Colin Crawford
North Antrim · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Like many in the House, I attended the peaceful protest in Harryville last night to show my support for and solidarity not only with the young girl who was sexually assaulted at the weekend but with other young girls and women from previous weeks. My thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with all victims.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, given the distress caused to vulnerable constituents by prolonged waiting times, will you commit to increasing the number of face-to-face assessments locally and improving communication with claimants throughout the process?”
“Yes, the law must be reviewed, and, where gaps exist, they should be addressed, but we must also tackle the root causes of risk through better infrastructure, awareness and cross-departmental cooperation.”
“That was very evident for all to see at the weekend when thousands of junior brethren marched through Lisburn with pride, discipline and dignity. Saturday's parade in Lisburn was a powerful testament to all that is good about our Orange family.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members opposite for bringing this important motion to the Floor and, indeed, all Members who have constructively added to the debate. <BR /> <BR />The safety of our children in travelling to and from school is something that rightly unites the House.”
“I extend my congratulations to the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on its centenary parade, which was held on Saturday in the city of Lisburn. I declare an interest, as I currently hold the position of deputy grand master — a position that I hold with deep personal honour and high privilege.”
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“However, we must never allow anger to spill over into violence: that helps no one, least of all the victims. We must give space and time to allow the police to do their job. I appeal for calm, cool heads over the next few days and nights.”
“Like many in the House, I attended the peaceful protest in Harryville last night to show my support for and solidarity not only with the young girl who was sexually assaulted at the weekend but with other young girls and women from previous weeks. My thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with all victims. I offer them my prayers and sympathy as they journey through what they are going through. No child should ever have to endure such brutality, and no family should ever have to suffer that pain. <BR /> <BR />Without doubt, the scenes in Harryville and the surrounding areas last night were deeply concerning. There is no doubt that justice must be delivered in the court, not on our streets. Peaceful protest is anyone's right, and we are all entitled to exercise that right to demand justice.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, given the distress caused to vulnerable constituents by prolonged waiting times, will you commit to increasing the number of face-to-face assessments locally and improving communication with claimants throughout the process?”
“<BR /> <BR />This is not about dismissing legislation; it is about ensuring that any changes are part of a broader, evidence-based approach that keeps our children safe. Other jurisdictions have strict stopping laws, but they also invest in enforcement, education and engineering solutions. We must do the same. I urge Members to support our amendment. Let us move beyond a piecemeal response and deliver a plan that protects pupils at every stage of their journey to school.”
“Yes, the law must be reviewed, and, where gaps exist, they should be addressed, but we must also tackle the root causes of risk through better infrastructure, awareness and cross-departmental cooperation. In rural areas especially, poor road layouts, inadequate lighting and inconsistent signage contribute to danger not just when children board buses but as they walk to stops or cross roads. Simply requiring vehicles to stop without addressing those underlying factors risks creating a false sense of security. That is why our amendment calls for a strategy, not just a law. It demands collaboration between Infrastructure, Education, the PSNI and transport providers to deliver practical measures, including safer bus stops, improved warning systems and targeted public awareness campaigns to change driver behaviour.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members opposite for bringing this important motion to the Floor and, indeed, all Members who have constructively added to the debate. <BR /> <BR />The safety of our children in travelling to and from school is something that rightly unites the House. The SDLP's motion raises a valid concern: the absence of a legal requirement for vehicles to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off pupils. That gap in our legislation is deeply concerning, and we fully understand the motivation behind the motion. However, we believe that improving pupil safety demands a broader and more robust response, so we tabled our amendment not to weaken the call for action but to strengthen it. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment recognises that legislation alone will not solve the problem.”
“Their pride and presence on parade were inspiring and a clear reflection of the strength of our Orange culture as it flourishes into the next generation. <BR /> <BR />As a proud Orangeman and a committed Ulster Unionist, I take great pride in seeing the next generation walk tall in the footsteps of those who came before them. Here's to the next century of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge and a future built on the strong foundations of our proud past.”
“That was very evident for all to see at the weekend when thousands of junior brethren marched through Lisburn with pride, discipline and dignity. Saturday's parade in Lisburn was a powerful testament to all that is good about our Orange family. The city was filled with thousands of spectators, families, supporters and friends lining the streets in celebration. The turnout was not only large but dignified, disciplined and an absolute joy to witness. In an age where young people are bombarded with so many distractions and challenges, the Junior Grand Orange Lodge continues to offer something different — a sense of purpose, belonging and identity grounded in the best traditions of Ulster's Protestant and unionist heritage. I was especially heartened to see such a strong representation of our junior Orangewomen.”
“I extend my congratulations to the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on its centenary parade, which was held on Saturday in the city of Lisburn. I declare an interest, as I currently hold the position of deputy grand master — a position that I hold with deep personal honour and high privilege. I see and witness first-hand the remarkable contribution that our junior members make not only to the wider Orange Institution but to civic society as a whole. <BR /> <BR />The Junior Grand Orange Lodge has, for 100 years, instilled in young boys and young men the values of loyalty, faith, culture and community service. It has provided a space where character is formed, friendships are forged and pride in one's heritage is passed down through the generations.”
“I thank the Minister for his response and his kind words. Minister, do you accept that there is still a lot of potential to better utilise the community and voluntary sector in the delivery of some really important mental health services across Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will you confirm, Minister, whether any additional funding or targeted schemes be made available for small businesses that are looking to revitalise vacant properties in towns such as Ballymena and Ballymoney?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I understand that the paper is with you and your Department on whether the Department will continue funding the employment support scheme? When will the Minister make his decision? If the decision is to cease the funding, how will he ensure that those who require the support will not be adversely impacted?”
“That approach should be standardised across all councils, which would offer a baseline standard of operation that will be essential in the delivery of the highest standards of animal welfare and will allow for consistency in delivering for animals. <BR /> <BR />It is also critical to acknowledge that the licensing and inspection process that we are advocating for is about fostering a culture of concern and accountability. Regular and unannounced inspections will serve to reassure the public and reaffirm our commitment to animal welfare. <BR /> <BR />Let us set a precedent today for Northern Ireland and beyond that we are determined to protect those in our care and to ensure that they live in environments that are safe, healthy and nurturing. Let that be our legacy.”
“Therefore, we echo the Dogs Trust's call for a comprehensive legislation review that mandates all animal welfare establishments, including dog pounds, to be licensed and subject to regular, unannounced inspections. That is not an invasive measure but a necessary step towards ensuring transparency, accountability and, above all, the well-being of the animals in those facilities. <BR /> <BR />We call on the AERA Minister to review current council dog pound and kennelling policies. Such a review should prioritise humane practices, focusing particularly on the distressing practice of euthanising healthy dogs. We want the Minister to bring forward a "no euthanasia" policy for healthy and rehomable dogs across all facilities.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are all aware that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a puppy boom, yet there are next to no regulations on breeding, and there are inconsistencies in how breeding licences are issued and how councils inspect breeding establishments. Issuing breeding licences should be faced with complete scrutiny in order to ensure that we do not continue to add pressure on to rehoming organisations. There are also questions around how some of those breeding establishments treat their animals. The lack of unannounced inspections leaves many concerning questions. <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, when breeders are unable to sell puppies, they are often abandoned and left for animal charities to rehome, adding to the burden that is already placed on them.”
“<BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, there is currently no specific licensing or regulation of pounds or kenneling facilities, and they are not required to be inspected by local councils or external agencies. How do we know whether the five freedoms are being met? We want dog pounds and kennel facilities to deliver the highest standards of welfare for animals in their, albeit temporary, care and to endeavour to meet their full range of needs, including freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from fear and distress, freedom from physical discomfort, freedom from pain and freedom to express natural behaviour by providing them with sufficient space.”
“Each life is precious, and to end one prematurely is an abdication of our moral responsibility. That is not just inefficient; it is inhumane. In 2025, with advances in microchipping, social media and rescue networks, there is no excuse for such a callous approach. Other regions have extended holding periods and prioritise rehoming. Why are we lagging behind? <BR /> <BR />Chance of a Lifetime, a scheme run by the Dogs Trust, transports dogs in Northern Ireland pounds that would usually be euthanised to Dogs Trust rehoming centres in Great Britain to enable them to be rehomed there. Northern Ireland is typically overpopulated with dogs and has too many strays to handle alone. That scheme gives healthy dogs a second chance at life.”
“<BR /> <BR />Currently, dog pounds have various options available to them if a dog is not reclaimed after a five-day period in their care. They can sell the animal to the public, rehome it either themselves or in conjunction with a rehoming organisation or, in extenuating circumstances, keep the dog until the owner is identified or until it can be reunited with its owner. However, another extremely alarming option is the current policy that allows for the euthanising of healthy dogs after a mere five days if not reclaimed. That is both worrying and unacceptable. That is not enough time for owners to be located, for rescuers to intervene or for the animals to be given a second chance. What makes it even worse is that some stray animals that come into a pound need more than five days to recover before being rehomed.”
“<BR /> <BR />However, as we commend, so too must we express our concern. There is an undeniable gap in support and oversight from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that undermines the enforcement of crucial animal welfare legislation by local councils. That gap places an undue burden on councils and their officers, which often results in inconsistent standards of enforcement across different regions. The current system is fragmented, under-resourced and inconsistently applied. Councils are tasked with enforcing the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, yet many lack the expertise, funding or political will to do so effectively. DAERA must step up and provide clear guidance, adequate resources and proper scrutiny to ensure compliance.”
“These animals are not merely property; they are sentient beings that rely on humans for their care and protection, yet, too often, they are failed by weak enforcement, inconsistent policies and, tragically, unnecessary euthanasia. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to commend the tremendous work of organisations such as the Dogs Trust, representatives of which are in the Public Gallery today, and countless other rehoming charities across the Province. These groups operate with dedication, embodying compassion and commitment, and often fill gaps that are left by statutory authorities. There is no doubt that, over the past few years, those charities and organisations have been working at over full capacity. They work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to ensure that abandoned and stray dogs are given a second chance at life.”
“Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker. I propose this important motion on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party. It is a crucial and compassionate motion, which advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves: our loyal companions. The motion is not merely about animal welfare. It is about who we are as a society and how we treat the most vulnerable amongst us. <BR /> <BR />Our call to action begins with the articulation of our unwavering belief in the highest standard of welfare for dogs in Northern Ireland. That belief is not aspirational; it is achievable. It is our duty to ensure that every dog, regardless of circumstance, is treated with dignity and care.”
“I thank the Minister for his update this afternoon. Going back to RAISE, can you detail how much of the €24 million that has been allocated to Northern Ireland will actually be spent? Are any guarantees in place to ensure that it directly benefits disadvantaged pupils here?”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. Yes, that is something that definitely needs to be looked at over time. <BR /> <BR />Every week that we delay is another week that a family goes without support, that another school term begins with financial strain and that another child feels different, singled out or excluded because they cannot afford the branded items that others take for granted. That is not what the Assembly or we as Members should stand for. We should stand for fairness, inclusion and practical solutions to everyday problems.”
“During the years of impasse, key legislation was stalled, opportunities were lost and vital decisions were left unmade. For too long, we have expected the public to carry on while we have stood still. <BR /> <BR />Now, with Stormont restored, the public rightly expect us to get on with the job at hand. I understand the importance of due process and the need to hear from stakeholders. Like the Chair and other Committee members, I commit to doing all that I can, even over the summer recess, and playing my part to ensure that that takes place. Let us work collectively, across party lines, to progress the Committee Stage of the Bill. Let us show that the Assembly can function as it should: not just as a debating Chamber but as a vehicle for real change.”
“These are not luxuries or optional extras; they are basic, essential requirements for access to education. When a parent is forced to choose between buying a winter coat or a school jumper, that is a political failure. When families are turning to food banks so that they can cover the cost of uniforms, that is a societal failure. When the Chamber has the power to act but fails to do so, that is a legislative failure. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that this is not the first time that the House has failed. Let us be honest with ourselves and the public: as the Chair alluded to, over the past 10 years, the Assembly has spent more time collapsed than it has spent legislating. That is a damning indictment of political dysfunction, and it is our constituents — the very people whom we represent — who have paid the price.”
“The Bill has the potential to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people and their families across Northern Ireland. It is designed to address a growing and deeply felt issue in our communities: the escalating cost of school uniforms. The Bill has one clear and simple objective: to make school uniforms more affordable. That should not be controversial or complicated, but it should be given the diligence that it deserves. <BR /> <BR />The cost of school uniforms has become a growing burden for families, particularly in the current economic climate. As Members, we have all heard from parents who are struggling to meet the rising costs of blazers, sports kits and branded uniforms that, often, are mandated with little regard for affordability.”
“Minister, will you commit to publishing a quarterly update on SEP progress that includes which schools have been prioritised and why?”
“Minister, on the back of the Chief Constable's recent comments, have you given any consideration to ring-fencing funding for the PSNI?”
“<BR /> <BR />Members, politics often divides, but there are moments when we must rise above partisan lines and act in the interests of the common good. Today is one of those moments. No one in the Chamber would wish to see their loved ones, or indeed themselves, spend their final months worrying about bills instead of cherishing time with their family. We must therefore urge the UK Government to listen, act and make that change. We encourage the Minister for Communities to play a proactive role in advocating it. It is not about party politics but about doing what is right.”
“That is why we support the motion, which seeks to provide terminally ill individuals with early access to their state pension. It is a simple, dignified solution to alleviate financial distress at the most difficult time imaginable. Those who have worked hard and paid into the state pension throughout their working life should not be denied the security of that support when they need it most. It is not a handout but an acceleration of an earned entitlement, allowing individuals to face their final days with one less burden. A terminal diagnosis brings with it immediate financial pressures, from medical costs to making memories with family, and early access to the state pension could provide a more stable and substantial form of financial support than discretionary payments alone.”
“I thank the Members opposite for tabling the motion and the Minister for coming to listen to and respond to the debate. <BR /> <BR />When someone receives the devastating news that their life is going to be cut short because of illness, their focus should be on spending precious, quality time with their loved ones making memories, not on financial anxiety. As things stand, however, many terminally ill people in Northern Ireland face unnecessary hardship in their final months. They are forced to work through a complex benefits system while coping with the physical and emotional toll of their condition. <BR /> <BR />We in the Ulster Unionist Party believe that a society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. By that measure, we must do better.”
“Minister, what engagement has your Department had with the banks and lenders to ensure that dairy farmers who face financial pressures can access flexible credit arrangements?”
“Minister, what is the anticipated cost of the forensic investigation?”
“Will the Minister outline how many police officers have had to move home due to the data breach?”
“Minister, will you commit to including Harryville Primary School in Ballymena in the next tranche of part-time 20 mph zones that are established outside schools?”
“I thank the Minister. What safeguards are being implemented to protect older people from digital fraud and scams as they increasingly access financial services online?”
“Minister, will you update us on any bids that your Department has received from the Department of Education?”
“I also thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, how will your Department address current recruitment and retention challenges, and what immediate steps will be taken to make school leadership roles more attractive?”
“This is a common-sense measure that will relieve financial pressure on families, promote equality in our education system and help create a positive learning environment for our students. By supporting the Bill, we are sending a message that every child in Northern Ireland deserves the chance to succeed and that no one should be left behind because of financial hardship.”
“When students are not preoccupied with concerns about their appearance or how they compare with their peers, they are more likely to focus on their studies. Uniforms promote a sense of discipline and order — qualities that are essential for fostering a productive and respectful atmosphere in our classrooms. I look forward to the Committee Stage, when we will look at this further and test and test again to ensure that we deliver something that brings about tangible change. <BR /> <BR />The legislation will bring a small change in the context of the broader education landscape, but it is one that can have a profound impact on the lives of our young people. As Members of the Assembly, we must ensure that we move forward to create an education system that is accessible, inclusive and fair for all.”
“It is essential that any changes to school uniform policies are developed in consultation with the parents and students who will be directly affected. Schools should engage with their communities to ensure that uniform policies reflect the needs and concerns of families. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work in a society as diverse as ours. We should focus on education, not clothing. While school uniforms play a role in fostering discipline and unity, we must not lose sight of the primary purpose of our education system, which is to provide quality education and opportunities for all our children. <BR /> <BR />In addition, the Bill will help improve the overall learning environment in our schools.”
“Education is the foundation of that society, and we must do everything in our power to remove barriers that would stand in the way of a child's success. The Bill, I hope, will help level the playing field for all students in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Any legislation on school uniforms must include the following key considerations. The first is affordability. Uniforms should be affordable and accessible to all. That means ensuring that schools provide flexibility in uniform policies, such as allowing parents to purchase generic items from a variety of retailers rather than being restricted to expensive branded suppliers. We support setting reasonable price caps on school uniforms and encouraging schools to work with local retailers to offer competitive pricing.”
“Families should have more flexibility in how and where they purchase uniforms, making it easier to find affordable options without compromising on quality or adherence to school guidelines. <BR /> <BR />The School Uniforms Bill is a positive and necessary step in the right direction for tackling poverty and inequality in our education system. We cannot allow something as simple as a uniform to become a barrier to learning. By supporting the Bill, we are standing up for families who struggle to make ends meet and ensuring that their children can attend school with dignity and confidence. As members of the Ulster Unionist Party, we are committed to creating a society where opportunity is available to all.”
“For too long, we have witnessed how the rising costs of school uniforms and unnecessary brand requirements have placed excessive pressure on parents and guardians. This is not just about saving money; it is about alleviating financial strain on households and giving each and every child the opportunity to focus on their education without being worried about the price of their uniform. We all know that school can be a difficult time for children. Peer pressure, bullying and the need to fit in can take a toll on a child's mental and emotional well-being. An excessively expensive uniform can make those pressures worse. Many families find themselves restricted to specific retailers, often leading to inflated costs.”
“For many parents across the Province, the cost of uniforms is a significant strain. As we all know, the cost of living continues to rise, and the expenses associated with education can be overwhelming. By setting clear guidelines around pricing, the Bill will make uniforms more affordable for families and ensure that no child is denied quality education simply because their family cannot afford the uniform.”
“The idea of school uniform is deeply rooted in the values of unity, discipline and equality. Uniforms are intended to create an environment where students are not judged by their attire but by their character, achievements and behaviour. They help to foster a sense of belonging and community in our schools, regardless of the student's background or economic status. The Bill reinforces those values by seeking to ensure that uniforms remain accessible and affordable. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the core principle behind the Bill, which is to ensure that school uniform policies are fair, affordable and reasonable. The first issue that we must address is the financial burden that the current status of school uniforms places on families.”
“As Ulster Unionist Party education spokesperson, I welcome and support the Second Stage of School Uniforms Bill. The legislation deals with an important aspect of our children's education. It is essential that we support policies that enhance equality, reduce financial burdens on families and promote a positive learning environment. The Bill, which seeks to regulate the cost and availability of school uniforms, addresses those issues in a fair and constructive manner. <BR /> <BR />While the subject may seem mundane, its implications reach far beyond simple dress code. It is about important values such as equality and the significance of providing every student with the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or financial circumstances.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Has he considered how he might fund some of our excellent community and voluntary organisations to deliver outreach initiatives to raise awareness of ever-changing scams and thus prevent individuals from falling foul of them?”
“By allowing schools to procure minor repairs directly within clear spending thresholds, we can save money, time and a lot of frustration. Furthermore, introducing streamlined contracts for school maintenance will ensure consistency in value for money without sacrificing local responsiveness. <BR /> <BR />The motion and the amendment are about trust in school leaders to act responsibly; in local businesses to deliver; and in the Assembly and the Education Authority to fix systems that no longer serve the people whom they were designed to help.”
“The contracts and funding go to larger firms that may not prioritise local relationships or urgency. I join others in calling on the Minister of Education to conduct a thorough review of the EA's procurement processes, specifically to slash unnecessary administrative burdens, empower local school leaders with flexibility under transparent guidelines and establish regular dialogue with those on the front line. This is not a call for deregulation of any kind; it is one for smarter regulation. School leaders are not accountants or procurement specialists; they are educators. They need frameworks that trust their judgement and safeguard public funds. <BR /> <BR />The amendment also demands progress on delegating authority for lower-value maintenance works. We all agree that a leaking tap should not require regional tender.”