NI Executive announce relaxation of Covid-19 Restrictions - 15 April 2021

Updated Twitter Card 1.jpg

Today, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have announced a series of relaxation of Covid-19 lockdown measures, agreed by the Executive.

The package of relaxations are as follows:

From April 23:

  • Resumption of driving instruction and theory tests;

  • Driving testing can resume;

  • Re-opening of close contact services including training;

  • Re-opening of outdoor visitor attractions including outdoor activity centres;

  • Resumption of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning (EATL) on an indoor and outdoor basis in gatherings of up to 30 people;

  • Outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated will be extended to include squad training;

  • Competitive outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated, with participant numbers not exceeding 100 and no spectators permitted can return and

  • Static band practice/rehearsal will be permitted in agreed outdoor locations.

From 30 April:

  • Increase the numbers permitted to gather in Domestic Setting Outdoors – to 15 people from no more than 3 households;

  • Reopen all of retail;

  • Reopen and permit overnight stays in self-contained tourist accommodation for one household only;

  • Reopen unlicensed premises, outdoors only with a maximum of 6 people from 2 households per table and contact details recorded;

  • Reopen licensed premises, including social clubs, outdoors only, limited to 6 people from no more than 2 households and contact details recorded;

  • Remove the curfew on takeaways;

  • Remove the curfew on off licences; and

  • Permit individual activities in gyms, swimming pools and other large venues – including with a carer and to allow 1-2-1 training/coaching with social distancing.

An indicative date of May 24:

  • Reopening unlicensed and licensed premises indoors with mitigations;

  • Reopening the remainder of Tourist accommodation;

  • Allowing visits indoors in domestic settings;

  • Reopening indoor visitor attractions; and

  • Resume indoor group exercise and training in numbers limited to suit the venue.

The next formal review of the Covid-19 Regulations under the Pathway out of Restrictions will be carried out on May 13, 2021.

Hospitality Ulster says revised indicative dates by Executive welcomed

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has welcomed the bringing forward of dates for the reopening of the hospitality sector after the initial shock of leaked indicative dates this morning.

The organisation has said that whilst we are some way off other parts of the UK in terms of their reopening plans, the changes made by the Executive today will make a difference and provide some hope that we are moving towards relative normality.

Hospitality Ulster has reiterated that the constant push for dates is about saving and restoring the livelihoods of business owners and the tens of thousands of staff that rely upon the sector. It says that just by having dates to work towards will come as a huge relief to everyone in the sector and their families.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“This movement by the Executive in bringing forward new dates which reflect the data is to be welcomed after the huge amount of anxiety was caused by the previous dates leaked to the media this morning.”

“There are still several weeks to go for outdoor to be opened and five weeks still to go for indoor hospitality, but we now have dates and a timescale to work with. Whilst these are indicative dates, especially for the reopening of indoor, it is hoped that the programme can be accelerated.”

“Hope is now on the horizon and for those who have been able to survive this devastating period it is now time for them to prepare their businesses for the long awaited resumption of trading. It is now in everyone’s interest that we make sure that all precautions are taken to get us through these next few weeks safely.”

“Our industry has spent millions of pounds on Covid secure measures and will reopen in a responsibly way, but any additional restrictions must allow businesses to operate on a sustainable footing to secure the future of the jobs depending on them.”

Londonderry Chamber welcomes reopening of economy but calls for Executive to deliver more on Thursday

Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy

Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy

Speaking after the relaxation of some restrictions today and ahead of the Executive’s meeting on Thursday, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“It’s great to see parts of the economy reopening today. Slowly but surely we are getting back to normality and these relaxations are vital in supporting our businesses and giving them a fighting chance of getting back on their feet. Ahead of this Thursday’s Executive meeting, it is welcome to hear both the First and deputy First Ministers indicate that more relaxations will be discussed by the Executive later this week.  

“Movement on the reopening of retail and leisure and some close-contact businesses would be excellent news for large swathes of our economy and we hope that workable and firm dates will come at the end of this week, keeping us in line with England, Scotland and Wales. April will be a crucial month for the survival of many of our businesses and reopening these sectors will be vital in our recovery. Northern Ireland has done exceptionally well in our vaccine programme, hitting 1 million jabs at the weekend. Through our actions and following the rules, we have also taken the pressure off our health system again and cases are falling daily.

“Now is the time to look toward reopening and recovery. Giving the retail, leisure, hospitality and close-contact sectors dates of reopening this week would mark another significant step in the journey back to a more normal society and economy and it is crucial that the Executive supports the Economy Minister’s proposals on Thursday.”

Return of outdoor sport in vain without dates for full leisure reopening

Outdoor fitness classes resumed at Better Leisure Centres on Monday 12 April

Outdoor fitness classes resumed at Better Leisure Centres on Monday 12 April

The Northern Ireland Executive must urgently provide dates for the reopening of indoor leisure services, social enterprise GLL has said.

As gyms reopen for indoor use in England, Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions have today been relaxed to allow up to 15 participants in outdoor sport.

With plans to reopen gyms in Scotland later this month and in Wales brought forward to May 3, GLL says the people of Northern Ireland are being left behind.

The largest social enterprise operating leisure facilities in the UK, it is urging The Executive to publish indicative dates and clear guidance for the resumption of indoor training.

With the vaccine rollout hitting new milestones every week, the threat to public health and wellbeing now exceeds that of Covid-19. Outdoor sport and fitness classes are a step in the right direction, but without the reopening of gyms and swimming pools many remain inactive and at a heightened risk of other physical and mental health conditions.

GLL reopened all 15 of its leisure centres across Belfast in line with Covid-19 safety protocols last year. Gyms right across the UK were proven to have low rates of transmission, with an overall rate of 1.7 cases per 100,000 visits when opened between July and December.

Gareth Kirk, Regional Director at GLL said:

“Today’s relaxation comes one month after the Executive first announced plans to allow up to 15 participants in outdoor sport. While it may be a step in the right direction, it is unacceptable that citizens are without any indication of further easements after over a year of heavy restrictions on their ability to exercise.”

“People are on the brink and in desperate need of their usual coping mechanisms. Be it a weight session, treadmill run or swim with the family, they deserve the chance to blow off steam and look after their health. As those in England, Scotland and Wales prepare to do just that, staff and customers here in Northern Ireland are being let down.”

“By operating at reduced capacity, enforcing a one-way system and enhancing cleaning regimes, we operate safely within Covid-19 protocols. While we are geared up to rollout our services as soon as restrictions allow, there are fears it will be too little too late for some in our society. It is vital that leisure providers are given the green light to return to helping people maintain a consistent level of physical activity to guard against future health risks.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 12 April 2021

Updated Twitter Card 1.jpg

Forward Look

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly is to return from its Easter Recess on Monday, while the House of Commons returns on Tuesday.

  • From Monday ‘click and collect’ can resume for all non-essential retail, outdoor retail can reopen, and post-primary-schools will return to face-to-face teaching. The Executive will meet on Thursday to undertake a comprehensive review of restrictions. Economy Minister Diane Dodds has tabled a paper to the Executive’s Coronavirus Taskforce which proposes relaxations for non-essential retail, close-contact services, certain tourism businesses, and possibly restaurants which can open outdoors and do not serve alcohol. Belfast Live has reported that Monday 26 April may be a possible date for potential reopening.

  • The State Opening of Parliament will occur on the 11 May.

  • Adults under the age of 30 will be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine. It comes after the UK medicines regulator said there was a possible link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and extremely rare blood clots. Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride has reiterated that the benefits still outweigh the risks.

  • Sue Gray is to become the new Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office with responsibility for the Union later this month. She has been the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Finance in the Northern Ireland Executive since May 2018.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and the Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, have announced the launch of an all-island Strategic Rail Review. The review will take no longer than 12 months and will consider how both train networks can improve sustainable connectivity, enhance regional accessibility, and support balanced regional development.

  • The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has launched a recruitment campaign to appoint a new chair and a member to the College Advisory Group. Applications close at 4pm 20 April.

  • The Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement published its Interim Report that examined the link between socio-economic background and educational underachievement. The Expert Panel is expected to finalise the report and submit an action plan to the Education Minister by the end of May. To view Interim Report: LINK

  • The competition to appoint a new RTE Northern Correspondent has opened. Applications close at 5pm on 23 April. For more information: LINK

  • Electronic voting for a new Speaker for the House of Lords opens on Tuesday. Voting will close on Thursday. The result is expected to be announced on 21 April.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann’s consultation for a Statutory Duty of Candour will open on Monday. It will run for a period of 16 weeks.

  • Question Time will take place on Monday for the Agriculture Minister and Communities Minister. On Tuesday, the Economy Minister will answer questions.

  • The Committee for The Executive Office will receive an oral briefing from the First Minister and deputy First Minister on Wednesday.

  • The Education Committee will meet on Wednesday to receive briefings from Autism NI and the Children’s Commissioner regarding Autism training and the SEN framework and regulations.

  • On Wednesday, the Economy Committee will be briefed by Department Officials and Fibrus Broadband Northern Ireland to give an update on Project Stratum.

  • The Agriculture Committee will meet on Thursday to receive oral evidence from Department Officials regarding the withdrawal of local authority staff from ports.

  • The Health Committee will also meet on Thursday to hear a Departmental briefing on Brexit.

  • Mervyn Storey MLA is to replace Gordon Dunne MLA as a member of the Committee for the Economy.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The Executive released a joint statement condemning the recent violence across Northern Ireland over the Easter period and called for calm to be restored to the streets. The Assembly was recalled yesterday to debate an Alliance motion regarding the recent riotous behaviour across Northern Ireland. The motion was passed unanimously.

  • The Education Minister announced the immediate reopening of some youth services in areas of Northern Ireland where there are heightened community tensions.

  • Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald MLA launched the party’s “Principles for Economic Recovery” document. The document outlines four principles for economic recovery and a series of policy proposals. To view: LINK

  • The Green Party NI will host their first ever annual conference which will start this evening and close tomorrow virtually.

  • The Department of Finance revealed that over 90% of households have completed the 2021 Census. Field staff will begin calling at houses this week to encourage the remaining households to complete the Census.

  • Sinn Féin confirmed that it will support independent Unionist Ian Marshall and Billy Lawless in the Seanad by-elections. Ballots were opened on Wednesday. Polls will close on 21 April.

  • Lorcan Allen is the new Business Editor of the Business Post after leaving the Irish Farmers Journal.

  • Irish Independent columnist Colette Browne is taking up the role of Communications Director with the Social Democrats.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann announced the further expansion of the Covid-19 vaccination programme for 40–44-year-olds.

  • Northern Ireland’s economy shrank by 1.4% between Q3 and Q4 last year, according to the latest NISRA figures.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

 

Consultations

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 5 April 2021

boc.jpg

Forward Look

  • Lockdown restrictions have been eased in Northern Ireland, with six people from two households now able to meet in a private garden from 1 April. From 12 April, ‘click and collect’ can resume for all non-essential retail, outdoor retail can reopen and all pupils in primary and post-primary schools will return to face-to-face teaching. The next Executive review of restrictions is to take place on 15 April.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced the Executive’s agreed Budget for 2021/22. Over £430m has been allocated to the health service’s Covid-19 response, £286m to fund the Economic Recovery Action Plan including £145m for the High Street Stimulus Scheme, £230m of additional business rates relief, £81m for the LRSS and CRBSS to continue and £20m for the Jobstart programme.

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly is to return from its Easter Recess on 11 April, while the House of Commons returns on 13 April.

  • The Community Pharmacy vaccination service has been launched with over 300 pharmacies to be involved in the vaccine roll-out. Adults aged 45-49 are now eligible book their Covid-19 vaccination, with over 900,000 vaccines being administered in Northern Ireland to date.

  • A Second Permanent Secretary role is to be created in the Executive Office to oversee running of the Department, a responsibility previously given to the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The new permanent Head of the Civil Service will largely focus on running it as a whole, and the First and deputy First Minister will no longer interview potential candidates for the role.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced that the workforce asymptomatic testing programme is to be extended next week to all private sector employers with more than 50 employees who cannot work from home.

  • Belfast has been chosen as the host site of the One Young World global youth summit in 2023. The summit gathers more than 2,000 young people, politicians and public figures from over 190 countries to promote more responsible and effective leadership.

  • In an open letter to the First and deputy First Minister, over 400 business leaders and owners from across Northern Ireland have called for a timetabled plan for the reopening of the economy.

  • A plan to introduce ‘blended’ working arrangements for civil servants in Northern Ireland is being developed by the Department of Finance and trade unions. 10 Civil Service regional hubs across the region are to open by the end of 2023 as part of the Department’s ‘Connect2’ plan.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has launched the Policy Options Consultation Paper for the new Northern Ireland Energy Strategy. Among the policy options is a new target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To view: LINK.

  • The UK’s lead Brexit Minister, Lord Frost, has delivered the UK’s ‘road map’ for the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol to the European Commission. Commission Vice President, Maros Sefcovic, is expected to respond to the document next week.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has announced that the Fort George site in Derry has been sold to the Western Trust to create a £70m health and care centre.

  • Irish language group, Conradh na Gaeilge, is to legally challenge the Northern Ireland Executive over its failure to introduce an Irish language strategy as set out in the New Decade, New Approach deal.

  • It is understood that Sinn Féin have chosen Jemma Dolan MLA, Colm Gildernew MLA and Aine Murphy, replacing Sean Lynch, as their three candidates in Fermanagh and South Tyrone to run in the Assembly election in May 2022.

  • Mervyn Storey MLA is likely to replace Gordon Dunne MLA as a member of the Economy Committee.

  • Queen’s University Belfast is to hold an online event on Thursday 15 April featuring a conversation between US Consul General, Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, and University Chancellor, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. To register: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • The Assembly was recalled to debate an SDLP motion regarding senior Sinn Féin members’ attendance at the funeral of Bobby Storey and on the PPS’ decision earlier this week. The motion passed unanimously.

  • The SSE Arena in Belfast has opened for the mass administration of the Covid-19 vaccine. It is expected that up to 40,000 weekly vaccinations could take place at the site. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has received his first Covid-19 vaccination at Ballee Pharmacy in Ballymena.

  • First Minister Arlene Foster MLA and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA have announced the extension and reopening of the Bereaved Self-Directed Assistant Payments Scheme from 1 April. The scheme will be implemented by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).

  • The DUP has launched a consultation on increasing party political participation in Northern Ireland, focusing on gender diversity, opportunities for young people and under-represented groups. To respond: LINK.

  • A High Court class action has been launched in London arguing that the Northern Ireland Protocol infringes on NI citizens’ economic rights. Legal action took by senior Unionist representatives to remove the Northern Ireland Protocol will be next heard in the High Court of Northern Ireland on 13 April.

  • Honorary Prof. Rory Montgomery, former senior Irish diplomat, will deliver a lecture on the Good Friday Agreement and a United Ireland with Queen’s University Belfast on 27 April. To register: LINK.

  • FinTechNI, an independent industry association representing Northern Ireland’s financial technology community, has announced the appointment of Andrew Jenkins and Bo Brustkern to its Board of Directors.

  • Councillors Eamon McCann and Mickey Cooper have stepped down from the Derry City and Strabane District Council.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced £1.3 million in additional funding for Northern Ireland hospices.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Businesses deserve dates, clarity and hope - Derry Journal 'View from the Foyle' business column by Dawn McLaughlin, Londonderry Chamber President

Dawn McLaughlin, President, Londonderry Chamber

Dawn McLaughlin, President, Londonderry Chamber

By their very nature, business owners and entrepreneurs are pragmatic and flexible, ready and able to react to the unforeseen and unexpected. This has been proven time and time again over the past 12 months as businesses have dealt with the pandemic. However, at this crucial moment they require certainty, clarity, and continued support.

The Executive’s recent Pathway out of Restrictions, published at the start of March, was of no benefit to the business community, succeeding only in uniting all corners of society in their criticism of the document, and leaving many frustrated.   Whilst our Ministers often talk about being led by the data, the lack of dates and targets for the timely reopening of the economy has pushed many owners to the brink, questioning the viability of their business if they miss the Spring/Summer trading season.

With Covid cases dropping, the pressure on our health service easing, the amazing roll-out of the vaccine, and the opening of our first mass vaccination centre just this week, now is the time to begin the conversation in earnest on returning to some form of normality.

Worryingly, the latest figures show that 106,000 people across Northern Ireland are currently on furlough and, sadly, it may be the case that many of these jobs will be lost when the scheme tapers off in the summer. As we move beyond Easter and ahead of the 15 April review of the current restrictions, the Executive needs to urgently put in place a proper timetable for the reopening of our economy and wider society, to protect jobs, livelihoods, and small businesses.

Earlier this week, over 400 businesses from all four corners of Northern Ireland, from every sector and industry across our economy, wrote to the First and deputy First Ministers calling on the Executive to let business “begin the road to recovery, secure jobs and start to rebuild our economy”. This level of consensus across the business community is unprecedented and reveals the strength of feeling right now. Without proper planning and preparation, businesses can’t possibly be expected to open their doors and hit the ground running in the coming months.

England, Wales, and Scotland have all recently made moves to reopen large swathes of their economy by the middle of April, giving hope to hospitality business, retailers, gyms and leisure, and even close-contact services. By giving businesses much more of a lead-in time and allowing them to trade for longer, it gives them time to prepare their premises, rebuild their cash reserves, and protect more jobs in the process.

Frustratingly, Northern Ireland is being left behind yet again. A lack of bravery and courage is holding us back. Even a broad indication of reopening is preferable to being kept in the dark. Something to strive for is better than sitting on our hands and doing nothing. Target dates and milestones give our businesses and wider society something to work towards but, crucially, they also generate hope and optimism for the future, signalling that the end is in sight.

It’s time for the Executive to work closely with business, tell us what we need to do to reopen, and when we can expect this to happen. To guarantee success, we need consumer confidence, a strong ‘shop local’ message, and continued support from the Executive.

Cross Border Workers Coalition reacts to the announcement of the 'Our Rural Future' plan from the Republic of Ireland Government

Aidan O'Kane Co Chair Cross Border Workers Coalition.jpg

Reacting to the announcement of the ‘Our Rural Future’ plan from the Republic of Ireland Government, Aidan O’Kane, Co-Chair of the Cross Border Workers Coalition, has said today:

“The Cross Border Workers Coalition (CBWC) welcomes the announcement of the ‘Our Rural Future’ plan, the Irish Government’s five-year strategy to revitalize rural Ireland through remote working provisions. The establishment of over 400 remote working hubs nationwide, alongside a long-term strategy for “blended” working arrangements for the public sector, illustrates the decisive shift towards home-working and the need to give employees fluidity in where they choose to work.”

“This announcement coincides with the recent ‘Connect2’ project from NI Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA, with Ministers north and south displaying their commitment to the long-term accommodation of remote working. However, by ignoring the restrictive personal tax rules faced by cross border workers, both projects leave border communities behind and fail to meaningfully address the regional disparity in the all-island economy. This plan, therefore, does nothing to allay the concerns of isolated, rural communities such as those in Donegal.”

“Under current legislation, cross border workers who live in the Republic of Ireland and work for an NI-based company can face a ‘double tax’ on their income if they work remotely. We agree with the Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys TD, that remote working is “all about giving people choices”, and, post-pandemic, employees should be able to live in towns across the island regardless of where their job is based. Left unchanged, these income tax rules could continue to significantly restrict the livelihoods of thousands of cross border workers.”

“Upon this announcement, we re-affirm our call for a permanent change to these restrictive cross border tax rules to ensure that the ‘necklace’ region of the Republic of Ireland is an attractive place to live, work and invest.”

Eversheds Sutherland reacts to Asda Supreme Court ruling

Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment & Immigration at Eversheds Sutherland, Belfast

Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment & Immigration at Eversheds Sutherland, Belfast

Reacting to today’s Supreme Court ruling on equal pay in favour of Asda employees, Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment & Immigration at Eversheds Sutherland, Belfast, said:

“This is a significant ruling which will potentially have a much wider impact on the retail sector and supermarket employees. While the Supreme Court’s ruling does not give these workers the automatic right to equal pay, it gives them the right to pursue an equal pay claim.

“This is a major step forward for the equality of pay across different classes of retail workers but, crucially, has a significant gender dimension. The majority of these 44,000 claimants in this case were women working in Asda stores and shops while those earning more money were mainly men in the warehouse. This ruling therefore may have serious and wide-ranging implications for other large retailers and supermarkets who maintain that their retail, distribution and warehouse departments are separate sectors within the same business with unique pay and staff structures.

