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.

Minister's Answer All councils were asked to submit applications up to £20k for the additional £220k funding. Allocations are detailed in the below table. Council Amount Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council £20,000 Ards and North Down Borough Council £20,000 Armagh and Banbridge Borough Council £20,000 Belfast City Council £20,000 Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council £17,600 Derry City and Strabane District Council £20,000 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council £20,000 L

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

Minister's Answer I welcome the Office for Environmental Protection’s investigation into the regulation of sewage discharges into Belfast Lough and can advise that my Department will cooperate fully with this investigation. However, it is important to note that the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Environment Agency regulates the sewage discharges into Belfast Lough, not DFI.

A high profile trade mission led by a Northern Ireland Executive Minister risks showing Northern Ireland as indifferent to human rights abuses. This is not the message Northern Ireland should be sending out. Turning a blind eye to abuses in one country while condemning them in another weakens our credibility and undermines the very values we claim to uphold. I look forward to clarity from the Economy Minister on her plans.

Asking the Justice Minister to outline the benefits of restorative justice

Today on World AIDS Day if you think you have been at risk of getting HIV, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS. Find out more atwww.pha.site/WorldAIDSday25 and visit www.SexualHealthNI.info