Social value of hospitality sector to the economy and society key component in accelerating planned recovery

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When we talk about the hospitality sector it is often through the prism of profit and loss. Firing on all cylinders pre-pandemic, we contributed £2bn to the economy per year and employed around 65,000 people with 45,000 of those in food and drink service. Growth presented by greater tourist numbers and reform of liquor licensing meant that opportunity was there for the taking.

However, lockdown after lockdown took that away. Businesses in the sector have gone to the wall already, and many more likely to follow. It is a pretty clear indicator of the state of things.

What has not been so clear, but worth focusing on, is the significant impact on the social value created by the hospitality sector. Without the ability to go to the pub for a pint or out to a restaurant for dinner or stay in a hotel, and with everyone confined to home, many have begun to realise just how important the role the hospitality industry plays in community inclusion and social cohesion.

The hospitality sector is evolving to ensure that it reflects and meets consumer demands. Whether that is things like low or no alcohol drink options, reduction in red meat on menus and providing choice for those with specific allergies, it is reflective of the fact that hospitality venues are the meeting point of choice. They are no longer regarded as a place ‘to get the drinks in’. They play a huge part in being community hubs – regardless if that is in a rural or an urban setting.

Venues and establishments across the north have for years been the places where local book groups and families meet, charities host special fundraising nights and teams go for  a post-match drink. They serve a significant purpose for friendship and business meetings and are the spaces in which millions of pounds are raised for good causes every year.

It’s clear that we need to get the hospitality sector up and running again. Yes, there is a strong need to get the registers ringing again, but we also must remember that the hospitality sector is so important in tying together our social fabric here.

Cohesive communities and successful local hospitality businesses are mutually beneficial. They need each other. Lockdown restrictions and the decline of the sector have, without doubt, impacted on increased social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. We are social animals, and this socio-economic issue should not be overlooked when decisions are made around future re-opening

We now have one eye on the plans for the recovery programme. It is not going to be easy, nor will everyone survive, but we must encourage our Executive, Departments and Public Health advisers to make sure they consider the social purpose that society benefits from with a vibrant hospitality sector.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 15 February 2021

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Forward Look

  • The Executive will meet on Thursday 18 February to review the current Covid-19 regulations. First Minister Arlene Foster MLA said there will be one more push to reduce infection rates. A pathway to recovery document will be published in the coming weeks.

  • The EU-UK Joint Committee on the Withdrawal Agreement will convene no later than Wednesday 24 February to provide ‘political steer’ on the NI Protocol. Committee Co-Chairs Michael Gove MP and Vice-President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic said work to address all issues with the Irish Sea Border will be intensified.

  • The Executive Office and the NIO have four weeks to find a solution to fund Troubles pensions after the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal ruled that the responsibility lies with the Executive.

  • First Minister Arlene Foster MLA confirmed that a Programme for Government framework will be agreed by the Executive by the end of April, with a complete programme in action before the summer. She also said that officials are engaging with Irish counterparts on how the Shared Island Fund may be spent on PfG commitments.

  • Department for the Economy officials say they are on target to bring forward a Bill to introduce Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave Pay. The Bill will be brought forward in May and is expected to pass before the end of the current Assembly mandate.

  • The Department of Finance intends to conduct research on the efficacy of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in Northern Ireland, to assess whether it can be retained in its current form and to recommend future policy. This will inform a full legislative review, due to take place during the next Assembly mandate.

  • Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said restrictions will not be fully lifted until at least 70% of the population has been vaccinated. At present, around 22% of adults have received their first dose. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA stressed the need for caution and said mandatory face coverings in shops and on public transport may remain the ‘new normal’.

  • Education Minister Peter Weir MLA told the Education Committee that the Executive will make a decision on the reopening of schools ‘possibly around 18 February’. On the issue of vaccination for special school staff, he said only specific staff caring for clinically vulnerable children will be prioritised.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced £226.5m in funding following Departmental bids. Some £175m was allocated to purchase additional PPE. The figure also includes the £27.3m of additional student support announced last week. Minister Murphy has again urged departments to come forward with bids for the remaining £250m the Executive must spend before the end of March.

  • Question Time will take place for the Economy, Education and Communities Ministers on Tuesday.

