Forward Look
An agreement for a grand coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is expected to be formally signed off on Good Friday, according to The Times. Smaller parties like the Greens and Labour will first consider the framework document being produced by the two parties before deciding whether to join the coalition.
The Northern Ireland economy could contract by almost 10% this year due to coronavirus, according to a report by Ulster University. Economists at the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre also suggest that 250,000 workers could be placed on furlough.
Ministers will review the UK’s coronavirus lockdown to consider whether restrictions should be extended. New legislation stipulates that the Health Secretary must review restrictions every three weeks, with the first review due by 16 April.
Speaker of the NI Assembly Alex Maskey has been advised to self-isolate at home for 12 weeks for health reasons. The deputy speakers will rotate in the chamber during Mr Maskey’s absence.
The Assembly’s Education Committee will hear evidence from the department’s Permanent Secretary Derek Baker on Wednesday 15 April.
The Ad-Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 Response will meet on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April, hearing statements from the Health, Infrastructure, and Economy Ministers.
Other Stories
Former Belfast councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile was re-elected to Seanad Éireann last week. Mr Ó Donnghaile was elected to the Seanad’s Administrative panel.
The DUP has selected Dean McCullough to replace former Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Guy Spence as Belfast City councillor for Castle.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has released £1.5m to local councils from the COVID-19 Community Support Fund to target need and alleviate poverty.
Alan Kelly has been elected to replace Brendan Howlin as the leader of the Irish Labour Party.
NI’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Ian Young, has urged people in Northern Ireland to stay at home over the Easter bank holiday weekend. He said now would be the wrong time to become complacent and suggested that social distancing was “beginning to have an effect”.
The first meetings of the Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 Response took place this week, hearing statements from the First and deputy First, DAERA, Education, and Communities Ministers.
Consultations
Belfast Resilience Strategy Belfast City Council. Deadline 10 April.
New Decade, New Approach Agreement Inquiry NI Affairs Select Committee. Deadline 20 April.
Unfettered Access: Northern Ireland and customs arrangements after Brexit NI Affairs Select Committee. Deadline 20 April.
Belfast City Council Improvement Objectives 2020 – 21 Belfast City Council. Deadline 24 April.
Call For Evidence: Function of Government Bill Committee for Finance. Deadline 24 April
Consultation on pilot to instruct experts in the family proceedings court Department of Justice. Deadline 8 May.