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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“The junior Minister is keen to promote the success of T:BUC, a programme that brings together people from all our communities, yet the First Minister supported the decision of councillors in Londonderry to exclude our armed forces from a local jobs fair. How can the First Minister claim to be a "First Minister for all" when she supports and endorses no-go areas in Northern Ireland?”
“Minister, I have worked, and continue to work, with a number of male victims of domestic abuse. They often raise with me the challenges that they face with accessing safe spaces and support, as well as with the associated stigma. That is particularly the case for males. What have the Minister and her Department done to increase support for male victims of domestic abuse?”
“I, too, welcome the statement. Any investment in sport is absolutely fantastic. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in our constituency, we have a fantastic wrestling club, the Barbarians Wrestling Club NI. It is in dire need of equipment, but it requires the like of a specialist mat. Can that be acquired under the fund?”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. I definitely welcome it, particularly for East Antrim, where we have a fantastic set of special schools. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in your statement, you noted the need to provide "specialist accommodation and equipment" and the "vital skills" that enhance children's lives before they leave school. A number of parents have told me that they have significant worries about ensuring that their child receives the proper support before they leave school. As a parent, I understand that. What will the investment mean for children before they leave school? What will that investment be?”
“I say this: well done, Lewis and Kyle. We are all so proud of you.”
“<BR /> <BR />Lewis has paved the way for many boxers, putting himself above the parapet and raising very real concerns about treatment and selection in the Commonwealth Games selection due to his community background as a Protestant, giving other boxers, such as Daryl Clarke from my constituency, the confidence to come forward and demand equality in boxing and to call out sectarianism. <BR /> <BR />We still await the report from the Equality Commission, but, despite those past barriers, Crocker managed to become world champion. My North Belfast colleague Phillip Brett was also incredibly proud for his constituent, young Kyle Smith, who, on his debut, scored victory over Connor Meanwell in the super middleweight division. What a promising career that young man will have. <BR /> <BR />On this occasion, fortune favoured the brave.”
“I say this to Lewis: Northern Ireland is incredibly proud of you. <BR /> <BR />It really was a dream come true. He was boxing on the world stage, which that night was a stone's throw away from his Sandy Row, and he walked out to 'Sweet Caroline' at the home of his beloved Linfield Football Club. The achievement has been fantastic for Lewis, but I hope that it resonates with every person. Even when you feel that you have been written off and that the world may be against you, that should give you even more fire to achieve anything that you set your mind to.”
“I rise to celebrate a phenomenal victory and a moment that echoed across boxing circles and in the heart of everyone in Northern Ireland and beyond. Lewis Crocker, "The Croc", has done what few believed he could and claimed the IBF welterweight world title against Paddy Donovan in front of a roaring crowd at Windsor Park on Saturday evening. <BR /> <BR />From the outset, Crocker was the underdog and was doubted by many. On Saturday, he showed heart, composure and power and finished 12 rounds without even a mark on his face. He boxed smart and walked away a champion. It was clear how much it meant to him, and he called it the "greatest night" of his life. He said, "Nobody gave me a chance", but Saturday was all the proof that was needed, and more, to show what a fantastic boxer this young man is.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber with his statement. I am extremely excited not only for the education system but for Northern Ireland. The strategy will be a game changer. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister provide an update on statutory assessments for 2024-25 and for this year?”
“We must push for more funding, more spaces and a system that genuinely meets the needs of every child not just on paper but in practice, and that will require the support of every Member. <BR /> <BR />Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that cannot happen unless we provide the right support at the right time in the right place. We owe it to every child in Northern Ireland to ensure that they are not left behind.”
“We need to be really honest about the scale of the challenges that we face and honest about priorities. When the Minister speaks and seeks support in the Executive to fund his SEN reform agenda, we must be there to support him. <BR /> <BR />Parents and children are experiencing real frustrations with the current system. The lack of available spaces in specialist settings is one of the most pressing issues. Families are being left with no choice but to expect and accept placements that are not ideal, and, in some cases, children are being left behind. <BR /> <BR />We know that the SEN reform agenda is ambitious. I acknowledge the £27·5 million investment and the commitment to new builds, but, again, we must be honest: the gap between what is needed and what is provided is widening, not narrowing.”
“Those steps are absolutely critical, as our education workforce is the foundation on which a strong and effective SEN system is built. <BR /> <BR />We are aware of the environment in which we operate, with almost one in five of our pupils identified as having special educational needs. As it stands, nearly 30,000 children have a statement of SEN, and the number is growing. Despite the best efforts of our educators, support staff and health professionals, we know that we struggle to meet the demand. <BR /> <BR />In recent months there has been positive progress. Some 1,374 new SEN places have been created across more than 150 classrooms. Last year, in my constituency, £7 million was invested in special schools, and we have seen improvements in placement rates. That is a step forward, but it is just the beginning.”
“We also have to realise that there will be a significant impact on our economy, with more parents struggling to remain in employment and carers struggling financially. Sadly, some children who have not been supported will even end up in the justice system. <BR /> <BR />What has become incredibly clear to me is the invaluable impact made by our classroom assistants, teachers and school leaders. Their dedication and support when working in incredibly challenging environments is absolutely vital to ensuring that every child receives the education that they deserve. They truly are the backbone. Therefore, I am pleased to see that the long-standing pay and grading issues have been resolved by the Minister, with increased pay secured and career progression pathways announced.”
“Now, as I navigate the process alongside many families, I have a deeper appreciation of the challenges involved, even when a placement is secured, due to the nature of special educational needs. It involves much more than bricks and mortar. It needs a supportive and skilled workforce; access to the correct equipment; specialist input such as occupational and speech and language therapy; flexibility; and communication, because SEN is not straightforward. We are guided by the child, and that takes time, and parents need support in this too. Sometimes communication is one of the key factors for all involved. <BR /> <BR />It is not just about Education and the Minister. We understand that there are responsibilities for Health.”
“This matter affects not just our education system but the lives of thousands of children and families across Northern Ireland: the state of the special school education system. As we know, every child, regardless of their needs, has the right to equality of education. However, the reality for many families and children who have special educational needs is far from ideal. Despite recent significant efforts and incredibly positive steps, we are still in a challenging situation. <BR /> <BR />The placement of a child with special educational needs is complex. Whilst I have always understood and advocated the importance of prioritising those children, I did not fully grasp the intricacies of securing the right placement until I became a parent myself.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber today. The media reported that children who are as young as five access gender services in Northern Ireland. As a mum of a five-year-old, I know how young and vulnerable those children are, and they are just learning to count. Will the Minister ensure the protection of our young people in the service by ensuring that they are not subjected to any life-changing medical interventions?”
“<BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, time and time again, I see schools in the controlled sector in my constituency of East Antrim having to fight tooth and nail for the most basic of needs. For example, Carrickfergus Academy continues to operate across a split site, awaiting the central campus that it has been promised for years. That is not just an inconvenience: it is a barrier to cohesion and quality education.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Education's latest paper on integrated education exposes a fundamental flaw. Despite decades of transformation efforts, integrated education has failed to deliver a genuine balance and falls short of the aspirational 40:40:20 split; in fact, some are now less balanced than they were when they first transformed. It is not just a failure in numbers; it is a failure of principle. The transformation process, in certain circumstances, has created a label without substance, whilst our controlled schools, which quietly and consistently welcome children from all backgrounds, are being left behind. Controlled schools are achieving integration in practice and not just in name, yet they are being denied the support that they need.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Today, I speak about something that matters deeply to the Democratic Unionist Party: the future of education in Northern Ireland and, in particular, the vital role of our controlled sector. <BR /> <BR />We have all heard a lot of debate recently around integrated education. While that discussion is important, too often it feels as if the controlled sector is pushed to the side, treated as if it somehow lacks ethos, respect or value. Let me be clear: that could not be further from the truth. It lacks absolutely nothing. Our controlled schools have a strong ethos built on inclusion, respect and community. They welcome children of all faiths and none. They are diverse and open, and they reflect the society that we want and need to build.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. I want to touch on the horrific hacking incident that happened in a recent SEN event. How will TEO and other agencies and Departments work together to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure that digital platforms and, of course, AI advancements remain inclusive and accessible for all?”
“Thank you for the update. I know that the report is not with us at the moment, but, a few weeks ago, I met a lady who was attending an event in the Long Gallery. The toilets just opposite the Members' tea room have three very heavy doors. She was in an electric wheelchair and therefore could not get in to use the facilities. I put that on the record, as it is definitely something that we need to look at.”
“Thank you, Minister. A number of victims and survivors groups have raised with me breaches of non-molestation orders. Will you detail what steps are being taken to ensure that victims are adequately protected following repeated breaches of non-molestation orders?”
“As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with excitement and with our fingers crossed for much better weather.”
“<BR /> <BR />A special moment on Saturday was the presentation of a new trophy, gifted by Stormont Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) 2015 in memory of the late David Hilditch MLA, a man who, as we all know, served Carrickfergus with immense pride. Congratulations go to the Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band, the worthy winners of the award. We were also honoured to welcome DUP deputy leader, Michelle McIlveen, to the parade, and I acknowledge that support came from as far away as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, with Deborah Erskine also in attendance. <BR /> <BR />The incredible event is organised by a small group of dedicated volunteers from the Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group committee. I especially thank Darren McAllister for his tireless work in the months leading up to the day. It is a privilege to work alongside him.”
“Alongside them were many local musicians who showcased their talent with passion and pride and fantastic historical re-enactment groups that made history come very much to life. <BR /> <BR />The event would not be possible without the support of our funders. My sincere thanks go to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the Ulster Scots, Clanmil and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for their continued recognition of the fact that events such as this bring enormous cultural, social and economic benefits to our town. It was wonderful to see so many young people involved throughout the day, clearly showing that our traditions are alive, well and thriving.”
“I wish to celebrate the outstanding success of the Royal Landing event held in Carrickfergus on Saturday, despite what can only be described as truly horrific weather conditions. Thousands of people flocked to our historic town to witness the re-enactment of the landing of King William III, an event of deep historical and cultural significance. It is one of the key annual celebrations for Carrickfergus, drawing visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond. I place on record a huge thank you to all who attended. A particular word of appreciation goes to the marching bands from across Northern Ireland and even from as far as Liverpool that put on a truly terrific display. We were also treated to an outstanding array of musical and dance performances celebrating our Ulster-Scots heritage.”
“I very much welcome the statement, Minister, and the acknowledgement that more must be done for our most vulnerable young people and their families. I pay tribute to Alma and Caleb's Cause for the work that they have done. However, it really concerns me that so many young people do not meet the learning disabilities threshold, even those children who currently attend a special school. They are ineligible for Health-funded pathways or direct payments, leaving them in limbo and their parents and carers without the support that they need to handle and deal with their complex needs in the right way. How will your Department work with Health and Education to address that gap and ensure that parents and carers receive the support that they need?”
“Can the Minister advise the House of what correspondence he or his office had with the PSNI over the course of 11 and 12 June? Can he share with the House any details of those discussions?”
“Whether in the council chamber or in the Assembly, he was known for his respectful manner, integrity and real desire to make a difference. <BR /> <BR />My thoughts and prayers are with Seán's family at this very difficult time. I know that they will take comfort from the high regard in which he was held by so many. On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those mourning his loss, including his family, friends, colleagues in the Alliance Party and the wider Carrickfergus and East Antrim community. His contribution will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who value public service and civic leadership.”
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Seán Neeson. Seán dedicated much of his life to public service, serving with distinction as a councillor, mayor and MLA. His long and respected career was marked by a deep sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the people whom he represented. He was a respected public servant, known for his calm and thoughtful approach and for the genuine love that he had for Carrickfergus and its people. That love was visible not only in his words but in the tireless work that he carried out on behalf of the town and its people. His name became synonymous with Carrickfergus and its civic life. Throughout his political career, Seán was a strong voice for his constituents. He was a passionate political leader and a tireless advocate for the values and principles that guided him.”
“Will the deputy First Minister join me in welcoming the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships to Ebrington this summer and in recognising the positive social, cultural and economic benefits that our marching bands scene brings to Northern Ireland?”
“<BR /> <BR />It is a huge moment for the club, which has gone from strength to strength, and a reflection of the commitment and drive of the boxers, the coaching team and everyone who supports Carrick Boxing Academy. We are proud of how far all the athletes have come and excited to see what is next for them, with East Antrim punching above its weight again.”
“I am delighted to raise again the wonderful achievements of a boxing club in East Antrim. This time, I am delighted to announce that Carrick Boxing Academy now has three Antrim champions, following a tough but rewarding weekend at the Antrim senior championships at Crumlin Star Sports and Social Club in Belfast. The boxers put in an incredible amount of work in the lead-up to the competition, and that dedication paid off in a big way. Scott Murray is now the 63·5 kg senior novice champion; Dan Ames is the 71 kg senior novice champion; and Ruben Bell is the 71 kg senior open champion. All three lads brought home gold medals. We are especially proud of Ruben Bell, who was awarded the County Antrim belt, a new addition this year that was presented to the open class winner.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He will not be surprised that I welcome the £1·6 million for Carrickfergus Castle. I thank him for the recognition of how important that asset is to Northern Ireland as a world-class visitor attraction. Will the Minister detail what the investment will entail and what difference it will make to Carrickfergus Castle and, of course, the town centre?”
“Yes. We believe in recovery. People need support, and they need it at the right time and in the right place.”
“If you are a parent, talk to your child. Support your neighbour. It is about raising awareness and supporting people. Addiction is an illness; it is a difficult —.”
“Whilst there are fantastic services available, one of the things that I have noticed most is that, when you are in addiction, the support services may not be on your doorstep. That is understandable. However, if you are in a cycle of addiction, how do you get to the services to access them? Who is there to support you? When someone has an addiction, they lose their family and their close networks of support and are almost left alone. While there are services there, the issue is understanding how we ensure that people avail of them. That is important. <BR /> <BR />There are a number of things there. I thank the Member for bringing the matter to the Floor. It is a community-wide issue. The Minister of Health is here, but the issue also touches on the remits of other Ministers. It is an Executive-wide issue that we need to address.”
“Carrickfergus Community Forum has a successful men's group that has provided a safe place for those who suffering with addiction and mental health issues. It also provides an affordable food club and community advice services that provide support with debt, benefits and housing and the holistic support that many people need. There is also a support hub that brings together statutory, voluntary and community groups to assist vulnerable young people, including those with drug or alcohol misuse issues. It is that sharing of information, dialogue and working together that can help someone in their time of need or time of crisis. <BR /> <BR />We also know about addiction services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.”
“They do incredible work on the ground. The community and voluntary sector works tremendously hard daily to support those who are in a cycle, which is a difficult thing to break.”
“<BR /> <BR />Fantastic work has been done locally by the likes of the Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) drug and alcohol steering group, which was established to coordinate a multi-agency response to substance misuse. It has expanded from having four members originally to having over 30 members now. It plays a role in policy, community outreach and awareness campaigns. Those awareness campaigns, such as #StopTheTrend, are important. They allow parents, community leaders, the police and everyone involved to recognise what drugs are on the market and what children or adults could be taking so that they are aware of and proactive about what is in the system. <BR /> <BR />There is also fantastic work from the likes of Start360, ASCERT, Extern, YMCA, CHILL and many more organisations.”
“People are desperate for support and are falling into that trap. When repayments cannot be met, they are forced into storing drugs, dealing or even worse: sexual exploitation. <BR /> <BR />I therefore welcome the latest statistics for Mid and East Antrim, where 135 stop-and-search operations were carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Those efforts have led to arrests, seizures of class A and class B drugs and court convictions. A number of RAPID disposal bins have been located throughout Carrick, Larne and Ballymena. In just over a year, 1,400 prescription drugs, including dangerous opioids such as duloxetine, codeine and OxyContin, were safely surrendered.”
“It is very difficult for all involved. I know that everybody is trying to work together, particularly schools, the police, the community and voluntary sector and education bodies, but the situation has now become the norm. <BR /> <BR />It is no coincidence that 44·5% of deaths from drug misuse in Northern Ireland occur in the most deprived areas. We are witnessing a perfect storm: a combination of poverty, trauma, rural isolation and limited opportunities. The legacy of the Troubles, coupled with paramilitary influence, continues to play a role in the drug trade. What is more is that we are seeing child criminal exploitation, whereby young people are being used as pawns in the supply chain, on which Mr Donnelly touched. <BR /> <BR />We also cannot ignore the rise in illegal moneylending.”
“Alarmingly, many young people in Northern Ireland are buying what they believe to be cannabis oil but are instead being supplied with synthetic cannabinoids such as spice. Those substances have led to multiple hospital admissions that have required urgent medical intervention. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on parents and guardians to have a conversation with their children about the risks from vaping unknown substances. In Carrickfergus in particular, a number of groups, such as CHILL and Carrickfergus Community Forum, have been working on the ground, especially at weekends, and engaging with young people. They have been there when children have taken such substances and have described the scenes as "horrific". They engage regularly with the police and health professionals to address the issue, but we see it more and more.”
“In the past year alone, seven drug-related deaths were recorded in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area. All but one of the victims were known drug users between the ages of 23 and 47. Tragically, all cases involved suspected polydrug use, with five involving prescription-only medication. Across Northern Ireland, drug-related deaths have risen by 47% over the past decade, and 74·6% of them now involve the use of two or more substances. Those are not just numbers but lives lost: parents, siblings, sons and daughters. <BR /> <BR />We also see an increase in the injection of cocaine, sometimes multiple times a day. That is a marked escalation from recreational cannabis use pre-pandemic to high-risk, high-harm drug dependency today.”
“I thank the Member who has brought such an important topic to the House, allowing us to discuss an issue that affects every corner or our community: the tragic rise in drug-related deaths in East Antrim. I welcome the opportunity. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Policing Board, I will touch on policing. Drug use is one of policing's main priorities, which includes identifying and supporting those who are most at risk of harm from the misuse and illegal supply of drugs. The cycle of supply and demand is not just criminal but deadly. It fuels organised crime, exploits our young people and inflicts lasting trauma on families and neighbourhoods. Drug dealers are not your friends. They do not care about your health, your safety or your future.”
“The veterans in Northern Ireland should receive the recognition and support that they very much deserve.”
“On average, he met eight people a day, and kind strangers donated food to him every day. He summited five of the seven peaks of the Mournes. People welcomed him with open arms, listened to his story and supported him in so many ways, whilst he endured that challenge. He met many from Northern Ireland and further afield. <BR /> <BR />To date, Graham has raised £5,700 for three fantastic charities: Blesma, the Welcome Organisation and Andy Allen's Veterans Support NI. Those are amazing charities, and they are all close to his heart. Graham will also be on the Veterans Commissioner podcast on 2 June to talk about his challenge. I say a huge, "Well done" to Graham. We are incredibly proud of him and all those who served and continue to serve.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I send my congratulations to Graham Fergus: a Carrickfergus man and a veteran of the Irish Guards. We are also proud that he is an East Antrim DUP member. <BR /> <BR />Graham has just completed a gruelling 10-day challenge to raise awareness of homelessness and to support three incredible organisations in the process. Graham began 'Operation Home' on Friday 16 May, when he set off into the Mourne Mountains with nothing more than a one-day supply of food. He had no tent, rations or home comforts. He relied on the kindness of strangers to meet his daily food needs. That symbolic gesture reflected the uncertainty faced by many who are without a permanent home. <BR /> <BR />It was a solo challenge. He carried 20kg and covered 93 miles over 10 days. Graham has hailed the kindness of the strangers whom he met.”
“Does the Member recall that, when one of our councillors and a former MLA raised genuine concerns that the local community had presented to them, that councillor was subjected to a two-year Local Government Commissioner for Standards investigation that was covered by the public purse, only to be vindicated under the rights afforded to them under article 10? Does the Member agree that people should have the space and the right to raise genuine concerns about the issue, without fear of investigation?”
“Thank you. I will go on to another question. <BR /> <BR />In the previous debate on diabetes and the utilisation of data, you detailed the Encompass system and how that could be used, albeit that it would be for primary care. How could that data be collected for use in secondary care? I ask because that is how those with type 2 diabetes will engage. How is all that data being collected through the Encompass system?”