  • The Infrastructure Committee will receive a briefing from NI’s four ports on Brexit & Current Issues on Wednesday. Glyn Roberts from Retail NI will also give a briefing on Brexit & Covid Issues.

  • The Communities Committee will hear from Tourism NI, the Institute of Licensing and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.

  • The All Party Group on Micro and Small Business will meet on Wednesday.

Other Stories this week

  • Manufacturing NI published a survey on the experience of NI businesses with the Protocol. Most respondents said they want it to work, while 23.7% said they are struggling with the post-Brexit transition and 19% said it should be replaced. To read the report: LINK.

  • The Department of Health published the Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan to ensure children and young people in Northern Ireland can safely enjoy the benefits of the online world. To read the full strategy: LINK.

  • The Protection from Stalking Bill passed its Second Reading in the Assembly and will progress to the Justice Committee for scrutiny.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA allocated an additional £2.435m in Rates Support Grant to councils, to assist with the financial pressures of Covid-19.

  • Staff working at Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs border posts at Larne and Belfast ports returned to work on Wednesday 9 February.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce agrees partnership with Letterkenny Chamber

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The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has agreed a new partnership with the Letterkenny Chamber to collaborate on issues affecting the membership of both bodies.

This agreement between the two Chambers sets out a common framework for working together to represent the interests of businesses across the North West City Region.

The partnership aims to further advance the economic development of the North West City Region, advocate on behalf of the region’s business community, and promote better cross-border collaboration.

It comes at a time when businesses on both sides of the border try to tackle the effects of the pandemic, and new ways of working post-Brexit.

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“We are very pleased to announce this new partnership. For years, we have worked closely with the Letterkenny Chamber to address major issues facing both our memberships. In recent months, we have sought to tackle the two most pressing challenges the North West has encountered in a long time. Covid-19 has dealt a huge blow to many businesses and there are also significant changes for businesses in a post-Brexit world.

“This formal partnership will strengthen the voice of the business community in the entire North West region. It will focus on developing the region’s capacity to attract inward investment and support business enterprise. The challenges we face do not stop at the border, and this cross-border partnership reflects that.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Letterkenny Chamber and hope this partnership is the beginning of a long-lasting, strengthened relationship that delivers economic prosperity to the North West.”

Michael Margey, Letterkenny Chamber President, added:

“In the past, our collaboration with Chamber colleagues in Derry has been instrumental in promoting our members’ interests to key stakeholders and elected representatives. Now, with the establishment of this formal partnership, we will work further to address the key issues facing our local economy and bring about more investment in the North West region. This recognises that given how interconnected we are, investment in the North West benefits all of us.”

“The combined effects of Covid-19 and Brexit have meant that many businesses across the North West have faced one of the most difficult trading years in living memory. By working together, we can focus on developing and pursuing common goals and interests, given we share this small region.”

“In these very uncertain times, unity is our greatest strength, and in working together, we hope to build a more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous regional economy that benefits everyone.”

“Use a mask when going out…and a condom when going in” says HIV Charity Positive Life at the start of Sexual Health Week 2021 (8-14 February)

Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life

Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life

NI’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life, has urged the public that once we get the chance to come together post lockdown, we need to look after our own sexual health and wear a condom.

The organisation, which supports those living with HIV in Northern Ireland, says it is fully aware that many who are sexually active want to get back out to socialise, have sex and enjoy themselves after such long periods of being confined to home.

 As Sexual Health Week 2021 kicks off today (8 – 14 February) Positive Life are encouraging those who will be sexually active after the lockdown restrictions are lifted, to take their sexual health and safer sex practice into their own hands.

Although around 1200 people are now living with HIV in Northern Ireland, the charity says that it is hugely encouraged to see that the latest statistics for the 2019-year showed 52 new HIV diagnoses in comparison to 84 the year before in 2018.  

HIV issues have been thrust into the limelight through the TV hit Channel 4 drama ‘It’s a Sin’ which depicts the stigma associated with the condition in the 1980’s. A recent survey carried out by Positive Life showed that perceptions of HIV in Northern Ireland still remain largely unchallenged with a distinct lack of understanding about how it is contracted and that it is now a lifelong condition due to medical advancements.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life said:

“Let’s get real about all this. We’ve had various extended periods of lockdown for the last year and we’re not ignorant to the fact that there is likely to be a lot of pent-up desire for many to get back out there when we can and have some fun.”

