Cheryl Brownlee
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim.”
“Individuals such as Iris often work quietly behind the scenes and give their time and energy without seeking any recognition. Iris has become the backbone of community life. Her nomination reflects the esteem in which she is held in Islandmagee, where everybody loves her.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. We have over 17,000 children and over 4,000 adults on the waiting list. They are waiting for up to six years for an assessment. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in the delivery plan, there are no measurable targets to reduce those waiting times.”
“It showcases everything that is best about Carrickfergus and beyond, from the magnificent historical re-enactment to the participation of over 40 marching bands, Orange lodges, children's entertainers, pipers, Highland dancers, Lambeg drummers, community groups, living history performers, volunteers and many more.”
“I recognise the outstanding success of the Royal Landing celebrations held in Carrickfergus on Saturday. Once again, thousands of people lined the streets of our historic town to witness what can only be described as a spectacular re-enactment of one of the most important moments in Ulster's history: the landing of King William III at Car…”
“They overlook the volunteer time, the hours that are taken to preserve our history, the young people who spend their evenings participating in bands and cultural organisations and the thousands who attend with pride and enthusiasm.”
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“I thank the Minister for his response. We have over 17,000 children and over 4,000 adults on the waiting list. They are waiting for up to six years for an assessment. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in the delivery plan, there are no measurable targets to reduce those waiting times. Can you look at that to commit to recognising the challenges here, provide some targets and measure and report against those to make sure that we actually reduce the waiting times and that we have an evidential base to do so?”
“They continue to show us the importance of community and the invaluable work of the community sector and the impact that it has. I congratulate all three as they await the 'Make a Difference' final. I am incredibly proud of them, and I wish them all the best.”
“Individuals such as Iris often work quietly behind the scenes and give their time and energy without seeking any recognition. Iris has become the backbone of community life. Her nomination reflects the esteem in which she is held in Islandmagee, where everybody loves her. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I pay tribute to Carrickfergus Hub Improving Lives Locally (CHILL), which has become an important source of support and connection for many people in Carrickfergus. The organisation tackles loneliness and provides a welcoming space alongside counselling and support for so many individuals. The extent to which it has grown and thrived shows the power that a community organisation can have. <BR /> <BR />All three finalists represent the best of East Antrim.”
“I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim. First, I congratulate the Eco Rangers NI, who have inspired people of all ages to take pride in their environment through clean-ups, environmental education, conservation projects and activities that encourage people to engage with nature. Eco Rangers NI have helped to improve public spaces and promote environmental responsibility. Their efforts demonstrate how local action can make a meaningful difference, and I know that East Antrim would be lost without them. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, I acknowledge Iris Tweed from Islandmagee, whose commitment to helping others has earned her a well-deserved recognition for her fundraising.”
“Thank you, Minister. This is, of course, great news for Northern Ireland. You will know, as I do, that our constituents in East Antrim are crying out for affordable homes. Therefore, have there been any identifiable sites or have discussions been under way on the East Antrim area, and do you commit to, of course, extending the scheme throughout Northern Ireland?”
“They overlook the volunteer time, the hours that are taken to preserve our history, the young people who spend their evenings participating in bands and cultural organisations and the thousands who attend with pride and enthusiasm. The scenes witnessed in Carrickfergus at the weekend provide the strongest possible response to those comments. The crowds speak for themselves; the success speaks for itself; and the community pride speaks for itself. It is far from being a vanity project; it is a celebration of important history, cultural tourism, education and community spirit, and we cannot wait to see it grow further.”
“That is why, in recent months, so many people have been disappointed to hear such cultural events and programmes associated with our important heritage and culture being classed as "vanity projects" by Sinn Féin. Such remarks fail to recognise the immense value that the events bring to our communities.”
