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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“Rather, it seeks to improve how the system operates in practice by making it more straightforward and more effective in what it is designed to do. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the scrutiny that the legislation has received. Careful examination strengthens legislation and ensures better outcomes. Not every Bill needs to be ambitious in scope to be valuable; often, technical and procedural reforms such as these deliver the most meaningful improvements. This measured and common-sense Bill enhances clarity, supports business and improves the functioning of our legal system. I am pleased to support it.”
“As legislators, our role is not only to regulate but to enable. Our laws should support economic activity, not hinder it. <BR /> <BR />Following a period in which the Assembly was not functioning, it is particularly important that we take such opportunities to modernise and update our statute book. The Bill is a good example of the kind of focused, technical reform that is required to ensure that our systems remain fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />We must also remember that insolvency is not a notional concept. It affects real people and businesses. Behind every case are employees, creditors, directors and families facing uncertainty. In those circumstances, having clarity and efficiency in the process is essential. The Bill does not seek to introduce sweeping change.”
“I also welcome the Final Stage of the Insolvency Bill. The legislation represents a practical and necessary step towards strengthening our insolvency framework. Although much of the Bill is technical in nature, its importance should not be underestimated. By removing unnecessary bureaucracy and addressing inconsistencies, it ensures that our legal processes operate more smoothly and effectively. Aligning our framework with that of Great Britain is a sensible and pragmatic approach to take, as doing that promotes consistency and clarity while helping ensure that businesses in Northern Ireland are not placed at a disadvantage through unnecessary regulatory divergence. If we are serious about supporting enterprise and attracting investment, our legal framework must be coherent, predictable and competitive.”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. It was good to see unionism representing Northern Ireland so positively and, indeed, to see the Ulster Unionist Party leader also having positive engagement in Washington. Minister, was the international Appalachian trail included in your conversations about tourism?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, it is deeply regrettable that political arrogance and deadlock have overridden clinical and public health advice in this instance. Will the Minister confirm whether he made his most senior professional advisers available to meet the DUP to try to secure a way forward?”
“Minister, I have engaged with the agri-food sector, particularly the meat industry in Dungannon. I am told that there is limited knowledge of the 'good jobs' Bill and its implications. What engagement have you had with that sector?”
“Thank you for your response, Minister. Do you agree that shrinking school budgets should never supersede women's rights in the workplace?”
“We are living in an emergency. If the Executive cannot deliver a strategy that works, they must have the humility to invest in those who make it work. Organisations like Women's Aid are on the front line every day supporting women in crisis, often with inadequate resources. I have seen that first-hand in my constituency. They are stretched and underfunded, yet they are indispensable. <BR /> <BR />This is not a women's issue; it is a failure of our society and a test of our political will. If we continue as we are, we will be back here again, offering more condolences, naming another victim and explaining once again why nothing has changed. <BR /> <BR />I offer my heartfelt sympathy to the Doherty and Flanagan families. I appeal to anyone who needs assistance or reassurance to reach out to support groups like Women's Aid.”
“The words have become routine and the statements predictable, yet the violence continues. That is the uncomfortable truth. The strategy on ending violence against women and girls is not delivering the protection that it promises. Northern Ireland has, for some time, been described as one of the most dangerous places for women to live. We cannot allow our children and the next generation to grow up and believe that it is right for girls and women to be harmed. What message are we sending when perpetrators believe that they can abuse, assault and even kill without meaningful consequence? Where is the deterrence? Where is the urgency? We cannot allow the issue to silently become white noise for the general public. <BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister and the First Minister and deputy First Minister must act and act decisively.”
“This is a solemn day. Once again, the Assembly is forced to confront the killing of not one but two women in such a short space of time: Ellie Flanagan and Amy Doherty. I will name them both because they deserve more than to be reduced to statistics, to be entries on a list or to be numbers on a growing tally. Ellie Flanagan and Amy Doherty were not numbers; they, along with the 28 other victims of femicide since 2020, were daughters and loved ones, women with futures that have now been stolen. They were known and cherished, and they should still be here. Their deaths are not isolated incidents. They represent a pattern that is repeated, relentless and utterly unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />Too many times, we have stood in the Chamber offering condolences.”
“Violence against women is not a private issue; it is a public health crisis and a human rights issue. Every woman and girl deserves to live free from fear, coercion and harm. <BR /> <BR />Today, we celebrate the women who broke barriers, who changed laws, who led movements, who built businesses, who cared for families and who persevered in the face of challenge. We celebrate the women in the Chamber and those watching from home. Let our celebration renew our resolve. Let it strengthen our commitment to building a Northern Ireland where every woman and girl can live safely, participate fully and realise her potential. Equality strengthens us all. Together, let us ensure that progress continues not just in words but in action. I commend the motion to the Assembly.”
