04/03/2026
Please tag and share with every MLA who might listen. If we want this done we need to do this with strength in numbers.
This is the last I’m going to say on this…
First let me say I am going to remain strong, and stand firm. After the remarks made by the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt, in the Assembly yesterday.
In response to a question about Caleb’s Cause, he said: “It would be fair to say that she (Alma) was upset and did not understand why, although we are still just over a year away from purdah, there is no time to legislate.”
Let me clarify that I understand perfectly well. I understand that in the current mandate, Minister Nesbitt’s department has brought forward a grand total of two Bills. One, the Hospital Parking Charges Bill, received Royal Assent in May 2024. The other, the Adult Protection Bill, has been at Committee Stage since June 2025. What I don’t understand is what on earth the Department is doing with the rest of its legislative resources, or what has been prioritised for the rest of this mandate over Caleb’s Cause.
I also understand that there is still plenty of time in this mandate if there is a will to legislate. It is clear there is not. Mention of “purdah” - still a year away - is a smokescreen for inaction. The real reason might instead be that the Minister has not planned adequately, has not secured the money, and has not directed his officials to concentrate on Caleb’s Cause. I understand that there are many competing priorities. I just wish Minister Nesbitt had the courage to say this, instead of making excuses on the legislative timetable which don’t stand up to scrutiny.
Even if the Department is not willing to legislate substantively, there is more than one way to get this done. It could bring forward an enabling power in another Bill.
Alternatively - and I genuinely think this will have more prospect of success. - I strongly urge MLAs to bring forward an agreed Private Members Bill. Please, pool your resources. Use the Assembly Bill office. A Bill with cross-party support can succeed. You can secure the Assembly time. You can command the votes. It will be difficult but it’s still possible. You can do this in the current mandate. Michelle O'Neill Emma Little-Pengelly MLA Sinn Féin Ireland Alliance Party of Northern Ireland Democratic Unionist Party Ulster Unionist Party Social Democratic and Labour Party