“It showcases everything that is best about Carrickfergus and beyond, from the magnificent historical re-enactment to the participation of over 40 marching bands, Orange lodges, children's entertainers, pipers, Highland dancers, Lambeg drummers, community groups, living history performers, volunteers and many more. <BR /> <BR />The weekend demonstrated the vibrancy and cultural richness of our communities, and I pay tribute to everybody who was involved in such a successful event. What makes it so special, however, is its uniqueness. There is nothing quite like it. It is an authentic cultural experience rooted in the history of Carrickfergus. I was privileged on the day to speak to so many people from Australia, Canada, Wexford, Liverpool and beyond.”
“I recognise the outstanding success of the Royal Landing celebrations held in Carrickfergus on Saturday. Once again, thousands of people lined the streets of our historic town to witness what can only be described as a spectacular re-enactment of one of the most important moments in Ulster's history: the landing of King William III at Carrickfergus on 14 June 1690. For one weekend, history was truly brought to life. Families, visitors, local residents and tourists were immersed in the history of a defining chapter of our heritage and culture. The sights, sounds and atmosphere allowed us not only to celebrate our past but to provide a really important educational experience for a new generation. The Royal Landing has become much more than an event.”
“Something like that can never happen again. Above all, the Assembly must send a clear message that there can be no excuses, no qualifications and no mitigation for violence of that nature. The victim deserves justice. The family deserve answers. The people of north Belfast and Northern Ireland deserve to know that the individual responsible will be held fully accountable for his actions.”
“The brutality that was displayed has shocked people not just across Northern Ireland but across the world. It has left many people asking how such violence could be carried out so openly, with such apparent disregard for human life, in our country. <BR /> <BR />The PSNI must be frank and forthcoming with information as its investigation progresses. Residents will, understandably, be concerned. They deserve to know the facts. Rumour and speculation will thrive in the absence of information, particularly when that horrific footage is being circulated online. It has recently been reported that a 30-year-old Somalian man is responsible. He must be brought before the courts as quickly as possible and feel the full weight of the law, ensuring that there is justice for the victim. <BR /> <BR />This is now on our doorstep.”
“Like many in the Chamber and across Northern Ireland, I woke up this morning to the horrific scenes in north Belfast. Our first thoughts must always be with the victim, his family and those who witnessed such a barbaric act of violence. I pay tribute to the members of the public who risked their own safety to intervene and provide assistance and the PSNI, which was there within minutes. <BR /> <BR />Many sections of the media have branded this a stabbing, but the video footage that is circulating online shows that it was far more than that. It was a sustained, vicious and murderous attack. It was not simply an assault but a calculated attempt to inflict the most severe and life-changing injuries imaginable on another innocent human being.”
“Will the Minister provide an update on the school enhancement programme throughout Northern Ireland? If he has any specifics regarding East Antrim, that would be helpful as well.”
“— they need the guarantee of consistent support. Members on these Benches completely, wholeheartedly support the motion, and we will do everything that we can to protect our young people.”
“The Public Accounts Committee warned about the increasing number of young people with special educational needs who are leaving education every year. Departments are failing to properly work together or even to share the very basic data needed to plan for those children's future. Families do not care which Department is responsible, and they do not care about silos or bureaucracy; they just want to know that their child has a future. Right now, for far too many families, the future feels uncertain and frightening. I welcome the application to the transformation fund. However, families need a lot more than warm words or short-term projects; they want action, long-term planning and —”
“It means parents leaving work because there is nowhere suitable for their child to go; families being pushed to breaking point, emotionally, physically and financially; and young people sitting at home, isolated and losing confidence, routine and opportunities. Worst of all, it means potential being wasted. Those young people have value. They have abilities, talent and personalities. They have a future, and they matter just as much as anybody here. All that families ask for is the reassurance that their child will not simply be abandoned once they have left school. It is not about dependency but dignity: giving young people the opportunity to live meaningful lives in environments that allow them to flourish, not systems that place barriers in their way. <BR /> <BR />The frightening truth is that the crisis is only growing.”
“There is no plan, no pathway and no certainty about what comes next. <BR /> <BR />Last year, I met a young lad who was preparing to leave school. He was sad about leaving his friends, teachers and the school environment because that is where he felt safe. What stayed with me the most, however, was not his sadness about leaving school but his fear of having nowhere to go. He felt totally worthless. Last week, I met another young man. He is aged 17, and his parents are exhausted from managing serious physical and behavioural challenges every day. Hanging over that family is their one terrified question: how will they cope when school ends? <BR /> <BR />That is the reality of post-19 SEN.”
“I wholeheartedly support the motion and amendment. First, however, I thank Alma, Caleb's cause and all the parents and carers who have worked so hard to get the debate to the House. It has been impossible to ignore this issue, because they have made sure that it could not be ignored. Their determination, persistence and refusal to give up have forced us all to acknowledge the reality that so many families across Northern Ireland face, every single day, which is that our most vulnerable young people are being failed. Every year, young people leave the safety and structure of a special school and fall off a cliff edge to uncertainty, isolation and fear. Every year, families who have fought for years to secure support find that that support suddenly disappears the moment their child turns 19.”
“<BR /> <BR />We also cannot ignore the devastating impact on people's mental health. Autistic adults are significantly over-represented. Access to specialist care is not optional but essential. <BR /> <BR />As we discuss this today, we must remember that every statistic represents a person — an adult, a child, a parent, a sibling or a carer — who is trying to navigate a system that too often fails them. Autistic individuals have enormous strengths, and they contribute greatly to our society, our communities and our workplaces. They deserve so much better.”
“Many grow up before their time, having to step back from their own needs because of the level of care that is required for their brother or sister. <BR /> <BR />During the previous mandate, our colleague Pam Cameron, working with Autism NI, introduced legislation that aimed to improve diagnosis, intervention and support for autistic people in Northern Ireland. The Autism (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and the role of the Independent Autism Reviewer are critical. They were such important steps forward, but the Autism Reviewer's recent report lays bare the scale of the challenge that remains. We know that waiting lists are unacceptable, with many families forced to pursue a private diagnosis. There should be no postcode lottery, and a person's earnings or economic status should not determine the level of care that their child gets.”
“Parents are fighting for a few hours' support each week simply to be able to breathe. That is not sustainable care. More and more carers are reaching breaking point while trying to access the most basic help. Let us be honest: families do not want another Zoom workshop or awareness session; they want practical support, respite and space to recharge so that they can continue to care for their loved ones safely and compassionately. Too often, unpaid carers fill the gaps left by statutory services, with serious consequences for their own mental health and well-being as they try to continue in their caring role. <BR /> <BR />There is another forgotten voice in the conversation: the siblings. Those children and young people witness the stress and chaos in their home every day.”
“That is the daily reality for families across Northern Ireland.”
“It breaks my heart that, in 2026, elderly parents are carrying unimaginable caring responsibilities alone because the system is failing them.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our all-party group had previously raised the proposal of autism champions, and, through a question for written answer, we had a great response from the Minister, who said that he would look at it further and scope it out from a number of jurisdictions to see what could be done. It would be great if the Minister could give an update on that. <BR /> <BR />One of the greatest failures in the space remains respite provision. Many families will remember the 'I Am Not Okay' documentary, which exposed the raw reality faced by parents and carers supporting children and adults with the highest support needs. It is not an isolated story. Only this week, I spoke to a 72-year-old mother caring for her 52-year-old autistic daughter with learning difficulties. She is begging for respite support, as she cannot get the help that she needs.”
“Any training is welcome, and we should be proud that it has been delivered, but we need to ask whether it is being sufficiently targeted, whether it is effective and how it is monitored to make sure that we are delivering the right training at the right time and that it is making the biggest impact. We need to know: is the training being tailored to address the mental health needs of autistic individuals; how are professionals being equipped to make the reasonable adjustments that are needed in practice to ensure that there are no further barriers to accessing health; and how are interventions being adapted to ensure that autistic people can access and remain engaged with the support that they so need?”
