Derry MLA brands Executive's legislative programme 'uninspired' and 'weak as water'

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan SDLP has said the Executive’s programme for the year ahead is an uninspired document that fails to meet the scale of the challenges facing households and communities across the North.

Speaking following a debate on the Executive Legislation Programme for the 2025-26 session of the Assembly, the MLA for Foyle said: “I would say this legislative programme is as weak as water, but even that would be giving it too much credit. What happened to ‘Doing What Matters Most’ or ‘Making Government Work’?

“It’s almost symbolic that this publication has landed after the deadline, typical of the delay and dysfunction that has become the defining nature of this Executive. It falls far short of what was promised under the Programme for Government and by previous Ministers.

“On housing, the only proposal here is to address anti-social behaviour. While necessary, this is surface level stuff. The Fundamental Review of Social Housing promised major systemic reform; fair allocations, better use of housing stock and a focus on homeless prevention. None of which we see here.

“There’s nothing on tackling the hundreds of millions being spent on emergency housing, addressing empty homes, making use of publicly owned land. Nothing that will actually address to 50,000 long and growing housing waiting list.

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“What happened to the promises of new gambling legislation, reform of the private rented sector, the implementation of the Welfare Advisory panel recommendations, the full suite of promises made under the perennially delayed Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations? Any serious approach to culture, sport or regeneration?

“What we have before us today won’t change lives. It won’t lift families out of poverty, build homes or restore confidence in public services. The programme reads like a case of late homework, thrown together at the last minute in a half-hearted attempt to submit something.

“I’d expect better from my children. As for this Executive, my expectations have been lowered to zero and yet I’m still disappointed. People deserve better. The SDLP will continue to hold this Executive to account until they deliver on what actually matters most.”