Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 30 August 2021

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Forward Look

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has said that he will contest the next Northern Ireland Assembly election for Lagan Valley. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA and First Minister Paul Givan MLA are also expected to run for the party. Sir Jeffrey will meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD today to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • Sinn Féin MLAs for Foyle, Martina Anderson MLA and Karen Mullan MLA, will step down before the Assembly returns from Summer recess. A selection convention for their replacements will be held on September 8, with the two successful candidates set to be co-opted into the Assembly before September 13.

  • Following her resignation, Martina Anderson MLA will take a new international role for the party in Europe promoting Irish unity. Karen Mullan MLA will have a new regional role in the North West strengthening cross-border co-ordination between the party’s elected representatives.

  • The Economy Committee has been informed that the High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal until 11 October 2021. For further information: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for 2021-2031. The draft strategy consists of 67 recommendations across four key themes. The consultation deadline is 20 October. To respond: LINK

  • Professor Charlotte McArdle has stepped down as Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer to take up the role of Deputy CNO for Patient Safety and Improvement with NHS England.

  • The Executive will meet in-person next week to discuss its next steps in easing Covid-19 restrictions. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has denied the immediate possibility of re-introducing restrictions. Currently, Northern Ireland has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the UK and the lowest vaccination rate.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a new financial support programme for the local tourism sector. The programme will focus on attractions and other experience providers. For further information: LINK

  • The Department of Health has announced that Covid-19 vaccine certificates are now available for those in Northern Ireland planning to travel in the next three months.

  • A Lucid Talk-Belfast Telegraph poll on party-political support in Northern Ireland is expected to be published this weekend.

  • The Financial Reporting Council has proposed a new governance code which will reduce the flexibility that audit firms have to decide how they govern their business. Plans for the new code will be under consultation before being introduced in 2022.

  • Fine Gael has asked the public to submit a policy proposal on how to make Ireland “better for all”. To respond: LINK

  • The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship programme will launch on Thursday 2 September with an event live from Stormont. The event gathers business, political and civic leaders to discuss Northern Ireland’s future. To register: LINK

  • The Docs Ireland film festival continues this weekend, with tickets available for a range of films until Sunday 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK

Other Stories this week

  • Mass vaccination centres have closed across Northern Ireland following the ‘Big Jab Weekend’, where an estimated 12,000 people received first doses. The vaccine rollout will continue with community pharmacies and ‘pop-up’ mobile clinics.

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced a new agricultural policy framework for Northern Ireland. The framework has four main targets including ensuring environmental sustainability and improving economic resilience. To view: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced the allocation of £8m in support grants to a range of charities in Northern Ireland.

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been appointed as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Cameroon. Baroness Kate Hoey has been appointed Trade Envoy to Ghana.

  • Ulster University Magee’s Graduate Medical School opened this week for 70 students in Derry.

  • Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

  • Ryanair has announced it will cease flights from Belfast City Airport in September and from Belfast International Airport in October.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations