While others seek to rewrite the past, we remain focused on shaping a better future. Our Executive Ministers are using their portfolios to deliver real and tangible improvements for the people of Northern Ireland.
Paul Givan, as Minister for Education, has prioritised easing pressures on working families through the introduction of a childcare support scheme. He is taking steps to tackle the soaring cost of school uniforms, and he is leading a curriculum review to ensure our young people leave school equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is also under review, ensuring that every child - regardless of their circumstances - can achieve their full potential.
Gordon Lyons has been equally proactive, tackling benefit fraud to protect taxpayer money, delivering on our housing plan to make homeownership more accessible, record funding for musical instruments for bands and support for Northern Ireland football. He has also introduced the groundbreaking Sign Language Bill, which represents a major step forward for the deaf community in Northern Ireland - ensuring recognition, rights, and inclusion.
At the very top of government, our deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, has played a key role in ensuring the Executive now has a clear Programme for Government - a roadmap that will define the priorities and policies of the administration. That focus is critical as we seek to make government work, deliver stability, and build a stronger Northern Ireland. In two weeks, Emma will continue her sterling work in representing Northern Ireland when she travels to Washington.
Of course, achieving progress is never straightforward. We have always faced opposition, but I will lead from the front.
