Forward Look
Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP to request an extension of the Job Retention (furlough) Scheme.
Junior Ministers Declan Kearney MLA and Gordon Lyons MLA will meet with Hospitality Ulster to discuss what regulations are required to reopen wet-only pubs.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has announced details of the apprenticeship recovery package. This includes financial incentives for employers. Further details will be announced in the coming days.
According to the Irish News, five candidates are currently being considered for the role of head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. They are Sue Gray, Finance Permanent Secretary; Peter May, Justice Permanent Secretary; Richard Pengelly, Health Permanent Secretary; Dennis McMahon, Agriculture Permanent Secretary, and Hugh Widdis, Head of the Government Legal Service. The Assembly Commission has nominated Dr Melissa McCullough for appointment as the new Assembly Commissioner for Standards. This will be approved by the Assembly on Monday 7 September.
The Department for the Economy have begun the recruitment process for a new permanent secretary to replace Mike Brennan.
Alliance party MLAs will propose a motion for a Public Inquiry into the Muckamore Abbey Hospital abuse scandal on Tuesday 8 September. Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA is expected to address this issue.
Bernard Brady QC has become the new Chair of the Bar Council of NI.
The Education Committee will meet on Wednesday 9 September to hear from Departmental officials and the Education Authority on the school restart programme.
The Communities Committee will hear from Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA on departmental priorities including the timetable for the Liquor Licensing Bill on Wednesday 9 September.
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter has launched a new All-Party Group for Addiction and Dual Diagnosis. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 9 September.
The All-Party Group on Autism will hold its AGM via Zoom on Tuesday 8 September.
The Northern Ireland Planning Conference 2020, hosted by agendaNi will take place virtually this year on Monday 14 September.
The Economy Committee is currently developing its forward work plan for the new Assembly terms having carried out a recent strategy day at North West Regional College.
The Department of Infrastructure has begun the recruitment process for a new Chair of the Board of Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company. Deadline for applications 18 September.
Third sector membership body CO3 is holding its virtual Leadership Conference on 24 and 25 September. Keynote speakers include former US Ambassador to the UN and key adviser to President Barack Obama, Samantha Power. To register, please visit this link.
Policy Forum for Northern Ireland will hold an online conference on The Future for Health and Social Care Services in NI on Wednesday 7 October. Speakers include Robin Swann MLA, the Minister for Health and Professor Rafael Bengoa.
Other Stories this week
Simon Case has replaced Sir Mark Sedwill as Head of the British Civil Service. He previously worked with the Government on the Coronavirus response strategy and on the Irish border issue in Brexit talks.
Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue has been appointed Minister for Agriculture.
Former PSNI acting Deputy Chief Constable, Stephen Martin QPM has been appointed as the new chairman of the IFA.
Pharmacologist, Joann Rhodes has been made new CEO of The Health Innovation Research Alliance NI.
The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, has announced plans to draft legislation for a new Scottish Independence referendum. The bill will set out timings and terms of a new referendum and is hoped to be completed in the run-up to next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.
Former Minister of Justice, Charlie Flanagan TD has been appointed Director of Cooperation Ireland.
Consultations
Autism Private Members Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.
Trade Union Freedom Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.
Consultation on Proposed Changes to GCSE and GCE Qualifications for Summer 2021 CCEA. Deadline 7 September.
Call for Evidence – Pension Schemes Bill Committee for Communities. Deadline 9 September.
Consultation on Further Education Support and Charging Policy at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) DAERA. Deadline 11 September.
Consultation on Development of an Adult Restorative Justice Strategy for Northern Ireland Department of Justice. Deadline 11 September.
Draft Organised Crime Strategy 2020-2023 Department of Justice. Deadline 2 October.
Second Independent Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process in NI Department for Communities. Deadline 16 October.
Online Political Transparency The Cabinet Office. Deadline 4 November.