Forward Look
The Green Party NI Annual Conference will take place tomorrow at Ulster University. The SDLP has rescheduled its spring Conference to Friday 25 March at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy.
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has been co-opted into the DUP’s South Belfast seat to replace former MLA, Christopher Stalford. The DUP has to co-opt a replacement to the DUP Lagan Valley team in the coming weeks.
Stormont Party leaders met yesterday to find a solution to the Budget crisis. They will meet today for further ‘robust’ discussions.
Party leaders will today receive a briefing from the Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, and Department of Finance officials on what is possible regarding the £300 million of unspent funding.
The EU-UK Joint Committee met on Tuesday. Both parties reiterated the need to find solutions to the Protocol and agreed to discretely continue negotiations during the upcoming Assembly election.
Mark H Durkan MLA is exploring if a Private Members’ Bill on devolved competencies can be accelerated to allow £300 million of funding to be used to address the cost-of-living crisis.
Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, will swap roles with current Department of Justice Permanent Secretary Peter May, following a reshuffle of permanent secretaries taking effect in April.
Ivana Bacik TD is the only candidate for the leadership of the Irish Labour Party after the resignation of Alan Kelly TD. She will become leader at noon on 24 March.
Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA did not move the Consideration Stage of her Climate Change (No. 1) Bill after the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill passed its Final Stage. It is awaiting Royal Assent.
Alan Chambers MLA’s Preservation of Documents (Historical Institutions) Bill, introducing a legal requirement on record holders to preserve information relating to Mother and Baby Institutions and Magdalene Laundries, passed its First Stage.
Question Time will take place for the Education and Finance Ministers on Monday. The Health Minister and the NI Assembly Commission will face questions on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Public Accounts Committee will consider its report into Planning in Northern Ireland.
On Wednesday, The Executive Office Committee will consider a ‘Legacy Report (2017-22)’ on its work this Assembly mandate. The Economy Committee will receive a departmental briefing on Skills and the Future of Vocational Qualifications. Departmental officials will brief the Finance Committee on spending arrangements for 2022-23.
Other Stories this week
The DEC Humanitarian Appeal continues, with £2.2 million raised in NI. To find out more and donate: LINK.
The interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Council, Mark Parkinson, has resigned.
The NI Deal Tracker report found that £100.7 million was invested in NI tech firms in 2021, reaching its highest level ever.
The Assembly reversed a proposed 10% rent cut for tenants, that had been mistakenly supported last week.
The Budget Bill 2022, the Integrated Education Bill, and the Betting, Gaming Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill have passed their Final Stage and are awaiting Royal Assent.
Tina McKenzie was appointed Policy Chair of FSB NI.
Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre report found the NI economy is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year
Upcoming key political and business events
14 – 15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference
15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes
23 March, In Camera with the Department of Finance
23 March, Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium, Europa Hotel
24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference
24 March, Positive Life Launch of the Northern Ireland’s Buyers Club, Belfast City Hall
25 March, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
30 March, Retail NI’s Future High Streets Summit, Titanic Belfast
7 April, BelTech 2022
26 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast
30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast
Consultations
Review of the Strategic Growth Plan. Derry and Strabane District Council. Deadline 14 April 2022.
Draft Investment Strategy. The Executive Office. Deadline 20 April 2022.
Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol. Department of Health. Deadline 17 May 2022.
Reform of Adult Social Care. Department of Health. Deadline 18 May 2022.