Diana Armstrong
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, thank you for your comments on the passing of Tom Frawley, which were befitting of a man of his stature. I, too, send my sympathy to his family.”
“Much is said about working towards regional balance in our economy. What assessment has been made of the geographical spread of PEACE PLUS funding? Can you provide assurances that rural communities are not being left behind in favour of urban centres, which have much more capacity to apply for that funding?”
“I mark a truly remarkable milestone in my home town of Enniskillen: the 350th anniversary of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian communities in Ireland, with roots stretching back to the 1640s and the arrival of the Scottish settlers in Fermanagh during the plantation of Ulster.”
“The uproar that followed shook the General Assembly for a generation. The congregation was reproved, petitioned and visited by commission after commission, but they refused to move. It took until 1896 for the matter to be settled, and, now, music is accepted in all churches.”
“Nessie's warmth, shown towards a young teacher who had arrived knowing nobody, made all the difference. That is what community means. It is a story of continuity for generations of families, whose generosity and faith have shaped the church that we see today. It has always been my church.”
“It is a reminder that the roots of global stories can often be traced right back to a small community in Fermanagh. <BR /> <BR />Three hundred-and-fifty years is a long time, but what endures is not bricks and mortar: it is the warmth, the welcome and the service to others that has defined that congregation across the centuries.”
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“She offered sincere sympathy to those separated from their families and missing those whom they loved the most. She spoke of the courage and cheerfulness that she saw around her, of her trust in God and of her belief that peace would come and the children of that day would grow up to make the world a better place. That thread of faith, compassion and hope never left her. <BR /> <BR />Here in our community, her passing was felt deeply. She was not a distant figure; she came to us, she walked among us and she listened. Her support for the peace process in Northern Ireland was personal and heartfelt. She understood what had been sacrificed to reach that fragile peace, and she honoured it in everything that she did. And then there was Enniskillen.”
“I, too, take a moment today to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman who devoted herself entirely to a life of service. She stood as a constant — steady, gracious and unwavering. She was a beacon not just for a nation but for people across the world. Through decades of change, through moments of joy and profound sorrow and through no small number of personal family difficulties, she never faltered. She faced every challenge with quiet dignity and composure, using her position always in the service of others. <BR /> <BR />That spirit of service began long before she took the throne. In October 1940, a 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth broadcast on the BBC's 'Children's Hour', speaking to the evacuated children of a nation at war.”
“<BR /> <BR />This is a chance to build a more secure and self-reliant economy, to reduce costs, support industry and revitalise our rural communities. It is a chance to link up to biogas development throughout Northern Ireland. Let us move forward with confidence, seize the opportunity and deliver an energy system that works not just for today but for the long-term economic future of Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Were it to be scaled up as a model for industry for the entirety of Northern Ireland, biomethane could reduce Northern Ireland's carbon footprint, provide a reliable and dispatchable renewable energy source and contribute to energy price stability. It is not just an energy policy but an economic strategy. Supporting biomethane unlocks a pathway for growth, particularly in our rural economy. For too long, rural communities have faced decline, job losses and the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. Biomethane offers a chance to reverse that trend, creating thousands of jobs, attracting investment and giving farmers the opportunity to diversify their income. It places them at the centre of economic renewal and not on the margins of it.”
“<BR /> <BR />As was mentioned by Pádraig Delargy, Encirc, with which I have engaged on many occasions, is a leading glass container manufacturer and bottler, based in Derrylin in my constituency of Fermanagh and West Tyrone. Encirc supports biomethane injection into the gas network via anaerobic digesters as a key route to decarbonisation. It is uniquely suited to heat, transport and industry. Encirc has said that its furnaces would burn just as effectively on biomethane as they do today on fossil-derived energy sources. Using biomethane would significantly lower the carbon intensity of its fuel supply and would support the decarbonisation of drinks bottles and jars across the UK and Ireland.”
“It presents a solution to nutrient surplus by taking farm by-products such as animal and food waste and stabilising them to improve nutrient management. That solution, which also applies to poultry litter and food waste, is rooted here in Northern Ireland, not dictated by global markets or geopolitical instability. Instead, it keeps economic value circulating in our economy, strengthening local supply chains and supporting regional prosperity. <BR /> <BR />What makes the opportunity even more compelling is its practicality. Biomethane can directly replace natural gas without requiring costly changes to be made to existing infrastructure or boilers. That means rapid deployment, minimum disruption and a cost-effective pathway to strengthening our energy resilience.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank Members for their contributions to the debate . It is encouraging to hear the almost unanimous support in the Chamber for the motion. <BR /> <BR />All around us, we are fully aware of the external shocks being felt in the energy markets. Our energy system is under immense pressure, and our continued reliance on imported fossil fuels leaves households and businesses exposed to global shocks far beyond our control. We have seen the consequences of that volatility in recent years: rising costs, uncertainty and real pressures being placed on working families and employers alike. <BR /> <BR />We cannot allow Northern Ireland to remain at the mercy of international brinkmanship. That is why diversification is essential. Biomethane offers us a clean, reliable energy source.”
“At the same time, we are filling places with international students who are equally unlikely to remain here after graduation. That is not a sustainable approach to building our workforce, strengthening our economy or securing our future prosperity. The student number —.”
“The figures speak for themselves: our universities are becoming increasingly dependent on higher fees from students from Great Britain and overseas simply to remain financially viable. Non-domestic student numbers have risen sharply in recent years. While internationalisation has its place, it cannot be the foundation on which our higher education system survives. Universities should be centres of learning and opportunity, not institutions that are forced into unsustainable financial models. You have only to look at our universities' social media to see their determined push to attract international students. <BR /> <BR />We continue to see large numbers of local students leave Northern Ireland to study in Great Britain, many of whom do not return.”
“That policy not only restricts growth but actively contributes to brain drain, driving many of our brightest students to study elsewhere. We believe that the Minister should urgently review the cap, explore additional funding options and take responsibility for delivering solutions, rather than deflecting blame.”
“The UUP believes that the current cap on student numbers actively limits our universities' ability to grow, innovate and diversify their income streams. Those structural pressures simply cannot be ignored, and the Economy Minister must seriously consider how our universities are funded and supported in the future. At the same time, we believe that universities have a responsibility to manage their finances prudently and transparently. They must demonstrate to staff, students and the public that every possible avenue has been explored before posts are placed at risk, including a clear examination of expenditure and financial decisions such as those associated with the greater Belfast campus. <BR /> <BR />One of the most significant challenges is the Stormont-imposed cap on the maximum number of students that our universities can enrol.”
“The news that Ulster University is considering up to 450 job losses is deeply concerning. I urge all parties involved to do everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies. If the cuts proceed, it will represent a bitter blow not only for the dedicated staff and the families affected but for the students and for the wider higher and further education sector across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The current situation has not arisen in isolation, and it must prompt much wider and more honest conversation about the long-term sustainability of higher education funding in Northern Ireland. Ulster University has made it clear that the failure to uplift tuition fees in line with inflation, combined with the real-terms erosion of the block grant, has left institutions to operate with little financial flexibility.”
“Minister, I thank you for your statement. Can you set out how you intend to rebuild confidence in the farming sector following the report and last year's data breach, given the growing perception among many farmers that the high standards rigorously enforced on them are not applied equally to AFBI?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that we need to pay tribute to the farming community, which has complied with and followed the regulations? The amount of regulation that farmers have to shoulder and how they have adapted the biosecurity measures on their premises are often overlooked. That needs to be recognised in the debate.”
“We must work towards ensuring a new draft plan in 2027 that is specific, measurable, ambitious and timely. While we work towards protecting our planet in the long term, we must recalibrate those balancing acts so that we can ensure that we protect livelihoods, build our infrastructure and have full food and fuel security.”
“The Audit Office has found that £170 million has been spent on net zero initiatives, yet progress is lagging considerably, and value for money is difficult to assess. That record does not justify doubling down without reform. Northern Ireland has a genuine role to play in meeting the UK's wider climate ambitions, but we cannot break our people or our industries pursuing goals that are unachievable in their current form. <BR /> <BR />As a party, we agree with the thrust of the motion and the call for the Assembly to take steps to task every Department with conducting a cost-benefit analysis of all net zero-related policies within their remit. Climate policy and infrastructure delivery can and must work hand in hand, not in conflict. However, the UUP would support a revision of the draft climate action plan but not its removal.”
“There is no strategic view on storage, whether battery, pumped storage or otherwise, and interventions such as the renewable electricity price guarantee scheme are too little, too late. <BR /> <BR />Farmers continue to shoulder the heaviest burden, despite having the fewest alternatives. Livestock reductions threaten farm incomes and food processing in a region that is a major UK food producer. The answer is technology, efficiency and innovation, not blunt cuts that undermine rural livelihoods.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for his intervention. It is about the allocation of funds and looking at where those funds are best used. In a rural context, one questions the viability of that spending when there are so many other urgent issues. <BR /> <BR />The structural failures are equally stark. The restrictive grip of the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), combined with glacial departmental reform, means that renewable connections are expensive, slow and laden with penalties for developers. Planning remains a nightmare for investors. Looking east from the Antrim hills, you can see developments in Scotland that are built in a fifth of the time at a third of the cost.”
“In rural constituencies such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, where cars are essential and public transport is limited, spending £430,000 on a 1·1 km footway while potholes go unrepaired is not balance; it is misalignment.”
“Scotland has shown that, when targets do not work, they can be revised and a new framework put in place. Northern Ireland should not shy away from doing the same. <BR /> <BR />The implications of the Climate Change Act are already being felt. The High Court's ruling on the A5 road upgrade is not an isolated case. It casts a shadow over vital projects, including the A4 Enniskillen southern bypass and the A29 Cookstown bypass. It raises serious doubts about whether essential schemes can proceed without being derailed by compliance hurdles. Active travel ring-fencing compounds that, perversely restricting investment in basic road maintenance.”
“Climate change is a reality that we must confront — that is undeniable — but our response must be practical, proportionate and honest about what is achievable. The Ulster Unionist Party recognises that the targets that were set in the previous mandate, which were voted on by all parties, set a very high bar. We now accept that those targets were ambitious, and, as matters stand, they appear increasingly unrealistic for 2030. Recent failures on energy, security of supply concerns, the inability to deliver major road infrastructure, and significant barriers to agri-food security, which are all linked to climate targets, mean that we must be realistic and pragmatic. That build-up of failure means that a revision of targets should now be seriously considered.”
“Enniskillen RFC is a historic club. It was the birthplace of women's rugby in the British Isles, and its success is a landmark moment not only for the club but for the entire Enniskillen and Fermanagh community. It is a source of enormous pride for everyone back home, and I record my sincere congratulations to all involved.”
“I also congratulate the Skins under-21s side, which defeated Rainey RFC at the end of March in an emphatic 22-7 victory, lifting the Club Academy Cup. That underlines the quality, skill and ambition that is coming through the ranks.”
“Having men's and women's teams competing at senior all-Ireland level is an extraordinary achievement, and one that firmly places Enniskillen RFC on the national rugby map. <BR /> <BR />The double promotion is a moment of real significance. It reflects years of careful planning, sustained investment and a belief in long-term development. It speaks of a humble club that has consistently exceeded its expectations, fuelled by the commitment of its volunteers, the loyalty of its supporters and, above all, the determination of its players. <BR /> <BR />The future is just as bright. That strength runs deep through the club, down to youth and academy level.”
“<BR /> <BR />The past weekend delivered a truly historic, famous victory for Enniskillen Rugby Football Club's men's first team over Boyne RFC in Armagh on Saturday, sealing promotion to the All-Ireland League for the first time in the club's long and proud history. It was not just a win; it was a statement. The Skins produced a commanding, high-intensity performance, running out as 46 points to 8 points winners. In doing so, they demonstrated the dedication, discipline and sheer hard work that is put in week after week by players, coaches and back-room staff. <BR /> <BR />That victory caps what can only be described as a remarkable year for Enniskillen Rugby Football Club. Adding to the sense of history, the women's team also secured promotion to the All-Ireland League for next season.”
“I welcome Julie to the Chamber: I look forward to working with you, and I send my best regards to Gary as he undergoes his recovery. <BR /> <BR />In recent weeks, we have witnessed an exceptional surge of sporting success across Northern Ireland at local, national and international level. That success has been keenly felt in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, where sporting ambition continues to be matched by sporting achievement. Dungannon Swifts' reaching the Irish Cup final again is testament to that momentum, as they seek to build on last season's remarkable success. I wish them well as they prepare to retain the cup at the final at Windsor Park on 2 May.”
“That fact alone should challenge the tired narrative that we so often hear that Northern Ireland receives nothing from Westminster. Furthermore, as my colleague Dr Aiken pointed out, throughout the UK's time in the EU, we were, unlike the Republic of Ireland, a net contributor. The Ulster Unionist Party recognises the value of PEACE PLUS, and we support the principle of continued funding so that the programmes continue to succeed. However, we will not endorse political grandstanding dressed up as delivery.”
“Enniskillen Rugby Football Club is a highly successful sporting organisation with recent promotions for men and women's teams to the All Ireland League. A strong cross-community group plays within that club, and it continues to operate out of a clubhouse dating back to the 1970s, with facilities that are no longer fit for purpose. Despite the clear cross-community benefit and inclusivity of that club, it was unsuccessful in a recent application for funding. That is hard to accept for a club like that. That raises important questions about how funding decisions are made and whether they are truly equitable. <BR /> <BR />Let us also inject a degree of balance into the debate. As Mr Brett said, the United Kingdom has contributed the overwhelming majority of PEACE PLUS funding: well over 75% of the €1·1 billion programme.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the financial constraints facing the British Government, there is uncertainty as to whether equivalent funding will be brought forward to replace PEACE PLUS in the years ahead, particularly in the post-Brexit context. I have seen positive examples of cross-border cooperation in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, and I must also raise an issue that is too often overlooked: fairness in the allocation of funding under some of the themes. Not every community starts from the same place. Some organisations simply do not have the capacity, expertise or resources to submit complex applications and compete successfully for funding. That creates an imbalance whereby those in need can sometimes be those least able to access support. Let me give a practical example.”
“<BR /> <BR />PEACE PLUS funding has been transformative and has supported grassroots organisations, strengthened cross-border economic links and invested in communities that too often feel left behind. It has also played a vital role in rural regeneration, tourism development and fostering the stability that underpins long-term economic growth. For that we are thankful. We must be able to clearly demonstrate the success of PEACE PLUS support for communities not just in terms of funding allocated but in terms of what is actually being delivered. The Ulster Unionist Party wants to see the outworkings of the projects — tangible results that improve lives, strengthen communities and leave a lasting legacy.”
“It is an attempt to wrap a collective achievement in party political branding. The proposers go as far as to explicitly praise their own MEPs, which, frankly, speaks volumes about the true intention behind the debate. At a time when public confidence in the Assembly is fragile and when people are crying out for serious governance and meaningful outcomes, we should not use the Chamber as a platform for electioneering. We are sent here and paid by the taxpayer to deal with the real challenges facing our constituents: growing the economy, improving public services and delivering stability. Instead, we are debating another non-binding motion that imitates action rather than delivering it.”
“I am happy to speak on the motion on behalf of the UUP. I do so having seen at first hand the tangible, positive impact that PEACE PLUS funding has delivered for communities across Northern Ireland. I welcome future funding beyond 2027 in the same vein. However, let me be clear: the success of PEACE PLUS is not the property of any one party or any single Government. It is the product of cooperation between the United Kingdom, Ireland, the European Union and, most important, the communities on the ground who bring the projects to life. That is precisely why it is so disappointing that we are presented with a motion that seeks not to reflect that shared effort but to appropriate it. We should call that out for what it is. The motion is less about delivery and more about self-congratulation.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Given the growing numbers of vacancies across the western division, can you agree that work is needed urgently to fill those roles to improve service provision and have a full workforce in place?”
“I am dealing with four cases of unadopted developments in Fermanagh. In one of those cases, the residents, at great personal cost, have put forward money to ensure that the bond is expanded and that more money is available there. That process is ongoing, and the lack of further movement is causing considerable anguish. Is it fair that residents who are contributing financially to a solution are having to wait an extremely long time for a resolution?”
“It is built on moments such as this when we choose unequivocally to stand with those who have been wronged. I call on every MLA in the House to add their voice, condemn the attack and stand with that community. If we cannot do that, what are we here for?”
“Silence in moments such as this is not neutrality; it is failure. The people of Newtownbutler — Protestant, Catholic and others — are watching, and they deserve better than silence. <BR /> <BR />The Church of Ireland people in that area have shown extraordinary restraint. They have not retaliated or inflamed the situation. They have borne this with dignity, but dignity should never be mistaken for indifference, and restraint should never be taken for weakness. Every person in Northern Ireland — every one — deserves to live free from fear, free from intimidation and free to be proud of their culture, their faith and their identity without wondering whether their place of worship will be the next target. We talk often in the Chamber about reconciliation and a shared future, but a shared future is not built with words alone.”
“Those people who go about their lives quietly, proudly and peacefully, asking for nothing more than to worship, to gather and to raise their children knowing the love of Jesus, and someone decided to target them. Someone decided that their presence was something to be attacked. <BR /> <BR />I want to be clear about what this is: it is not a grey area or a matter of perspective; it is sectarianism — raw, cowardly sectarianism directed at a vulnerable minority community, and it is utterly unacceptable. I am genuinely heartened that the local Catholic church was swift to condemn the attack. That is leadership. That is the kind of neighbourly decency that gives us hope, and I commend it for that unreservedly. However, I have to ask this: where are the nationalist MLAs, and where is the condemnation from those elected to represent that area?”
“I want to raise awareness of an appalling attack that happened on Easter Saturday night in Newtownbutler. Every Member of the House, regardless of tradition, background or party, should condemn it. A Church of Ireland Sunday school at Galloon parish was vandalised. Ugly, hateful, sectarian words were daubed on its walls, and items were damaged. A space dedicated to children — a place of innocence, faith and community — was left unusable and scarred. That it happened at Easter, when all Christian communities mark the death and resurrection of Christ, makes it all the more offensive. This happened in a predominantly nationalist area where the Church of Ireland community is the minority.”
“<BR /> <BR />National energy security has been raised continually in the Chamber, yet, ultimately, the powers to improve it rest with Westminster. Many in the Chamber will choose to point fingers or argue that the issue stems from constitutional questions, but none of that matters at this time. Our economy and our people's livelihoods are at stake. There must be more than emphatic words and speeches delivered after this Matter of the Day. While I do not endorse disruption, we must be honest about what is happening. When people can no longer afford to fuel their cars or heat their homes, frustration does not remain contained; it spills out into our roads, towns and economy, as people feel voiceless and under-represented. It is imperative that the Assembly do what it can to help our people in their time of need.”
“As legislators, we must take a stand and make it clear to Westminster that it is unsustainable and that there must be an intervention. <BR /> <BR />With oil prices set to rise above $100 a barrel, if the proposed blockade of Iranian ports goes ahead, what will we do? With the average price of diesel in the UK having now surpassed 190p per litre and households projected to be £480 worse off this year, an intervention is needed to ensure security of supply and affordable pricing. The UK's energy security remains vulnerable due to our reliance on importing large amounts of gas and oil, and I agree with Mr Buckley that we have resources that could help to offset that, but we lack the necessary control to fully secure ourselves.”
“We have seen the headlines over the past weeks, and, from speaking to people in my constituency, I know only too well how frustrated they are and how sick of empty words they are. People feel so frustrated and let down that they have taken to demonstrating and protesting against rising costs, and it is clear that they cannot and will not take any further increases. <BR /> <BR />Those rising costs are putting businesses and households alike under crippling pressures. The reality in Fermanagh and South Tyrone is that contractors who rightfully secured lucrative contracts in Belfast, Dublin and further afield now face rising, punitive costs in their daily travel to carry out their work. Energy prices rose suddenly, and it now seems that they will continue to rise, so the question that people are asking is simple: when does it stop?”
“Renewables alone do not guarantee lower prices. Costs are still shaped by grid capacity and by our ability to use the energy that is produced. That is why strong east-west and North/South interconnection is essential. Interconnectors enable us to stabilise supply and unlock the energy potential of these islands. A problem shared is indeed a problem halved, and the British Isles can become a self-sufficient energy powerhouse. <BR /> <BR />In simple terms, Northern Ireland must be ambitious in its pursuit of energy security but realistic about what is deliverable. The motion overlooks the essential role that fossil fuels still play in maintaining that security and advocates a renewables-only approach without having the evidence to support it. For that reason, we cannot support the motion.”
“Although the renewable electricity price guarantee is a positive step, planning delays and grid constraints mean that targets remain unlikely to be met on schedule. The Audit Office has also highlighted limited progress and weak oversight. Of the 8,000 GW per hour energy-saving target for 2030, only 90 GW per hour — just 1% — had been achieved by March 2025. How can renewables be described as the clearest pathway when statutory milestones are repeatedly being missed? A strategy that is centred on renewables cannot claim to enhance energy security if it fails to hit its own targets. <BR /> <BR />Having considered the motion and the wider context, it is clear to me that Mr Brett and Ms Forsythe's amendment presents the most realistic approach. Renewable energy must be paired with a dependable supply of fossil fuels.”
“In the 12 months to September 2025, renewables generated 44·2% of electricity, representing a 0·3% drop on the previous year. That was the third consecutive decline in renewable energy generation, far from the 80% target that was set for 2030.”
“Prices for oil, an unregulated fuel, continue to rise sharply, leaving many homeowners anxious and asking when it will end. International events that are well beyond our control dictate the cost of heating our homes and keeping the lights on. That vulnerability must be addressed. The Ulster Unionist Party has long argued that home heating oil should fall within the remit of the Utility Regulator, which would bring parity with gas and electricity. We welcome the warm healthy homes strategy for 2026-2036 and its £150 million investment in energy efficiency. <BR /> <BR />We strongly support increased renewable energy generation, but renewables alone cannot deliver the energy security that Northern Ireland needs, particularly in the short term. Recent figures show that progress on renewables is slipping.”
“I thank the Members for tabling the motion and the amendments and for the opportunity to speak on the motion. It reflects an issue that has affected households across Northern Ireland since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran. <BR /> <BR />My party and I share the proposer's deep concern about rising energy prices and their impact on families and businesses. From Fermanagh to Belfast, households that were already under immense financial pressure now face escalating costs for home heating oil and fuel. Those increases are already being passed on to consumers. While we hope for a resolution to the conflict that will ease prices, that price relief will not come quickly. <BR /> <BR />With almost two thirds of homes here relying on oil heating, Northern Ireland's overexposure to global energy markets has rarely been starker.”
“For all the reasons that I have given, I am happy to support the regulations.”
“The regulations close that gap and ensure that those who suffer miscarriage have an entitlement to time off amid their grief. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the statutory entitlement to paid leave for eligible workers. Having that right established from day 1 of employment does a great deal to reduce the stress and anxiety of those who are already undergoing an extremely traumatic period in their lives. Embedding miscarriage leave and pay formalises and standardises the compassionate approach taken to parental bereavement and ensures that there is clear support and a procedure for those who are affected by miscarriage. That means that parents do not have to go through the worry of financial insecurity amid their emotional hardship. <BR /> <BR />The legislation provides clarity, for workers and employers alike, that well-being must be prioritised.”
“<BR /> <BR />As my Committee colleagues have outlined, the regulations fulfil a long-overdue duty of the Assembly to extend the rights under parental bereavement legislation to workers who have experienced a miscarriage, alongside some of those at home with them, who are the most closely affected. It is only right that the protections that are currently available to those who experience the death of a child or a stillbirth be extended to women who suffer a miscarriage, and it is crucial that that support be offered from day 1. The regulations will also fulfil our duty to acknowledge the lived experience of parents who experience miscarriage. The previous rules, which recognised parental bereavement only from 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards, meant that those who experienced loss before that point went unrecognised in employment rights.”
“I join my Committee colleagues in welcoming the legislation and thank the Minister for her work to bring the regulations to this point. I extend my thanks to the officials involved, echoing the words that have gone before. <BR /> <BR />Parental bereavement is a time of extreme vulnerability, and it is good that that is recognised in the legislation. The Assembly has a duty of care to those who experience bereavement and a responsibility to ensure that we legislate with dignity and compassion in order to lift all the barriers they faced during some of the most difficult and emotional periods of their lives.”