Sian Mulholland
North Antrim · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Members from different parties recognised that our justice system must continue to evolve and continue to have children, young people and victims at its heart. What, we know, works to reduce offending and create safer communities has that support. <BR /> <BR />Not every contribution reflected that approach.”
“I will use my final Member's statement before recess to reflect on the work of the Ten is Too Young Coalition and all those who have worked so passionately to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), including Voice of Young People in Care, the Children's Law Centre, NIACRO, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Childre…”
“We so often hear calls in the Chamber for legislation that is evidence-led, data-driven and compliant with our human rights obligations. Those are principles that I wholeheartedly support, but they cannot be principles that are applied only when they are convenient. Children's rights are human rights too.”
“<BR /> <BR />The triggering of the petition of concern mechanism was a misuse of a mechanism that was designed to protect minority rights. Here it is, blocking change designed to protect those who are most vulnerable.”
“Safeguarding falls within your remit, Minister. We know that, but we also know that it is the responsibility of each and every one of us. That is part of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Faith-based counselling is not subject to the same regulation as other clinical counselling services.”
“Thank you, Minister. I am glad to hear you say that the role played by social workers is "complex and challenging". From what I hear from those who have contacted me, social workers are stretched to capacity. What is the Department doing to address that?”
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“If we are serious about strengthening our agrisector and ensuring its sustainability for the future, we have to remove every barrier that we can to women participating fully. As I have said before, women do not just have to break a glass ceiling; they need to rise from the sticky floor that has held them down for far too long. I hope that, today across the Assembly, we can commit to lifting them up, creating real opportunities and ensuring that the future of farming is truly inclusive. I commend the amendment to the House.”
“Many women in farming are also caregivers, whether that is for the generation before or after them. Partnering with rural support networks to develop on-farm childcare solutions or flexible meeting structures, such as online participation, should be looked at, as should the role of the healthcare partnerships in that. <BR /> <BR />As I said, Minister Muir has already demonstrated a willingness to engage on the issue. I welcome the steps that have been taken to date, especially on succession planning. The phrase, "You need to see it to be it" is key. The more that we champion and amplify the voices of women in agriculture and remove the barriers to succession, the more successful that we will be in retaining and nurturing women in the agrisector.”
“Flexible learning opportunities and strong support networks can make all the difference, so we should look at the talent pipelines, such as the agricultural colleges, the universities and industry bodies, that could collaborate to develop women-focused training and mentorship programmes. DAERA has been working on flexible methods of learning, so looking at digital, e-learning or even peer learning or mentoring spaces would be useful in supporting women's learning. <BR /> <BR />Moving on to financial support for female farmers, there has to be some kind of engagement with financial institutions that creates loan schemes that are tailored for women in agriculture, ensuring fair access to the capital that so many women in the sector find difficult to access. When we are looking at childcare, there has to be a flexible working initiative.”
“We cannot rely on reports alone. We need action, and that action has to be rooted in partnership. If we are to make real progress, there needs to be a whole-sector approach and work in partnership with farming organisations, training bodies, financial institutions, local councils and policymakers. It is not, therefore, an issue for just Minister Muir or the Department; it is an opportunity for the entire agriculture community to come together to create meaningful change. <BR /> <BR />We also have to ensure that women are supported at all career stages in farming. That includes support not just for new entrants but for those who are returning after time spent in other employment or raising their families.”
“We hear it in the Chamber when we talk about farmers: the pronoun that is most used is "he", and comments refer to male farmers. That is just a natural consequence of the narrative. <BR /> <BR />The barriers extend beyond the access to land and succession. They are the challenges of balancing off-farm work, off-farm employment and caregiving responsibilities. Addressing those issues will require a policy change that integrates agriculture policy with tax regulations, economic frameworks and social welfare entitlements. That is why it is a cross-departmental issue that has to be tackled collectively. That is why we tabled our amendment. If we are to be fully successful in attracting and retaining more women into agri-industries and farming, we need to engage in a partnership approach that involves all stakeholders.”
“<BR /> <BR />In my North Antrim constituency, the most recent census data showed that only 9·8% of those working in agriculture-related activity were women, whereas 90·1% were men. That imbalance is not just a statistic; it reflects the structural barriers that still exist, limiting women's participation in land inheritance, business leadership and decision-making roles. A recent study by Maynooth University, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the South, identified the same barriers that exist here in Northern Ireland. The study noted that the dominant perception that a farmer is male remains — the stoic, strong decision-maker — which I found really interesting, while the woman is often seen as the helper, with the son being considered the natural heir.”
“The report recommends practical steps such as creating a skills matrix, building talent pipelines for women and establishing a dedicated diversity and inclusion committee. That committee's review of 17 Scottish agri-food organisations found that, out of 111 senior board representatives, only 16 were women. That is 14%. That under-representation demonstrates an urgent need for action. I know that the Minister is nurturing this in his Department. That review focused mainly on the Scottish agrisector, but I look forward to hearing from the Minister today about the key learnings that he will take forward, whether through the appointment of the boards of his non-departmental public bodies or through working alongside the public appointments unit in DAERA to actively nurture the involvement of women and encourage them to apply for positions.”
“Systemic issues such as lack of childcare support, financial barriers and outdated membership structures make progression difficult, and tackling those issues requires addressing the ceiling above and the floor below. The 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report was a significant step forward when it was published in 2022, and I look forward to hearing an update on the actions in the report from the Minister in his response to the debate. <BR /> <BR />Some of the deeper issues were further explored in NFU Scotland's 'Diversity and Inclusion Review: Final Report', which was published in January of this year. One of the review's key findings was that no women currently sit on the NFU Scotland main board, which highlights how leadership in farming over there remains overwhelmingly male.”
“Women are central to family farm businesses, the agri-food industry and rural life, but they remain under-represented when it comes to decision-making, business ownership and policy influence. The barriers that women face in agriculture are so complex. Traditional inheritance practices still make it harder for women to inherit land; access to finance and training remains disproportionately difficult; and leadership roles in farming organisations continue to be male-dominated. Those barriers persist despite clear evidence that diversity leads to better decision-making, greater innovation and stronger economic outcomes. <BR /> <BR />Women in farming often say that it is not just a glass ceiling that holds them back; in a previous report, women talked about a "sticky floor".”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Having moved the amendment, I wish to support the motion and highlight the significant under-representation of women in agriculture. First, I thank the Members who tabled the motion, and I thank Áine for her eloquent speech and the stories of engagement on her family farm. <BR /> <BR />While I acknowledge the structural and cultural barriers that limit women's participation, I recognise my colleague Minister Muir's commitment to addressing those challenges and working towards practical and tangible solutions. As we have said, it is about that "Accelerate action" theme. <BR /> <BR />Women have always played a vital role in our rural communities, but, so often, their contributions go unrecognised.”
“Thank you so much for coming to the Chamber today, Minister. You will know that there is a lot of fear in my constituency of North Antrim, particularly among cattle farmers, many of whom remember the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease 20-odd years ago. If there were to be another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Northern Ireland, Minister, what would you and your Department do?”
“Thank you so much, Minister, for coming to the Chamber. Employers often report to us that they want students to come to the labour market with the right skills. How will you ensure that we do not reset the balance too far on a knowledge-based curriculum and diminish the skills that our young people develop? How will you ensure alignment of all that?”
“Thank you very much, Minister, for stepping in. <BR /> <BR />While the case against the Minister for Communities was dismissed, the Executive were found to be in breach of their statutory duty. What accountability mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the Executive's progress in developing and implementing the anti-poverty strategy, as it will be a full Executive strategy, rather than one at the behest of a single Department?”
“What do you see as the biggest barriers to the recruitment and retention of paediatric pathologists? There seems to be a skills deficit at the moment.”
