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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“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I apologise to you and the Minister for not being in my seat for question 1.”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion, while well-meaning, is based on misunderstanding and fear. It threatens economic growth, job creation and our ability to transition to a greener future. As public representatives, we must commit ourselves to evidence-based regulation and responsible resource management.”
“<BR /> <BR />The mineral product sector here already supports thousands of jobs with 160 quarries, mines and sandpits in Northern Ireland, particularly in rural areas, where opportunities are limited. You need only to look at parts of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, where the development of that sector has transformed communities, particularly with companies like Mannok, formerly Quinn's, which is now a powerhouse of industry, whose roots started in a simple gravel pit in Fermanagh. In fact, 75% of quarries and pits are located in areas designated for targeting social need. Therefore, it is not just about industry but about regional development and social equity. I would have thought that the proposers of the motion would support that. Are they advocating the closure of companies in my constituency, putting jobs and families at risk?”
“They support construction, manufacturing, agriculture and, crucially, the green technologies needed to meet our climate goals. Without domestic sources of critical minerals, we risk deepening our reliance on imports, often from unstable or adversarial countries with lower environmental standards and human rights issues. The motion refuses to acknowledge that the global transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure depends heavily on access to critical minerals and rare earth elements, but we should not put barriers in the way of indigenous exploration that Northern Ireland can benefit from. We should strengthen the framework.”
“Of course, it is essential that environmental concerns are included, and I hope the process will also promote greater community consultation. However, the motion simply misrepresents the nature of mineral prospecting licences and risks undermining Northern Ireland's economic and strategic interests. <BR /> <BR />Let us be clear: a mineral prospecting licence is not a licence to mine; it permits only low-impact exploration, not extraction. There is no automatic progression from prospecting to mining, and each stage is subject to separate rigorous regulatory scrutiny. Northern Ireland's mineral resources are vital to our economy and our future. The strategic planning policy statement recognises that minerals are essential to a sustainable quality of life.”
“We all want to see progress across society with the building of new homes, growing the economy and providing well-paid jobs in areas often overlooked, but the motion before us may risk just that. The motion calls for a review of the current framework, but the Department is already reviewing the framework to update it. The scoping document states that the review will assess:”
“Minister, will you provide an update on the very impressive mental health community navigator service in the Royal Victoria Hospital's A&E department?”
“This year, they are joined by fellow Skins players Rebecca Beacom and Farrah Cartin-McCloskey. That brings representation from Enniskillen Rugby Football Club on the Ulster Interpro squad to seven players. Additionally, Fermanagh and South Tyrone is well represented by Clogher Valley's Katie Hetherington and Siobhan Sheerin. <BR /> <BR />That is well-earned recognition for the consistent hard work that those girls have put in throughout the season and a great reflection of the groundwork being put in by players and coaches. I wish them well as they progress to competition. No doubt, the supporters will cheer them on during the competition.”
“I congratulate women rugby players from Fermanagh and South Tyrone following the recent announcement of their inclusion in the Ulster Interpro squad. It is a proud moment for the parents, coaches and friends of all those girls. It is no less of an exceptionally proud moment for the parents of India Daley, who has been selected as captain, following in the footsteps of another Skins women's captain, Kathryn Dane. India and her colleagues Moya Hill, Sophie Barrett, Lucy Thompson and Sophie Meeke return to the squad from previous Interpros.”
“Minister, I broadly welcome the statement, but I note the aspirational tone throughout. I pay tribute to Alma and the campaigners for bringing Caleb's Cause to this moment. Can the Minister expand a bit on the joint venture between the Department for the Economy and the Department of Education to create the joint careers action plan? Specifically, can she outline any initiatives that may emerge from the venture and how she intends to assess them? The Minister will agree with me that everyone deserves the fairest start in life.”
“Thank you, Minister, for that response. It is important that we have cross-sectoral engagement on the matter. Are you confident that the AI strategy will be delivered this year?”
