provides for the creation of regulations and orders, including the commencement of the provisions.”
“Clauses 24 and 25 add offences that involve aggravation by hostility, otherwise known as "hate crimes", to the list for which witnesses are eligible for special measures.”
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“When we sit and see the posts on social media, on our phones or on our TVs, it can feel distant, and we can feel disconnected from the atrocities, but this is reality, and it is happening right now. Look at the devastation hitting Rafah: hundreds of thousands of civilians being forced to flee the city — a city already overcrowded and with a dire lack of food, water and medication — in fear for their lives. Where do those people go? We must call out Israel's collective punishment of the people of Gaza. It is shameful that the UK Government facilitates the devastation by removing funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is responsible for getting the essentials for survival to those in Palestine.”
“My heart breaks for every person impacted by the atrocities in Gaza without exception, and I support the motion. It should not cause controversy to stand in the Chamber and clearly state that we need to see an end to the horrific violence in Gaza. The grave war crimes go beyond any sense or reason in this world. I condemn the Israeli Government's depraved collective punishment of Palestinians and Hamas's grotesque attacks on 7 October. I support calls for the release and safe return of all hostages. There must be an immediate ceasefire and mediation to implement a two-state solution, creating lasting and cooperative peace across the region. This cannot go on.”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister, for the update. I note your comments about the body being solely about internal UK matters and trade. I want some reassurance that we are not missing out on other opportunities. Trade does not exist in a vacuum; it links into other opportunities in areas such as higher or further education, housing and public health.”
“<BR /> <BR />We talk a lot in this place about putting children first and at the heart of our work, early intervention and the importance of early education. We need to work together to ensure that the children at Bright Sparks get the best future that they can in facilities that are fit for purpose and reflect the excellent teaching and provision in their setting. They need a new building. The school needs certainty now and for future pupils of the preschool.”
“Of course, the management committee acted swiftly and arranged an urgent meeting with the local health and social care trust to discuss the building's certification. Late on Thursday evening, it was deemed to be unsafe for pupils. <BR /> <BR />Bright Sparks inhabits part of the Crawfordsburn Primary School site. The management committee and governors of Crawfordsburn Primary School have worked together to put the children first and ensure that they could continue their education in the library of Crawfordsburn Primary School. The school cares for and nurtures its pupils. It is extremely concerning that they were in that building for 11 months between the survey being done and the building being closed down. Why did it take that length of time?”
“Bright Sparks is a preschool in a voluntary, non-statutory setting and it has been ignored for far too long by those in our education systems. The management committee and governors of Bright Sparks have continually raised concerns for years about the building in which the preschool is based. It is owned by the EA, and concerns have been raised for years to no avail. So much so, that in June 2023, 11 months ago, a building condition survey and report was commissioned. What that report revealed to the EA were deep concerns about the dangers of electrical failure and fire potential, marking it completely unsafe, Why, then, did it take 11 months from the survey being done for the school to have notice of that? That raises extreme concerns.”
“I rise to talk about a very important issue in my constituency of North Down. Last Thursday, Bright Sparks Preschool in Crawfordsburn received the devastating news that the preschool building's registration had been removed, deeming it, therefore, as not fit for purpose or safe for pupils to be inside. That is of extreme concern to the entire school community. Bright Sparks is a brilliant preschool, which values independent and inquisitive learning, and its inspection reports have continually highlighted the brilliant care and attentiveness that the staff provide for the children. <BR /> <BR />The timeline of how this happened and how it was deemed that the building was not fit for purpose raise real questions for the Education Authority (EA) and the Education Minister.”
“<BR /> <BR />The issues in accident and emergency care are, of course, of concern to us all, but I will take my leads from the experts who are telling us clearly that the long waiting times and backlogs of ambulances in A&E departments are due to a lack of care packages for those who cannot be discharged from hospitals, not the relocation of the minor injury units. The debate on the transformation of our health service requires leadership and following the evidence and the experts. I look forward to hearing clarification from the Minister later in the debate on some of the points that have been raised today. Alliance will support the Department of Health in transforming our health service by implementing the Bengoa commitments that all parties signed up to.”
“<BR /> <BR />This week, I met a consultant in emergency medicine at the Ulster Hospital who reported on the positive impact of the enhanced minor injury unit at the hospital. The service is now open 12 hours a day instead of eight and 365 days a year instead of being closed at the weekends, as it was in Bangor and Newtownards. That, again, has been backed up by statistics provided by the Department of Health. Since opening in September 2023, the enhanced minor injury unit in the Ulster Hospital has seen over 10,000 patients and received only five complaints. Patient surveys on the service have received excellent feedback, with over 97% of patients who have used the minor injury unit recommending it.”
“My party and I will always follow the evidence when it comes to making decisions on our health service. We will not play politics with people's health and their lives. The Health Minister and the Bengoa report have called for leadership from elected representatives regarding decisions on our health service, and Alliance MLAs and councillors have not been found wanting. We have engaged with the trusts throughout the process and with consultants and doctors who work in the Ulster Hospital's accident and emergency department. Why did those who say that this should have been a decision for the Health Minister continually vote against the restoration of devolution? What was more important than health?”
“I understand that change can be difficult, but it is clear that the options in front of us for our health service are change or collapse. We simply cannot go on as we are.”
“That is a quote directly from the executive summary of the Bengoa report. We are well on our way to that warning becoming a reality. <BR /> <BR />Last week, the Northern Ireland Executive produced a Budget in which Health was allocated nearly £8 billion, which is just over 51% of the Executive's overall funds. Even with that being the case, the Health Minister has stated that it is not enough. That is in the context that Northern Ireland currently spends more per head of population on health than our counterparts in England but has the worst outcomes.”
“Our health service is at crisis point, and I think that we all recognise that. Our hard-working health and social care workers are going above and beyond to keep patients safe. When the Bengoa report was published in 2016, it gave us this warning:”
“Thank you, Health Minister, for coming to the Chamber today. <BR /> <BR />The decision to relocate the Bangor and Newtownards minor injury units to the Ulster Hospital came from the No More Silos action plan. That was clearly stated in the consultation from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust around the future provision of those services. The No More Silos action plan set out 10 key actions for rapid implementation to ensure that urgent and emergency care services across primary and secondary care could be improved. The No More Silos action plan was, importantly, in line with the Bengoa report recommendations. I asked the Health Minister about that in a question for written answer upon the restoration of devolution, and I was glad that he was able to clarify that. <BR /> <BR />All parties signed up to Bengoa, which stated:”
“Thank you very much. Do you agree with me that it is telling that the Members who mentioned Ards and North Down did not give way to me to explain that they did not want an equality impact assessment? Why would that be? What is there to fear from an equality impact assessment?”
“I genuinely believe that we have an opportunity here to promote good relations and understanding in our communities by agreeing a lawful framework through which we can display flags.”
“That is exactly why we brought the motion to call on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to consult on and develop a legal framework for the flying of flags on public property. <BR /> <BR />As my colleague said:”
“The review continued to expand on this, to say that this includes the context in which flags are placed, and included an example of where:”
“The Marrinan hate crime review's recommendation 15 says:”
“Residents of areas where flags are displayed should know who is putting up the flags and for how long they will be displayed. A framework for community consultation to ensure the principles of respect and consent for the erection of flags would be a meaningful and appropriate measure to underpin the code of practice. Although the FICT report includes the code of practice for the respectful display of flags, we also have evidence and proposals from another review, which has not been mentioned so far: the review of hate crime legislation, produced and led by Judge Desmond Marrinan. <BR /> <BR />Chapter 10 of 'Hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland: Independent Review' deals with removing hate expressions from public spaces and speaks extensively about how flags and emblems are used as a symbol of hate in Northern Ireland.”
“I genuinely believe that there is an opportunity to create a framework to ensure that our public spaces are shared spaces that are open and welcome to all but that do not deny the opportunity to those who wish to celebrate their culture at an event in their community. The Alliance Party tabled today's motion because we believe that the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition's report provides a practical solution and framework to approaching the issue: the code of practice, at paragraph 11.48. It encompasses three aspects: respect for the flag, respect for the community and respect for the event. <BR /> <BR />Our public space belongs to us all. As such, it is important that residents have a stake in their community.”
“If a Department and the PSNI cannot tackle something as simple as removing from public property a flag that promotes a terrorist organisation, how on earth can the communities living with the scourge of paramilitary influence have confidence that the PSNI can effectively tackle all the other criminality carried out by those organisations?”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I absolutely agree that you cannot eat a flag. My understanding is that there are regulations, on which I hope that all parties can agree, about political posters and advertising on our street furniture. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, not a single flag promoting a proscribed organisation has been removed by the Department responsible in the past five years. When I contact the PSNI to remove a flag, it says that it cannot and will not, as it is DFI's responsibility. That approach of passing the buck is simply not good enough.”
“<BR /> <BR />I recently submitted a question for written answer to the Infrastructure Minister to ask how many of the flags his Department has removed in the past five years. I was shocked to learn that the answer is none. Not a single flag that promotes a proscribed paramilitary organisation has been removed from our street furniture by the Department responsible in the past five years. When I contact —.”
“I support the motion. The Alliance Party's position on flags should not come as a surprise to anyone, and the issue is regularly raised with me by constituents. <BR /> <BR />Every year, we see flags erected on street furniture without any community consultation, to the frustration of many residents. Far too often, the flags promote proscribed paramilitary organisations. I live in a diverse and welcoming community, and many constituents feel frustrated that they do not have a say in the display of flags in their area. It creates an impression that our public space is for only one section of the community to live and work in. Flags that promote paramilitary organisations create a chill factor, and a fear factor for local residents.”
“First Minister, your statement referred to numerous vacancies in some North/South Ministerial Council implementation bodies. Will you please outline how many vacancies there are and the timeline for them to be filled?”
“<BR /> <BR />I will continue to work with everyone in the Assembly and on the Executive Office Committee to ensure that we see a loneliness strategy, with the First Minister and deputy First Minister leading the way on the cross-departmental aspects.”
“<BR /> <BR />Like in many areas where the Assembly does not deliver, we see grassroots community and voluntary groups stepping up in our constituencies to bring people together. They promote social cohesion and tackle loneliness. We see that through women's centres, local community groups, Men's Sheds and lots more. They have been invaluable lifelines for so many and are often run by volunteers on a shoestring budget. That cannot, however, be expected to replace a comprehensive, needs-led strategy that works towards supporting people and our community and voluntary sector across Northern Ireland.”
“It is important to tackle the issue in a way that meets the bespoke needs of individuals who are experiencing chronic loneliness. A one-size-fits-all solution or a quick fix will not cut it. That is why I am happy to support a cross-departmental strategy. <BR /> <BR />In my North Down constituency, we have seen some recognition of loneliness in our society and efforts to combat it. For example, we installed "chatty benches" throughout the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, which my party colleagues were happy to support. I visited one such bench in Linear Park in Bangor. It is a relatively small investment and it is a small thing, but it can make a difference on the ground. It encourages people to think about loneliness and to stop, chat and connect with other people in their local communities.”
“However, it is important that a new loneliness strategy meets the needs of everybody across Northern Ireland, recognising that chronic loneliness is experienced by people of all backgrounds and at all stages of life. <BR /> <BR />As my colleagues have mentioned, other regions of the United Kingdom have developed strategic responses to tackle loneliness. Unfortunately, as is the case in many areas of policy, Northern Ireland has been left behind, with our constituents paying the price. The 'Wellbeing in Northern Ireland, 2022/23' report found that people over the age of 75 report the highest levels of loneliness, with almost one in four feeling lonely some or almost all of the time. People over 75 are also the most likely age group to feel lonely often or always.”
“Sometimes, we have a perception about who in society is more likely to be lonely, but the Red Cross works across Northern Ireland with people of a range of ages. Loneliness can affect anybody. <BR /> <BR />Research conducted by the National Centre for Social Research painted a stark picture. As my colleague mentioned, people with disabilities or long-standing health conditions are 2·9 times more likely to experience chronic loneliness. Statistics from the Campaign to End Loneliness highlight that significant research has been carried out into loneliness among our older population, and that is an important context for the discussion.”
“In December 2020, over 70 community and voluntary organisations wrote to the then First Minister and deputy First Minister to call for their support for the development of a cross-departmental loneliness strategy for Northern Ireland. It is important that significant steps are taken to make progress on the issue, and a fit-for-purpose strategy is a good place to begin. Loneliness is a problem that affects every Department, and, therefore, we are happy for the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Executive Office to coordinate the cross-departmental elements. <BR /> <BR />Last year, I met the Red Cross, which works across Northern Ireland to tackle loneliness. I have to say that I was shocked by some of the case studies that it brought to me.”
“I thank Robbie Butler for tabling the motion and for the work that he and Claire Sugden have done on the all-party group on ageing and older people. <BR /> <BR />I join everyone who has spoken in supporting the motion. The Alliance Party is glad to support the development of a needs-led, cross-departmental strategy. Ideally, I would like it to be co-designed as well. We need a cross-departmental strategy to end chronic loneliness. It should include collaborative government working to tackle a huge issue that faces people across our society. <BR /> <BR />Sometimes, people shy away from discussing loneliness. A lot of people will be embarrassed to admit to others or to services that they feel lonely and to reach out for help.”
“Apologies, my earphones were not working. I am very sorry if my question has already been asked. Again, it is on the budget. We had the statement last week. What was the Executive Office's bid for those offices?”
“Thank you, Minister. I agree that we have absolutely fantastic Para athletes in Northern Ireland. I give a shout-out to Kelly Gallagher from my constituency, who was one of the first women on Team GB to win gold in Para alpine games. Minister, what plans do you and your Department have to ensure that people with disabilities can access sport across Northern Ireland?”
