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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“<BR /> <BR />Like the Member opposite, I totally understand that the procurement rules exist for good reason: they ensure accountability, prevent the misuse of public funds and promote fairness. The current procurement processes, although well intentioned, can create barriers that are disproportionate to the scale and needs of individual schools. When processes become so burdensome that they delay basic purchases, such as the repair of a leaking roof or the sourcing of classroom materials, they cease to serve their purpose. <BR /> <BR />Today is not just about efficiency; it is about equity. Smaller schools, often in rural areas, rely on local suppliers who understand their needs, but overly complex tendering processes lock out those businesses.”
“I thank the Members opposite for tabling the motion and the DUP for the amendment. We will support both. I declare an interest, as did the Member who spoke previously, as the governor of a local primary school in my constituency. <BR /> <BR />To deliver excellence in education, it is imperative that our schools be equipped with the tools that they need, tools that are timely, cost-effective and tailored to their unique circumstances. Schools require access to high-quality goods and services to function effectively. Yet, unfortunately, as we have heard time and time again from school leaders, the current procurement system administered by the EA is often not as streamlined or efficient as it could be.”
“Minister, will you outline the specific material matters pertaining to family farms in Northern Ireland? Do you agree that there will be a significantly greater threat to farm and food security in Northern Ireland than in anywhere else in the UK?”
“What actions is the Minister taking to support the police recruitment campaign and to dispel the negative commentary that has surrounded it?”
“Minister, what engagement has your Department had with the UK Government on the ethical and regulatory framework for safeguarding AI?”
“Together, we can build a procurement process that is transparent, efficient and serves the best interests of our schools. I firmly believe that a simplified process will lead to quicker repairs, safer schools and better outcomes for our children. Our schools must be a priority. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for being in the Chamber today to listen and reply to the debate, which is about ensuring that schools are properly maintained without unnecessary delays. Let us make that change happen for the future not only of children in Mid Ulster but students right across Northern Ireland.”
“My ask is simple: reduce the number of steps involved in the procurement process, cut down on excessive paperwork and allow local contractors who know our schools and our community best to be prioritised in the bidding process. By doing so, we will not only speed up maintenance work but boost local businesses and create jobs. We also need to ensure that the funding allocated for school maintenance is used efficiently. Every penny must be spent where it is needed most: on our children's education and well-being. Schools should not be waiting for months to fix critical infrastructure issues. <BR /> <BR />The success of reform depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders: local government, the Education Authority, contractors and community members.”
“Every day, school administrators, teachers and parents are frustrated by the length of time it takes to get basic maintenance tasks completed. Whether it is fixing a leaking roof, repairing a broken boiler or ensuring the safety of the playground, the current system is not working fast enough. This is not just a minor inconvenience. It directly affects the learning environment and, ultimately, the quality of education that our children receive. <BR /> <BR />Today, I join others, right across the House, in calling for a simplified, streamlined procurement process for school maintenance. That would mean faster approval times and more autonomy for local decision makers. We need a system where schools can quickly secure the services that they need to keep their buildings safe and functional.”
“I join others in thanking the Member opposite for bringing the Adjournment debate to the House today. Although, like the previous Member who spoke, I do not have the pleasure of representing the good folk of Mid Ulster, I am pleased to take part this evening and make a few brief remarks as the Ulster Unionist education spokesperson. <BR /> <BR />Our schools are not just buildings. They are the heart of our communities and are where our children learn, grow and prepare for the future. For far too long, schools have faced unnecessary delays and deficiencies when it comes to their maintenance and repair needs. That is due, in large part, to a procurement process that is overly complex, slow and burdened by red tape.”
“Minister, what steps is your Department taking to inform domestic flock keepers about how to comply with the advice and guidance issued by your Department?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, what plans do you have specifically to support businesses in Northern Ireland, especially in the hospitality industry?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Deputy First Minister, do you believe that there is adequate collaboration amongst Departments to tackle climate change effectively?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. What strategies are in place to ensure that those children receive the adequate resources and support that they need to meet their individual needs?”
“It is our responsibility to ensure that families are protected during their time of need. Let us not forget that behind every figure lies a human story. Together, we have the capacity to create lasting change and foster a society where poverty is not likely but an exception. Together, let us champion the rights and dignity of our family, neighbours and friends. Together, let our actions today reflect our commitment to a more just and equitable future.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members, we must acknowledge the interconnected issues arising from the five-week wait. It is no coincidence that we see a strong correlation between the delay, increased debt and the rising usage of food banks, which are services that, while noble in their mission, should not be a substitute for a robust social safety net. The very idea that families have to turn to food banks to survive is a national outrage. We must not sit idly by as people suffer. We must act to remedy those injustices. Moreover, I urge us all to consider the dark underbelly of this situation: the potential for exploitation by illegal moneylenders who often prey on people left vulnerable by the gaps in their finances. The Assembly cannot remain passive in the face of such risks.”
“However, we must recognise that the impending move to universal credit poses significant challenges, particularly the distressing five-week wait that over 71,000 households will soon face. <BR /> <BR />That delay in receiving vital support can turn a manageable financial burden into an insurmountable barrier, casting families deeper and further into poverty. For women, who often bear the brunt of financial responsibilities in households, that waiting period can exacerbate existing inequalities and strip away the little financial security that they have. Let us not forget the impact on young people. Young people who are facing unemployment or who are studying while living on their own may find themselves in an alarming situation, struggling to make ends meet during that critical period in their life.”
“Members, today we gather not merely to discuss numbers but to reflect on the lives that are behind those numbers. The alarming statistic of 349,000 individuals living in poverty in our community is not just a figure; it represents our friends, families and neighbours who are grappling with hardships that many of us can scarcely imagine. As Members, it is our collective duty to confront that reality, express our regret and take meaningful action towards alleviating that plight. Social welfare payments have proven to be a vital lifeline for countless households, providing essential support to those who are facing financial difficulties. Those payments help to ensure that, as a society, we do not turn our backs on our most vulnerable.”
“They are the future leaders, innovators and change makers of this wee place that we call home. We believe in them and are committed to building a society that supports them every step of the way. <BR /> <BR />Let us remember that investing in our young people is not just an expense but an investment in our future. By supporting learning pathways for all, we can unlock Northern Ireland's potential and build a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.”
“<BR /> <BR />Not every young person wants or needs to follow a traditional academic route. We must invest in high-quality vocational and technical education to ensure that apprenticeships, traineeships and skills-based learning are valued just as highly as university degrees. By partnering with local business and industry, we can create programmes that lead directly to meaningful employment. <BR /> <BR />Too many young people feel unprepared for the world of work. We need to strengthen career guidance services, provide more work experience opportunities and ensure that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of the modern economy. Let us give our young people the confidence and skills that they need in order to thrive. I say to any young people who may be listening today that their potential is limitless.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last week, I met Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly as they gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee. They gave a youth perspective on the skills needs in Northern Ireland. Sadly, many of them were not even aware of the skills gaps in Northern Ireland's workforce. How can we expect young people to make informed decisions about their future career when they are unaware of the future needs of the economy? Northern Ireland has limited natural resources, and there is limited investment in our people's skills. It is therefore key that we stimulate economic growth and improve social equality. Substantial change is required in order to deliver the volume of skills needed now and in the future to support achieving the overarching economic vision for Northern Ireland.”
“Spend per pupil in Northern Ireland is barely on a par with that in England and Wales and is significantly lower than that in Scotland. That disparity underscores the need not only for increased funding but for more efficient resource utilisation in order to maximise the impact of every pound that is spent. <BR /> <BR />We live in a time of rapid technological advancement and economic transformation. The jobs of tomorrow will require new skills and creativity. If we fail to equip our young people with the necessary skills, we risk leaving an entire generation behind. It is not just an economic issue but a social justice one. An Open University (OU) report found that 44% of employers here face a skills shortage.”
“In a world that is changing faster than ever, we owe it the next generation to provide them with the tools, opportunities and pathways that they need to succeed. Education and learning are the bedrock of progress. We must ensure that every young person in Northern Ireland has access to the opportunities that they deserve. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is a place of immense talent, resilience and potential, yet too many of our young people face barriers to achieving their dreams, whether through lack of access to quality education, limited vocational training opportunities or the challenges of transitioning from school to work. We cannot ignore the fact that not every young person is being given a fair chance. The funding gap in schools across the United Kingdom is stark.”
“Will the Minister outline how she is tackling the issue at source in schools in collaboration with the Department of Education?”
“Deputy First Minister, I think that we all echo your thanks and appreciation. Has your Department any plans to update emergency response plans for future extreme weather events such as storms, floods or severe snow?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, what specific resources for staffing and funding will be allocated to ensure that the CSU delivers tangible improvements on the ground? How will you measure success?”
“Minister, my question may have been partially answered, but, in light of calls from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to support our economy, what proposals do you have for reducing the burden on our SME sector?”
“In his statement, the Minister highlighted primary social needs criteria and points for all victims of violence. Will he therefore advise, given that violence is already covered under the primary social needs criteria, whether he foresees a new category being added? Will it include increasing the number of points, which is currently 20 for each primary social needs criterion, to a maximum of 40 points?”
“I appreciate the Minister's work on the issue. Is there a long-term strategy to ensure competitive pay for teachers in Northern Ireland? How often will teachers' salaries be reviewed?”
“<BR /> <BR />When asked what the most important element in selecting schools for their children is, parents and guardians consistently respond by stating, "A good standard of education". Members, together we can build a future where our children are educated not just to pass exams but to understand and value one another and rise as leaders of a peaceful and inclusive society. It is therefore vital that all schools are supported to serve their local communities and be the best schools that they can be.”
“We believe that that can be done best through a single education system that fosters an environment where children of different backgrounds and beliefs learn and grow together and develop a sense of community that transcends division. As the Member who spoke previously rightly said, our diversity is not a barrier but is our strength. It is an advantage that enriches young people's lives in the society that they will one day lead. <BR /> <BR />For years, our education system has operated in silos, reflecting historical divisions that have left deep scars on our society. Schools should be open to all, welcoming children and young people of all faiths and none, richly diverse and inclusive and reflective of and embedded in the communities that they serve.”
“Members, I think that we all agree that children deserve a fair chance to go to school and to learn and develop the skills that they need in order to thrive into adult life. It is a priority that all children and young people in Northern Ireland are educated together. The journey towards understanding and shared purpose begins within the walls of the school classroom. I pay tribute to all the schools in South Belfast that provide an inclusive approach where all the children and young people in their care are valued and accepted on a daily basis. I also thank the Member for securing the Adjournment debate. <BR /> <BR />As a party, we support the education of our children and young people together in inclusive and diverse schools.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is evident that wider concerns about the safety and well-being of women and girls relate to the types of topic that the subject can cover, such as online abuse, sexting, sexual harassment, stalking and ways of preventing violence against women and girls. The healthy young adult relationships project report, which was written by researchers at Ulster University, makes evidence-based recommendations on the teaching of age-appropriate knowledge and information to build healthy and safe relationships. <BR /> <BR />RSE is a multidisciplinary subject, and any improved working relationships involving the Department of Education and the Department of Justice should be welcomed in enhancing RSE as a method of tackling violence against women and girls.”
“<BR /> <BR />The focus of RSE in primary school should be on building healthy relationships, including friendships and family relationships, and on dealing with strangers, with the ultimate goal of staying safe. As children move to secondary school, they should start to develop their understanding of healthy adult relationships in more depth. That should include different types of relationships. Young people should be taught how to recognise, understand and build healthy relationships, including through teaching on self-respect and respect for others, tolerance, boundaries and on how to recognise unhealthy relationships, including coercive control.”
“Our children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex digital world where they need to know how to stay safe and be healthy. Like other Members, I want to make sure that young people understand what healthy relationships look like and how they can navigate their personal lives in a positive, safe and healthy way to embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life. RSE can support children and young people to develop healthy relationships and to keep themselves and others safe, both online and offline. Whilst we know that many schools already teach those topics, very well in some cases, it is important that we ensure universal coverage and improve quality for all pupils.”