“We cannot afford to undermine food security in the name of sustainability. We need a nutrient management policy that is fair, workable and built on genuine collaboration with those who know the land best: our farmers. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Minister to listen, engage and rethink, and then to return to the table with a co-designed approach that balances environmental responsibility with economic reality. We can protect our waterways, but we must not lose sight of the fact that farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, rising operational and veterinary costs, a narrowing window of good weather and the continuing fallout of the family farm tax. To all the farmers out there, the Ulster Unionist Party stands behind you. Now let us protect our farms, our food and our future.”
“The proposals do not reflect the reality of the agri-food sector or the resilience, innovation or ambition of our farmers — farmers who want to grow, not just survive; farmers who want to invest in their land, their livestock and their future, but who are now being told that they must do so under a mountain of red tape and draconian, unaffordable mandates. <BR /> <BR />When my father, Harry West, served as Minister of Agriculture in this place, he understood that real progress came not from punishment but from partnership. He championed one of the largest investments in the agri-food sector, preparing farmers for the future with the skills, tools and support that they needed to thrive. That is the kind of leadership that we need today. We cannot lock future generations of farmers out of opportunity.”
“Lough Neagh and our rivers are vital to our ecosystem, our communities and our economy, but the proposals that are on the table risk doing more harm than good, especially to the very people who have been the stewards of our land for generations. The imposition of stricter phosphorus limits, mandatory low-emission slurry-spreading equipment and compulsory buffer strips may sound like progress on paper, but, on the ground, they threaten to devastate an industry that is principally family-run, passed down through generations and already operating on tight margins.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important debate. Indeed, before I continue, I declare an interest, as I am a farmer's wife. I also pay tribute to the UFU and the many farmers who are here at Parliament Buildings today. We look outside and see the array of their endeavours and hard work — the machinery that they have brought here as an example of the machinery that they use in their day-to-day work. You are very welcome here this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />This issue is causing much concern to the many thousands of farmers across Northern Ireland and, of course, to those involved in the family farms in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. No one disputes the need to protect our waterways.”
“Does the Member agree that this has been a difficult year for farmers and that having to deal, first, with the family farm tax and, now, plans for the nutrients action programme is taking a profound mental toll on farmers up and down the country?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Another area of focus in planning is the importance of HGV and linkages across these islands. The Minister will be aware that there was a commitment in the Union connectivity report to improving linkages between Northern Ireland and Scotland, most notably the freight corridors taking Northern Ireland goods via the A75 and A77 roads that serve the port of Cairnryan. What engagement has the Minister had with her UK and Scottish counterparts on that matter?”
“We must support our industries, manufacturers, indigenous retailers, service providers, farmers, hauliers and all those who work tirelessly every day to keep our economy moving.”
“A local business owner recently shared a telling example of our rates system, having opened a premises in one of Dublin's most prestigious streets, where the rates were just €9,000. The rates for a comparable premises in Belfast are €36,000. That disparity is totally unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />It is a critical issue. The groundwork has been laid, so now the Minister must act. That is why I will support the motion as amended by Ms Forsythe's more comprehensive understanding of the issue. It is not just about the high street task force; it is about much more than that. If I could make one further request of the Minister for the Economy, it would be this: expedite the review of small business rate relief and the non-domestic vacant rating exclusion. Those reforms are essential to unlocking opportunity and growth in our town centres.”
“Yes, Westminster policies such as the increase in employers' National Insurance and the disparities in VAT rates hurt our businesses, but to simply shrug our shoulders and say, "It is someone else's problem" is to do a disservice to our local business community. Sectors such as hospitality, agri-food, high street services, haulage, retail, childcare and healthcare, which are largely made up of small businesses, face higher operating and employment costs, an outdated business rates system, the looming threat of additional regulation from the 'good jobs' Bill proposals and constraints on growth due to underinvestment in infrastructure and an inadequate planning system.”
“It brings to the forefront the serious challenges facing the business and manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland and the real danger that many businesses may not survive, potentially plunging our economy into recession. We now have the facts. We now have a road map. What we need now is action. The Minister for the Economy must outline the support measures that she intends to pursue to sustain the Northern Ireland economy, particularly for small businesses in regions such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, which I represent. <BR /> <BR />It is not enough to present it solely as a UK Treasury issue.”
“I do not believe that any of us in the House can fully grasp the financial challenges that many local businesses currently face. They are navigating a constant state of uncertainty in costs, in global markets and in government policy. One thing that they can be certain of is this: spiralling costs that continue to rise. <BR /> <BR />As a former business owner who once took a gamble without thinking twice about costs, I look at the challenges that entrepreneurs face today and ask myself, "Would I take that same gamble in today's climate?". We are, effectively, taxing businesses out of existence, so probably not. That is why I welcome the cost of doing business report. It presents a stark and sobering picture of reality.”
“Can the Minister give an assurance that funding allocations for road maintenance are fair across Northern Ireland, given that, in the current mandate, the spending on a two-mile project in Belfast was £4 million, compared with £1·5 million on a 30-mile stretch in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?”
“I congratulate James on his outstanding achievement at the World Angus Forum. His story is a shining example of what can be accomplished when tradition, talent and tenacity come together.”
“<BR /> <BR />James is not only a skilled young farmer but a committed member of the young farmers' movement. Since joining Lisbellaw young farmers' club in 2017, he has taken on several leadership roles, including assistant club leader, junior coordinator and vice chairman for County Fermanagh. When I spoke with James recently, I was struck by his optimism and determination. He is passionate about the future of farming in Northern Ireland and is calling for more opportunities and a stronger voice for his generation so that it can build its future here, not abroad in such places as Australia or New Zealand. James Morrison represents the very best of our next generation of farmers. His success is not just personal; it is symbolic of the intergenerational excellence that drives Northern Ireland's agriculture sector forward.”
“Throughout the competition, participants were assessed by unannounced judges on their leadership, teamwork, integrity and engagement. James distinguished himself in every aspect and was awarded the Spirit of Angus award — the highest individual honour in the competition. That accolade is testament to his character, dedication and passion for agriculture. James's deep-rooted knowledge and enthusiasm for the Aberdeen Angus breed is a proud family legacy. His father, Alan Morrison, serves as chairman of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, and his grandfather Edwin instilled in him the highest standards of pedigree cattle keeping. Alan and his wife, Naomi, also attended the World Angus Forum. It was a moment of immense pride for the Morrison family when James received the prestigious award.”
“Mr Speaker, I offer birthday wishes to you, too. <BR /> <BR />I wish to celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of our outstanding young farmers from Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Earlier this year, James Morrison of Maguiresbridge applied to the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society's youth programme to represent the UK and Ireland. Despite being the youngest applicant, James was not only selected to the team but appointed captain. That team went on to compete in the global youth competition at the World Angus Forum in Australia — a prestigious event for Aberdeen Angus cattle breed enthusiasts from around the world. Under James's leadership, the team won the group debating competition and was placed third overall. That is an extraordinary accomplishment for a young man from County Fermanagh.”
“I thank the Minister for his clear commitment, and I hope that it will provide some reassurance for the people who have been greatly distressed by the recent reports on the matter. Will the Minister give a commitment, in line with the recent Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) review of the pathways, that the trust now has better engagement with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service?”
“Minister, with the removal of export health certificates and other routine checks coming into Northern Ireland, businesses will no doubt see a reduction in costs, but when will we see the current checks stopping?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome the almost £10 million funding for primary care. Of course, if the Budget had allowed, the reality could have been quite different. Can the Minister give an assurance that rural constituencies, such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, will benefit from this assurance for the GP settlement? Also, on the improved MDT roll-out in rural constituencies, how can that be accepted by the GP federation?”
“Lessons should have been learnt from the A6 upgrade, but it is almost a certainty that mistakes will be made once again. <BR /> <BR />I support the Member for West Tyrone's Adjournment topic, which highlights the impact that the scheme is having on the farming community financially, emotionally and in the protection of their livelihood.”
“The harsh reality is that you cannot build, even if you want to, because of the Agriculture Department's disastrous policies on ammonia emissions. Landowners deserve certainty and should not be treated like a by-product of the process. Their lands are not just properties; they are the lifeblood of the rural economy and the heritage of the community. Many lands have been passed down through generations of careful guardianship. Regardless of the outcome of the judicial review, acknowledgement must be given to those whose lands have been vested to make the process possible. It is crucial that we address concerns with empathy for those who have lost loved ones and balance that with the needs and concerns of our local farming community.”
“Those are the certainties that we know of, yet, for the communities directly affected right now by the preparatory works for the A5, such as landowners and the local farming community, the only certainty is the fact that their land has been vested from them. They can see their new boundary fences and the lost land. They can see that their hedges have been removed and that their trees have been cut down. For some, they can see the entire removal of their farm business, yet they have seen no compensation. Can you just imagine the mental toll of that on farm families in the area? <BR /> <BR />The impact of the non-existent road is being felt right now. Some have lost or may lose everything. The reality is that you cannot farm or rebuild without land.”
“I thank our West Tyrone colleague for tabling the matter for debate and the Minister for attending today. I hope that the Member does not mind my commenting on the matter, but, as we all know, the A5 western transport corridor stretches across many communities, including those in south Tyrone in my consistency. From the outset, I wish to note that the loss of all lives on our roads is tragic and that one life lost is one too many. Like others, I recognise the pain and the loss of the many relatives. <BR /> <BR />The A5 western transport corridor is by far the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. Over the years, multiple Ministers for Infrastructure have claimed that their priority was to deliver the A5 in the hope that it would prevent further tragic road accidents, as too many lives had already been lost.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your detailed response. How are the participants selected to take part in the forum?”
“Minister, as has been mentioned, the study outlines a number of key impacts and challenges facing hospitality, such as the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions. It also points out that abolishing zero-hours contracts as part of the 'good jobs' employment rights Bill may be detrimental. Does the study give you a reason to revisit the 'good jobs' Bill?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I am disappointed to hear that, given that it is a multi-site arrangement. On interim arrangements for pupils during any building process at Enniskillen Royal, will you provide greater clarity on the decant to the old Devenish College site and say how the school can be assisted to fund any financial costs and burdens associated with those arrangements?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for the work that he is doing to reduce waiting lists. Minister, I joined you on a visit to the South West Acute Hospital. I recall that, during that engagement, you specifically asked to see the uncommissioned theatre space. Like my fellow MLA from Fermanagh and South Tyrone Ms Erskine, I ask this: can you detail how soon that capacity will be utilised? Not only will that help a great number of patients on waiting lists, but it will serve as a further clear illustration of confidence in the long-term future of the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.”
“Minister, I was going to ask you about Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. I am assured that, yes, that is being kept in development. Did the two areas — North and South — discuss the divergence in VAT at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting?”
“I ask for your indulgence, Mr Speaker: perhaps you would be willing to grant a Speaker's reception for the players and the team on this wonderful occasion. <BR /> <BR />On another note of congratulations, Kate McDade, a year 12 student from Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Enniskillen, won a silver medal in the 200 metre breaststroke at the Irish Open Championships while representing Enniskillen Lakelanders. Despite competing against the best swimmers in Ireland and former Olympians, Kate held on to achieve a personal best and, in a hotly contested final, secured the silver medal. That achievement is testament to her hard work and commitment to her sport. I send my warmest congratulations to her.”
“Thanks go to them and to the many volunteers who have contributed to the success of the club, which has had such a positive impact on people, young and old, in Dungannon. <BR /> <BR />I commend the "Swifts" supporters for the superb atmosphere in Windsor Park on Saturday and for their decorum after the match, unlike some others, which has already been referenced. I was at the match on Saturday and witnessed the huge celebrations that erupted in Windsor Park. The team made dreams come true for people, young and old, and made so many people across south Tyrone very proud. I wish the team well as it progresses to the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds and hope that the players can get some well-earned rest.”
“I rise to note sporting success in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and congratulate Dungannon Swifts Football Cub on winning the Irish Cup final in a thrilling match against Cliftonville on Saturday at Windsor Park. It was a superb achievement, with the match being decided on penalties. Every player played his part in ensuring that the cup was brought back to Stangmore Park in Dungannon. The celebrations continued right up to yesterday, when the team did a tour of the town in an open-top bus. <BR /> <BR />Congratulations must go to Rodney McAree, the son of the well-known Joe McAree, for steering the group of talented and inspirational players to victory. It has been a huge effort by all the coaching and backroom team.”
“That means investing in our universities, in affordable housing for our students and in promoting Northern Ireland as a world-class and accessible place to study and build a life.”
“It is essential that we continue to support their growth. While I understand the reasoning behind the motion, I question the proposers' desire to promote more students going across the border while they cheerlead the expansion of Magee. We should be focused on student mobility within Northern Ireland and on removing barriers for those who wish to study here to support our university sector and the wider local economy, although, if we are to have greater cooperation on further education across the island, it must be focused on core subjects such as medicine and STEM to support our skills shortages. <BR /> <BR />Yes, let us work to reduce obstacles to all-Ireland study where it makes sense, but let us be clear: our top priority must be to build the skills and retain the talent that Northern Ireland needs for the future.”
“We cannot afford to lose even more of our talent, especially when our productivity remains amongst the lowest in these islands. For instance, a recent study showed that only 30% of students who leave Northern Ireland for their studies return to work here. It is worth remembering that Northern Ireland has a major competitive advantage: our undergraduate tuition fees are among the lowest in the UK and are relatively low compared with those in the Republic of Ireland. That should be a selling point for retaining our students and for attracting others to study here, not an encouragement for our students to study elsewhere to the detriment of our universities. <BR /> <BR />If we are serious about creating a skills-led economy, we must invest at home. We already have world-class universities in Belfast and Londonderry, with Queen's and Ulster.”
“I thank the Member who moved the motion and will speak in favour of the motion and the amendment. <BR /> <BR />The motion discusses the disparities between the two systems. Of course, it is a positive aspiration to increase all-Ireland student mobility, but I want to look at this from another angle. We absolutely should want young people across the island to have access to the best educational opportunities. However, while we work to remove barriers, we need to stay focused on the central challenge, which is that Northern Ireland needs to retain and build its skills base if we want to grow our economy. That job starts at home. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland already faces a major skills drain. Over 5,000 of our young people leave every year to study elsewhere, often never returning.”
“The Budget will make the most vulnerable worse off and harm our local economy at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. <BR /> <BR />I support the call for a coordinated response from the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Economy, along with the findings of the cost of doing business in Northern Ireland research, to demonstrate the devastating impact that the autumn Budget will have on the economy here.”
“Survey results revealed by Retail NI that day make for particularly grim reading. It found that the average cost to Retail NI's members, as a result of National Insurance and minimum wage increases, will be £90,000 per annum. Some 74% said that they would have to reduce their workforce and their staff's hours, 89% are seriously concerned about the impact of rate increases, and 96% believe that the Executive need to do more. It is abundantly clear that the increases are the last thing that our hospitality and retail sectors need at this time. Westminster and, indeed, Stormont should focus on how we can ensure the long-term viability of those local businesses, rather than bombarding them with even more punitive measures that serve only to harm them.”
“The combination of the increase in the national living wage and the change in employers' National Insurance contributions will add 8% to the current wage bill, increasing it from £408,000 to £440,000. It means that the company has to find another £32,000 when it is already making a loss of £100,000. What will it do? The only available options are to take on fewer workers, give workers fewer hours, scale back the customer offering or try to put up prices. Those options are unsustainable for people and employers in the hospitality sector. <BR /> <BR />The picture is equally bleak for our retail sector. In February, I took part in Retail NI's 2025 High Street Summit, where stakeholders from across Northern Ireland gathered to discuss the challenges facing the sector.”
“One of my constituents gave the example of licensed premises with accommodation that is located in a rural town and employs 23 staff: 13 are full-time, 10 are part-time and six are under the age of 18. The business contributes £20,000 in rates annually. The company's turnover was almost £1 million in the last trading year, but it made a loss of just under £100,000 before tax. It was moving back into profit this year, but that has now been threatened by the Budget announcements. <BR /> <BR />That business faces the key challenges of energy costs, cash flow management, recruitment and retention of quality staff, taxation levels and the cost of investment. Fourteen staff are directly affected by the change in the national living wage — that is two thirds of the staff, including the part-timers.”