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“People have sex. Let’s face fact. We have to be grown up about it and understand that some will be highly active after repeated lockdowns.”

“There is really no way of telling if we are holding back the dam, but we want to make sure that when people can get back out there again, that they look after own sexual health and wellbeing. No one else will, this is an issue of personal responsibility.”

“Most people are now used to wearing a mask when they are out in public and understand the risk they put themselves at if they don’t. In the same way, we want to make it clear to those who are sexually active that they should protect themselves by using a condom, especially if it is a person they may have just met.”

“It’s not a simple case of sanitising your bits at the door like you are going into your local supermarket, it’s about thinking about your own sexual health and taking protection with you as you go out to socialise and get back to real life.”

Allstate NI earns prestigious industry awards and recognition as a Force for Good in 2020

Strabane local Community Rescue Service presented with a drone funded by the Allstate NI Charities Committee.

Strabane local Community Rescue Service presented with a drone funded by the Allstate NI Charities Committee.

Allstate NI in the North West capped off a challenging year for business by earning three prestigious industry gongs at the recent Contact Centre National Network NI awards.

An event that celebrates the excellence and commitment of the people and companies that make up the Northern Irish contact centre industry, Allstate NI was recognised with a range of individual and team awards for providing global support, overcoming challenges and being a force for good.

Largely based across the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane offices, the Allstate Technology Support Centre (ATSC) plays a key role in providing technical support to Allstate employees around the world.  ATSC Learning and Development Lead Trainer Ronan Gilloway won the prestigious Trainer of the Year award, whilst Strabane-based Stephen Lomas won Contact Centre Manager of the Year.

Both leaders have benefited from the learning and development culture embedded in Allstate’s North West hubs. ATSC is receiving industry-wide acclaim for its commitment to developing local Strabane and Derry/Londonderry based talent, enabling them to lead and reach their full potential.

Welcoming the awards, Allstate NI Managing Director John Healy OBE said:

“We are thrilled to see our Technology Support Centre receive these recognitions at the recent Contact Centre National Network NI awards. Our North West team is absolutely key to the successful operation of our global sites and rose to the occasion in what was a tough and unique year.”

The North West team also played a central role in Allstate taking home the Silver Award for Home Working Programme of the Year, which recognises resilience in adapting to coronavirus challenges.

At the outset of the pandemic, around 30% of ATSC employees had home working capabilities. In just five days, North West leadership ensured the entire ATSC workforce had the laptops, headsets and specialist equipment to provide technical support remotely. With the North West team alone handling around 1.5 million contacts per year, the strength and adaptability of its leadership are being duly acknowledged.

Allstate’s commitment to socially responsible policies and local communities also continued through the raising of funds to provide a state-of-the-art search drone for Strabane local Community Rescue Service, which will be used throughout Northern Ireland. The Community Rescue Service is a charitable search and rescue organisation operated by volunteers from across Northern Ireland. They provide all aspects of Lowland search and rescue, including ground, inland water, bike, boat and more.

Spearheaded by the Allstate NI Charities Committee, an Employee Fundraising Appeal was quickly established, raising £1,764 in a short amount of time. Reece McDaid, an ATSC divisional lead, also put forward a Funding for Good application and secured £1,500 to support the service. Since 2018, Allstate NI’s Force for Good has provided £73,896 to support community-focused projects across Northern Ireland.

Allstate NI Funding for Good Committee Lead Gerry Smyth said:

“Through the individual fundraising efforts of our staff and our Force for Good application, we were thrilled to present this specialist equipment to aid search operations. Nobody knows who the next person needing rescue will be, and we hope that this drone can support the vital work search and rescue teams perform across Northern Ireland.”

These successes build on Allstate NI’s growing reputation as one of the best places to work in Northern Ireland.

'Councils Make It Happen' campaign launched to highlight value of local councils

(L-R) NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan, NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett, and Belfast City Council Playground Inspector Brendan O’Neill at the Blacks Road Sensory Playground and Garden.

(L-R) NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan, NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett, and Belfast City Council Playground Inspector Brendan O’Neill at the Blacks Road Sensory Playground and Garden.

A new and timely campaign has been launched recognising the value of local government in Northern Ireland, focussing on the key role that councils play in our everyday lives.

Driven by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association and the 11 local councils across NI, the ‘Councils Make It Happen’ campaign will run from 8th February until summer 2021, highlighting how councils directly and indirectly support essential services, the environment, our wellbeing, the economy and future planning. 

Focusing on themes like recycling and waste, leisure services, local planning, business and enterprise, tourism, and our parks and green spaces, the campaign reflects how the work of councils aims to deliver clean, healthy, thriving communities and places.

(L-R) NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett, Belfast City Council Playground Inspector Brendan O’Neill, and NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan at the Blacks Road Sensory Playground and Garden.

(L-R) NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett, Belfast City Council Playground Inspector Brendan O’Neill, and NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan at the Blacks Road Sensory Playground and Garden.

Cllr Matt Garrett (Belfast City Council), President, NILGA said:

“I am thrilled to be launching the ‘Councils Make It Happen’ campaign today, recognising the central role that local government plays in our everyday lives. As a proud councillor for my local area, I see day in and day out the impact that our local councils make on the lives of people, families, and communities.

“Councils connect with the heart of communities in cities, towns, and villages across NI, at the coalface of local issues, finding solutions for and with citizens. The provision of key services that matter to local communities - like waste management, recycling, street cleaning, local planning, cemeteries, leisure, parks, our economy – help make our council areas hubs of entrepreneurship, growth, inclusivity, and social cohesion.

“NILGA hopes that this 11-council campaign, developed to inform and encourage partnership, succeeds in illustrating the potential and the commitment of local government here. I encourage elected members, council officers, and local citizens to shine a light on the good work – and those who do it – within our local councils.”

Derek McCallan, Chief Executive, NILGA added:

“Despite the pandemic putting even more pressure on public services, including vital council work, and with very fragile income streams, our 11 local councils continue to invest in what is needed, locally. Councils, overall, are a very small part of the public purse but before, during and after Covid, expectations to deliver ever more high-quality services at affordable costs remain.

“As well as during the absence of the Assembly for three years and now throughout this COVID-19 crisis, council frontline workers together with members and senior officers have ensured that vital services have continued as seamlessly as possible. Local government is full of resilience and flexibility, collaborating with partners to find answers to getting services and investment delivered for everyone – individuals, families, businesses, workers, visitors – despite relatively small budgets, councils find solutions because councils are made up of - and care about - sustaining their communities.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 8 February 2021

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Forward Look

  • In a letter to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove MP has called for the ‘grace period’ on EU checks applied to supermarkets and their suppliers importing goods from GB into NI to be extended until at least January 1, 2023.

  • In reaction to the EU’s later reversed decision to trigger Article 16 on January 29, the DUP have released a five-point plan they intend to implement in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP urging both governments to establish a dialogue with all parties in Northern Ireland to reduce tension surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • The DUP have submitted a petition to the UK Government to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. To date this petition has over 82,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

  • Interim Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jenny Pyper, has announced that the Covid-19 Task Force is aiming to present a Covid-19 recovery paper to the Executive office in the coming weeks. She also confirmed that the recruitment of a Permanent Head of the Civil Service is ongoing to ensure there is a smooth handover this Summer.

  • Education Minister Peter Weir MLA announced that special school staff who are supporting children with the most complex healthcare needs will be added to the Covid-19 vaccine priority list.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced a new funding package of £105.9m to be allocated following bids from Departments, including £10.4m for student hardship and £7.4m to extend the Large Tourism & Hospitality Business Support Scheme.

  • Gordon Lyons MLA has outlined his priorities as the new Agriculture Minister following the temporary resignation of Edwin Poots MLA due to health reasons, including the development of a Multi-decade Green Growth Strategy.

  • Question Time will take place for The Executive Office, Justice Minister and Agriculture Minister on Monday.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the Health Committee next Thursday, with the Committee also receiving a departmental briefing on the 2021/22 Budget.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA will brief the Communities Committee on Thursday regarding Regional and Sub Regional Stadia.