“This ruling is not the final step in the legal journey but, rather, it is likely to set off years of litigation and lengthy legal battles between employers and employees.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 29 March 2021

Updated Twitter Card 1.jpg

Forward Look

  • First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill announced the limited reopening of Sure Start and youth services programmes. The Executive announced preparations are being made for a hotel quarantine system, and Northern Ireland will follow a “red list” approach when international travel resumes. The next Executive review of restrictions is set to take place on 15 April.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announced the extension of payments under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS), Part A and Part B, and the Large Hospitality and Tourism Business Support Scheme (LHTBSS) beyond 31 March.

  • The Assembly has risen for its Easter recess and is scheduled to return on Monday 12 April. Committees can meet at their Chair’s discretion.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has announced plans to widen the current abuse of trust legislation, strengthening the law protecting vulnerable children, through an amendment to the Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill. Minister Long also confirmed up-skirting will be included as an offence in the bill.

  • John Pullinger CB has been appointed as the new Chair of the Electoral Commission. He is expected to take up the new role in May.

  • The SSE Arena in Belfast will open on 29 March for the mass administration of the Covid-19 vaccine. Over 300 community pharmacies will also be joining the vaccine effort.

  • Plans for a new Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two cities, were announced this week. Launched by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD and Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA this week, eight local councils on both sides of the border will lead on the project.

  • Voting to elect the next Speaker of the House of Lords will take place from 13 April until 15 April. Lord Alderdice, former Speaker of the NI Assembly, is a nominee.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has announced plans to implement a one-way system on certain streets in Derry to make the city centre more pedestrian and trade friendly for an 18 month period. Proposals also include the creation of parklets to help boost local hospitality businesses.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA and Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride have both warned against booking foreign holidays this summer, saying international travel is unlikely.

  • Ulster University is partnering with the University of Birmingham, and other stakeholders, to develop a £15million adult social care centre. Deirdre Heehan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University, will lead the NI Leadership Team.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has confirmed a public consultation will be held on policy proposals for a Statutory Duty of Candour. The consultation will open on 12 April and run for a 16 week period.

  • Westminster’s Department for International Trade announced the opening of four new trade and investment hubs across the UK, one of which will be opening in Belfast. The hubs are expected to host 550 members of staff by 2025.

  • Stormont departments are due to receive an extra £220m from the Treasury as a result of extra health spending announced for England.

  • The Dunlop Review, an independent report of UK Government Union Capability published this week has recommended the creation of a new ‘Secretary of State for Intergovernmental and Constitutional Affairs’ to protect the ‘constitutional integrity of the UK. To view the report, click here.

  • Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA is considering a money-back scheme on drinks bottles to boost recycling. The department is also considering a fee-based scheme encouraging producers to design packaging that is easier to re-use and recycle.

Other Stories this week

  • The Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, governing the behaviour and conduct of Stormont special advisers, has received Royal Assent and is now law.

  • The UK Government concluded that it is not going to publish William Shawcross’s commissioned report regarding compensation for UK victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism.

  • Wrightbus is to receive £11.2m from the UK Government to develop hydrogen-fuel technology.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announced that Co-Fund NI is receiving over £16m of additional funding to support SMEs in Northern Ireland. British Business Investments Regional Angels Programme has committed £10m and Invest NI has committed £6.1m.

  • NI think tank Pivotal PPF has produced a report on “retaining and regaining talent in Northern Ireland”, based on the pattern of educational migration, aimed at addressing the brain drain in NI. To read the report, click here.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced that Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is to receive an extra £1m in funding.

  • A report produced by the ‘Independent Commission on the College of the Future’ has recommended that all adults in Northern Ireland should be offered the opportunity to study a Further Education qualification for free.

  • Mr Ronnie Hassard has been appointed to the Board of the Education Authority, in place of Sir Gerry Loughran.

  • The UK Government has published regulations granting NI Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP powers to compel the Department of Health to fully implement abortion laws. The regulations come into force on 31 March.

  • Former Sinn Fein Special Advisor, Conor Heaney, is being co-opted onto the Derry City and Strabane District Council, replacing Foyleside councillor Mickey Cooper.

  • The Climate Change Bill, sponsored by the Green Party’s Clare Bailey MLA, has passed its First Stage in the Assembly. A date for its Second Stage is yet to be scheduled.

  • First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have agreed to develop a cross-sectoral taskforce to tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

Upcoming key political and business events

 

Consultations