Forward Look
The First Minister Arlene Foster MLA and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA outlined their ‘Pathway to recovery’ plan this week. Unlike the other nations, this five-stage plan is not calendar led. The first steps to ease lockdown will start on Monday with garden centres and recycling centres allowed to open. Terminally ill people will also be allowed to get married. Further announcements are expected on Monday following the Executive meeting. All stages will be continually reviewed against the R rate which currently sits below 0.7. The plan can be viewed here.
The Taoiseach is increasingly confident that the Republic of Ireland will be able to move to phase one of reopening the country on Monday 18 May. Cabinet is set to meet today to decide.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA outlined a three-step programme to support care homes in NI. This includes significant expansion of testing for care home residents and staff, intensive support and investment and reform in social care. He has also instructed the Department of Health to create a health recovery plan to tackle waiting times and services.
The Nightingale Hospital (Belfast City Hospital) has been stood down temporarily to allow urgent non-Covid19 treatments to take place.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA is expected to shortly present a final draft to the Executive on targeted rates relief for businesses. This follows on from the work undertaken by Gareth Hetherington and the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre.
The Job Retention Scheme has been extended by Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP until October. Some changes are expected to this in August with companies to be asked to share the cost of the scheme.
HM Treasury announced it will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance.
The UK Government has confirmed to the EU it will enhance inspection posts at NI’s ports in order to deliver on the Brexit deal.
The Bank of Ireland is now accredited for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. It is expected to be open for applications from existing customers in the coming days.
At NI Questions in Westminster, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP said the NIO has begun consulting with the Stormont parties and stakeholders about its new approach to legacy. It is hoped consensus on all fronts will be reached.
Ryanair are to restore 40% of its flight schedule from July. Passengers will have to wear face masks and pass temperature checks before flying.
Matthew O’Toole MLA will replace the late John Dallat on the NI Assembly Public Accounts Committee.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA will brief the Economy Committee on Wednesday 20 May on the economic impact of coronavirus. She is also expected to unveil an economic recovery paper which will dovetail with the wider Executive plan next week.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the Health Committee on Wednesday 20 May.
First Minister Arlene Foster MLA and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA will brief the Executive Office Committee on the Executive’s response to Covid-19 on Wednesday 20 May.
The Communities Committee will receive a joint briefing by CO3 and NICVA on the impact of Covid-19 on the charity sector on Wednesday 20 May.
Applications for the £10,000 Small Business Grant Scheme & the one-off £25,000 grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors close on Wednesday 20 May.
Applications for the post of Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner will close on Friday 22 May.
The NI Assembly is recruiting for a Public Services Ombudsman. Closing date for applications is Monday 1 June.
Other Stories this week
The UK Government announced that all British and Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland will be treated as EU Citizens for immigration purposes. This follows the case brought by Emma de Souza.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has reappointed Mr Jim McCall and Mr Derek Wilson to the Board of the NI Housing Executive for a second term from 1 June 2020 for a period of five years.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced the appointment of six Non-Executive Members to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). Ms Bonnie Anley, Mrs Hilary Singleton and Ms Lindsey Smith have been appointed as Lay Members; Mr Jim Quinn is appointed as the Trade Union Member; and Councillor Jonathan Craig and Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon appointed as District Council Members.
The DUP announced the co-option of Janice McArthur as Councillor for Bangor East and Donaghadee.
The ONS reported that GDP decreased by 5.8% in March. While Ulster Bank’s Richard Ramsey reported the steepest ever fall in business activity in April in NI.
Former Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton has joined the board of Danske Bank as a non-executive director.
Consultations
Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme – 2020 Tariff Review Department for the Economy. Deadline 26 May.
Energy Strategy Micro Inquiry NI Assembly Economy Committee. Deadline 29 May
Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s past: The UK Government’s New Proposals NI Affairs Select Committee. Deadline 1 June.