“<BR /> <BR />Economically, of course, previous hosts have seen a significant financial boost. The fleadh in Wexford generated approximately €60 million, which benefited local businesses. There is a real opportunity to bring that to Belfast. Comhghairdeas libh agus fáilte roimh”
“For that, I want to thank and pay tribute to the work of Belfast City Council, which has already reached out to the Belfast Bands Forum and the Orange Order to ensure that the cultural legacy of the fleadh spreads across all traditional music backgrounds as a powerful example of how music can transcend barriers and be an example of celebration and reconciliation. <BR /> <BR />One of the fleadh's greatest strengths is its inclusivity, and everyone from seasoned professionals to young learners, like my two, have the chance to take part, which reinforces its reputation as a global phenomenon. People come to the fleadh not just to compete — of course, there will be competitions — but for the sessions, and the streets of Belfast will be full of music anywhere that a tune can be played.”
“in my house. Whilst there are evenings when I could do without hearing the 'Ballycastle Polka' on the tin whistle and the accordion, I see the incredible benefit that my children get from being involved in the Comhaltas. <BR /> <BR />The fleadh is not just a festival but a celebration of shared cultural traditions. The power of music, tradition and culture — whatever tradition that might be — is the unifying power of music, and it is so important. It could be the Irish fiddle and the Lambeg drum coming together for a truly unique session.”
“I declare an interest: I have two ceoltóirí beaga”
“He said that the experience over the past 74 years — this year, it will be 75 years — has been:”
“He predicts that the Belfast event will attract about 800,000 visitors, including 20,000 performers from across Ireland and beyond. He emphasised:”
“. <BR /> <BR />Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, the director-general of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, called the fleadh the:”
“I welcome the announcement that the world's largest festival of Irish music and dance is set to take place in Belfast in 2026. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be held from 2 to 9 August in Belfast. It will be only the second time that it has been hosted in Northern Ireland, with Derry holding the festival in 2013 and attracting 400,000 people. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the Ards branch of the Comhaltas, particularly Niall, Bronagh and Mervyn, who have worked hard along with the Comhaltas in Belfast and Belfast City Council to bring the fleadh to Belfast to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the branch. A massive comhghairdeas libh”
“Hopefully, however, the Programme for Government sets out a greener, more sustainable future. I hope that the Assembly and the Executive can go further and work together to ensure that the future is not only green but inclusive and culturally rich for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
“The passing reference to a "Culture Strategy" feels like lip service and a bit of an afterthought, rather than the recognition that our amazing creative industries so rightly deserve. The arts sector is not just an add-on to our economy; it enriches lives, supports mental health, drives tourism, creates jobs and helps us to tell our story to the entire world. The arts sector in Northern Ireland punches well above its weight, as we have seen at recent awards ceremonies. I wish that the Executive had put their weight behind the arts sector. That is a bit of a missed opportunity. <BR /> <BR />While I welcome the Programme for Government, particularly the work led by my colleagues Minister Muir and Minister Long, I have to stress that poverty and the arts should not be seen as side issues.”
“The Programme for Government rightly acknowledges the need for a cross-departmental approach, but, without naming poverty as a core priority, we risk seeing it slip into the background once again. For too long, Northern Ireland has relied on temporary mitigations rather than tackling the structural causes of poverty head-on. The Programme for Government was a real opportunity to embed anti-poverty action at the very heart of government, but, sadly, that opportunity has not been fully seized. <BR /> <BR />As the chair of the all-party group on arts, I need to express a bit of disappointment about the lack of meaningful attention given to the arts and cultural sector in the Programme for Government — there is no mention of it at all.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst there is so much to welcome in the PFG, I, as the Alliance Party's poverty and social security spokesperson, cannot avoid expressing disappointment at the way in which it handles poverty. It is welcome that the Programme for Government gives greater attention to poverty, but it is deeply regrettable that the Executive have not made it a central driving priority. Poverty permeates every vein of government: health, education, housing, employment, our children's futures and families' ability to heat their homes or put food on the table. Every Department, every policy and every Budget decision should be seen through the lens of this question: does this lift people out of poverty or risk pushing them further into it?”
“Let us be honest, however: Lough Neagh is not just a DAERA issue; it is a public health emergency, an economic risk and an environmental catastrophe all rolled into one. Lough Neagh affects our drinking water, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure, meaning that the response simply cannot sit solely with one Department. It needs joined-up, cross-departmental action from Infrastructure, Economy, Health and beyond. We must build real partnerships with communities, farmers, environmental groups and councils around the lough. Let us be clear: this is not about blame. It is about creating the conditions for everyone to work together to restore the lough and protect it for future generations.”
“It was and remains one of the most significant environmental disasters that we have faced in a generation. I welcome the Executive's eventual commitment to delivering the Lough Neagh action plan, but delivery must mean action and accountability. We need clear mechanisms in place to track and report progress on nutrient management, septic tank regulation and pollution enforcement. They go hand in hand.”
“They provide the food that we rely on, and they have built a reputation for quality of which Northern Ireland should be really proud. That value cannot be measured in pounds and pence; it is about people, place and pride. I am also pleased to see continued support for fisheries through the marine environment and fisheries fund, which will ensure that our coastal communities, none more so than those in my constituency, have the resources that they need to adapt and thrive in the face of climate and economic change. <BR /> <BR />We cannot talk about environmental and agriculture challenges without mentioning Lough Neagh. The unprecedented crisis that we have seen at the lough in the past two years shone an international spotlight on Northern Ireland, sadly for the wrong reasons.”
“I hope that the Minister can continue to support the farmers who see the protection and nurturing of our environment as such a massive part of their role. <BR /> <BR />Ambition needs certainty, however, and that is why the ring fencing of the agriculture budget in Northern Ireland, unlike in other parts of the UK, that Minister Muir has secured is so vital. We need to see that sustained. Such a financial commitment can give farmers the stability that they need to plan, invest in and drive forward sustainable change when so many other factors impinge on their certainty. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the recognition given to the economic importance of our agri-food and fisheries sectors. They do so much more than just contribute to the economy. Our farmers, fishers and food producers keep us going.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the PFG rightly highlights, Northern Ireland needs an economic transformation that embraces the opportunity for green growth. It is really important that we have seen that in the PFG. Crucially, we cannot achieve green growth without meaningful support for our agriculture sector, which is why the farming carbon scheme, the carbon footprinting project and the beef carbon reduction scheme are so important. They are practical tools that are designed to help farmers become and remain climate leaders while maintaining the production of high-quality and world-class food for local and global markets. It is another way in which to bust the myth that it has to be either farming or the environment, when, in fact, our farmers are so often the custodians of our countryside.”
“It is with mixed feelings that I welcome the publication of the Programme for Government. It is bittersweet that we have had to wait this long for it, but I hope that it stands as a foundation for the delivery that the public deserve, especially if all Departments consider it a baseline and foundation from which to work rather than the ceiling of their ambition. <BR /> <BR />I commend the clear commitments on decarbonisation, sustainable agriculture and the urgent need to restore and protect our natural environment. Those are essential pillars of our future, and I particularly recognise the work of Minister Muir, who is already leading the way in DAERA through his sustainable agriculture programme, which aims to bolster the agrisector's economic viability while addressing the key environmental challenges.”
“Migrants play a vital role in agriculture, hospitality and local businesses, keeping North Antrim's economy afloat, and I thank them for that. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that racist incidents in Northern Ireland now regularly exceed sectarian incidents. In 2023 alone, there were over 1,300 racist incidents compared with 1,091 sectarian incidents. That is the power of misinformation, demonisation and the othering of our fellow human beings. Blaming immigration for a housing crisis is not just wrong; it is dangerous scapegoating and a deliberate distraction from the real work that the Assembly should be doing. The truth is straightforward: our housing crisis will not be solved by blaming migrants; it will be solved by better decisions, better investment and better government.”
“It is a chronic shortage of social housing, rising construction costs, delays in the planning process, water infrastructure that cannot support new development, and, of course, the growing Airbnb effect whereby properties that could house families are instead being turned into short-term lets, which is something that we see across North Antrim. That is the real housing crisis. <BR /> <BR />Mr Gaston also conveniently ignored the positive contribution that people from other countries make to our society, particularly in North Antrim. A total of 900 migrants work in health and care roles, filling essential vacancies to keep services running. Over 180 migrants in North Antrim work in education, helping to teach our children.”
“In social housing, 88% of tenants across Northern Ireland were born here, rising to 89% in North Antrim. In owner-occupied housing, the picture is the same: 89% across Northern Ireland, rising to 91% in North Antrim. <BR /> <BR />If immigration was truly driving up rents, we would expect to see a much higher proportion of private renters being migrants or clear links between migration hotspots and rising rents, and that is simply not the case across the entirety of the Province. The latest official data shows that net migration represents just 0·3% of our 1·9 million population — a tiny fraction. To describe that as uncontrolled is wildly misleading. To suggest that a small number of people could cause a housing crisis is simply not credible. <BR /> <BR />The answer to the question of what is driving up rents is no mystery.”
“I take this opportunity to correct the record and respond to comments made during last week's private renters debate by a fellow Member for North Antrim. During the debate, Mr Gaston claimed that so-called uncontrolled immigration was driving up rents, particularly in deprived areas, such as in certain parts of North Antrim. That claim is completely false, and it is vital that the Chamber does not allow misinformation to go unchallenged, so let me put the facts on record. <BR /> <BR />The most recent census data is clear: 86% of all housing in Northern Ireland is occupied by people born here. In North Antrim, that figure actually rises to 88%. In the private rented sector, 72% of tenants across Northern Ireland were born here, rising to 73% in North Antrim.”
“Minister, I particularly like the fact that you referenced the mental health of farmers in dealing with this crisis. What else can farmers do to reduce the risk of TB on their farms?”
“I hope that the Minister's words come to fruition: we need a whole-system approach because we simply do need to increase the supply and because renters in Northern Ireland cannot wait any longer. They deserve better. They need security and fairness, but, most importantly, they need a safe and good roof over their head.”
“Thank you, deputy —. I was going to say deputy First Minister. I mean Deputy Speaker. Goodness me. You know that it is that time of the night. I have given you quite a promotion there. <BR /> <BR />Thank you, Minister. I really appreciate that. People do not live in silos, so their problems are not siloed. Therefore, it is really encouraging to hear you talk about working across Departments. We need the Department to act for real, tangible change. As Maurice Bradley said, we need a common-sense resolution to some of these problems. My colleague Kellie Armstrong referenced our paper, Alliance's 'New Deal for Private Renters', and we believe that it sets out a road map for some of that.”
“In my constituency and the neighbouring one, as referenced by Cara Hunter, short-term lets and Airbnbs are a growing issue, and they are sucking the heart from our coastal communities, as we have seen in so many villages between my constituency and that of the SDLP Member who mentioned it. We need the Minister to work with the councils. Is there a way to license short-term lets, akin to how HMOs are dealt with? Is there something that we can do to start to address the short-term lets situation, particularly in those coastal or tourist destinations? I take on board what the Member for North Belfast said; it is also an issue within the city.”
“Analysis undertaken by Shelter NI identified that inadequate LHA rates are pushing those on the lowest incomes into unsuitable accommodation. They have no other choice. As a result, claimants in Northern Ireland face that annual shortfall of nearly £1,000 between their welfare support and their rent. That is a gap that is absolutely impossible for so many to face. It leaves them with two bleak choices: somehow scrape together the difference, often at the expense of essentials, or settle for cheaper housing that is frequently substandard or unfit for purpose. Renters are simply left powerless. We heard that from quite a few Members. <BR /> <BR />Living in a rural community makes all those issues even worse at times. Housing options are fewer, rents are still high and wages are often lower, making it really hard to save for a home.”
“We also heard from other Members about choosing between freezing and unaffordable bills. It is no surprise that poor housing wreaks havoc on physical and mental health, piling more pressure on the NHS, with substandard housing costing over £1·4 billion annually across the UK. Landlords ignore repair requests, knowing that tenants have nowhere to go. If they complain, they risk having their rent hiked as punishment. <BR /> <BR />It is not all about bad landlords. As Robbie Butler pointed out, good landlords have nothing to fear from reformed legislation. The things that we are trying to do target bad practice. That is what we are talking about today. Not all landlords are bad. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Michelle Guy suggested that we lobby for a full-system review and a regularly updated LHA.”