“As legislators, we need to understand, as baseline data, that when we support projects or look at strategies, what we agree collectively is working for people on the ground. <BR /> <BR />One of the recurring themes in the debate is collaboration. We continue to see fragmented services, poor data sharing and families being pushed from one service to the other with little coordination or continuity of care. Constituents repeatedly tell us that they feel lost in a system that operates in silos. <BR /> <BR />One of the biggest barriers is access to health. While autism and neurodiversity awareness training has been rolled out across the health and social care trusts, we were told in January that only 365 staff had completed the training.”
“We support the motion and the amendment. It is great to see a debate on autism in the Assembly again. I hate using the word "debate", as it is never a debate, because we are all in agreement, and we are all passionate about the topic. <BR /> <BR />I welcome this week's publication of the delivery plan for the autism strategy. Any renewed focus on autism services is to be welcomed, but, once again, we are presented with a strategy that lacks the qualitative targets and clear, measurable outcomes that we need. Without those, families and autistic individuals will continue to ask the same questions: how will we know that things are improving and how do we know that what we are doing is helping?”
“The attack cannot be viewed in isolation, as it is the second attack in just four weeks. That pattern is extremely concerning and underlines the real and ongoing threat posed by dissident republican terrorists. My party stands firmly with the PSNI. Northern Ireland's future will not be decided by bombs, by threats or by those trapped in a failing past. As we continue to build a thriving Northern Ireland, it will be decided by democracy and consent. There is no appetite for violence, no support for it and no future in it. Northern Ireland will not tolerate, excuse or be intimidated by such actions. Those days are over, and they are not coming back.”
“That is why the hypocrisy that we have seen in recent days cannot go unchallenged. Only last week, Sinn Féin defended the unauthorised erection of a statue of Bobby Sands. Bobby Sands was involved in bombings: that is clear. A bomber is always a bomber. There never was and never will be justification for violence. Sinn Féin needs to stand with the PSNI every day. That means supporting the police, encouraging cooperation with the police, promoting police recruitment, encouraging school engagement and unequivocally backing officers as they uphold the rule of law in order to protect every person in Northern Ireland. To do anything less is to undermine the political structures that keep our communities safe.”
“<BR /> <BR />Those responsible are not activists — they are not patriots; they are criminals intent on destruction — and offer Northern Ireland absolutely nothing. There can be no excuses, half-justifications or looking the other way from anyone who attempts to minimise, justify or provide political cover for that type of violence: they must speak with one voice on the issue.”
“The scenes that we witnessed in Dunmurry on Saturday night were nothing more than a cowardly terrorist attack by the so-called New IRA, whose sole intention was to murder police officers and to spread fear throughout our communities. As the Chief Constable has been unequivocal in saying, it was reckless; it was dangerous; and it could easily have resulted in multiple deaths. That we are not dealing with a funeral today is down only to sheer chance and the bravery of the PSNI. <BR /> <BR />It was an attack not just on the police but on all of us: residents living nearby, families going about their daily business and anyone who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We fully support the individuals who were caught up in that horrific incident, many of whom will have been deeply shaken by what they experienced.”
“The Sentencing Bill provides an opportunity to ensure that the punishment truly fits the crime. When we look at the high rate of drug-related deaths among our young people aged from 25 to 34, we see lives cut tragically short by supply chains run by individuals who, too often, face consequences that do not reflect the harm that they have caused. <BR /> <BR />Those who supply drugs to young and vulnerable people show complete lack of regard for human life. That is where the support principle of Jasmin's law and the introduction of that factor comes in, targeting and helping people who are vulnerable.”
“Many of us here know people who are living with the devastating consequences of that, and many people watching the debate will have gone through the trauma of losing someone. Early intervention is, of course, key, and we must prioritise funding for prevention and early support. The Department of Health can improve outcomes for individuals and, by doing so, reduce long-term pressures on the health service. Today, even having the conversation brings to light how important it is that we support those who are struggling in the cycle of addiction. <BR /> <BR />We also must confront the issue of supply. Those convicted of dealing drugs must face consequences that reflect the true gravity of their actions. Sentencing must act as a real and meaningful deterrent and not just be a slap on the wrist.”
