Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 9 November 2020

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Forward Look

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has said restrictions on hospitality should be extended for two weeks to rescue the Christmas period. The Executive is expected to make an announcement on Monday about the current restrictions.

  • Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has extended the furlough scheme for businesses affected by Covid-19 restrictions until the end of March 2021.

  • The UK and EU have said serious differences remain over a post-Brexit trade deal, as the latest talks came to an end in Brussels. UK Chief Negotiator Lord David Frost has said “wide divergences” remained in some areas. The European Commission’s latest economic forecast also assumes no deal will be reached.

  • First Minister Arlene Foster MLA is to recruit a new Special Adviser. It comes after communications professional and former journalist Michele Canning has been appointed as a new Special Adviser to deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA.

  • A report by the National Audit Office has raised concerns that widespread disruption is likely after the EU transition period due to changes required to systems, infrastructure and resources to manage the border.

  • The British-Irish Council is expected to meet later this morning to discuss the economic response to Covid-19 and discuss an agreed approach ahead of Christmas.

  • Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has announced that the NI Housing Executive is to be split into two with its landlord arm becoming an independent mutual organisation, meaning it will be able to borrow money and start building houses again.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has commissioned a feasibility study to consider the introduction of half hourly services on the Derry – Belfast railway line.

  • Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA told the Assembly this week that the Executive hopes to appoint an interim Head of the NI Civil Service in the coming days.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a full public consultation on Northern Ireland’s new alcohol and drug strategy. To respond, visit here. Deadline to respond is 5 February 2021.

  • A new consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland has been launched. To respond, visit here.

  • The UUP is to bring a Private Members’ Motion to the NI Assembly on the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Sector during Covid-19 on Monday 9 November, calling for greater financial support from the Executive.

  • The Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill and the Final Stage of the Budget (No.3) Bill will take place in the Assembly on Tuesday 10 November.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA introduced the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill this week which will speed up the justice system.

  • Oral questions to the Economy and Education Ministers will take place on Monday 9 November. Oral Questions to the Finance and Health Ministers will also take place on Tuesday 10 November.

  • The Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure will brief the Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday 11 November.

  • The Finance Committee will hear evidence on the SEUPB – PEACE PLUS programme from departmental officials on Wednesday 11 November.

  • Representatives from five local councils will give an oral briefing to the Executive Office Committee on the impact of Brexit on Wednesday 11 November.

  • The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will meet on Wednesday 11 November to continue its inquiry into Brexit and the NI Protocol The committee will hear oral evidence from pharmaceutical industry representatives.

  • The second annual AI Con takes place virtually this year on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December. To register and for more information, visit here.

  • Docs Ireland begins on Monday 9 November. For more info, visit here.

Other Stories this week

  • Two new High Court judges have been appointed for Northern Ireland. David Scoffield QC and His Honour Judge David McFarland were sworn in earlier this week.

  • Sinn Féin has selected Nicola Brogan to replace Catherine Kelly as MLA for West Tyrone.

  • The Bank of England has announced it is to provide the UK economy with an extra £150bn in response to the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Interest rates have also been kept at 0.1%

  • US manufacturer Caterpillar is to cut up to 700 jobs at its Larne plant.

  • Secretary of State for NI Brandon Lewis MP told the House of Commons this week that the Government plans to establish a Northern Ireland Hub in London.

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