BioNTech founders to speak among 50 other tech leaders at EmTech Europe conference

Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, the husband-and-wife team behind BioNTech.

Taking “Forging a Brighter Future” as its theme in this year, MIT Technology Review’s flagship conference ‘EmTech Europe’ will bring 50 of Europe’s brightest and best technology leaders, researchers, and innovators together to discuss how technology can create an intelligent, healthy and sustainable future at its core.

Playing a crucial role in addressing the pandemic in the last year with their breakthrough messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, the founders of BioNTech will headline this year’s EmTech Europe virtual conference in Belfast on 1 July.

Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, the husband-and-wife team behind BioNTech, developed the mRNA-based vaccine technology that delivered the first COVID-19 vaccine with completed phase 3 trial when the pandemic hit.

Dr Sahin initiated and led “Project Lightspeed”, the historic development program of the first mRNA-based vaccine for COVID-19, moving from lab and clinical testing to conditional authorisations within an unprecedented 11-month period. He also leads BioNTech’s research and development of individualized cancer immunotherapies.

Dr Türeci played a crucial role in the clinical development of “Project Lightspeed” and helped lead the development of mRNA-based vaccines and cancer antigens as well as immunotherapies which are currently in clinical development.

The globally-renowned scientists’ opening keynote will address the conference theme ‘Forging a Brighter Future’ and spell out their motivation and vision for expanding the use of mRNA technology to address other diseases in the future.

Drs Sahin and Türeci will address day one of the conference which takes place virtually from Belfast on 1-2 July. They join a line up of some of Europe’s most brilliant tech minds across the fields of sustainability, health and artificial intelligence.

Nico Crepaldi, Head of Custom Content at MIT Technology Review said:

“Attendees of EmTech Europe 2021 will get to hear from 50 leading speakers who are driving the next generation of technological advances. With talks ranging from the first timber skyscraper in Europe to biomedicine and mRNA vaccines, as well as spotlights from past winners of our Innovators Under 35 competition, EmTech Europe 2021 will showcase innovative solutions addressing major global issues.”

Connla McCann, Director of EmTech Europe said:

“Through EmTech Europe, Belfast can showcase the progress it has made from a city associated with conflict and division to a city focused on forging a new path of peace and reconciliation underpinned by an inclusive knowledge economy.”

Lead Curator of EmTech Europe, Tom Gray said:

“We are thrilled to have the BioNTech founders join our dynamic list of speakers for EmTech Europe this July. A clear leader in individually tailored therapies, BioNTech’s addition will only serve to enhance the programme as we prepare to highlight the practitioners, and thought leaders, at the forefront of ground-breaking technological advancements.”

“EmTech Europe 2021 will spark new ideas and business opportunities around the innovative trends with the most power to influence the post-pandemic world. Examining the areas of health, sustainability and intelligence, the two-day programme is shaping up to be a must-attend event for technological leaders seeking to rebuild economies and societies.”

EmTech Europe is supported by Belfast City Council and Invest NI and will take place virtually in July 2021 before returning to Belfast in 2022 and 2023.

NILGA calls for deeper review of local government after giving evidence to Assembly's Infrastructure Committee on planning issues

Councillor Steven Corr (Belfast City Council), Chair of NILGA’s Place-shaping and Infrastructure Policy and Learning Network

Speaking following briefing members of the NI Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee on the Review of the Planning Act, Councillor Steven Corr (Belfast City Council) and Chair of NILGA’s Place-shaping and Infrastructure Policy and Learning Network said:

“We appreciated the opportunity to brief members of the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee this morning. While we welcome the planning review, we would have liked it to go further in addressing some of the issues faced by our member councils.  Local government has faced some criticism of what was a new, untested planning system that commenced in 2015 and we hope this review will address at least some of the issues that have emerged over time.

“Councils and elected members continue to be frustrated by the fragmentation of place-shaping functions here, with responsibility for regeneration, public transport, local roads, housing, green spaces and rivers all sitting in different areas within government. In many other jurisdictions these functions and services sit within local government which allows for a more integrated locally-focused place-shaping approach.  This reluctance to deliver wider place-shaping at a local level has, to some degree, created unnecessary delays, causing frustration and criticisms of our planning system.

“NILGA would welcome a much wider review of local government reform, encompassing planning, to achieve what were the initial aims of the Review of Public Administration. This would help to provide a proper suite of place-shaping powers in our councils, to improve the partnership work between the Department and local government and to realise local government as the local leaders and service delivery bodies they could be, and in fact, are elsewhere.”

Time to get kids swimming again and build a vital life skill, says social enterprise GLL

Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Frank McCoubrey and Head of Service at GLL Jacqui Pope celebrate the launch of GLL’s Swim School

Social enterprise GLL has welcomed the resumption of swimming lessons and indoor group training as another layer of lockdown eases in Northern Ireland.

GLL estimates that up to 158,000 opportunities to learn to swim were missed at the city’s Swim School last year due to lockdown.

The organisation says that getting people back to swimming lessons and other physical activities will be a huge challenge but an important one that will help address growing rates of obesity and poor physical and mental health.

The largest social enterprise operating leisure facilities in the UK, GLL says a further challenge now lies in equipping children, young people and adults with a crucial life skill, particularly as we head into the summer months and families flock to coastal areas.

GLL will reopen its popular Swim School at six of its 15 leisure centres in the city today, in line with Executive guidance.

The social enterprise will also resume indoor fitness classes and tennis lessons, reopen 3G pitches for wider use and launch a range of new aqua facilities at Andersonstown Leisure Centre.

The Belfast leisure operator was joined by Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey as it prepares to step up indoor leisure provisions across the city.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said:

“Today’s resumption of indoor group exercise is a significant step forward in our reopening, and one we know many individuals have been waiting for. The pandemic has been a challenging time for all of our citizens, not least for children and young people who have greatly missed the extra-curricular activities that fill their week. It is great to see services resuming across the city and the return of fitness classes and swimming lessons which are so vital for people’s health and wellbeing and their enjoyment of the first-class facilities our city has to offer.”

Head of Service at GLL Jacqui Pope said:

“While we are thrilled to see our service offering widened today, we are anxious to resume swimming lessons and begin tackling the huge backlog that awaits. Swimming is an essential life skill with the potential to save lives. We know that around 400 people a year lose their life to drowning so lessons encourage individuals to be comfortable and confident in the water and it is brilliant to see them back again as we head towards the summer months.”

“We also know that physical exercise is a lot more than solo training in the gym, it is a chance to interact with others and blow off steam in an uplifting and motivating environment. The return of group sessions indoors is key to this and a welcome step forward as we leave lockdown behind and strive to rebuild and revitalise public health.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 24 May 2021

Forward Look

• DUP Leader Designate Edwin Poots MLA is expected to announce his new ministerial team next week. Reports suggest Mervyn Storey MLA, Paul Givan MLA, Paul Frew MLA, Michelle McIlveen MLA and new Deputy Leader Paula Bradley MLA are in line for top positions. A reshuffle of Committee and Policing Board positions is anticipated.

• A host of relaxations to the Covid-19 regulations will take effect on Monday 24 May, including the reopening of indoor hospitality and tourist accommodation. Indoor group exercise can also resume, the stay local message will be removed, wedding receptions permitted and indoor visits in domestic settings for six people from no more than two households also allowed.

• Outgoing First Minister Arlene Foster MLA will stand aside as DUP Leader on Friday 28 May, though will remain in her ministerial position until the end of June. The DUP’s ruling Executive will meet on Thursday to ratify Edwin Poots as leader.

• The Ulster Unionist Party Council will meet on Thursday to formally ratify the election of Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie as party leader.

• An external competition to appoint a new Department of Finance Permanent Secretary will launch in early June. Interviews and testing will take place throughout the summer, according to Finance Committee Clerk Peter McCallion.

• Danske Bank UK Chief Executive in Northern Ireland Kevin Kingston is to retire later this year. He will be replaced by current Deputy CEO Vicky Davies who will become the first female CEO in the bank’s 200-year history, subject to regulatory approval.

• The Department of Finance Innovation Lab Report on increasing social value in public procurement will be presented to the Procurement Board on Wednesday 9 June. If approved, Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA intends to present it to the Executive “at the earliest opportunity”.