“Thank you, Minister. How do you gather input or feedback from young people when you are planning those services?”
“How much has been spent to date on the redevelopment of Casement Park and on the Northern Ireland Football Fund?”
“Does the Minister agree that the Integrated Education Act reduces the ambition to have children from different backgrounds sharing classrooms, which, for the majority of parents, is the most important aspiration of integrated education?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and join others in welcoming it. Minister, what specific plans or policies are being implemented within the continuous professional development plan to attract and retain qualified professionals?”
“I very much welcome the publication of the Minister's plan. How important will certainty and clarity on future funding levels be for the delivery of today's commitments, and does the Minister believe that there is now a greater recognition around the Executive table that, compared with multi-year funding, the worst way to plan and deliver a health service is through short-term and constantly shifting in-year settlements?”
“Will the Minister provide some examples of other practical initiatives that are in place to support mental health in schools?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. First Minister, have any specific youth advisory roles or positions been established in your Department?”
“I join others in welcoming the Minister's announcement and thank him for bringing it to the Assembly. How will the additional PE facilities cater for the needs of students with disabilities to ensure that all students can participate in physical education?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. What measures are in place to ensure that allocated funds for maintenance are used effectively and transparently?”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister. Can you update us on any new initiatives aimed specifically at enhancing support for marginalised groups?”
“I join others in welcoming the announcement and thank the Minister for coming to the House to make it. Is the interactive phone app available now for pupils to download, and is it free?”
“I want all our young people to make positive contributions to their community and wider society. I want staff to feel that they are confident and capable of meeting the additional support needs of children in the classroom. I want parents to be confident in their child's education system. I also want parents to be communicated with at every stage of the process, and I want them to have the tools to support their children.”
“We welcome the progress of the end-to-end review of SEN, which the Department of Education and the EA are taking forward. That will allow us to take an in-depth and objective look at the SEN system, make the changes that are necessary for more effective service delivery and ensure the development of solutions from policy development through to operational delivery. <BR /> <BR />The vision that is articulated clearly in 'Every CHILD: Department of Education's corporate plan, 2023-28' states that every child and young person with SEN should be "happy, learning and succeeding". We should accept nothing less. I want all SEN children in North Antrim and across Northern Ireland to have the same opportunities as their peers, the same choices about what they do and an occupation that is meaningful and enjoyable.”
“That often results in stress, anxiety and burnout. I often hear from teachers that they are under significant pressure as they attempt to meet the needs of individual children, while children are presenting year-on-year with more complex needs. Teachers often feel that they are told to do inclusive education, often without support and resources. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that teachers have the knowledge and skills to create inclusive classrooms and that school leadership provides an inclusive and innovative environment where teachers can flourish. <BR /> <BR />The role of teaching assistants and support staff cannot be overstated. They bridge the gap between students with special needs and those in the mainstream classroom, ensuring that those students do not lag behind due to their unique challenges.”
“<BR /> <BR />I take the opportunity to show my appreciation to everyone in North Antrim who works tirelessly to deliver meaningful change to children with special educational needs. A special mention must go to Castle Tower School in my home town of Ballymena, which provides education to those who are aged between three and 19 years with severe, moderate and physical learning difficulties. I will also give a special mention to the host of schools that have SPiMS units, which provide an important opportunity to move towards a more inclusive education model for all pupils. <BR /> <BR />There is a need to recruit and retain highly skilled and trained teachers and support staff. Such staff are the backbone of any SEN setting, but they experience huge workload pressures in their support for learners with special educational needs.”
“Over 70% of children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland are educated within mainstream education. To meet that demand, 112 new SPiMS classes were established for the 2024-25 academic year in 105 schools across the country. The creation of specialist provision affords children with more complex educational needs the opportunity to be educated alongside their peers and siblings. It supports the integration and inclusion of all children, creating educational environments that reflect the wider communities in which children live, while supporting, as far as possible, parental choice of sector and location. Many schools report positive learning experiences for children, teachers and parents. Need, however, continues to outstrip the availability of places. Therefore, we must continue to open new SPiMS units at pace.”