  • Ulster University has announced that Allied Health Professions degrees are to be moved to its Magee campus from September 2022.

  • Local Government Boundaries Commissioner Sarah Havlin has commenced the statutory review process of the 11 district Council boundaries and the wards within each district in Northern Ireland. By June 2021, the Commissioner plans to publish provisional recommendations and hold a public consultation.

  • Education Minister Peter Weir MLA has announced that alternative awarding arrangements for A-Level and GCSE qualifications will be based on school professional judgements. The Minister will brief the Education Committee on the re-opening of schools, examinations and grading systems on Wednesday.

  • The Economy Committee will receive a briefing on the Draft Budget for 2021/22 from Department officials on Wednesday.

  • The Finance Committee will receive oral evidence from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre on the 2021/22 Draft Budget on Wednesday.

  • Michelle Canning, Special Adviser to the deputy First Minister, has resigned just 2 months after taking up her role. There are no current plans to replace her.

  • Provisional details of the High Street Task Force, which seeks to build sustainable and thriving city and town centres across Northern Ireland, have been outlined to the Assembly Executive Office Committee.

Other Stories this week

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announced a new £3m scheme to help micro-business retailers develop their e-commerce sales.

  • Gary Middleton MLA has replaced Gordon Lyons MLA as Junior Minister in the Executive Office.

  • The Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which introduces new regulations on Special Advisers, passed its Final Stage in the Assembly and will now receive Royal Assent.

  • The UK Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced new processes aimed at easing groupage issues faced by hauliers moving products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has introduced new penalties for those using a mobile phone while driving. Motorists caught will receive six penalty points and a £200 fine.

  • The Health Committee has published its Inquiry Report on the Impact of Covid-19 in Care Homes. To view: LINK

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Trading through a fresh wake - Ulster Business February 2021 interview with Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit and Surety NI, Willis Towers Watson

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit and Surety NI, Willis Towers Watson

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit and Surety NI, Willis Towers Watson

While the business community was expecting turmoil in 2021, it didn’t forecast a double-hit of a global pandemic along with the direct impact of an exit from the EU.

“With an increase in the projected number of insolvencies due to both the pandemic and increased trading costs related to Brexit the demand for credit insurance has increased exponentially, “ Nigel Birney, head of trade credit and surety Northern Ireland, Willis Towers Watson, tells Ulster Business.

He says the recent announcement by the UK Government that it will extend its £10bn guarantee to the UK credit insurance sector until June 30 “reflects the pivotal role of credit insurance in not only helping business to recover from the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 but the scheme also enables underwriters to keep credit lines in place on businesses considered most vulnerable to the challenging post Brexit trading conditions, otherwise there could potentially have been serious disruption to supply chains.”

Trade Credit Insurance insures suppliers selling goods against the company they are selling to defaulting on payment.

And with coronavirus and businesses struggling to pay bills, there is risk of having credit insurance withdrawn, or premiums increasing to unaffordable levels

“The unprecedented levels of uncertainty in the domestic and global economies has made managing trade credit risk an incredibly difficult task,” Nigel says.

“What is certain is that over the coming months and medium-term businesses will find it harder to get paid, it will take longer, and they will not get paid at all if a customer fails.

“In the post-Brexit era credit insurance will continue to enable businesses to trade with confidence knowing that should a customer default in payment either because of insolvency or cashflow difficulties, they will not suffer financially.

“Credit insurance also provides policyholders with extremely detailed market intelligence on their customers and prospective customers to enable more informed commercial decisions to be taken to enable to grow their business safely.

“Most major credit insurers also provide an integrated debt collection service which can be extremely useful, especially when exporting, as the insurers have locally based debt collection teams across the globe.”

The need and demands have changed considerably over the last few months. According to Nigel, companies would have only reverted to credit insurance when exporting high-value loads.

“Historically companies would generally have only considered credit insurance protection when exporting however the risk landscape has changed significantly with most local businesses requiring credit insurance to cover sales within the UK and Ireland and with the significant increase in the projected number of insolvencies due to both the pandemic and increased trading costs related to Brexit the demand for credit insurance has increased exponentially,” he says.

