Forward Look
The First and Deputy First Ministers stated that no restrictions are to be lifted to ease lockdown in Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster said that the ‘Recovery Roadmap’ for lifting restrictions is a work in progress, however the level of infection is still too high to ease measures.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is to outline the UK Government’s strategy to ease the current lockdown on Sunday at 7pm. The Prime Minster told PMQs some measures will be introduced on Monday. He is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons regarding the new measures on Monday. Anticipated measures include relaxed guidance on outdoor activities such as limitless amounts of outdoor exercise as long as a two metre distance is still observed.
MLAs debated the 2020-21 Budget Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday. The Budget includes key initiatives such as a skills strategy; tourism strategy; energy strategy and preparation for the UK leaving the EU. The Bill will be debated again when Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, lays the Estimates to the Assembly. The final stage of the Bill is expected to take place on 29/30 June. To read the Budget document presented to MLAs click HERE
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has outlined the Irish Government’s exit strategy to ease the lockdown precautions for COVID-19. The proposed plans, beginning on 18 May, will have five phased stages, with three week increments to ensure a second surge does not occur. The final stage of the process will begin on 10 August, with all staff back to work and high-risk retail services to reopen.
The DUP have written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP asking him to extend the Job Retention Scheme beyond its June end date. The Letter suggests that some sectors including airports and hospitality could need financial support until October.
Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA, is to update the Economy Committee on the Department’s COVID-19 response on Wednesday 13 May. The Committee will also hear evidence from Retail NI, Enterprise NI, InterTrade Ireland and NI Retail Consortium.
The Executive Office will match the UK Government’s funding for the Derry and Strabane City Deal, bringing the total to £210m. Michelle O’Neill revealed that The Executive Office will now take the lead on progressing a Graduate Entry Medical School at Magee.
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, and Department of Finance Permanent Secretary, Sue Gray, will brief the Finance Committee on The Functioning of the Government Bill 2020.
Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon MLA, announced MOT centres that are not being used for Covid testing are to reopen by the start of July. She also told the Assembly that a Walking and Cycling Champion will be appointed from within her Department.
The leaders of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party have entered into formal negotiations on a Programme for Government today. Negotiations are expected to go on for a number of weeks.
Queen’s University have secured funding to conduct a trial with the aim of developing a rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19.
The DUP are preparing a policy paper on the subject of Community Tourism and how it can be encouraged and managed throughout Northern Ireland.
The House of Commons will vote remotely until further notice. The Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle MP, authorised the voting system on Wednesday to allow MPs to follow Government guidelines and work from home.
Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, announced her intentions to set up a COVID-19 Charities Fund, valued around £15m, to help support local charities that have been negatively impacted by the current pandemic.
Northern Ireland Questions will be heard in the House of Commons on Wednesday 13 May. This will be the first time Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis MP, will take questions following taking up the role in February. He will also give oral evidence to the NI Affairs Select Committee on Thursday 14 May.
SOLACE NI will brief the Communities Committee on the impact of Coronavirus on Local Councils on Wednesday 13 May.
The Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee which is tasked with implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement met on Thursday 30 April. The Committee is made up of officials from the UK Government and European Commission. The two sides agreed to convene the Joint Consultative Working Group established under the Protocol which will be a further forum for discussion in relation to the Protocol.
The Economy Committee has launched an Energy Strategy Micro Inquiry. The inquiry is in the context of the UK Government’s legislative target of net zero carbon by 2050. Deadline for responses is 29 May 2020.
The DUP have co-opted two Councillors into Belfast City and Antrim and Newtownabbey Councils. Gareth Spratt was selected as a Councillor for Balmoral DEA in Belfast and Linda Irvine for Macedon DEA, Antrim and Newtownabbey.
Other Stories this week
Doug Beattie MLA has replaced Mike Nesbitt MLA as the Deputy Chair of The Executive Office Committee.
SDLP MLA, John Dallat, passed away on Tuesday following a long illness. The SDLP will co-opt his seat in due course.
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, outlined £700m of new funding for infrastructure, regeneration projects and tourism across Northern Ireland. The investment includes £562m for City and Growth deals and £55m for the Inclusive Future Fund.
Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon MLA, announced £5.7m in funding for airports and connectivity during the COVID-19 crisis.
Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, stated that Council staff can apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme.
Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA, announced £40m for a new hardship fund for micro-businesses who could not avail of the existing business schemes during the global pandemic.
UK Minister of State for Trade Policy, Conor Burns MP, has resigned from his role following a seven-day suspension from Parliament for abusing Parliamentary Privilege. Ranil Jayawardena MP has been appointed as the new Minister.
Consultation
Consultation on pilot to instruct experts in the family proceedings court Department of Justice. Deadline 8 May.
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.