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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“Addressing hate crime needs to be a factor in building a shared society and a united community. As I said, good relations should no longer be about the old narrative of two communities but for everybody in society. I would like to see that underpinned by a strategy for the integration of refugees into our society and full implementation of the racial equality strategy. <BR /> <BR />This matter affects our entire society, and there are many issues that I would like to speak about, but I am running out of time. Before I bring my remarks to a close, I will say that, when it comes to human rights and inclusion, it is also important that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities is incorporated into domestic law.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. I agree, and there is a body of evidence to back up those claims. <BR /> <BR />To move towards a truly shared and integrated society, I want to see us go beyond the old narrative of two communities in Northern Ireland. We are an increasingly diverse place. It is important that equality and human rights issues are an essential part of a shared future. It is regrettable that more progress was not made on a bill of rights for Northern Ireland in the previous mandate. That could have been an important tool to enshrine rights for all and ensure that those who are marginalised are protected. <BR /> <BR />I want a shared future to mean a society in which everyone is welcome and free from discrimination. I am extremely concerned by the recent rise in hate crimes recorded by PSNI with race as the motivator.”
“In North Down, my constituency, I have seen at first hand some of the good work funded by the Communities in Transition project in Kilcooley and Rathgill; however, I would like to see those projects be a lot more flexible. Unfortunately, many in North Down will tell you that paramilitary activity is not limited to those two estates in Bangor. It is important that initiatives from the Executive reflect that. <BR /> <BR />As colleagues have said, it is important to recognise that our local communities are way ahead of politicians on this issue. The best examples of community cohesion and inclusive initiatives are more often than not driven by local people in their areas — provided by youth workers, women's centres and mental health initiatives on the ground.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have a legacy Act that was introduced against the will of the parties in Northern Ireland and overwhelmingly opposed by victims and survivors. The mechanisms in that Act do not put the needs of victims first and will not lead to a more reconciled society. I would like to see the Executive take forward proposals for a pension for those bereaved by the Troubles. We have seen many families fall between the cracks and be left disappointed that their trauma and pain have not been recognised by previous payment schemes. <BR /> <BR />Here and now, I recognise that work is being done in communities to promote cohesion and integration.”
“Significant change is needed to reduce the impact of division in our society. That cannot be the responsibility of one Department, which is why we call on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to lead on a strategy to embed sharing, integration and cohesion across all Departments and public services. I recognise, however, that, to move forward, we must not forget about the past. There is much work that we still need to do to progress and address our history in Northern Ireland. I would like to see the sectarian demarcation of areas with flags, murals and banners that promote proscribed paramilitary organisations fully outlawed, with legislation to ensure that public bodies remove such material.”
“I welcome that Chris Lyttle, my former colleague in the Alliance Party, brought forward a private Member's Bill to address that, and I understand that that will come into force later this year. However, it is disappointing that Executives did not take that forward.”
“Research that Ulster University produced last year estimated that, in the education system alone, the cost of division is £226 million per year, which is £600,000 every day. That is a staggering sum, but the issue is not just about the financial cost; it is about the societal impact that such division has on Northern Ireland as a whole. <BR /> <BR />I will highlight and come back to comments that were made about facilities and provisions not being open to all. It was shameful that previous Executives did not act on the fact that the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 does not apply to teachers. That is a clear and tangible example of where people could be discriminated against and have no legal protections.”
“I am glad to speak on the motion today, particularly as it calls for the development of a cross-departmental shared future strategy. My and my party's vision of a shared future is one where everyone can be safe, play their part and be treated fairly and with respect. We believe in a society for everyone that is underpinned by our shared values of equality, respect, diversity and interdependence. People must be free from intimidation, discrimination and fear. <BR /> <BR />As well as the societal impact of division in a post-conflict society, there is also a huge financial cost. My colleague highlighted the Deloitte report from 2007, which estimated that the division was costing Northern Ireland between £800 million and £1·5 billion per year.”
“Will the Member agree that, in North Down, Bangor Central Integrated Primary School received planning permission for its new build just last week? That is a project that is ready to go, but, because it was promised Fresh Start funding, it did not put in for other capital works. It will have been an absolute waste of time and resources to get it to this point if it is not delivered.”
“Thank you, Minister. The Queen's Parade site in Bangor has been derelict since before I was born. People in Bangor are very keen to see the regeneration happen. Unfortunately, the project has been plagued by delays. On your Department's website, it is stated that works were expected to start in summer 2023. When can we expect building to take place? Can you give the people of Bangor hope that you will prioritise the project?”
“While the Republic of Ireland has made some progress on addressing that shameful part of our past, we still have neither introduced a redress scheme for those who were subjected to the trauma of those institutions nor installed a memorial to the victims and survivors. I sincerely hope that we can come together and deliver for those women as a matter of urgency in order to recognise and address the horrors that were inflicted on them. <BR /> <BR />I could talk about so much more, but I am constrained by time. I hope that the women in the Chamber work together with common goals to address historical injustices faced by women and the current challenges in our society but also to celebrate how far we have come and to uplift one another.”
“That is certainly not an exhaustive list of women's health issues that need to be actioned urgently by the Assembly and the Executive. <BR /> <BR />One of the biggest barriers to women accessing employment opportunities is accessible and affordable childcare. I was heartened to hear recent commitments from Ministers on that issue, but many families need intervention and support now. <BR /> <BR />I also want to speak about the women who have faced unimaginable abuse: the victims and survivors of the mother-and-baby institutions and the Magdalene laundries. Those women in Northern Ireland have been left behind.”
“That research showed that the leading cause of mental ill health among women in the UK is violence and abuse, closely followed by relationship issues such as coercive control. With more women than ever before having been elected to the Assembly, I hope that we can come together and use the rest of the mandate to make progress. <BR /> <BR />We have many outstanding issues. The strategic framework to end violence against women and girls has still not been published. We are the only part of these islands not to have a strategy to end gender-based violence. Last month, we passed a motion supporting a women's health strategy, something that is desperately needed for women in our society who face health inequalities such as delays to cervical screening tests, inadequate diagnosis and care for endometriosis and treatment pathways for menopause.”
“Absolutely, and I thank the Member for her intervention. Advice that was given to me before I became an MLA was, "You cannot be what you cannot see". If we really want to have a representative society, whether in local government, in this Chamber or in Parliament, we need to make sure that this place is accessible for women. That includes security and maternity provisions. I know that there are women in the Chamber today who did not avail themselves of those, and it has been a massive challenge for them. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, there is a lot more work to do. One illustration of that is research published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on International Women's Day.”
“We are so lucky in Northern Ireland to have a strong community and voluntary sector that does the legwork when it comes to supporting and lifting up women. Whether it is through having an affordable social enterprise model of childcare, providing therapeutic support to those who have been subject to domestic abuse or having education and employment courses, we owe them the recognition that they deserve for their transformative work in communities. <BR /> <BR />There can be no doubt that we have made progress over the past century. Women now have more legislative protections than ever. We have the most representative Assembly in our history, and we enjoy freedoms for which those of previous generations had to fight. But there is so much more to do.”
“She now uses her role to help women and children who have been victims of sexual assault and rape. I was heartened to hear how legislation surrounding coercive control, stalking and cyber-flashing introduced by the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, in the last mandate were being effectively used by the PSNI to apprehend offenders. <BR /> <BR />We also heard from a woman who ran a successful local family business. She overcame adversity in the form of coercive control and now uses her experience to help others in our local community.”
“I am glad to speak on the motion, and I welcome the fact that it has been signed by Members from across parties. I spent last Friday, International Women's Day, at an event organised by a local organisation, Kilcooley Women's Centre, which is in my constituency. The atmosphere at and spirit of the event captured everything that International Women's Day should be about. Local organisations and women from all backgrounds came together not just to celebrate how far we have come but to discuss what more we need to do and the challenges facing women today. <BR /> <BR />We heard from a senior PSNI officer who overcame an historically male-dominated working environment, juggled the demands of training with a young family and prevailed over gender stereotypes to excel in her career.”
“Thank you, Minister. That is very encouraging. In our constituency of North Down, volunteers have recently replanted a community orchard in Hunts Park, Donaghadee. Will you join me to meet those volunteers and see the brilliant work that they have carried out?”
“Does the Minister agree that overgrown hedges can cause real obstruction and accessibility issues when they block a footpath or road? Who is responsible for addressing that?”
“Last week, I was speaking with a PSNI officer who was telling me how effective the new legislation on stalking has been. Minister, you mentioned the domestic and sexual abuse strategy: could I have an update on that, please?”
“Absolutely. I am sure that the issue of PE kits is raised with all Members. As well as the cost of branded PE kits, which have been increasing throughout the years, accessibility for girls and encouraging girls and young women to participate in sport in the school setting are extremely important. <BR /> <BR />Every year, we have the same conversations about the price and practicalities of uniforms. I hope that this is the start of a more substantive conversation, enabling us to deliver affordable, practical and fit-for-purpose uniforms for all children and young people that meet their needs without continuing to place an undue financial burden on families.”
“Thank you. Absolutely: the choice should be there for a pupil to wear a skirt or trousers — whatever they feel most comfortable in. I will just reiterate that pupils should have the option to wear whatever uniform is most suitable for them, as would be the case in a workplace or further and higher education setting. If the purpose of a uniform is practicality, equality and to foster a sense of belonging, it needs to be inclusive and suitable for every single pupil in a school community.”
“Girls' uniforms are often available from a limited number of stockists and are more restrictive in practical classes like drama. Girls and young women should be allowed to choose whether to wear a skirt or trousers. That reflects the reality of the society that we live in, and, for many, trousers would be a more practical and comfortable option. All pupils should have the option to wear whatever uniform is most suitable for them, as would be the case in a workplace or further and higher education setting.”
“Pupils with disabilities or special educational needs may require additional sets of clothes due to medical needs, bespoke alterations to uniform — adding Velcro to trousers, for example — or specific items due to sensory issues. It is vital that uniform is accessible to every child who is attending a school without exceptions being necessary. <BR /> <BR />I think that women across the Chamber would agree that it would be completely unacceptable for guidance to be in place requiring us all to wear skirts when conducting Assembly business. I see no reason why girls and young women in schools should be treated any differently. I am sure that many of us questioned the practicality of our own uniforms when we were in school.”
“Of the young people who were surveyed, 71% were concerned or very concerned about being disciplined for wearing incorrect uniform, while 60% were concerned or very concerned about their family's being able to afford a uniform. Those are young people who are worried that they will be disciplined because of the financial circumstances of their families. That must change. <BR /> <BR />As well as addressing costs, I would like to see a further review of school uniforms, which would look into issues including accessibility for pupils with disabilities, inclusivity and guidance on the disciplinary actions that pupils face when not adhering to school uniform rules.”
“Figures from the national parent survey 2023 support that and demonstrate that 48% of parents are concerned about the cost of sending their child to school, with 71% ranking uniforms as being among their top costs. In 2022, legislation came into effect in England that gave the Secretary of State for Education powers to set statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms. That requires schools to keep prices down wherever possible. While I hope that we will go further than that, it is yet another example of Northern Ireland's falling behind, with no legislation having been introduced here during that time due to the collapse of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />In 2021, the Secondary Students' Union partnered with the parent engagement group to conduct research into young people's views on uniform.”
“I support the motion and thank those who brought this important issue to the House. I hope that the Alliance amendment about a cap on costs will receive support from across the House. <BR /> <BR />Since my election nearly two years ago, I have been contacted by parents right across my constituency who are concerned about the substantial and rising cost of school uniforms. The price of school uniforms places significant and unavoidable pressures on families each year. We need to ensure that children and young people right across Northern Ireland can go to school in a uniform that is affordable for all families. <BR /> <BR />As the motion rightly points out, the uniform grant often does not cover the cost of the bare essentials, and, with many families struggling with the rising cost of living, support is not reaching all those who need it.”
“Thank you, Minister, for coming to the House today to give your statement. You have clearly outlined how you have balanced public safety and animal welfare in your decision. I was very concerned when I learned about the recent XL bully attack in Northern Ireland, in which someone sustained life-changing injuries. Will you outline whether you considered any other options before announcing this decision?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House today. It is excellent news that this has been extended for one year. For clarity, over the weekend, I spoke to victims and survivors of abuse, and the impact and the need for these services is absolutely essential. Can he please confirm that everybody on the waiting list will be able to access counselling this year, and can he confirm that, moving forward, this will not be handled in this way again? People who are on the waiting list have been devastated by the announcement and extremely stressed by the way in which it has been handled.”
“In the constituency that I represent, Barclays has recently announced that it will be vacating its premises on Main Street in Bangor. That follows the loss of several other bank branches. What will you do to ensure that my constituents who do not feel confident using online banking can access services in person?”
“Will the Minister give assurances to pupils and parents that, at the start of the academic year in September, children with special educational needs will not still be sitting unaware of what school they are going to, as has happened in previous years?”
“<BR /> <BR />To go back to my constituency of North Down, we have a Women's Aid refuge that is run by a dedicated and compassionate team but on a shoestring budget. There can be no doubt that that refuge has saved lives and rescued families, but the facilities fall short of others across these islands. A new and accessible facility is urgently needed to meet the needs of all victims and survivors and their families. <BR /> <BR />I hope that the commitments that we have seen so far across the parties will continue in the Executive, with cross-departmental working and sufficient funding to implement all the actions in the strategy. We have a real opportunity to transform Northern Ireland. We can all play a part in tackling the root causes, supporting victims and survivors and ending violence against women and girls.”
“That situation was completely contradictory and failed those who had worked hard to co-design the strategy and all the women whom they support. <BR /> <BR />We need to see not just commitment from all Departments to tackle gender-based violence but resources to fund the necessary programmes and interventions. It is unreasonable to move forward with the strategy and expect the community and voluntary sector, which already leads in Northern Ireland on responding to and tackling the issue, to deliver more, if the resources and support from the Executive do not follow. Last year, Nexus, the organisation that delivers the domestic and sexual abuse helpline, had to close its services for under-16s due to insufficient funding from the Executive. We are failing people by not fully funding those vital services.”
“The Executive Departments need to work collectively to implement the action plan, which includes things like education programmes to empower young people with information about consent and healthy relationships; a housing system that recognises domestic violence as intimidation; and support for organisations, such as White Ribbon NI, that work in the community to prevent gender-based violence. <BR /> <BR />Last year, when we had no sitting Executive or Assembly, we saw one of the devastating consequences of siloed working between Departments. We had the absolutely perverse situation that the Executive Office was consulting on an action plan and strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, yet, at the same time, the Department of Health was removing all core grant funding from the Women's Aid Federation.”
“That is a harrowing statistic that reinforces the need for urgent action to seriously tackle this issue in our society. <BR /> <BR />The strategy recognises the whole-society approach that is needed to end violence against women and girls and tackle its root causes. In the last mandate, the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, made much-needed progress on the issue to protect victims. That included introducing a stalking offence, updating revenge porn laws, outlawing upskirting, downblousing and cyberflashing and creating the new offence of coercive control. <BR /> <BR />Legislation is important, but the issue of violence against women and girls is not solely for our justice system to address; we need a whole-society approach to tackling gender-based violence, which thrives in a society where misogyny and sexism go unchallenged.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ending violence against women and girls is a subject that I care deeply about. I am glad to support the motion and amendment, which recognise misogyny as the root cause of violence against women and girls and call for the implementation of a strategy that we desperately need. Shamefully, this is another area in which Northern Ireland has fallen behind, being the only region in these islands without a strategic framework to end gender-based violence. Last year, Ulster University produced a report titled 'Every Voice Matters!', which found that 98% of women who were interviewed had:”
“I am honoured to stand here as an MLA for North Down. I am delighted finally to be able to make my maiden speech, after getting elected in May 2022. I pay tribute to my predecessor, Rachel Woods, who was a dedicated representative for North Down as an MLA and as a councillor on Ards and North Down Borough Council, where I enjoyed working alongside her. I thank everybody who trusted me with their vote and all my friends and family, two of whom are in the Gallery today, who have supported me in getting to this moment. I have lived in North Down all my life. It is a wonderful place to live, work and visit and has so much unfulfilled potential. It is home to a welcoming and diverse community, and I will endeavour to be a voice for all in my constituency.”
