I also wish to be associated with the tributes that have been paid to all the members of the security forces — many of whom gave their lives in the duty of service — who stood between us and the objectives of the terrorists. It is absolutely necessary that the Assembly know exactly what we are up against from dissident terrorists. I will refer to some remarks that were made by a dissident, who, following an interview with ‘The Guardian’ on 15 July 2011, indicated:

“mainstream republicans were coming over to organisation’s way of thinking.”

Mr Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors, Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be with you this evening for the tenth regional Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, organised and supported by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Thank you very much and good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

I am delighted to be here today to help launch the ‘Ready to Learn’ programme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved at Barnardo’s for organising this event and for inviting me along to speak.

Thank you Rick for your kind words of welcome.  I am delighted to be here this afternoon.

It is appropriate that this event is taking place here in Clifton House – one of Belfast’s most historic buildings, which was used as a base by the Belfast Charitable Society in its aim of addressing hardship and working with the poor and those in need. It is a sad reality that today there are still many who continue to experience disadvantage and poverty on a daily basis.

Good afternoon everybody and welcome to Parliament Buildings.

I’m very pleased that you could accept our invitation to today’s event because you have a vital role to play in helping us to get our economy back on its feet, to encourage new enterprise and to create badly-needed new jobs.

Good Morning everyone and many thanks to Save the Children for inviting me here today to speak at your “Child Poverty….break the cycle!” conference.

The fact that the Assembly has been recalled indicates that this is one of the most serious debates that it has entered into. It is certainly one of the most relevant, and people want to see outcomes and positive actions from it.

Thank you, Maurice.  Good morning everyone. 

Thanks also to the European Commission and Belfast City Council and their many partners, who put such hard work into bringing this event to you all today.

Good morning everyone.

I too want to thank you for providing us with this opportunity to address so many key stakeholders in the children and young people’s sector today.

I too want to thank you for the opportunity to join with you in this very notable event to launch these reports.