Nuala McAllister
North Belfast · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“I have submitted quite a number of questions for written answer on autism services, and the answers, sometimes on the same day from the Department, contradict themselves. The Minister often refers to the emotional health and well-being framework as the idea that will frame all of the uniform services.”
“Absolutely. Everyone is taking my speech; I was going to say that. Of course, it is complex and subjective to the individual person. If we are truly talking about keeping an individual safe and other prisoners safe, we would not do what the amendment proposes; we would carry on in the way that the system already operates, using a risk-bas…”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission is progressing a programme of remedial works to address defects identified in the roof of Parliament Buildings and to protect the long-term integrity of this grade A listed building. The works have been structured in two phases.”
“More often than not, we have conversations in the Chamber or in public about trans women, but that would place a trans man who has been convicted of a violent crime against a woman in a prison with women. It does not make sense, and it is not coming from the perspective of safety; it is coming from ideology.”
“In providing catering services throughout Parliament Buildings, the Assembly Commission strives to meet the differing demands of the special dietary needs of our wide customer base.”
“I support amendment No 96 and oppose amendment No 97. I do not plan to speak to amendment No 96, as there were a number of interventions last night, and I will leave many of the remarks to my party colleague the Minister of Justice. <BR /> <BR />We oppose Timothy Gaston's amendment.”
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“On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Unfortunately, during Question Time last week, I missed my allotted slot. I gambled with my time at an event and did not get to the Chamber in time. I apologise.”
“That is in the Bill. It is covered. You mentioned that you are talking about loss. It is right there in black and white in front of us.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I was not going to speak on the issue, but he talks about putting it in the Bill. Clause 11(2) states:”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. We are all aware of the devastating impact that the pollution of Lough Neagh has had on our beautiful natural environment. Alliance has long called for an independent environmental protection agency, and that included tabling an amendment to the climate change legislation, which many Members neither supported nor turned up for. Will the Minister detail other examples of where our current environmental protections have fallen short?”
“They can eradicate disease, help to speed up recovery and take the strain off our health service, so we must invest. We must ensure that the over 100 people who missed out on thrombectomy services last year do not miss out again. <BR /> <BR />I invite Members to the event in the Long Gallery today to meet some of the survivors and hear their stories.”
“The film has an emotional impact, and it should be highlighted, particularly those families who support stroke survivors. <BR /> <BR />However, with only 4·3% of stroke survivors receiving a thrombectomy last year, we are still falling short. At least 10% of stroke patients are thought to be eligible, meaning that many are missing out on that life-changing treatment. The only way to ensure that every eligible patient receives a thrombectomy is by providing a 24/7 service. That was committed to by many parties, and, in the stroke action plan published in June 2022, the Department of Health committed to delivering such a service by the end of 2024. <BR /> <BR />We know that budgets are tight and services are strapped, but we must move to prevention in order to save. That is the magic of medicine. Medicine and science have evolved.”
“After hospital discharge, we have speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and support recovery counsellors who offer much-needed psychological, physical and emotional care long after a stroke has occurred. <BR /> <BR />I want to focus on one key aspect of stroke care: thrombectomy. A thrombectomy is a mechanical procedure that, if carried out on eligible stroke survivors in a timely manner, can save brains, save money and change lives. Some of the most powerful stories about stroke survivors whose lives have been transformed by that treatment have been captured in a documentary entitled 'Thrombectomy: Restoring Life' by Harry Bateman, a local film-maker. As chair of the all-party group on stroke, I am proud to sponsor the event today, which will highlight that video. We have had a preview of it.”
“As chair of the all-party group on stroke, I am delighted to mark World Stroke Day, which fell on 29 October. There is an event today in the Long Gallery at 12.30 pm, and I hope that as many Members as possible can come along to it. <BR /> <BR />I want to highlight the impact and magic of modern medicine and how it can transform lives here. There are over 41,000 stroke survivors in Northern Ireland, and someone here will have a stroke every two hours. Many people will recover thanks to our skilled and dedicated specialist stroke staff, including consultants and nurses, who work across the entire stroke pathway to provide expert care in acute stroke units.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. I urge him, when those reports are published, to also look at the Kent and Canterbury inquiry that took place in the 1990s. Its statistics were not as bad as the statistics here in Northern Ireland. Hopefully, that inquiry will help to inform the next steps as we move forward.”
“I thank the Member for taking an intervention. It is important that we come together from across the parties today and support the motion and the amendment. I reiterate that the people and women who were impacted live with the issue every day. I thank the Member for her bravery in speaking out.”
“Minister, you have previously outlined that it is important to listen to everyone, no matter which Department you represent. Do you believe that all Ministers have a duty to serve and represent everyone rather than one particular group, and that no group should ever be pulling the strings of an entire Department?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I agree that the regional outworkings for trusts need to be fair across the board. That has to be the case. Does the Minister agree that true transformation is a key element in that and that the clinical variations need to come down to the outcomes? It is not just about waiting lists, but the particular types of services that are offered in each trust. For example, mental health services are great in one area and severely lacking in others.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I ask because, when it comes to the question of whether there is a pedestrian crossing, in responses from the Department and based on site visits, the decision that is made is often car-dependent rather than being about encouraging active travel. I want to see whether the Department can move away from that kind of car-dependent assessment and attitude and instead enable safe pedestrian access and active travel.”
“They do not have confidence that the three reports that are to be published, including the individual SAI reports — of course, with data protected — will contain all of the answers and assurances that they need. <BR /> <BR />I thank the DUP members of the Health Committee for their amendment, which we will support. It is important that we have cross-party support. Given the scale of the damage to trust and confidence caused by the events in the Southern Trust, the Belfast Trust and the Department of Health, we must act quickly to resolve the issues, particularly in the Belfast labs, so that delays and distress can be limited. <BR /> <BR />I will finish with the words of Heather Thompson, a retired nurse from Tandragee and member of the Ladies with Letters group, who said it best:”
“Women who are the subject of serious adverse incidents (SAIs) are being informed of sensitive medical failings in impersonal meetings in front of a panel of 10 professionals. The Department of Health can show that lessons have been learned and that concerns have been listened to by simply paying attention to those women in a respectful way. <BR /> <BR />A number of weeks ago, alongside other Members, I had the opportunity to meet the Ladies with Letters group on the front steps of Parliament Buildings. We spoke to a number of women who have had their SAI reports and are deeply unsatisfied with the information or lack thereof given to them. That is why we tabled today's motion. Those women do not have confidence in the current system.”
“<BR /> <BR />For as long as the reports are unpublished, recommendations are unclear and action is not taken to ensure that our cervical screening arrangements are as robust and accurate as possible, we will continue to fail those women. I hope that the Minister can take the opportunity presented today to confirm to the House when the reports will finally be published. Perhaps more important, I hope that he will also make a commitment on the Floor of the Assembly that the ladies behind the campaign "Ladies with Letters" will receive proper briefings in advance. It is important to note that, because we are aware of many communication failings that have occurred throughout the process.”
“At that meeting, they said that the publication of those reports would be imminent and that we were looking at it being in the short term rather than it being extended well into the autumn. Officials confirmed that the Health Minister had had sight of the peer review of external quality assurance since July, yet we stand here at the beginning of November with no indication of when the reports will be brought forward. We have heard musings that it will perhaps be some time this week. Meanwhile, women have continued to dutifully present for smear tests at their GP surgeries, often despite their nerves or fears.”
“Surely there are minutes of that meeting in July 2022; indeed, surely there are notes from the meeting with the PHA in February 2022. I raise those issues because it is important for our confidence that, in moving forward, we can have true transparency and accountability. There was a six-month gap before the trust leadership took action and asked for a look-back exercise. Anyone who has had an unfortunate experience with cervical cancer or, indeed, any cancer will know the difference that six months can make. <BR /> <BR />At the same Health Committee meeting in July, officials from the Health Department noted that there were three outstanding pieces of work, including the peer review of external quality assurance arrangements by NHS England and the independent external review of the Southern Trust reports.”
“Performance data was looked at year-on-year and siloed in each trust, rather than compared across trust areas and across the years. Those are among the major failings highlighted in the 2023 report from the Royal College of Pathologists. However, when a newly recruited consultant in the Southern Trust noticed the failures of two screeners immediately on taking up the role, he removed them from their duties in October 2021. I have been made aware that the issues were raised in a meeting with the PHA in February 2022. Despite that, the Southern Trust continues to maintain that the concerns did not reach their senior leadership team, through an assistant medical director, until July 2022. The Southern Trust reiterated that to the Health Committee. I again ask for evidence that that is the case.”
“That does great damage to the confidence of women across all trusts in Northern Ireland in ensuring that they come forward to receive their smear tests. Health Committee members have discussed the outworkings of the reports three times this year. We have continually raised concerns about the quality assurance issues that occurred from 2008 to 2021 and the failures of the Southern Trust and the Public Health Agency (PHA) after those issues were raised. It is deeply unfortunate that, on the majority of those occasions, we have not been able to ask questions of the people directly involved. <BR /> <BR />Concerns around screener performance were raised as early as 2009, yet the issue continued until 2021. The trust offered little training or support.”
“I also pay tribute to the ladies who tragically lost their lives as a result of the failures: Lynsey Courtney, a mother of one from Portadown, was just 30 when she died in 2018; and Erin Harbinson, a mother of four from Tandragee, was 44 when she died in 2024, after three of her smear tests were misread. We will hold their families, friends and loved ones in our thoughts as we continue to fight for justice and accountability. <BR /> <BR />Last December saw the publication of the reports from the Southern Trust on the cervical screening review and audit. Over 17,000 women were included in the review: 11 women required further treatment, and eight women were diagnosed with cervical cancer after their smears were misread. Despite those reports, whistle-blowers have raised concerns that there are still quality assurance issues.”
“Anyone who has met the women involved cannot help but be in awe of the courage that they continue to show in a fight that is the result of traumatic failures by the Southern Trust and possibly other trusts in Northern Ireland. I thank them for all the work that they have done and continue to do. While we, as MLAs, can highlight the stories and call for accountability and transparency, there is no better way to show the damage caused than by hearing from the women directly impacted.”
“It is with great sorrow and frustration that we have brought the motion to the Chamber, which calls on the Minister to establish a statutory public inquiry into the cervical screening scandal in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. <BR /> <BR />It is not a political issue; it has brought together all the parties in the Chamber to support the women, who are still suffering with their families. It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to those women. First, I pay tribute to the Ladies with Letters group for representing the 17,500 women who have been impacted on by the scandal. They have stood strong and been determined in their fight for justice and transparency.”
“On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, is there scope to wait for the Minister? It is important that he hears the points that will be made by the proposers of the motion and the amendment so that he can address them when winding up the debate. I am not sure if there is scope to do that.”
“It has not been an easy time for anyone, but it is really important that, as we gather here today, we remember that, if we continue to fail in dealing with our past, we are doomed to repeat these conversations and these condemnations over and over.”
“To paraphrase, he said that members of the Parachute Regiment had totally lost all sense of military discipline, that they shot unarmed civilians fleeing and that those responsible should hang their heads in shame. We should also not forget the Saville inquiry and the apology of the then Prime Minister. We cannot forget the reason why earlier investigations were flawed. We have to remember the humanity when it comes to dealing with our dark past. It is really important that, in order to move forward and become an inclusive society, we move forward with victims, we have justice and we have reconciliation. I pay tribute to the families of all those who were killed on Bloody Sunday.”
“I rise to mark the significance of the acquittal of Soldier F. This is an important milestone as we reflect on our past and our failure to deal with our dark and troubled past here in Northern Ireland. There is no doubt that the depth of feeling on the issue is felt right across the community in Northern Ireland, regardless of what side of that debate or community you feel that you sit on. Acquittal should not be a celebration. It is not a celebration by any. Justice should always be an option. It is possible and right to condemn the actions of the IRA on the streets of Northern Ireland and beyond during our Troubles and also condemn the actions of the military and those who served in the regiment. <BR /> <BR />We cannot forget the words of the judge.”
“The additional security funding that is provided by the UK Government is currently not enough, despite there being a slight increase, to even meet a fraction of those costs. Is there any indication from the UK Treasury that there will be another increase in that additional security funding?”
“On the specifics regarding the domiciliary care and social care package, we are not seeing anything new in this plan. By our calculations, the recycling of hours amounts to roughly 3% of the hours. Is there anything innovative or new that the Minister and his Department can actually do in the next two to three months that will move people from hospital or keep people at home? Were any new options explored by and with those in the sector?”
“We are talking about children locking themselves in their bedroom because they are afraid of struggling siblings' breakdowns or meltdowns. We are talking about parents who often remain silent because they do not believe that help is out there. We must do better for all 17,000 of those children. <BR /> <BR />I hope that the Minister of Education and the Minister of Health can work together on a plan to prioritise and implement the changes that need to be made so that it is not a postcode lottery, so that it not up to principals to select pupils and so that parents do not have to pay for private assessments. We need all those young pupils to be able to get the most help, and the best help, that they can.”
“I thank and pay tribute to Autism NI, the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland and the many parents who have been in touch with me, and with many Members across the Chamber, to seek help. Parents are desperate. They are so desperate that they are turning to the private sector and, in many cases, paying over £1,000 for an autism assessment. <BR /> <BR />What does that mean afterwards? It means that parents can access support from many of those organisations in their home. In school, however, it does not mean a great deal, because children still need an assessment and a statement from the Department of Education and the Department of Health. We are putting children in danger and families at risk. Early intervention is key. We are talking about children who cry themselves to sleep because they do not want to go to school.”
“I rise to talk about the autism waiting list in Northern Ireland. Over 17,000 children in Northern Ireland are on a waiting list for an autism assessment. What does that look like? That looks like classrooms with multiple students who do not have the right support to get them through each day. That looks like teachers who are struggling to carry out their role because they want to do their jobs to the best of their ability. That looks like parents who are fighting behind closed doors to hold it all together. Most importantly, however, it looks like 17,000 children who are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, school avoidance and challenges in their home environment. <BR /> <BR />There is help available out there from organisations. When the statutory bodies fall down, those organisations pick up the pieces.”
“I thank the Member for taking an intervention. We outlined — my colleague did so particularly well during her speech — that there are problems with the motion. There is a distortion in the facts and figures that you have in front of you. We agree with one line in your motion — just one line — but we will not support the motion, and that was made clear during my comments and my colleague's comments.”
“<BR /> <BR />Over the past few weeks, we have seen a ramping up of the irresponsible rhetoric around the Irish language. It is important that we take a step back. It is a language and a culture that belongs to all of us. I condemn all the defacing of signage. I condemn the defacing of any sign, whether it is on my street or yours. We need to work together and ensure that, when we bring responsible decisions to any Chamber, be it here or Belfast City Council, we do not ignore the wishes of the residents with whom we all live. Hopefully, we can move forward together when it comes to promoting the Irish language, because it is important for all in Northern Ireland that we see that it is our shared heritage and shared culture.”
“The 15% is based on international best practice; it is based around practice on these islands, in the UK and further afield. We brought proposals to you — the DUP — and you would not accept them. It is important that we all work together. <BR /> <BR />It is shameful that, up until a year ago, Sinn Féin, in Belfast, set aside its respect for the democratic process when it came to individuals and residents living on a street. I agree that those who do not respond should not automatically be included as a negative, but ignoring the wishes of people who do respond, and igniting flames and tension in communities, is not about being a First Minister for all, and it is not about protecting and promoting the Irish language. It is about getting your own way.”
“<BR /> <BR />If we are to bring people along with us when it comes to preserving identity for all of us, how can we then stamp on the expressions of difference of others?”
“I say that because it is important. The Irish language is part of our history. It belongs to all of us, not to one party and not to one side of the community. <BR /> <BR />Alliance policy on the Irish language has been consistent since the time that unionist parties on Belfast City Council would not get on board with our initial proposal. I say to the proposer of the motion, because both of us were on the council at the time, that we did put forward an initial proposal for 50% support, but we then supported the current policy, and we have stuck to that ever since. We outlined how we would not and should not support any street signage to which the majority of respondents do not agree. That that is wrong is something that we agree with in the motion. That deal, however, was reneged on by Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Green Party.”
“No, not at this time. I am going to make some progress. <BR /> <BR />It is incumbent on all of us as elected representatives to lead by example and show respect for all cultures in Northern Ireland. Irish is an indigenous, native and minority language, and, whether we like it or not, there is a need to protect and, indeed, promote such languages. When we talk about the Irish language, we are not talking about an abstract idea. We are not talking about a departmental-specific policy that requires years to research and develop. The Irish language has existed for more than 2,500 years. The oldest written examples date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. Even the Normans began to speak Irish. The Lord Mayor's chain, which many of us in this Chamber have worn, has "Erinn go bra", which means "Ireland forever", written on it in Irish.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I absolutely agree. It emphasises how the Irish language is a shared part of our heritage. Just today, I was also informed that there is, I believe, a Presbyterian church in west Belfast that still hosts the odd meeting in Irish.”
“I also highlight the role of the Grand Master of Belfast from 1885 until 1898, the Rev Dr Richard Rutledge Kane, who was a patron of the Belfast Gaelic League, which was founded in 1895, and who signed the lodge meeting minutes in Irish.”
“I will outline Alliance's position on the DUP motion and also set the record straight on what has become a widely distorted and, at times, misinformed discussion about dual language signage, particularly in Belfast. <BR /> <BR />First, however, I remind people that use of the Irish language is not an attack on anyone's identity and that this policy in particular is about protecting and promoting an important part of our cultural heritage: a heritage that belongs to everyone, not just those in Belfast but those across the whole island. We should all be aware by now of the role that the Presbyterians played in keeping the language alive in the 18th and 19th centuries.”
“We are passionate about protecting animals, which cannot speak up for themselves. I look forward to the many pieces of animal welfare policy that will be implemented through legislation from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. <BR /> <BR />Another Member mentioned Members' Bills. Another opportunity that I welcome as an individual MLA is to bring forward legislation in the House, because it is not only about the Executive's programme but about using our powers as individual MLAs to change issues. I hope to pursue a Member's Bill on private cemeteries and burial grounds. I know that I am diverging from the subject of the debate, but it is important that we use all the power that we have as MLAs in the power-sharing Executive, in opposition and as individuals —”
“I did not say that he had delivered the independent environmental protection agency; I said that he had taken steps to do that. I think that you misheard me. We know that it has not been finalised yet, but we look forward to the finalised report's coming out. I am sure that the Minister can give an update on that. The interim recommendations in the report that was commissioned by Minister Muir highlighted the fact that an independent environmental protection agency should be established. Many parties in the Chamber missed the opportunity to vote that into the Climate Change Bill in the previous mandate. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the many elements of animal welfare legislation from Minister Muir. It is an issue that all Members across the Chamber are contacted about every single day. We know how passionate people are.”
“The Member can laugh and smirk. It is not churlish to point out the hypocrisy of the SDLP. When it comes to an independent environmental protection agency, Minister Muir has delivered more in a short mandate than the SDLP did in the five years that it held the post.”
“I will table amendments to the Bill that have already been consulted on at the Policing Board and by the Department. <BR /> <BR />It is really important that all Members participate eagerly in all pieces of legislation so that we can improve them where necessary and can also bring our ideas to the table. Something that I am proud to be part of in a working democratic Assembly is the passing of legislation. <BR /> <BR />I will touch for a moment on the independent environmental protection agency. Alliance completely supports an independent environmental protection agency. Minister Muir has taken decisive action to see that delivered.”
“That comes in the organisational duty of candour meeting the individual duty of candour. It is important that we continue to engage on those issues. There is no point in making promises that cannot be kept, or which you had no intention of keeping from the very beginning. <BR /> <BR />I am looking forward to seeing elements of a number of other Bills, particularly around Charlotte's law. The disclosure of the location of victims' remains is so important to everyone in society, despite the fact that, thankfully, it affects only a very small number of people. We cannot overestimate the effect that it has. I look forward to seeing Charlotte's law introduced here in Northern Ireland. I am also particularly looking forward to the later stages of the Justice Bill.”
“What will be most important, as with a lot of the Bills, is its implementation: what it actually means on the ground for the people who are affected. <BR /> <BR />Another Bill that we wanted to see come to the Assembly before the mandate ends is the minimum unit pricing Bill. It is very unfortunate that we will not see it any time soon. It was stated in the first-day brief that it was in the pre-drafting stage for introduction early next year. I am disappointed that it seems as though that will not happen. <BR /> <BR />It has been stated numerous times at Committee that the duty of candour Bill is being progressed by the Department. However, we have learnt that it has been paused. Although the Hillsborough law is being moved through Westminster, there is still an element of playing catch-up.”
“I will speak first about a number of pieces of Health legislation that are in the programme and some that are not in the programme but which have previously been outlined to Members, particularly those on the Health Committee, as part of our first-day brief. <BR /> <BR />I echo the sentiments expressed by Members, particularly my colleagues on the Health Committee, about the safe and effective staffing Bill. It is very important that we have a health workforce that is able to carry out its duty without fear that its members do not have the appropriate help on hand to deliver the job. It is long overdue, having been initially proposed by Minister Swann for nursing staff in 2020 and expanded to all professional groups in 2022. The consultation closed a year ago, so we are eager to see the report and a summary of the responses to it.”
“I thank the Minister for that comprehensive answer. It is clear that animal welfare is an issue that you are passionate about, and on which you are taking action in your Department. Minister, will you provide an update on where you are on banning shock collars?”
“Apologies, Mr Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Integrated education plays a unique and significant role in bringing together children from all backgrounds. Friday was a joyous occasion that was celebrated by all the children and the school itself. I pay tribute to all the teachers, past and present, at Hazelwood Integrated Primary and Nursery School and to the principal for continuing to stand up for our community 40 years on.”