“That includes Barnardo's; the Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY); the Northern Ireland mental health champion; Informing Choices; human trafficking charity Invisible Traffick; Common Youth; White Ribbon NI; and Positive Life. There are many, many more. <BR /> <BR />Young people in the SSUNI and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum are telling us that they need more on RSE, and there is an extensive evidence base on the matter from human rights and women's and children's organisations. We are not asking for anything new. High-quality RSE is delivered in schools in Northern Ireland, and every young person should have access to that curriculum.”
“In the words of your colleagues, "No, thank you". <BR /> <BR />I also want to point out that the Department of Education's inspectorate — the ETI — published a report in May 2023 that found that RSE in schools is not good enough and that almost half of schools in Northern Ireland teach little or nothing on sexual consent. The ETI in the Minister's Department is telling us that this is not good enough. <BR /> <BR />RSE is a key tool to prevent gender-based violence and abuse and is a safeguarding measure for children and young people. I take the opportunity to thank all the organisations in Northern Ireland that are doing brilliant work on this.”
“That is information that should be given by a trained and safeguarded adult in a position of trust.”
“It also highlights that it will enable more adults to identify concerning behaviour and know what to do if a disclosure is made. Barnardo's emphasises the dangers that we see when young people do not receive high-quality RSE. Without guidance and information from a trusted adult, many children will find information elsewhere — for example, online, where information can be misleading or even dangerous. That is backed up by research done by the Belfast Youth Forum. It is a stark finding that the most common source of information on sex and relationships for young people is their friends. The second most common is social media. Only the third is lessons at school. We are failing our young people. Without access to a standardised, high-quality curriculum, they are turning to online sources, porn and their peers' advice.”
“Those are the words of Sir John Gillen. I strongly urge the Minister of Education to take a more proactive approach than his predecessors in working with the Minister of Justice and implementing the recommendations in the Gillen review that relate to our education sector. <BR /> <BR />In the last fortnight, I have spoken to Barnardo's and the NSPCC, both of which, as leading children's organisations, support the approach in this motion on RSE. Those organisations and others recognise that RSE plays a huge role in child safeguarding. The NSPCC specifically states that a comprehensive and inclusive approach to RSE has the potential to prevent harm to children by supporting them to recognise abuse, know how and where they can ask for help and understand consent and healthy relationships.”
“the areas in his review of serious sexual offences and that:”
“It is recognised across society and our community that high-quality, age-appropriate RSE is essential in tackling gender-based violence. <BR /> <BR />We also see that in the Gillen review of the law and procedures in serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland. Sir John Gillen could not have been clearer when he stated that his:”
“Education is the most important factor in ensuring that young people have the right knowledge and skills to have fulfilling and safe relationships throughout their lives. That strategy was co-designed by 50 partners, including educationalists, women's sector advocates, those working with victims and survivors of domestic abuse, the youth sector and the faith sector. They produced recommendations on the education of our children and young people, including:”
“I support the motion and the amendment tabled by the SDLP, and I thank that party for tabling it. I also associate myself with Ms Hunter's remarks that, if we want to let kids be kids, the best thing that we can do is to stop them being abused. My colleagues have already outlined the reasoning for bringing the motion to the House today, and I want to speak on the importance of RSE in preventing violence against women and girls, domestic and sexual abuse and child abuse. <BR /> <BR />The Executive recently produced a draft strategic framework for ending violence against women and girls. Outcome 2 of that is "healthy, respectful relationships" as a prevention of gender-based violence.”
“Thank you, Minister. Will you agree that the decline that we have seen in pollinators such as honeybees is concerning?”
“We all eagerly await the Finance Minister bringing forward a Budget. Can the Agriculture Minister explain what impact a Budget settlement could have on the enforcement capabilities of his Department in incidents like that at the Cotton river in North Down?”
“Thank you, Minister. Part of the concern is that we do not know what volume of sewage is being discharged or the duration of the discharges. When will you install event duration monitors in waste water treatment works?”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that the time that it has taken for the issue to progress is now 14 years? That has compounded the trauma for those who were subjected to the abuse. As she said, it is not just about the monetary contribution but about its significance as an acknowledgement that there was wrongdoing.”
“Thank you very much, deputy First Minister. I have seen the great work of projects funded by CIT in my constituency. Will more flexibility be shown in the areas targeted for the next tranche of funding?”
“<BR /> <BR />This debate is about creating a framework for a shared and united Northern Ireland, addressing our past to create a society in which everyone is equal and free from discrimination.”