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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“A child who is waiting to be statemented may be without a school place at the beginning of a new term or be left in a school that is not appropriate for their needs. <BR /> <BR />Considering the statementing backlog, we need to look into other methods to ensure that there is early intervention for children at every level of our education system. The vital role of health visitors, speech and language therapists and the entire early years sector has to be explored so that children can get the support that they require before they are of school age. <BR /> <BR />The type of support that children and young people with special educational needs receive may vary widely, as their needs can be very different. Some SEN children attend special schools, whereas others attend specialist provision in mainstream schools (SPiMS).”
“Parents have come to me at breaking point — I am sure that the same is true for other Members — because they are far beyond the statutory 26-week time frame for receiving a statement for their child. Parents tell me that they feel overwhelmed, unsupported and let down by the Education Authority (EA) as they try to navigate a stressful and exhausting process to secure a school place that meets the needs of their child. <BR /> <BR />We want our children and young people to attend the most appropriate school for them, with support to help them to overcome their individual barriers to learning. Unfortunately, because of a shortage of educational psychologists and a paperwork bottleneck in the EA, some children wait well beyond that time frame.”
“Numerous reports and reviews have been carried out by the Public Accounts Committee, the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and, in 2023, an Ipsos independent review. Those reports and reviews highlight time and time again the fact that the system is failing not just children with special educational needs but their families, teachers, support staff and the schools themselves. <BR /> <BR />The numerous reports and reviews emphasise that early identification and intervention are crucial when addressing the challenges associated with special educational needs. It is clear that the earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes. However, MLAs know all too well that that is not the reality in our constituencies.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. A pressing concern that affects countless families across North Antrim and, indeed, throughout Northern Ireland is the inadequate special educational needs provision in our schools. The matter transcends politics: it is about our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of their individual challenges or circumstances. As we know, the term "special educational needs" encompasses a wide range of conditions, including learning disabilities, developmental disorders and physical challenges, amongst others. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, many children who require additional support are not receiving it. Families navigate a complex and often overwhelmed system that struggles to meet their needs.”
“In reply to a recent question for written answer, the Minister admitted that her Department does not keep records of young people who have received support after their case has concluded. Will the Minister commit to changing that so that information is captured to enable us to better understand the whole process for young victims and witnesses?”
“We must ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to flourish. Universal child-centred childcare means creating an environment where each child's unique needs are met, where they can learn at their own pace and where they can develop the social skills that are necessary for a bright future. <BR /> <BR />I support calls for the Minister of Education to work with the Minister of Finance to ensure that all families have access to affordable childcare. I also encourage continued collaboration between Departments to develop flexible and diverse childcare options that meet the varying needs of families.”
“The high costs of childcare force parents, particularly mums, out of the workforce or into jobs that they cannot sustain, undermining their potential and limiting our economic growth. In general terms, the situation in Northern Ireland remains one where, for many families, there is insufficient access to appropriate childcare and early years support and the cost is too high. <BR /> <BR />Affordable childcare has an important role in facilitating parental employment, which, in turn, can reduce child poverty. In 2023, a major review by the Department of Education found that the majority of parents on low and middle incomes considered childcare to be unaffordable. Childcare is a critical period for development, and access to quality, affordable childcare is essential to our children's growth and learning.”
“We all know that the early years of a child's life are critical. Research consistently shows that the foundations laid in those formative years have lifelong implications. Children who have access to quality childcare are not only better prepared for school; they develop essential life skills and become active contributors to society. However, the current landscape for childcare in Northern Ireland is fragmented, expensive and often inaccessible, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Many families find themselves without adequate childcare options while struggling with the financial burdens of finding a safe and nurturing environment for their child.”
“Does the Minister agree that, following his recent visit and discussions with staff, the IMPACTAgewell project is a brilliant example of how spending money slightly differently can deliver far more significant benefits and savings in other parts of the health service?”
“Absolutely. I hope that the Minister will take that report on board and deliver its recommendations. <BR /> <BR />We owe it to our children to create an environment where they can focus on their education and enjoy their childhood without the overshadowing stress of hunger or financial hardship.”
“Those polices include exploring options for funding grants, creating second-hand uniform exchanges and encouraging schools to adopt more flexible and affordable uniform policies. No child should feel different or disadvantaged because of their family's financial situation. Education should be about inclusion not exclusion. <BR /> <BR />Members, you will be glad to hear that I am not going to go through every Member's contribution. The two Members who spoke previously did that so well. Thank you, Members, for the nature of the debate. I also thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber, staying for the duration of the debate and replying to Members' contributions.”
“That means expanding the holiday food programmes, enhancing community initiatives and ensuring that no child goes hungry simply because school is not in session. <BR /> <BR />In addition to addressing holiday hunger, we cannot overlook the burden of school uniform costs. As we know, in Northern Ireland, uniforms are often mandatory and can place a heavy financial strain on families. The average cost of a school uniform can leave parents choosing between basic needs and sending their children to school in the appropriate attire. This is not just an economic issue; it is a matter of social equality and dignity. We must advocate for policies that alleviate that financial pressure. Let us not allow a piece of clothing to determine a child's sense of worth or belonging.”
“I take that on board, and, as our good friend the Chairman of the Education Committee said, there needs to be cross-departmental working, but it will take someone to start it. We are here to ask the Education Minister for an update, and I thank him for being in his place. <BR /> <BR />Holiday hunger is a profound problem that looms over all our communities. Far too many children do not have access to nutritious meals outside the school term. That is leading many children to miss out on opportunities, in both the short term and long term, and they are more likely to have poor health, educational and well-being outcomes than their more well off peers. It is imperative that we act. We need comprehensive support systems to provide meals during the school holidays.”
“The reality is that, when we delve deeper into the issue, we see that it is not just the child who can go hungry; in some instances, parents and carers skip meals to ensure that their child is fed. <BR /> <BR />As Danny Baker did, I put on record my thanks and pay tribute to all those in community initiatives and groups who, during holidays, not only provide activities, including educational events, but offer healthy meals to children the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. Hundreds of families are grappling with the anxiety of providing basic necessities: food, shelter and adequate clothing for their children.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank my party colleagues for bringing this important motion to the House. <BR /> <BR />It is absolutely right that the Assembly addresses the significant impact of any child going hungry. That should not happen today in Northern Ireland or, indeed, anywhere else in the world. The challenges are not just statistics — many statistics have been mentioned this afternoon — but represent the daily struggles of families trying to provide for their children in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming. As has been cited, 'The National Parent Survey 2024', recently compiled by Parentkind, states that one in five parents struggled to afford the cost of sending their child to school, and that, over the previous 12 months, 41% of the parents surveyed had rationed their heating for financial reasons.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. How does your Department measure the economic impact of policies that specifically target rural areas, and how often are those assessments carried out?”
“Minister, I have a follow-on from Mr Dickson's original question. How will the Department monitor progress on reducing red tape in the Education Authority, and what matrix will be used to evaluate success?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Can the Minister set out the criteria that were used to determine the different allocations to each Department?”
“Minister, what will be the relationship between the post and the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee?”
“Together, we can address educational underachievement and build a brighter future for our children. Let us invest in their potential, because, when our children thrive, our communities flourish.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his intervention.”
“We ask the Minister and his Department to continually review the programme, to provide details of the defined outcomes and to assure the Assembly that all moneys will be spent well to ensure that the pupils, schools, communities and other organisations that need the support most receive it in a timely manner. As leaders, educators and community members, we bear the responsibility to break down the barriers that hinder our young people's success. We must forge a path forward that prioritises their well-being and future. <BR /> <BR />Let us remember that every child in Northern Ireland deserves the opportunity to succeed.”
“We must recognise that underachievement is often a symptom of deeper fundamental issues, about which the Member who spoke previously went into detail. <BR /> <BR />As Members of the Assembly, it is our duty to confront those challenges with urgency and determination. Members, we must ask ourselves why it is that children in certain areas consistently lag behind their peers. Why do socio-economic factors continue to dictate educational outcomes? Those questions demand answers and, more importantly, action. The Ulster Unionist Party will join others in striving to ensure that all children receive the right support in the right way at the right time, but we also recognise that the Minister and his Department need to review and adapt the provision as dictated by evidence.”
“The disparities in achievement among our students reveal the troubling truth that not all our children are offered an equal chance to succeed. Education is the cornerstone of opportunity. It equips our children with the knowledge, skills and resilience to navigate an increasingly complex world. However, we face significant disparities in educational attainment. Too often, those disparities reflect broader social and economic inequalities. In our region, particularly in areas of socio-economic disadvantage, the ambition and potential of young people are stifled by barriers that should not exist in a society that is committed to fairness and progress. It is disheartening that many of our most vulnerable students struggle to achieve basic literacy and numeracy skills, leaving them ill-equipped to seize the opportunities that life offers.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon that we have at our disposal. It has the potential to lift individuals out of poverty, to break cycles of disadvantage and to create opportunities that can transform lives. However, too often, many of our children in Northern Ireland are left behind. The reality is that many of our children are not receiving the quality of education that they deserve. They are caught in a system that, despite our best intentions, fails to provide them with the support and resources that they need to thrive. <BR /> <BR />When we speak of educational underachievement, we are not just addressing numbers or statistics but we are discussing real lives: children filled with potential who are being let down by a system that should empower them.”
“Northern Ireland is rich with culture, talent and potential. Let us unite in our efforts to revitalise those cherished spaces, ensuring that they remain vibrant for years to come. We will support the motion and the amendments.”
“We must work closely with councils and stakeholders to create inventories of the properties and to develop plans for their rehabilitation. Through partnerships with the property owners, developers and public agencies, we can facilitate the transformation of neglected spaces into valuable assets. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, we must tap into our shared heritage. Many of the buildings are historic treasures, and their restoration can be an opportunity to celebrate our culture while also boosting tourism. By promoting schemes that encourage the restoration of heritage buildings, we can foster community involvement and pride and, in the process, create job opportunities. <BR /> <BR />The rejuvenation of our high streets is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, to foster community spirit and to create spaces that reflect our collective identity.”
“<BR /> <BR />To rejuvenate our high streets, we must address the issue of long-term derelict buildings, which are detrimental to town centre developments. Many of the proud buildings that once held the stories of our past and that fostered trade and community today lie empty, crumbling and forgotten, casting a shadow over the vibrant spirit that they aspired to cultivate in our towns. However, I want not only to highlight the problem but to ignite a conversation about the solutions. We cannot let such buildings continue to blight our communities. We must act decisively and collaboratively to breathe new life into those spaces. <BR /> <BR />First and foremost, we need a comprehensive strategy that prioritises the identification and assessment of derelict buildings across our towns.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Today, we gather with a shared purpose and, hopefully, as the junior Minister said, cross-party support to breathe new life into our high streets and towns right across Northern Ireland. Those vibrant hubs are not just places of commerce but the beating hearts of our communities, where culture, connection and commerce all come together. We must embrace the opportunity to rejuvenate such vital spaces, ensuring that they thrive for generations to come. Our high streets have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. The impact of the pandemic has shaken the foundations of our local economies, with many well-known shops and businesses forced to close their doors, yet, from these challenges arise a unique opportunity: a chance to reassess, reinvent and revitalise.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He is aware that homelessness is not confined to the hours from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Can he outline what measures he has taken to prevent homelessness and to safeguard the out-of-hours service that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive provides?”
“At the end of 2023, the Ulster Unionist Party published its vaping policy, and some of the suggested guidance and regulations from our policy paper include increased officer-led enforcement throughout councils to do spot checks on retailers and businesses that sell vapes to ensure they are not being proxy-purchased for children or sold directly to children, and harsher fines and penalties for businesses that sell those products illegally. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I urge Members to take the issue to heart. Let us commit ourselves to raising awareness of the dangers of vaping among our young people. Together, we have the power to safeguard the health and future of our children to ensure they have the opportunity to thrive in a world free from the grip of addiction.”
“<BR /> <BR />Short-term research has shown that vaping has a multitude of health implications for young people under the age of 25, but especially those under the age of 18. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is often found in vapes, and it can cause serious damage to a young person's brain development, impacting their learning, memory and attention. With many studies still ongoing, it will be interesting to see the long-term effects of vaping on individuals.”
“Furthermore, there are growing concerns about the illicit substances and vapes that have been found on school premises, and currently there is a lack of legislation to support schools and local authorities in dealing with the matter. An Audit Office report highlighted concerns about smoking, and especially vaping. The report found that there are 2,200 smoking-related deaths per year in Northern Ireland, with increases in smoke-related diseases such as lung cancer, premature heart failure and strokes, as well as around 35,000 smoking-related hospital admissions annually. Therefore, Members, it is essential that we look at ways to discourage people from starting to smoke and continue to reduce the overall prevalence of smoking in Northern Ireland.”
“Research has shown that nicotine is particularly detrimental to the developing brains of our children and teenagers and can lead to addiction, reduced impulse control, diminished attention span and an increased risk of mood disorders. The level of youth uptake of vaping has doubled since 2023 from 3·2% to 7·6% due to the accessibility, attractiveness and relative cheapness of single-use disposable vapes. Schools are also aware of the impact of vapes, with many installing vape detectors to discourage young people from illegally vaping on school premises.”
“It is unfortunate that vaping is often seen as harmless and perceived to be fun and a trendy alternative to smoking. The harsh reality is that it carries significant risks that we cannot overlook. Each year, countless young people are drawn into the world of vaping as they believe it to be a safe and fashionable choice, but let us be clear: vaping is not without serious consequences. It is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, but the truth is far from that misconception. <BR /> <BR />In recent years, we have witnessed a drastic rise in the popularity of vaping among our young people. What was once a trend, often dismissed as harmless and fun, has now revealed itself to be a serious public health concern.”
“Let us stand together, united in our commitment to championing the needs of deaf children and ensuring that no child is left behind. Together, we can build a brighter future, one that truly reflects the diversity and potential of our education system.”
“Let us reflect on our shared responsibility to advocate for the rights and needs of every child. As has been said, we cannot be complacent. We each have a role to play in shaping a more inclusive education system in which every child, regardless of their hearing ability, has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.”
“That really challenged me in how I view people.”
“David Brooks of the DUP gave the stat that there are over 1,400 deaf children or young people in Northern Ireland. David, like you, I am not an expert, but I join you in taking on the challenge and the opportunity to engage at the Education Committee and in the House to improve services for everyone. Nick Mathison recorded his thanks to the EA sensory service, but he stressed the fact that the service is experiencing pressures. Nick, we agree on that. He also spoke about the decline in the workforce and frustration about the need to travel for qualifications. One thing that I loved in what Peter Martin said was about teachers' and families' expectations of what deaf children can and cannot do. Peter, there is a challenge not only for teachers but for us all in how we look at and treat deaf young people and what we expect of them.”
“<BR /> <BR />The responsibility to act decisively lies with each of us: educators, policymakers, community leaders and advocates. We must increase our commitment to training and retaining specialist educators in our schools. That includes investing in targeted professional development opportunities and community awareness campaigns that emphasise the importance of deaf education. We must also work tirelessly to allocate appropriate funding to ensure that schools have the tools and resources necessary to support all learners. <BR /> <BR />I will touch on some Members' remarks. Danny Baker started off by discussing early interventions and the right to support. He stressed the importance of having an education system for all. Danny, we can all aim for and strive towards that.”
“They are the advocates who understand the nuances of sign language, auditory processing and inclusive teaching strategies. Without them, we deny children not only an education but the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Furthermore, it is essential to recognise that the need for specialised educational support does not end with teachers. Schools must provide adequate resources such as assistive technologies, interpreters and tailored curricula to create an inclusive environment in which deaf students can flourish alongside their hearing peers. Unfortunately, funding shortages and a lack of awareness often hinder that progress, leaving many students struggling in silence.”
“We gather to address and speak on an issue that affects not only the future of our children but the very fabric of our society: the critical lack of specialist teachers for the deaf and insufficient specialist educational support for learners with disabilities across Northern Ireland. In a world that increasingly celebrates diversity, equality and inclusion, it is disheartening to acknowledge that many of our children who are deaf or hard of hearing still face significant barriers to accessing quality education. Ideally, our education system is designed to uplift and empower all students, but it has left behind a substantial segment: the deaf community. <BR /> <BR />Specialist teachers do not just facilitate learning; they cultivate an environment in which students can thrive, build their confidence and develop essential life skills.”
“I thank them and give special thanks to Déirdre Vaughan and her team at the National Deaf Children's Society.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thought that I was getting off lightly. <BR /> <BR />At the outset of my remarks, I put on record my thanks, my party's thanks and, hopefully, the thanks of all Members to every single teacher of the deaf, classroom assistant and support staff member who work extremely hard each day to care for, support and educate each and every one of our deaf children.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. What assurances can she give us, as Members, and the public that the Executive Office will provide a strong, strategic agenda between now and the end of the mandate?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He will be aware that Castle Tower School in my constituency has recently had to expand into the former Ballee High School site due to increasing need. Minister, will young people between 16 and 18 who have a special educational need also be included, and what additional resources will be available?”
“Minister, the recent BBC 'Spotlight' programme was incredibly effective and impactful in driving home the challenges and pressures that some families face. Will the Minister commit to leaving no stone unturned in finding a resolution, and does he agree that it is essential for his Department to continue to work with key stakeholders, including families and even new independent voices such as the recently appointed autism reviewer?”
“Following on from Mr Bradley's question, what engagement has the Minister had with Executive colleagues about supporting local businesses to ensure maximum trading opportunities during the Open?”
“<BR /> <BR />We have to be realistic, however, and recognise that some of the recommendations will require additional funding. If the Assembly is united in its desire to deliver improved services, it should also be mindful of just how difficult that task has been made as a result of the most recent funding allocations. Nevertheless, wherever improvements can be made, they must be made. Our young people deserve no less, and the review has shone a spotlight on what needs to be done.”
“The recommendations are ambitious but ultimately achievable. As the motion makes clear, our vulnerable children and families need "sustained action". Short-term fixes will no longer cut it. It is the role of the Assembly to help deliver the necessary changes set out in the review. Thankfully, a number of them were accepted even in advance of the public consultation. <BR /> <BR />Although the vast majority of recommendations fall within the remit of the Department of Health, and I look forward to an update from the Minister, others are broader, reaching across more than just one Department. I hope that the Executive as a whole keep an open mind on the organisational and service changes recommended, because, although there are still challenges, there are also opportunities.”