“They rob people of their futures and wreck their communities. <BR /> <BR />Addressing the crisis requires more than isolated action. Whether it is enforcement or prevention, measures can succeed only if there is a truly joined-up UK-wide approach that brings together central government and the devolved Administrations to deliver real, measurable outcomes. We support coordination across all Departments, but that must mean something in practice for the people on the ground. It must mean faster access to treatment, stronger and earlier intervention in our schools and visible and accessible support in our communities. <BR /> <BR />It is deeply concerning that, over the past decade, drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland have increased by 47%.”
“I thank the proposer of this important motion for bringing it to the Assembly. Drug deaths alone do not really reflect the full harm caused by substance misuse. Behind every statistic, there is a much wider story. Families are torn apart, relationships are broken and lives are lost not only through overdose but through addiction, despair and, in far too many cases, suicide. With an average of 130 drug-related deaths each week across the UK, we cannot ignore the scale of the problem. <BR /> <BR />The issue is not confined to one place. It is not limited to cities or specific communities. It affects families across every bit of Northern Ireland. We must be clear that those who profit from peddling the poison in our communities are not just low-level offenders; they are criminals. Their actions devastate and destroy families.”
“Let us send a really strong message. I urge Members to support our amendment.”
“I am a big believer in diversionary programmes: I have seen them in my constituency and know that they work well. It is about working together. No single method will solve the problem. It is about how we utilise all of them together to make the biggest impact. <BR /> <BR />My colleague David Brooks, whom my colleague Phillip Brett mentioned, could not be here today, but he is at the forefront of the issue in his constituency of East Belfast, which has been particularly affected by the issue. The amendment that we have tabled was shaped by that engagement with local communities and front-line teams, grounded in practical experience, and it was tabled in a genuine effort to find solutions. Communities have waited long enough. The amendment provides practical but proportionate steps to restore safety and confidence in our communities.”
“It makes me feel awful when an older person or somebody with a disability is terrified to go out of their home because of that. When somebody is scared to leave their property because of e-scooters or scramblers, we have to come down hard on it and ensure that we do as much as possible. As we know, such behaviour is not harmless. It is dangerous, illegal and deeply destructive to all communities, and people deserve to feel safe in the communities in which they live. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment is about closing the gap between the scale of the problem and the powers that are available to deal with it. If we are serious about tackling antisocial behaviour, we need to be prepared to match enforcement with legislation, innovation, resourcing and, of course, education. Education is critical.”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />I absolutely agree. We have that technology. The PSNI has it. It is about how the technology is utilised not only in this instance but in other areas where we should look to technology to make things safer and ensure that we get the response right, keep people safe at the time and get it across the line. We definitely need to look at using that technology much more. <BR /> <BR />We know that what we are discussing is not some hypothetical but is happening on our streets across Northern Ireland, although it may be happening in some areas more than others. We have all seen the footage of scramblers and e-scooters being driven recklessly through residential areas, which puts pedestrians, drivers and, indeed, those riders at risk.”
“In the first three months of 2026, 22 vehicles were seized. That is good news, but, often, the reality is that a small fine is paid, and then they are back out on the streets, and the hands of the police are again tied. That is little deterrent. The situation has to change. Police need the powers to properly seize, retain and, where necessary, dispose of the vehicles.”
“Officers are often unable to pursue due to risk to life, particularly on footpaths and greenways. Offenders know and exploit that, and, in some cases, they actively seek the chase as though they get from it some sort of weird enjoyment. They are confident that, even if they are caught, the consequences will be minimal. That is where technology such as drones could be utilised to better address the issue through the use of aerial monitoring to track and pursue offenders properly.”
“<BR /> <BR />As a public representative, I am extremely frustrated, as, I am sure, are all of us in the Chamber. Parents are in distress. Communities are getting angry. Whilst we can all sit here and, as I certainly do, encourage reporting to the PSNI, we know rightly that it does not have enough powers to deal effectively with this growing problem. <BR /> <BR />I do not think that any of us wants to stand here in another few months, there having been another death that could have been prevented. Between 2021 and 2025, there have been 176 road traffic collisions involving e-scooters, in which 51 people were seriously injured. This is our opportunity to discuss that and to act here today. <BR /> <BR />We know that, at present, there are clear limitations on what the PSNI can do.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Only last week, I received video footage of a young child and his father walking from their home to the car. As the child stepped on to the footpath, a scrambler came past at speed. Only the quick reactions of the father in pulling him back prevented what could have been a devastating incident in my constituency. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, we have lost lives because of such incidents. Today's debate is really important, because we have come together to discuss something that really matters to people on the ground. It is not even about potential loss of life, because there has been loss of life. It is about what we are doing to ensure that we make real, tangible changes that will genuinely make a difference.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. This week, I will meet with Tourism NI to discuss the promotion of the Royal Landing festival, which takes place in my constituency of East Antrim. Can the Minister explain why events such the Royal Landing festival, the sham fight at Scarva and the Twelfth are not included on Tourism NI's website and why information on them is not provided on its tourism calendar? Will the Minister attempt to rectify that, get those events on the calendar as soon as possible and get them promoted throughout Northern Ireland and beyond?”
“That is incredible news and says loud and clear that our veterans will no longer be left behind. Minister, will you provide a time frame for your work and indicate when it will start to be implemented?”
“We are enabling better communication, effective treatment and a more compassionate standard of care, and that will make a difference for children to stay in A&E to receive the treatment that they need. <BR /> <BR />I am proud that we have all supported the initiative, and we continue to advocate for the expansion of such vital services across the whole of Northern Ireland to ensure that every child receives the understanding, dignity and care that they so deserve.”
“I place on record my sincere thanks to the Little Heroes charity, which has worked tirelessly to secure the vital funding that was required to create the space. The dedication of Little Heroes has enhanced healthcare environments for children, and the project will make a massive difference to everybody in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The cubbie is an innovative system that provides an immersive space that is designed to specifically support children who may feel overwhelmed in busy clinical settings. It uses light, sound and interactive features to create a calming environment that helps regulate sensory input. That matters so much for our families who visit A&E, which can be an overwhelming and frightening experience.”
“This week, we will finally see the launch of the sensory hub cubbie at the children's emergency department at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and it is important that it comes during Autism Awareness Month. It is a moment that has been some time in the making, and I pay particular tribute to Erin McAllister, who contacted every single MLA, councillor and MP in the country about her petition that brought the issue to the fore. It is incredible what her work has achieved. It has been a pleasure to support the campaign and to bring the concerns to the Assembly, and it shows that the voices of those families have been heard and acted on. I was also pleased that there was full agreement about the issue in the House, and it shows what we can achieve and the difference that we can make when we work together.”
“<BR /> <BR />Perhaps the one positive outcome from today is that the debate has highlighted the strength of public feeling and society's willingness to stand up for our most vulnerable. We must now move beyond words. We must work together, learn from what has happened and take meaningful action. The issue should unite us all here today. Families who are affected do not care who gets credit or attracts a headline; they just care whether their child is safe and supported. If we are serious about making SEN a priority, we must all start delivering consistently, together and with urgency for those young people and their families.”
“Summer schemes are not straightforward, staff can differ from those in term time, and familiarity with children's needs is not always there. For such programmes to succeed, every individual involved must feel safe, supported and equipped. That is not the case. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that appropriate nursing provision has now been granted. Hopefully, the schemes can proceed. However, it is extremely concerning and disappointing that we are here today. Thankfully, the Ministers have worked hard to get the provision back up and running. SEN is a priority for the Government — there is agreement on that across the House — but, if that is truly the case, it must be a priority for us all: for Health, Education and Finance.”