“Again, we do not know; the Committee has not seen the sums. Some £3 million has been made available for the Homes for Ukraine scheme. How was that figure calculated? We have not had the opportunity to see the working out. What about the figures allocated to people who are seeking asylum, to the integration of refugees and to support people who have come here from other countries? I could go on. <BR /> <BR />All those things require a careful allocation of limited resources that is subject to detailed and effective scrutiny. They are far too important to be rushed. They require careful consideration. That is what our Committees are here to do, what the public expect us to do and what the Committee intends to do.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee needs to hear in good time how much the Department's commitments will cost and how its money is to be spent. We will need to consider the financial aspects of the establishment of the Irish language commissioner, the commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British tradition and the office of identity and cultural expression. Those are new structures that will call on the Department's resources and take their place in ongoing budgets. <BR /> <BR />The Minister of Finance told us yesterday that £4 million has been allocated for the truth recovery programme. Is that enough? We do not know, because the Committee has not seen the figures. Some £1·4 million has been provided for actions related to historical institutional abuse. Is that an adequate amount?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department leads on Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC), a broad, multi-faceted strategy that reflects the commitment to improve community relations and continue the journey towards a more united and shared society. The Committee expects to be involved in the decision on the allocation of funds to activities such as T:BUC camps for young people, Urban Villages redevelopment programmes, planned interventions to divert young people during times of tension, and the many funded good relations programmes across Northern Ireland. That will require detailed information in advance, time to hear evidence, opportunities to engage with the people who are most affected by the actions and space for deliberation to offer support and guidance to the Department while decisions are being made.”
“The Department also has the important task of finding ways to end violence against women and girls. At its meeting last week, the Committee asked officials whether a budget would be assigned to the strategy for the prevention of violence against women and girls, and the Finance Minister announced yesterday that £2 million has been allocated to it. The Committee will look into how that will be spent and whether it will be enough for the aspirations of the strategy. Following the approval and publication of the final strategic framework, the Committee will carefully consider the actions aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls, the associated costs and the resources needed.”
“The Department has responsibilities for strategies to support victims and survivors of the conflict; to support victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries; to support the integration of refugees into our society; to find ways of building relationships between communities of different political, cultural or religious outlooks; and to protect people in our communities from paramilitary influence.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will reserve my maiden speech, so today, I will speak solely as Deputy Chair of the Executive Office Committee. I do not plan to reiterate the concerns that have been expressed over the past two days about scrutiny of the Bill; I have only to acknowledge those concerns and look forward to a more focused look at next year's Budget. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is just getting to know a small yet complex Department, but it is already clear that the Executive Office has huge responsibilities and limited resources.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber today and congratulate him on taking up his new role. Will he join me to meet sea-swimming groups in North Down to discuss the impact that it is having on them when water quality does not meet expectations?”
“I look forward to seeing those plans in Committee. Does the First Minister agree that instances in which flags of proscribed organisations are erected on street furniture, with the relevant Departments or agencies refusing to remove them, are completely unacceptable and that we need legislation to tackle and regulate that issue?”
“Does the junior Minister agree that ending violence against women and girls will require buy-in from all Departments and that it made no sense for the Executive Office to consult on the strategy at the same time as the Department of Health cut all core grant funding from Women's Aid? Will the Executive Office commit to work with other Departments to implement the strategy?”
“How many schools are in need of emergency maintenance? Will the plans that the Minister laid out in his statement address the backlog?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, and I congratulate him on taking up the role of Minister of Education. <BR /> <BR />Teachers in my constituency of North Down and across Northern Ireland do an absolutely fantastic job of educating children and young people and shaping their futures. As referenced in the statement, however, all too often, they do so in buildings that are unfit for use, inadequate, damp and crumbling and even unsafe.”
“Does the Member accept that Robin Swann has repeatedly refused to answer questions on abortion services in Northern Ireland and on the legal advice that he received about implementation so that the Northern Ireland Office had to step in?”