“and to advance in their chosen profession. Many women who step forward do so because someone invested in them, gave them confidence and skills or simply reassured them that they were ready. That work matters, and it deserves our support. <BR /> <BR />We must also speak clearly about the abuse faced by women in public life and beyond. Online and in-person harassment is designed to silence women and drive them out of debate. It is not simply an attack on individuals; it is an attack on democracy itself. We must stand unequivocally with women whose voices are targeted and say that they will not be silenced. <BR /> <BR />We cannot ignore the stark reality of violence against women and girls. The strategic framework to end violence against women and girls is not optional; it is essential.”
“<BR /> <BR />While we celebrate progress, we must also be honest: much remains to be done. The gender pay gap persists; women are still under-represented in senior leadership roles, on boards and in political life; girls from disadvantaged backgrounds face barriers that have nothing to do with their ability or ambition; and women from minority communities, disabled women and those in rural areas experience layered inequalities that demand our attention. <BR /> <BR />International Women's Day must be both a celebration and a call to action. I particularly welcome the motion's recognition of”
“I am grateful for the strong women and men who have supported me along the way, including many women in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly rightly recognises the leadership and contribution of women in every sphere of life. Leadership is found in our hospitals, where women make up the majority of the health and care workforce; our schools; our voluntary and community organisations; our businesses; and our charities. It is found in the women who hold families and communities together, often without recognition or reward. Research consistently shows that, when women are educated, employed and empowered, communities thrive, economies grow stronger, health outcomes improve and children achieve more. Equality is not a favour that is extended to women; it is an investment in society as a whole.”
“I thank the Women's Caucus for the event that it hosted this morning. I am pleased to support the motion, which marks International Women's Day 2026. The motion reflects something that women have long understood: when we invest in one another and when we share opportunity and lift one another up, everyone benefits. That spirit of generosity and shared progress is at the heart of what we are recognising today. <BR /> <BR />When I spoke in the Chamber on International Women's Day last year, I was the only woman MLA in the Ulster Unionist Party grouping. I remain the sole woman in the grouping, but I now serve as deputy leader of the party. That journey reminds me that barriers can be broken. It also reminds me that none of us can do that alone.”
“Certainly, I look forward to hearing about them as the second century begins.”
“Former members, such as the late Sue Hogg and Carole Graham, who went on to serve as Ulster chief commissioners, and Catherine Irwin, who became chair of the board of trustees, demonstrated the strength of leadership that grew from that small but mighty county. Their achievements showed what guiding can inspire. Behind every success story lies the unwavering dedication of volunteers; leaders who give their evenings, weekends and hearts to ensure that every girl has a place to belong. Their commitment over 10 decades is the backbone of County Fermanagh's guiding story. <BR /> <BR />The girls and young women who wear the uniforms of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers in Fermanagh are today part of a legacy built by extraordinary women and strengthened by generations of Guides, and we can look forward to many more successes.”
“Their early leadership sparked a movement that has shaped lives for 100 years. <BR /> <BR />Think for a moment how much the world has changed since those first Guides met. Society, technology and opportunities have transformed beyond recognition, yet the core values of girl guiding — integrity, resilience, service and a spirit of adventure — have remained throughout a century of change. Those values have carried hundreds if not thousands of Fermanagh girls through childhood and into adulthood, influencing careers, families and communities. <BR /> <BR />The county's impact on the wider guiding world has been significant.”
“Today, when the Assembly is recognising International Women's Day 2026, I will mark a momentous milestone that is being celebrated: 100 years of girl guiding in County Fermanagh; a century full of courage, friendship, adventure and service; a century in which girls and young women have been given the tools, confidence and community to grow into the best version of themselves. <BR /> <BR />When girl guiding first took root in County Fermanagh in 1925, it did so through the determination of pioneering women such as Vera Jenkins and Nellie Inglis, the county's first leaders, trained by the inspirational Australian Lilian Irwin. Soon after, Flora MacManaway and Catherine Trail opened the first Brownie pack, laying foundations that would support generations of girls.”
“On the matter of qualification alignment, we want to ensure that Northern Ireland students are not disadvantaged when applying to institutions elsewhere on the island, such as Trinity College or Dublin City University (DCU). However, the motion places significant emphasis on aligning CAO results and timelines with UCAS without addressing the fundamental issues here. Quite simply, alignment does not create a single university place here, and nor does it resolve underfunding. Indeed, without increased capacity, increasing mobility could intensify the competition for already scarce places. Our young people deserve more than warm words about mobility; they deserve those places and the investment. For those reasons, the Ulster Unionist Party will not support the motion.”
“Staffing and resource costs are skyrocketing, and additional funding for universities is urgently needed. We must have an honest conversation about the sustainability of our higher education model. That includes consideration of tuition fee reform. That will not be popular and is not easy to say, but leadership requires realism. If we want world-class universities, we cannot ignore the financial pressures facing the sector. The heads of each university here have already called for tuition fee rises to try to plug the gap, yet our Sinn Féin Economy Minister continues to engage in claims about abolishing tuition fees without a credible plan.”
“However, that leads us to the uncomfortable truth that our universities are under severe financial strain.”
“<BR /> <BR />While students can and do submit multiple applications, it is clear that supply falls considerably short of demand. The brain drain from Northern Ireland to GB is well documented. For example, a report by Pivotal found that in a period when 17,425 people left Northern Ireland to study, only 3,470 came here. Clearly, the outflow of students from Northern Ireland is not matched by students coming from elsewhere. Whilst the MaSN cap is not the sole cause of that, it evidently does not help the situation when Northern Ireland students find it much easier to get places in GB. <BR /> <BR />If we are serious about opportunity, we must be serious about reform. The MaSN cap needs to be removed or fundamentally reworked so that our universities can expand to meet demand.”
“The maximum student number (MaSN) cap creates artificial restrictions on the number of local students who can access higher education. We believe that reform of the MaSN cap is vital to improving opportunities for our young people. The MaSN cap places limits on local university places, which puts extra pressure on the availability of spaces for young people in Northern Ireland. That restriction forces thousands of talented young people to study in Great Britain, where they face fees of over £9,000 a year. Indeed, that barrier was pointed out recently by Queens University's vice chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, who said that Queen's University is limited to offering approximately 3,500 places to students from here each year, despite an average of nearly 28,000 applications.”
“I open my contribution by making it clear that the Ulster Unionist Party believes that education is one of the most powerful tools that we have to transform lives and shape our society. We want to expand opportunities for our young people, and we recognise that cooperation between educational institutions across these islands can bring benefits. I want to make it equally clear, however, that our first responsibility is to the students of Northern Ireland. Ultimately, cross-border mobility must not come at the expense of available university places for young people here at home. That is something that I hear from parents and students alike. <BR /> <BR />What are the real barriers to opportunity for Northern Ireland's young people?”
“I hope that Members can support the amendment.”
“If the direction of travel is towards improved relations, reducing unnecessary divergence and easing administrative burdens should be part of that reset. Mitigating disruption to internal trade and maintaining the integrity of the single market are not mutually exclusive but a matter of political will and pragmatic adjustment. The presidency offers Ireland an opportunity to demonstrate that improving EU-UK relations is about practical outcomes as well as diplomatic rhetoric. <BR /> <BR />The amendment is therefore rooted in realism. It acknowledges geopolitical change, affirms solidarity with Ukraine, supports deeper EU-UK cooperation and seeks tangible economic improvements for Northern Ireland. That is a balanced, forward-looking approach to take, and one that is grounded in stability, security and prosperity.”
“<BR /> <BR />The amendment further recognises a long-term reality, which is that Northern Ireland's interests are best served when the United Kingdom and the European Union maintain a close and constructive relationship. That does not require constitutional upheaval. Rather, it requires practical partnership. A closer UK-EU relationship provides a framework within which Northern Ireland can thrive as a bridge between markets rather than as a point of friction between them. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the amendment calls for the Irish EU presidency to use its platform to encourage the EU and the UK to mitigate the divergent and disruptive impacts of the Windsor framework. That is framed not as confrontation but as a test of good faith.”
“Russia's aggression in Ukraine has forced European nations to reassess their defence readiness. We also have the current situation in the Middle East. Resilience and collective responsibility are therefore paramount. Closer UK-EU cooperation on defence and security is not a theoretical aspiration but a strategic necessity. The United Kingdom remains one of Europe's leading military and intelligence powers. Ensuring structured cooperation, information sharing and industrial alignment between London and Brussels strengthens the Continent as a whole and reinforces unwavering support for Ukraine in resisting Putin's expansionism.”
