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.”
The complete record
Every one of 649 lines we hold for Connie Egan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 13.
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I secured this debate on poverty in North Down for many reasons. At its core, the debate is on behalf of all those across our constituency who are struggling to make ends meet and to deal with the cost of living and of the organisations that are fighting for funding to support them. It is incredibly timely: this is the last item to be discussed in the Chamber before Christmas, which is a time when so many feel pressure financially, whether it be because of presents for the kids or the increasing use of fuel to keep homes warm and families healthy.”
“I appreciate the Member raising that. Does the Member think that that is a disgraceful way to treat our constituents and local business people? Just Eat is a huge company. It has millions of pounds and can afford to remunerate them. It has a lot more resources to address it than the small, local business owners in our constituency. It should do the right thing.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am not here to rehash that but to highlight the devastating impact that those crimes have, threatening the livelihoods of local business people who already face many barriers to success and leaving them unsure as to whether they could pay their staff's wages. Such crimes take a heavy mental toll on victims, leaving them feeling under pressure. If we are to prevent anything like that from happening again, we must have clear accountability for online platforms and those who commit those crimes. Scams and fraud devastate people, businesses and communities. We must work with everyone we can to deliver better outcomes for victims of fraud and to minimise the risks of such distress and real hurt from happening again.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last year, Members may have seen last that 'The Nolan Show' highlighted a story about the Just Eat platform and the scams that followed a cybersecurity breach. The losses in that amounted to something in the realm of at least £200,000 across Northern Ireland. That breach was felt deeply in my constituency of North Down, with two local businesses in Bangor losing nearly £30,000 combined. Following that news breaking, I wrote directly to Just Eat as the home platform and engaged with investigatory bodies. To be honest, I was disappointed with how that was initially handled.”
“Of course, such fraud also extends to our communities through postal and doorstep scams, manipulating and misleading those in our communities, young and old, to give over their money in the promise of receiving goods and services that just never materialise. <BR /> <BR />As the motion states and the amendment reiterates, it is essential that we include as many partners as possible in the work to tackle cybersecurity threats and scamming behaviour. That extends from the Department of Justice, the PSNI and ScamwiseNI through to the Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service. Scams can happen anywhere and at any time, so having a joint approach that coordinates with the joint agency task force and bodies in Westminster makes sense.”
“It really is despicable that, for their own criminal gain, a person will prey on someone who is perhaps just seeking love or feels a bit lonely. <BR /> <BR />There is a common misconception that, if you are smart and savvy enough, you will not fall victim to a scam or fraudulent activity, but with modern technology and the weaponisation of digital products, such as artificial intelligence and spyware, scams are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. For example, in my borough of Ards and North Down, a story hit the news during the summer of a business owner and bank customer who lost thousands of pounds from her hard-earned business because of multiple fraudulent banking messages.”
“We need to move the dial not only to make people feel comfortable enough to come forward and report the crime but, perhaps more importantly, to work together across all Departments and agencies to intervene and prevent people becoming a victim to begin with. That is why we welcome the motion. <BR /> <BR />What makes those scams particularly sickening is that they usually arise from a victim putting trust in a fraudster. They have genuine intentions of doing what is needed, fostering a connection or helping another. It makes the cruel impact of the scams all the more felt. I think particularly of the deception that is used in romance scams, and the proposer of the motion mentioned in her speech how that affected one of her constituents.”
“On behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the Ulster Unionist Party's motion on tackling scams and improving public protection and the amendment. <BR /> <BR />We have all seen the concerning upward trend in scams, which often take advantage of the most vulnerable people, with around 100 reports to Action Fraud per week and close to £19 million lost in the period from November 2023 to October 2024. We also know that the losses are under-reported and only scratch the surface due to the shame and embarrassment that victims of fraudulent crime can feel for not seeing through the scam that they have endured. That is not good enough, particularly in a world where fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated technology and scams to commit these crimes.”
“Thank you, Minister. Do you have concerns about how that tax might impact on Northern Ireland's ability to meet its climate change targets?”
“Thank you, Minister. It is concerning that, as I understand it, NI Water faces a £2 billion funding gap. Can that realistically be addressed by your three-pronged approach, and can you give us more details of the other options that you are exploring?”
“Thank you, Minister. Do you therefore support the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in domestic law?”
“Minister, will you commit to producing, once the funding is allocated, a full list of the successful applications, the works to be carried out, the location of the community halls and the amount awarded to each?”
“The Right Care, Right Person model is essential. It provides a framework in which the health service and the PSNI can work together and, crucially, puts the vulnerable person's needs at the heart of it.”
“That is why the Alliance motion calls for the urgent implementation of the Right Care, Right Person model, among the delivery of the Department of Health's other mental health strategies and programmes, to put in place the clear roles and responsibilities of the PSNI, trusts and other partners to ensure that vulnerable people receive the most effective and timely help possible. It is not about removing the PSNI from intervention in mental health crises; it is about formally addressing the inappropriate use of PSNI involvement. It can be part of helping people but cannot replace the help of healthcare professionals. <BR /> <BR />There have always been clear intersections between the health system and the justice system, but both systems work only when all partners recognise one another's expertise.”
“It does not look like PSNI officers sitting in emergency rooms for long periods because of the lack of resource to enable them to hand the person over to relevant personnel in A&E for triage. In the period from January to April 2023, more than 4,500 hours were logged by police officers as time on duty in hospitals whilst accompanying patients with mental health concerns. We now know that cases relating to mental health concerns take up, in total, over 100,000 hours of police time each year. <BR /> <BR />To be clear, that situation is not the fault of the healthcare workers on the ground in our emergency departments or communities but comes from funding for mental health from the Department being lower than the actual need.”
“It is because the PSNI is time and again put into the position of acting as a service of last resort, gap-filling for our health system. <BR /> <BR />There needs to be a joint, multi-agency approach to supporting those in mental health crisis. The PSNI can have a role in that, and their involvement is appropriate in some instances. What that looks like is this: police responding to calls where there seems to be an immediate risk to life or of serious harm of an individual, where a crime may take place or where the thresholds set out in the Mental Health Order 1986 are met and it is clear that the police should remove a vulnerable person from a private or public space to a "place of safety" for support and assessment.”
“The motion from Alliance is not only resourcing pressures facing the PSNI alone; it is about ensuring that front-line workers, including police officers, are not left to do jobs that they do not feel they are the best fit for and that those who need care receive it from a healthcare professional who is adequately trained in intervention and support to deliver it. When we put the needs of vulnerable people at the centre, it is clear that action is needed. <BR /> <BR />Members of the public have expectations as to the ideal use of police time that, for the most part, align with their responding to concerns about crime. As our motion notes, however, the PSNI responds to over 100 "concern for safety" calls per day on average, with only 3% of those incidents being linked to crime. Why has that happened?”
“I support our motion, which asks the Health Minister to address the undue pressures that gap filling for the health and social care system has placed on our police service and to ensure that every person across Northern Ireland who needs mental health support receives that care from the right person at the right time.”
“Thank you for your statement, Minister. Will you give more details on the temporary control zone in the Bangor area and the rules associated with it?”
“Minister, what work is your Department undertaking to address the learnings that emerge from domestic homicide reviews?”
“Minister, the Act was passed in 2022 and the longer the delay in implementation, the more we let down victims and survivors. You said that you want to publish your consultation as soon as possible: can you give us any firmer timescales on that? When will victims and survivors who need it be able to take safe leave?”
“I am sure that she will reflect on that in her comments. I know the work that she is doing to support recruitment and retention of police officers. That case is a grave reminder that crime that is committed on a device that is connected to the internet can just as easily create serious hurt across the world as it can to the person next door. The debate feels particularly relevant as, today, we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, of which the theme is "#NoExcuse for online abuse". Ultimately, while that case may have opened in 2016, as the motion recognises, its lengthy timeline and shortcomings are still incredibly relevant learnings for today. I want us all to work towards a society where everyone is safe and respected, whether that is in public places, at home, in the community or online.”
“I think in particular of Cimarron Thomas, a young girl who died by suicide following contact with and subsequent abuse by that predator. <BR /> <BR />The findings of the Police Ombudsman's investigation are extremely concerning, as is the growing proliferation of online sexual abuse. In February 2025, the NSPCC revealed that crimes involving images of child sexual abuse have risen by 98% over the past five years. Much of that illegal material is being repeatedly shared and viewed online. Online sexual abuse, particularly with regard to children, is a growing problem. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party shares the concerns that are expressed in the motion about the need for greater funding to support police recruitment and workforce recovery. Those concerns have been echoed most vocally by our Justice Minister.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I will be as quick as I can with the time that has been allocated. <BR /> <BR />In speaking to the Opposition motion, I will give particular regard to the Police Ombudsman's investigation into the handling of the devastating child abuse case and the need for collaborative steps to be taken across the Chamber and by our Executive to support the full resourcing and recovery of our Police Service. The latter is vital to ensuring that the extreme harm that was endured by the estimated 3,500 children who were targeted by that predator is prevented from ever happening to another individual. That case could be progressed only due to the bravery of the young girls, whose testimonies made it possible. They are nothing short of inspirational.”
“Our femicide rate is deeply distressing, and my thoughts are with all the women who have lost their lives to gendered violence and with their families and loved ones. <BR /> <BR />Since 2020, 28 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland. On top of that, the PSNI has reported that there were 29,740 incidents of domestic abuse between 1 July 2024 and June 2025. The actions that I have outlined will have some impacts now, but we are also building towards the future. We cannot lose speed and focus on bringing about a future in which every woman and girl is safe online and in our society.”
“That includes groups that are working in Northern Ireland, such as Nexus, the NSPCC, Hourglass, Women's Aid, the Men's Advisory Project and local women's centres, which are often at the coalface of the problem and see at first hand the needs of women in their communities. <BR /> <BR />I think about where we were 18 months ago. We now have the strategic framework to coordinate a cross-government approach to gendered violence and a complementary domestic and sexual abuse strategy. Ending violence against women and girls is a key strand of our Programme for Government. We have new data and new funding, including the release of the local and regional change funds. We can still see, however, that Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in western Europe to be a woman.”
“The internet can be a fantastic tool for connection, curiosity and learning, but we cannot ignore the data in front of us about the real, tangible dangers that it poses. Research has found that, at a minimum, one in 10 women and girls in Northern Ireland have experienced online violence. Overall, between 2022 and 2023, the amount of deepfake pornography created increased by 464%. Online abuse is now so prevalent in the fabric of our society, and we must take action to prevent it. <BR /> <BR />The dedication of vital charities and grassroots community groups to building a safer world for all, whether that be through teaching what healthy relationships look like, debunking myths about abuse itself or giving refuge to those in crisis, should be commended.”
“16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence begins today. Those 16 days are a reminder that we must maintain momentum in our collective fight to end violence against women and girls once and for all. The theme of the days for 2025 is "#NoExcuse for online abuse" and brings into focus the need for lawmakers, social media companies and other regulatory bodies, including Ofcom, to keep pace with our unwieldy and ever-evolving online world.”
“I am just wrapping up; thank you. I urge all in the Chamber to support the Alliance amendment and let us tackle the misuse of fireworks.”
“Whilst, at a devolved level, we are restricted in what can be progressed regarding the noise of fireworks, specifically, my colleague Andrew Muir, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, is taking steps to engage on the animal welfare concerns. <BR /> <BR />Fireworks, when used legally and safely, can be exciting displays of celebration to mark special occasions, but the misuse of fireworks can present serious dangers and potential harm to animals, vulnerable individuals and communities, as well as those using them. The Alliance amendment sets out what, we believe, are the best and most tangible next steps to progress further minimalisation of the distress that fireworks can cause. I urge all in the Chamber —”
“I welcome that Minister Long has already committed to that in a response to a question that I submitted this week. Alliance is committed to the fair and safe use of fireworks. <BR /> <BR />It is pertinent to state for clarity that noise limits for fireworks are a reserved matter for the UK Government, rather than being the responsibility of any devolved Department. Many people, including concerned North Down residents, have reached out to my office on the topic of noise as its relates to the regulation of fireworks and bangers, highlighting the distress caused to animals and the loss of local beloved pets due to the stress and vulnerability that it inflicts.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. The Justice Minister has raised and addressed that point with you before. I will get back to the response that the Justice Minister gave to me when I raised it with her. However, I would like to make progress on the issue at hand. <BR /> <BR />The current licensing system supports the PSNI and other partners to identify unlicensed and illegal firework use. A review of the penalties in the sentencing review could better support and equip them to deal with misuse and create improved, long-lasting outcomes, effectively giving them better tools. With the time that we have left in the mandate and in the financial context, we believe that the pending sentencing review is the most appropriate vehicle through which to achieve progress.”
“Alliance believes that that approach is not the best use of our limited public funds. More important, it will not produce the results that everybody across the Chamber wants to see. Instead, we call on our Justice Minister to consider changes to the penalties available for the illegal use and sale of fireworks in the pending review of sentencing issues. That approach, which focuses on the enforcement of legislation, explores potentially different and harsher penalties than those that already exist.”
“<BR /> <BR />The licensing process for firework displays and the conditions that are set are the powers that we have as that intervention point and to prevent harms coming to people and animals. To note, Northern Ireland is the only region across these islands where that regulation is in place. The legal frameworks governing fireworks in our Explosive (Fireworks) Regulations 2002 are some of the most robust that exist. Given what we can control and set the direction for, there is no evidence to suggest that the issues that we seek to deal with lie within our existing legal frameworks. The Alliance amendment seeks to reflect that. Prioritising an extensive and urgent review of the regulations will not solve the problems at hand but will instead incur potentially lofty costs to the public purse in an already challenging financial landscape.”
“Those licences, where appropriate, can have conditions to notify neighbours and animal owners, including farmers, in advance of the use of fireworks to ensure responsible and considerate displays. The usage of fireworks becomes an issue when those processes and conditions are not adhered to. We saw that in particular at the end of October this year, when fireworks that were often procured without a licence were used unexpectedly in parks, gardens, alleys, residential streets and other places in our communities. Sudden and unpredicted loud noises can create great fear and challenge for those who are nearby. I think particularly of those with sensory processing issues, those with trauma and PTSD and, of course, beloved pets, who are often left terrified and panicked in their homes.”
“It is so important that we strike the balance between those who enjoy fireworks safely and considerately and those who do not. <BR /> <BR />Fireworks, when licensed and used appropriately with notification, are meant to be about celebration and excitement and not about creating fear and anxiety. Too often, however, that is what we see in our communities. Our existing regulatory frameworks require display operators to have a licence when igniting fireworks. It does not matter whether the application is for residential use by a member of the public or for professional displays by community groups, councils or private venues: it is essential to have a licence for legal use in Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I propose the Alliance Party amendment to the motion on the misuse of fireworks across Northern Ireland and record our position on suitable and appropriate next steps to make real, tangible progress on the issue. I really welcome the chance to speak on the topic, on which many of my North Down constituents have written to me with concerns, particularly about animal welfare during the recent Halloween period. <BR /> <BR />To be clear, the illegal purchasing and use of fireworks can cause serious harm and create real danger not just for those igniting the fuse of those fireworks without the appropriate knowledge or safety equipment but for our wider communities. As the motion notes, the misuse of fireworks can lead to huge distress to:”
“What do you think is reasonable for a low-income household to pay for a child's post-primary school uniform?”
“Thank you, Minister. In the guidelines, the definition of "excessive costs" is:”
“Thank you, Minister. Community organisations in North Down that deal directly with individuals who live in hardship and poverty feel the loss of your Department's hardship fund. Will you consider reintroducing that fund or introducing a similar fund to support organisations that deal with individuals who are living in poverty?”
“It has been greatly disappointing to discover the failings. In any organisation, safeguarding concerns must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In considering this specific case, places of religious worship and faith are where so many seek comfort and support, particularly those who are vulnerable. For so many, that trust has now been put into question — for some, it has been broken. It is essential that, in any future process, victims are protected and at the heart of any decisions. <BR /> <BR />I hope that all organisations across our society, whether religious, community, sporting or other, reflect on their own policies and safeguards. My thoughts are, of course, with the victims. I encourage anybody who wishes to make a disclosure to come forward and contact the police or Victim Support NI.”
“Yesterday, a statement was read out to Presbyterian congregations across this island that informed Church members of an investigation and review of previous handling of safeguarding issues at an Assembly Buildings level. The results of that review are highly concerning. It found failures to make referrals to statutory authorities; inadequate responses to concerns expressed about individuals and congregations; and ineffective monitoring of offenders who sought to return to worship at church. The statement also contained an apology for the betrayal of trust and the hurt caused by the failure to take action. <BR /> <BR />The statement followed the resignation of Presbyterian moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, last week. He is the first moderator to have stepped down in the Church's history.”
“I rise today to speak with grave concern about the recent news regarding the confirmed serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in the period from 2009 to 2022. That announcement arrives following a report on allegations of bullying and harassment that was commissioned by Lord John Alderdice, who was a member of the Presbyterian Church until 2018. Lord Alderdice commissioned that report, and it was submitted to the Charity Commission. It outlined allegations of members being shunned and gaslit by Church leadership and the mental health concerns among ministers across the Church.”
“Thank you, Minister. Will you please outline the impact that the ongoing withdrawal of service has had on victims, witnesses and the wider justice system?”
“The regulations also have adequate safeguards in place: the judiciary must be satisfied that receiving evidence via live links is in the interests of justice and will provide a fair hearing. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to supporting, in 2026, Minister Long's Justice Bill, which will aim to enshrine the important provisions in primary legislation. That is another reason that we must progress the Justice Bill swiftly and effectively through its Committee Stage. I urge all Members across the Chamber to vote in favour of further extending those successful regulations.”
“I put on record my support, and that of my party, for the extension of the regulations relating to the use of live links for courts and tribunals. As all Members across the Chamber will be aware, the renewing of the regulations is an item of business that has come to the Assembly on multiple occasions, modernising our legislation for practical and effective use in the 21st century. Live links play a key role in addressing case backlogs and ensuring access to justice in the most timely and appropriate way possible. The provisions are important in ensuring that those with accessibility requirements have an option to engage in justice in a way that best represents them.”
“I welcome the Minister's commitment to addressing this issue and ask whether she can update us on the wider work that is being undertaken to ensure that pre-release testing is fit for purpose and victim-centred.”
“Minister, this is a disappointing day for the PSNI. Will you elaborate on the justification that you received from Treasury? What did it put forward as to why it rejected this? Also, what are your next steps, particularly if you are not successful in convincing the Treasury to overturn the decision?”
“Minister, it is extremely important to have youth engagement on any changes to examinations. As, I am sure, you are aware, many young people have raised concerns about the move away from controlled assessment towards higher-stakes examinations. What will you do to ensure that any changes to qualifications will benefit learners of all abilities?”
“I look forward to learning about how this inaugural Domestic Abuse Awareness Week Northern Ireland progresses, and reiterate the essential message: "home" should mean "safe".”