Forward Look
Former NI Chamber President, Ellvena Graham is to chair the recently reconvened Economic Advisory Group, which will consider how the wider economy rebuilds during recovery.
The Executive confirmed that several changes to the Coronavirus Regulations which were announced last week will be introduced from Monday. This includes the reopening of a limited number of retailers.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is today expected to announce that Ireland will move to Phase 2 on the roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions on Monday 8 June. He has said a “slow and steady”approach is best.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announced that hotels and tourist accommodation will be allowed to reopen on 20 July. Holiday parks, self-catering properties and caravan parks may open earlier than 20 July, depending on scientific advice. She also confirmed that the tourism industry will initially focus on attracting domestic business and said that the Executive will give thought to reducing the 2m social distancing guidance.
Minister Dodds is to update the Executive on the closure of the RHI scheme imminently. Proposals on the future of RHI are due soon.
The Legislative Consent Motion on the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill which was introduced by Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA in the Assembly passed. It is expected to receive Royal Assent in the coming weeks.
Health Minister Robin Swann MLA is to publish a detailed blueprint for rebuilding the Health and Social Care sector. This will be aimed at maximising services while embedding innovation and transformation across the sector.
The Department of Health is to publish the ‘R’ rate every Thursday. It is currently said to be sitting at between 0.7 and 0.9.
The Executive is drawing up quarantine regulations. First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA has said anyone travelling into NI from outside the Common Travel Area will have to self-isolate for 14 days or face a £1,000 fine. People flying into Dublin and on to NI will be expected to self-isolate.
Several Mayors and Chairs have been appointed in NI Councils. The current list of new appointments so far can be viewed here.
The Planning Appeals Commission is trialling video hearings in selected cases over the next four to six weeks, with a view to rolling out that format.
Attorney General, John Larkin’s term is due to expire at the end of the month however, the Executive Office has confirmed “it is looking at options to ensure continuity in maintaining responsibilities” of the Attorney General.
The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey has told banks to step up plans for a no-deal Brexit.
Talks aimed at forming a government in the Republic of Ireland are ongoing. The next few days are said to be crucial.
The Department for the Economy has announced the appointment of three new members to the Board of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. June Butler, Gerry McCurdy and Alan O’Neill have been appointed new members, with the appointments commencing on 1 April 2020 for a three-year period.
The Economy Committee will receive a briefing from Chief Executives of the Further Education sector in NI on Tuesday 9 June. Michael McAlister, South West College; Leo Murphy, North West Regional College and Louise-Warde Hunter, Belfast Metropolitan College will outline the impact of Covid-19 on the sector.
The Economy Committee will also receive a briefing from the Association of British Insurers on Monday 8 June. Retail NI and NI Retail Consortium and the Construction Employers Federation will brief them on Wednesday 10 June.
The Finance Committee will receive a briefing from Permanent Secretary, Sue Gray on Wednesday 10 June.
Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis MP will give evidence to the NI Affairs Committee on ‘Unfettered Access: Northern Ireland and customs arrangements after Brexit’ on Thursday 11 June.
The 11th Annual ‘New York-New Belfast’ Conference will take place online on 12 June. Confirmed speakers include members of the US Congress, New York’s state legislature and City Council, those leading New York’s political and medical response to the virus, and NI Executive Ministers and local MPs. For more information and registration click HERE.
Belfast City Council will next meet on Wednesday 1 July.
Other Stories This Week
Minister Swann announced a £11.7 million package of support for care homes, including funding for sick pay for staff.
The Assembly passed a SDLP motion calling for an extension to the Brexit transition period. A similar motion failed to get the support from the Executive however, they have agreed to revisit this issue at the end of the month.
Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre predict economic output could fall by 12.7% in 2020 and approximately 249,000 workers could be either laid off or furloughed.
Belfast City Marathon which was rescheduled to take place in September has been cancelled.
Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis MP has said he will not alter NI’s abortion regulations. A DUP motion which criticised the rules and their application to non-fatal disabilities like Down's Syndrome passed in the Assembly.
The House of Lords released a report on “The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland” which provides a detailed analysis of the revised Protocol.
First Derivatives has appointed David Humphries as Global Chief Operating Officer.
Consultation has begun on up to 500 redundancies at Thompson Aero Seating in Portadown.
MPs defeated a motion to restore remote voting in the House of Commons. Several NI MPs have said they will not be travelling to Westminster until it is safe to do so.
The Court of Appeal quashed the Boundary Commission’s previous report into proposed changes to Westminster constituencies in NI.
Labour MP, Rosie Duffield resigned from the frontbench after it was revealed she had broken lockdown rules.
Downing Street is to scrap the weekend Coronavirus press briefings.
Consultations
Consultation on Further Education Support and Charging Policy at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) DAERA. Deadline 11 September.
Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Department for the Economy. TBC.