“A 2019 survey of private landlords by the Housing Executive found clear evidence of discrimination against tenants on housing benefit. While 40% of landlords had tenants receiving housing benefit, certain landlords were far more likely not to rent to them. Crucially, whilst 56% of landlords were open to renting to tenants on benefits in the future, nearly one in five refused outright. Therefore, the reality is that many benefit claimants face significant barriers to securing private rented accommodation as well. <BR /> <BR />For those who manage to find somewhere, the reality can be grim, as my colleague Kate Nicholl outlined through sharing some of the personal stories that have come through her office. Mothers share beds with their children. Damp, mould-ridden homes make them sick. Heating systems fail in the winter.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another core group, who we tend not to talk about too much, are care-experienced young people who simply do not have the luxury of the Bank of Mum and Dad, or even the safe place of mum and dad to move home to. When they leave care, they lose not just a roof over their head, they lose their security, stability and, in most cases, their entire support network. There is little to no guarantee of social housing in the locality of whatever support network they have built up. For those who end up in the private rented market, the inability to maintain a tenancy puts them at serious risk of homelessness. <BR /> <BR />Worse still, I am told that landlords openly discriminate against people on benefits.”
“They should be laying the foundations of their adult lives, building careers and planning for the future, but they are trapped in a system where they cannot afford to buy, they can barely afford to rent and no real alternatives exist. They are left treading water, waiting for policies that are taking just too long to come, and the cost of living continues to rise beyond their reach. That shows in the fact that we have more and more young people moving back in with their parents. <BR /> <BR />Those from low-income backgrounds face barriers before they even get through the door. One constituent of mine called it "a rigged system". Renters have to provide a guarantor who is earning three times the rent, pay deposits that take years to save for and pass credit checks that penalise them for being on low incomes.”
“I am relieved that the Minister referenced the introduction of some rent controls, or at least the announcement of a reduction of the amount of rent increase that someone can have within a certain period. That would be really positive. It fits with the research commissioned by the Minister's Department, which shows that those third-generation controls would improve affordability and already have widespread public support. That is a really positive thing that we can point to. <BR /> <BR />Given my background as a youth worker, I am concerned about how the next generation experiences things. We have a generation of young people who are supposed to be thriving, starting careers, settling down and contributing to the economy, but they are stuck waiting for change to a system that refuses to listen to them.”
“We agree that rent freezes and reductions could result in 60% or, at least, a high proportion of landlords leaving the sector. How will that positively impact on anyone? <BR /> <BR />The crisis has been years in the making, with a series of Ministers playing their part. In the past, Ministers have made grand promises about housing on the one hand and then, on the other, have, unfortunately, presided over yet more rent rises and a chronic shortage of homes with shocking standards and levels of security in the sector. In our more recent history, the Minister could have put things in place. He has acknowledged that we need more homes but refuses to stop the Housing Executive scheme that continues to sell off the limited stock that we have. We think that that puts more pressure on the supply.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank all Members who spoke today, especially those who shared their constituents' personal stories. I am one of the MLAs who has housing as the number-one area for casework in the office. We know that the private rented sector in Northern Ireland is in crisis, and that is why we tabled the motion. <BR /> <BR />We will support the SDLP's amendment. The Member for West Belfast said that there was no evidence to support a particular claim, but, in response to his comment, I will say that there is evidence not from 2002 but from 2022, which is just three years ago, from the Chartered Institute of Housing. That is a fairly reliable source for us to look at, rather than opinion or thought.”
“My question is a perfect follow-on from that because it is about the UK Government's consultation on the legal framework for copyright and artificial intelligence. Will you commit to engaging with representatives of the creative sector to understand their worries about that and ensure that they can meaningfully exercise their own copyright and exclusivity rights?”
“That is the bedrock on which our agri-food industry is based and on which it trades, and it ensures consumer confidence. <BR /> <BR />The prayer of annulment is not political leadership; it is political point-scoring at the expense of the very people whom the Assembly is meant to serve. I urge all Members to reject the prayer of annulment and stand with our farmers, our food producers and our rural communities.”