Minister's Answer The Member points to the independent review of education, which references the creation of a single authority, but leaves out the recommendations. Each member of the panel said that this would be a necessary step towards the creation of a single education authority. Those independent members recognise that the controlled sector is treated in a suboptimal fashion. They support the creation of the managing authority for controlled schools, and they say that it

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

It's always a privilege to work for all my constituents across East Antrim.