Forward Look
The NI Executive has agreed to a six week lockdown to begin on Boxing Day. All non-essential retail will close from the end of trading on Christmas Eve along with close contact services, and pubs, cafes and restaurants will be restricted to takeaway services. Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA is to make an oral statement to Assembly on Monday setting out the regulations in full.
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has extended the furlough scheme for an additional month, expiring at the end of April. In addition, the UK’s £68 billion Covid emergency loan schemes have been extended, including the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
The Chancellor has also announced that the Budget will take place on Wednesday 3 March.
Intensive talks between the UK and the EU are set to continue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that a “narrow path” to a deal has opened up, whilst disagreement remains on fisheries and fair competition. The European Parliament has said that a deal is needed by Sunday if a deal is to be ratified this year.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced that a £20.5 million Dormant Accounts Fund is to open for applications in January and provide multi-year grants to support the voluntary, community and social enterprises sectors.
The NI Assembly will rise for Christmas recess on Tuesday, and is expected to return on Monday 18 January.
The Health Committee will meet next Tuesday to hear an update from Minister Robin Swann MLA on the Covid-19 response.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has warned that her department is facing a £70 million shortfall in 2021-22 with informal indications suggesting that NI’s Shared Prosperity Funding allocation will be £11 million.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has returned to her post, outlining her key priorities for 2021 which include progressing changes current liquor licensing and gambling laws.
Education Minister Peter Weir MLA has outlined the terms of reference for an independent review into education in Northern Ireland. It is expected that panel members will be appointed by next May with an interim report to be provided within 12 months.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced a public consultation into legislative options to bring forward a new Adult Protection Bill. Deadline for responses is Thursday 11 March. To respond: LINK
The Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill had its Consideration Stage this week with the Further Consideration stage to follow when the Assembly returns. The bill would increase the level of grants given to harbours and seaports from the Department of Infrastructure.
The next North/South Ministerial Council meeting on health and food safety will take place in early 2021. The next meeting on trade and development is scheduled for spring 2021.
The new All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability is to meet for the first time today, chaired by Matthew O’Toole MLA.
Other Stories this week
The Northern Ireland Office has announced that £3 million will be allocated towards NI centenary funding.
Rachel Woods MLA has moved a public petition for legislation to be brought forward by the DAERA Minister outlawing puppy farming in Northern Ireland.
The NI Statistics and Research Agency has published the latest economic output statistics for 2020. The report can be viewed HERE.
Tourism Ireland has announced plans to re-launch the island of Ireland as a key tourist destination following the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector.
Sinn Féin’s Aine McCabe has been co-opted to Belfast City Council for the Black Mountain DEA, replacing party colleague Emma Groves.
The Bank of England has published its Financial Stability Report setting out the Financial Policy Committee’s view on the current stability of the UK financial system.
Upcoming key political and business events
31 December, Brexit Transition period ends.
11 January, Northern Ireland after Brexit, Royal Irish Academy.
13 January, In Camera with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI Chamber of Commerce
Consultations
Zero Hours Contracts Bill Consultation NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.
Consultation on the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.
Consultation on a ban on fracking in Northern Ireland NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.
New SEN Regulations Department of Education. Deadline 22 December.
Public Realm Project Department for Communities. Deadline 22 December.
Consent to Serious Harm for Sexual Gratification; Not a Defence Department of Justice. Deadline 4 January 2021.
Establishment of a Regional Care and Justice Campus Departments of Health and Justice. Deadline 15 January 2021.
Living with Water in Belfast Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 29 January 2021.
Period Poverty and Free Sanitary Products Bill Consultation NI Assembly. Deadline 29 January 2021.
Consultation on paid leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse NI Assembly. Deadline 29 January 2021.
Climate Change Legislation Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 1 February 2021.
Consultation on the New Substance Use Strategy Department of Health. Deadline 5 February 2021.
Consultation on enhancing legal protections for victims of domestic abuse Department of Justice. Deadline 11 February 2021.
Consultation on opt-out organ donation Department of Health. Deadline 19 February 2021.
Consultation on Adult Safeguarding Department of Health. Deadline 11 March 2021.