“For Northern Ireland, each of those areas carries particular significance. Defence and security shape our wider stability. Infrastructure determines competitiveness. Research, innovation and skills define whether we lead or lag in emerging industries. Energy policy influences affordability and strategic autonomy, while cross-border services affect the daily lives of citizens across these islands. If Ireland's EU presidency is to be meaningful, it must translate those headings into tangible cooperation and practical delivery. In particular, the amendment recognises that Ireland's EU presidency can play an important role in strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. In the current geopolitical climate, that matters enormously. <BR /> <BR />The security landscape across Europe has fundamentally shifted.”
“Those are the foundations of modern statecraft and economic resilience.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Our amendment rightly highlights the core priorities of the forthcoming Irish EU presidency, which are defence and security, infrastructure, research and innovation, energy and skills.”
“Minister, I welcome the increase now being delivered locally, especially given the growing need for social care from the community, and I very much welcome the Minister's commitment to introduce the real living wage. Does he agree that a career in social care is something to be deeply proud of, and one that allows staff to make a positive impact each and every day?”
“I will make a short contribution to the debate. I welcome the motion and thank the Audit Committee for the work that it has undertaken to bring it to this point. However, I have one question that may be covered in the winding-up of the debate: why does the report not recommend that the salary be linked to judicial salary group 5?”
“Thank you for your statement, Minister. Was the development of biomethane as a renewable source discussed at the meeting? What potential is there for cross-border collaboration in the development of anaerobic digestion plants?”
“<BR /> <BR />Although we acknowledge the potential of cross-border health services, we need to ask what appetite there really is from our counterparts in the Republic. Today, I reaffirm my party's unwavering commitment to the South West Acute Hospital. We recognise its strategic importance and the strength of feeling in the community, and we will continue to stand up firmly and consistently to ensure that the SWAH has not just a future but a thriving one. One last thing, Minister: where is the vision plan?”
“We will not accept consultation processes that undermine trust rather than build it. I hope that, as public representatives, we can give you our assurances that we will assist you in promoting the SWAH as a safe and sustainable hospital and as a great place for any staff member to work in. I have no doubt whatsoever that the SWAH's future is secure. Its outlook is one of growth and stability. It should be a centre that delivers acute services, maximises its modern design, expands elective capacity, supports staff and retains public confidence. However, that confidence will not be retained unless we continue to listen to the strength of local concerns and treat them with the seriousness that they deserve.”
“The Minister ordered the trust to halt that flawed process and, instead, to develop a long-term vision plan for the SWAH. Minister, whilst I have long believed that the work was too important for the trust to try to rush it through, in the seven months that have passed since then, the local community and key stakeholders would have liked to have seen more of the vision plan. They are not expecting to have the final document in their hands, but they would have liked, at least, to have had an assurance that detailed conversations were taking place and that planning was under way. Yet again, the Western Trust is falling below standard. <BR /> <BR />As you know, Minister, as local MLAs who live among the community, we will not accept short-term fixes dressed up as strategic reform.”
“That was an important and necessary step, and, whilst the RQIA report provided some assurances and, most importantly, an agreement from the trust on what further measures were needed, all local MLAs will be aware that further challenges remain. I trust that the RQIA, given its most recent work on the hospital, will be able to ensure that further progress is made. <BR /> <BR />One of the greatest knocks to public confidence in recent times was the trust's failed attempt at a consultation last summer. As we will all remember, the Western Trust launched a ham-fisted consultation that was aimed at making the temporary closure permanent. Even though all the glaring shortcomings and errors were entirely obvious, the current Minister had to take the very unusual step of directly intervening so that the trust would listen.”
“It occurred only a few weeks after the Assembly and the Executive had collapsed, but also only after the previous Minister of Health had sought written assurances on safety and planning that were never provided. That, understandably, undermined public confidence. When communities feel that decisions are being imposed on them without proper explanation or accountability, that concern is not only justified but powerful and entirely legitimate. <BR /> <BR />Within weeks of the Assembly being restored in early 2024, the then Health Minister ordered a Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) review to ensure that the issues were properly and independently examined.”
“In recent months, the Minister has been able to deliver the utilisation of more of the previously uncommissioned theatre capacity, with further plans well advanced. That is tangible progress, and it demonstrates what political determination and focused advocacy can achieve. It shows that, when we fight for the SWAH, we deliver for the SWAH. <BR /> <BR />However, support for the hospital cannot be complacent. It must be active and vigilant, because we have seen how fragile public confidence can become when decisions are taken without transparency or proper oversight. The temporary removal of emergency general surgery (EGS) by the Western Trust in late 2022 was deeply concerning.”
“I truly believe that the Minister recognises that. I have accompanied him on multiple visits to the hospital, most recently only a few weeks ago. There is barely a staff group that he has not met or a corner of the hospital that he has not seen. The South West Acute Hospital was designed with the future in mind. Its individual rooms, modern infrastructure and theatre capacity position it perfectly as a major hub for high volume and for complex surgery moving forward. At a time when we are all acutely aware of the intolerable waits that patients face across Northern Ireland, the SWAH is demonstrating through actions on the ground that its facilities are capable of expanding care and that it can play its full part in reducing backlogs.”
“I welcome the chance to speak on this important Adjournment topic. I feel compelled to contribute to it. As has been stated, the SWAH is a state-of-the-art, modern hospital that was purpose-built to provide high-quality, safe and efficient healthcare in a rural region. There is no doubt that the SWAH deserves to have, and must have, a long and secure future. As such, I am very supportive of cross-border opportunities being explored. It is an issue that I have raised directly with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />For the people of Fermanagh and West Tyrone, the SWAH is not just another hospital in a wider system; it is a vital lifeline. Rural healthcare must never be allowed to be treated as an afterthought. Access and geography matter in Fermanagh; we know that all too well.”
“In doing so, they help to shape for the future communities that are responsible and have community-minded citizens. <BR /> <BR />Those who organise, coordinate and sustain the annual competitions, often quietly and without fanfare, deserve our sincere thanks. Without their dedication at a local level, there would be no competition, no development opportunities and no thriving junior movement. It is only right that the House recognises and commends their efforts today.”
“Those young people have demonstrated remarkable dedication, discipline, and ability in public speaking, which are qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. I am especially proud that Annahoe juniors hail from my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Their success reflects not only their hard work but the commitment of the leaders, parents and volunteers who give so generously of their time to nurture the next generation. <BR /> <BR />Some may ask why such matters deserve recognition in the House. The answer is simple: organisations such as the Junior Grand Orange Lodge provide a structured, values-based environment in which young people can express their Christian faith, develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.”
“Today, I draw the Chamber's attention to the outstanding work of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. The organisation continues to make a meaningful and positive contribution in communities right across Northern Ireland by investing in young people and encouraging them to grow in confidence, character and faith. In particular, I warmly congratulate the winners of this year's annual lecturing competition, Annahoe District Junior Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) 286, along with the runners-up, Magherafelt District Junior LOL 80 and Tandragee Junior LOL 190.”
“Minister, you mentioned the fleadh's importance as a community festival: what support can be given to the festival that takes place on 12 July every year? We saw the success at the Open in Portrush with the marching bands on display. That is a cultural expression in my community. What support can you give to that as a community tourism opportunity? Can you reaffirm that Tourism NI will, indeed, recognise this year's Twelfth as a community festival in all its advertising and promotional events?”
“<BR /> <BR />From the deputy First Minister, we heard about the work that the Executive Office is doing, and we heard that every victim deserves full justification and that their stories have to be heard. You made the very important point that those who perpetrated the crimes often went unreported and went on to be perpetrators in further instances. That is something that is very hard for people to see in the community: the same perpetrator was at large and able to continue those despicable acts. <BR /> <BR />I thank everybody for their comments today, and I support the motion brought by the UUP. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.”
“<BR /> <BR />Deirdre Hargey spoke about how her father's experience affected their family and affected him. She said that any legacy legislation should be centred around international human rights in order to command confidence. <BR /> <BR />Turning to —. I have actually lost my notes, because I was writing so much down to try to cover this. <BR /> <BR />Timothy Gaston raised some issues, but we were speaking in the here and now about this debate today. I know that you accept the impact of violence against women and girls and of a sexual nature as well against children. You welcomed Doug Beattie's encouraging all victims to go to the PSNI.”
“I am sure that that is noted. Thank you for that intervention. <BR /> <BR />I turn to some of the contributions made in the Chamber. I welcome the support that has been given to the motion. In no particular order, I start with Sinéad McLaughlin. She gave us a very powerful representation of the need for the full story and the profound harm that women suffered in being subjected to violence and how that has remained in many cases unresolved and, as many Members echoed across the Chamber, there was a fear of going to the PSNI, or the RUC at that time. They felt that they would be excluded within their community if they spoke out, and there was a fear of what would happen to them for doing so. She said that victims deserve the full unvarnished truth.”