“Due to the prevailing uncertainty in the UK economy and in order to ensure that credit lines with insurers are maintained in order to prevent potential disruption to supply chains businesses are encouraged to take ownership of their own credit rating and be prepared to share management information with underwriters on a regular basis.

“As companies look to continue trading through Covid-19 and in the new post-Brexit era access to working capital may be critical for many businesses and having credit insurance can improve access to such facilities and improve a company’s credit risk profile as many banks and commercial funders accept credit insurance as an additional means of collateral.”

Among the sectors reliant on credit insurance is construction. It plays a significant role in the industry, giving businesses throughout the supply chain the confidence to trade with one another.

“The coronavirus pandemic has created problems for many businesses,” according to the Construction Leadership Council.

“Given the sudden disruption to economic activity, reduced cashflow and the resulting increased risks of insolvency and default in the market, businesses have seen trade credit insurance withdrawn, premiums increasing significantly, or the level of cover offered reduced.

“The withdrawal of cover could cause further difficulties for businesses, by placing pressure on liquidity, necessitating changes to payment terms, and depriving SMEs in the construction sector access to trade credit, on which they depend.”

Londonderry Chamber welcomes decision to move AHP courses to North West

Paul Clancy, CEO, Derry Chamber

Paul Clancy, CEO, Derry Chamber

Commenting after the announcement that Allied Health Professions degree courses are to be moved to Ulster University’s Magee campus from September 2022, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“This is excellent news which is a big boost for the entire North West region. The expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus has been a key strategic aim for all stakeholders in the city and the transfer of these important degree courses to the North West is the latest step in this expansion. This is a sensible decision which goes hand in hand with the new Graduate Entry Medical School which is expected to open to its first intake of students later this year in September.

“Attracting more students to our city brings greater investment, new high skilled jobs, and more prosperity for the entire region. It is also another step in rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy and addressing regional inequalities and we look forward to welcoming these students to our region.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 1 February 2021

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Forward Look

  • The Education Minister announced that remote learning will continue until March.

  • The First Minister and deputy First Minister announced an independent investigation into mother and baby homes following the publication of a research report. The First Minister hopes that the co-design process will be completed before the 6-month deadline.

  • Junior Minister Declan Kearney MLA outlined in the Assembly that a high-level strategic Programme for Government will be ready by April.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has said that the Department are “well on their way to producing the consultation paper on the new energy strategy for Northern Ireland” and says she “hopes that will come in the late spring of this year”.

  • At the Health Committee it was confirmed that The Adoption and Children’s Bill will be presented to the Executive in March, with its First and Second reading in the Assembly planned for before Easter.

  • Mike Nesbitt MLA has delivered a Private Members’ Bill to reform Northern Ireland’s defamation laws to the Speakers Office.

  • Sinn Fein has reshuffled some of its Assembly Committee members. Pat Sheehan MLA will become Vice Chair of the Education Committee, while Karen Mullan MLA will become a member of the Communities Committee.

  • Question Time will take place for the Finance and Health Minister on Monday. Questions to the Infrastructure Minister will take place on Tuesday.

  • The Interim Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service & Executive Office Permanent Secretary, Jenny Pyper, will appear before the Committee for The Executive Office on Wednesday for an introductory briefing. The Committee will also receive a briefing from departmental officials on the High Street Task Force.

  • The Communities Committee will continue its scrutiny of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs Bill on Thursday, taking evidence from Copeland Distillery, Retail NI and the NI Drinks Industry Group.

 Other Stories this week

  • The Health Minister announced a £500 special recognition payment for all Health and Social Care workers and a special recognition payment of £2000 to all non-salaried qualified students who have been on clinical placement.

  • Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, announced that £300 million in Covid funding has yet to be allocated by the end of the financial year.

  • The Education Minister published the Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020-2030. To view: LINK

  • The Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill passed its Final Stage in the Assembly and will receive Royal Assent in the coming days.

  • The DUP launched a consultation paper on the future of social enterprise strategy in Northern Ireland. To view: LINK

  • Caoimhe Archibald MLA has launched a consultation on her Universities (Public Mission Agreement) Bill. Deadline TBC. To view: LINK

  • Northern Ireland’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Ian Young, is to take a period of leave “on health grounds”.

  • Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, announced that the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement schemes will progress.

 Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations