Aoife Finnegan
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on Second Stage of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. Sinn Féin recognises the need to modernise the legislation governing our fisheries and water environment.”
“Those who deliberately pollute our waterways should be held accountable, but enforcement alone will not resolve the underlying causes of poor water quality. If we are serious about restoring our rivers, lakes and waterways, we must continue to invest in waste water infrastructure.”
“Approximately half of respondents to the Department's consultation on the policy proposals expressed the view that the impact assessments accompanying the consultation did not adequately consider the potential impacts of the proposals. That is a significant concern and should not be overlooked.”
“It is one of the reasons for many victims never coming forward and for others withdrawing before their case reaches trial. That should concern every one of us. Clause 26 is therefore a welcome and important step forward.”
“They are asked why they had not reported it sooner; whether they had been drinking; what they were wearing; or whether previous relationships somehow diminish their credibility. No victim should ever feel that they are on trial, yet, for too many survivors, that has been their lived experience.”
“Catalysed by the infamous rugby rape trial, it exposed uncomfortable truths about how victims were treated, and it challenged us to build a justice system that delivers justice without compounding trauma.”
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“As we mark International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that women's voices are heard, their rights are protected and their contributions are valued in every sector of our society. <BR /> <BR />Tá mé tiomanta bheith ag troid ar son an chomhionannais do gach duine.”
“Women have played a crucial role in shaping Ireland's future, our communities and our economy. In my previous role as a councillor and community activist, I saw at first hand the transformative impact of strong female representation at all levels of society. Much work is needed, however, to achieve true equality. Equality is everyone's business. While International Women's Day is about celebrating women, it is also about recognising the need for us all, men and women, to work together to break down barriers. Gender equality is not just a women's issue but a societal issue, and it requires real commitment from us all in the Chamber and beyond.”
“In the context of International Women's Day, I am particularly proud to be part of a team in which over half our MLAs are women. Those incredible women — leaders, activists and public representatives — inspire me every day to stand up against injustice and fight against the inequalities that partition has imposed on our island. <BR /> <BR />Dearcaim anois ar an rún atá os ár gcomhair.”
“. The school has long served our community with dedication, but it now faces significant challenges due to outdated infrastructure and inadequate facilities. I will work tirelessly so that the children and staff in Crossmaglen and in schools throughout Newry and Armagh have the opportunity to thrive in fit-for-purpose, modern school accommodation that provides safe and supportive learning environments. I will also focus my efforts on ensuring that rural schools and rural communities across Newry and Armagh remain high on the agenda. Our schools are the heart of our communities, and they must receive the support that they need to provide the best possible education for our children. <BR /> <BR />That is why I am proud to stand with Sinn Féin, the party that is leading the way for real change.”
“<BR /> <BR />A key priority for me will be the delivery of the much-needed school enhancement programme for Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa, i gCrois Mhic Lionnáin”
“I acknowledge my predecessor, Conor Murphy. Conor has spent more than 40 years dedicating his life to the republican struggle, delivering real change for workers, families and communities in Newry and Armagh. I know that he will continue that great work in the Seanad, championing the cause of Irish unity. <BR /> <BR />I am a proud south Armagh woman, and I take immense pride in representing the people of my constituency. My focus will be on delivering for workers, families and communities in areas such as education, health and access to public services. Our rural border communities have been neglected by successive British Governments, with decades of Tory austerity having left places such as south Armagh behind. I will ensure that those voices are heard louder and clearer than ever before.”
“Is mór an onóir liom labhairt os comhair an Tionóil inniu agus labhairt ar son an rúin thábhachtaigh seo, lena ndéantar Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan a chomóradh. Is mór an phribhléid liom é sin a dhéanamh le linn mo chéad óráide i bdíospóireacht Tionóil mar Chomhalta Tionóil don Iúr agus Ard Mhacha.”
“Minister, how will you ensure that the anti-poverty strategy is fully implemented?”
“to the First Minister for her answer. I want to reiterate this: does the First Minister agree that public-sector employers must be fully supported by the British Government in meeting those costs?”
“Will the deputy First Minister commit again today to working alongside the First Minister and the entire Executive to press for the proposals to be scrapped?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. The Minister's announcement will mean more onerous evidence checks on claimants to confirm their eligibility. That will fall on the already pressured staff, who are doing their best to manage the social security system. How will the Minister ensure that capacity exists within the system to roll out the changes?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”