Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 4 July 2022

  • The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will move to Committee Stage ahead of Parliament’s Summer Recess on 21 July after passing its Second Stage.

  • The European Parliament will debate the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill on Wednesday. A statement from the European Commission will be made.

  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will continue its Committee Stage in Parliament next week after an amendment to prevent immunity from prosecution being offered to those who cooperate with investigations was defeated.

  • The next monthly meeting of Belfast City Council will take place on Monday.

  • On Tuesday, the House of Commons will debate a motion tabled by Alliance’s Stephen Farry MP on the operation of the NI Assembly and Executive.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the interim Health Committee on Wednesday.

  • On Wednesday, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will consider oral evidence on East-West Relations.

  • Ulster Bank is expected to publish its next sectoral analysis of the NI economy on Monday 11 July.

  • The Terms of Reference for the UK Government’s Covid-19 Inquiry have been published. Evidence hearings will begin in early 2023.

  • Fianna Fáil’s Ard Fheis will take place between 30 September and 1 October at the RDS, Dublin.

  • First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has announced plans to hold a second independence referendum on 19 October 2023.

  • The Assembly’s All-Party Groups on Micro and Small Business and Further and Higher Education will meet this afternoon.

Other Stories this week

  • The latest Business Post-Red C opinion poll has placed Sinn Féin on 36%, ahead of other parties Fine Gael (19%) and Fianna Fáil (14%) for the eighth consecutive month.

  • The Service sector in Northern Ireland accounts for 81% of total employment while Manufacturing accounts for 11%, according to the Business Register and Employment Survey 2021.

  • Applications are now open for the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship Programme. For more information: LINK.

  • Alana Coyle has been elected as the new President of Belfast Chamber.

  • Elaine Birchall MBE has succeeded Adrian Doran as the new Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.

  • Bryan Patten will leave his role as Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Programme in September to take-up a role in the Irish Government’s Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 21 July, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations