

Question to the Minister for Communities
Minister's Answer Yes, it will include a review of section 167 of the 2008 Act. I am sure that everyone in the House knows that section of the Act. The review will provide certainty for institutions that are not established under the law of Northern Ireland but operate here for charitable purposes.


Question to the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Minister's Answer Biosecurity is the first line of defence to protect livestock and business. Good biosecurity reduces the risk of the introduction and spread of disease. It is about taking all the efforts to reduce the risk of contact between disease-causing organisms and agents and susceptible animals, both from outside and inside the farm. First, farmers can take measures such as minimising purchases and, where purchases are necessary, doing so from low-risk disease source


Launch of APG on Suicide Prevention
I attended the launch of the All-Party Group on Suicide Prevention Inquiry at Stormont yesterday With 290 suicide deaths registered in NI in 2024, this cross-departmental Inquiry is a vital step towards stronger, more joined-up prevention.Evidence to the Inquiry is now open: https://s.surveyplanet.com/yogdrupj


Executive progress
If we are serious about improving delivery at Executive level, then we have to be clear about both the causes of failure and the limits of what so far the private member or perhaps more accurately party motions alone can achieve. I was elected to this Assembly to be a legislator to improve the lives of my constituents by changing and improving our laws, yet in this mandate so far precious little has been achieved. Alliance is in the Executive not to defend its shortcomings, b


Opening an EU office in Belfast
If an European External Action Service (EEAS) office was to open in Belfast, surely it can only be a good thing. Due to our unique position in the EU and indeed the world, with our dual market access, having an EEAS office in Belfast would help not only constituents and EU citizens resident here, but also businesses in Northern Ireland. An EEAS Office would well placed to help consumers with queries, but also businesses operating from and in NI allowing the EU to see and feel


Dilapidation in Carrickfergus
One of the biggest complaints I receive in my constituency office is about dilapidated buildings in Carrickfergus. Minister Andrew Muir is taking urgent action to tackle dilapidation in our towns and high streets. Carrickfergus deserves better, and I welcome the new legislation being introduced by the Minister.


Less Survivable Cancer Week
This week is Less Survivable Cancer Awareness Week. I am calling on the Health Minister to invest more money into the research and treatment of these six cancers, in order to address long-standing inequalities in research investment, improve early diagnosis, support the development of new treatments and ultimately save lives.