• A motion on Restrictive Intervention and Seclusion of Children and Young People with Additional Support needs will be debated in the Assembly on Monday.

• The First Stage of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill to introduce an entitlement of two weeks’ paid leave following the loss of a child or stillbirth will take place on Tuesday. The Second Stage is scheduled for Monday 7 June.

• Question Time will take place for the Infrastructure and Justice Ministers on Monday. The Agriculture Minister will take questions on Tuesday.

• The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) will brief the Infrastructure Committee on a Review of the Planning Act on Wednesday, while the Economy Committee will receive a briefing from Department officials on a Review of Level 4 and 5 provision in HE and FE. The Executive Office will hear from Junior Ministers Declan Kearney MLA and Gordon Lyons MLA on Brexit.

• Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA will brief the DAERA Committee on the withdrawal of staff from Ports on Thursday, while the Health Committee will continue taking evidence on the Health and Social Care Bill with briefings from NILGA, Community Pharmacy NI, the British Association of Social Workers NI and the British Dental Association.

• The All Party Group on Mental Health will also meet on Wednesday.

• The Northern Ireland Office has given consent to UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt to press ahead with a Private Members’ Bill to introduce libel reforms that will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. NI had previously been excluded from the Defamation Act 2013.

• The next major review of Covid-19 regulations will take place on Thursday 10 June. First Minister Arlene Foster MLA told the Assembly this week that the data continues to move in a “generally positive direction”.

 Other Stories this week

• UK Brexit Minister Lord Frost and Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic have been invited to address Stormont’s Executive Office Committee on the impact of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

• Sinn Fein Councillor Cathy Mason (Newry, Mourne and Down District) has been chosen over Emma Rogan MLA as the South Down candidate for next year’s Assembly Election. The move follows a period of restructuring in Foyle, where the Irish News is reporting that Fiachra McGuinness, Conor Heaney, Maeve McLaughlin and the party leader on Derry City and Strabane District Council Sandra Duffy are the leading contenders to run in place of outgoing MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan.

• The Derry News is reporting that local campaigner Lilian Seenoi-Barr may be selected by the SDLP to replace Councillor Mary Durkan, who stood down from her position this week.

• Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has signalled a July by-election in Dublin Bay South, as parties ramp up campaign preparations to replace outgoing Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy.

• Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched his Department’s three-decade roadmap, setting out plans to 2050 with a focus on health, sustainability, rural communities and growth and diversity in the agri-food sector. View the plan: LINK.

• Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has established a Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce made up of 25 members to support the sector in the wake of the pandemic.

• Education Minister Peter Weir MLA has set out plans for a return to exams in the next academic year, including significant reductions in assessments across a range of CCEA qualifications.

• First Minister Arlene Foster MLA has indicated that the High Street Task Force will exist for an initial five-year period, with a performance review due early in the next Assembly mandate. Four subgroups have been established on influencing policy and strategy; promoting the development of capacity; developing and promoting good practice; and influencing and shaping intervention and investment.

• Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has launched a Call for Evidence to inform a new Strategy on increasing housing supply. Closing on 16 July, a full public consultation will follow later this year. For more information: LINK. A series of online workshops will also run throughout the consultation. Details: LINK.

• Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has introduced a bill in the Dáil that would allow Northern Ireland MPs to have speaking rights in the Oireachtas.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has appointed Ken Nelson as Chair of Northern Regional College. The four-year appointment takes effect from 1 July 2021.

• Belfast Live has appointed Sarah Scott as Deputy Editor.

• Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is recruiting for the role of Chief Executive Officer. Applications close on Friday 28 May.

• The Covid-19 vaccination programme surpassed one million first doses this week. Those aged 25 to 29 are now eligible to book their jab.

• Innovation City Belfast, a partnership of six key institutions in the city, has announced plans to put innovation at the heart of post-pandemic recovery. Priorities include a major Innovation District to grow SMEs, an Innovation Investment Service for outside investors, a city-centre focused ‘Smart District’ and a Smart Port using 5G connectivity and digital technology.

 Upcoming key political and business events

• 25 May, Planning Your Place: Getting Involved, Department for Infrastructure and Community Places

• 27 May, FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards

• 1 June, Belfast City Council Meeting

• 7 June, Call for Evidence- Open Public Consultation Workshop, Department for Communities

• 8 June, The Future of Skills, NI Chamber

• 10-11 June, BelTech 2021

• 1-2 July, EmTech Europe virtual Conference, MIT Technology Review

• 24 September, Annual Conference, Centre for Cross Border Studies

• 22 October, 2021 Business Awards, Belfast Chamber of Commerce

Consultations

• Inquiry into the Experience of Minority Ethnic and Migrant People in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Deadline 21 May 2021.

• Consultation on proposals to include teachers in fair employment legislation Chris Lyttle MLA, Alliance. Deadline 10 June 2021.

• Consultation on a review of the Northern Ireland Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan Department for the Economy. Deadline 25 June 2021.

• Consultation on Legal Aid for Mediation in Non-Family Civil Cases Department of Justice. Deadline 29 June 2021.

• Consultation on policy options for the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. Deadline 30 June 2021.

• Consultation on proposal to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 8 July 2021.

• Consultation on pre-school education admissions criteria Department of Education. Deadline 12 July 2021.

• Consultation on the new housing supply strategy call for evidence Department for Communities. Closes 16 July 2021.

• Consultation on improving the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system Department of Justice. Deadline 29 July 2021.

• Consultation on a Statutory Duty of Candour and Being Open Framework Department of Health. Deadline 2 August 2021.

Hospitality Ulster welcomes rubber stamping of the reopening of indoor hospitality from next Monday

Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster

“We welcome confirmation by the Executive that indoor hospitality can reopen from Monday. This has been a difficult and draining period for everyone within the hospitality industry and today’s announcement will bring hope to businesses, with people getting back to work and livelihoods restored for many across the sector.”

“Acknowledgement and thanks must be paid to the Executive for their financial support and those civil servants who have worked to ensure that hospitality is able to reopen after this awful period.”

“As we now look towards Monday’s reopening, the health and wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider public will be the priority for all the hospitality sector business owners. I know that our members have stringent Covid secure processes in place so that customers can enjoy the hospitality offer once again.”

“However, this is not ‘job done’ - with extensive restrictions still in place, many businesses will still struggle to break even, let alone make a profit. It is vital that we see these restrictions removed as soon as possible and engagement from the Executive as we begin the long road of rebuilding what was Northern Ireland’s fourth largest private sector employer, pre-Covid.”

“Scientific data such as ONS official statistics show Northern Ireland has lower infection rates compared to Scotland and England.  With the Covid risk level low, attention now must turn to the reopening of music venues and event spaces at an accelerated rate, bringing back musicians and fans to enjoy concerts, gigs and pub performances that have been missed over the past fourteen months. These venues and musicians have waited long enough for action to be taken. Immediate focus is required on the programme for their reopening and the resumption of our famed music scene.”

“I would also appeal to customers to play their part and observe the Covid regulations, especially providing their contact details as a key element in the work to control the spread of Covid. With table service and other restrictions still required, our staff will be walking miles with smiles  -  but please be patient as the existing regulations increase their workload.”

Londonderry Chamber welcomes latest Executive Covid relaxations

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin

Reacting to the Executive’s announcement that further relaxations can go ahead from Monday 24 May, Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“It’s good news that the Executive has rubber stamped its decision from last week and paved the way for the further reopening of the economy from Monday. We have been consistent in our message that we aren’t fully open until we’re all open. The high street and city centre businesses are reliant on each other to thrive so it is great news that indoor hospitality and other indoor businesses like cinemas will be allowed to reopen. We can now begin to look towards the busy summer period and our economic recovery.

“However, there remains some ambiguity and grey areas within the hospitality industry over what is exactly required of them to reopen, especially in the absence of any published regulations or guidelines yet. It’s important that the relevant authorities take a lenient and educational approach which supports our hospitality businesses and doesn’t punish them any further, especially as many of them have invested time and money in making their premises Covid-secure.”

“These latest relaxations coupled with the continued success of the vaccine programme, which has been expanded even further today, bring a real sense of optimism and positivity for the coming weeks and months. Businesses are excited to reopen and welcome back customers and we would urge people to stay, shop and support local as they get back out and about. It’s also crucial that we continue to follow the basics of mask wearing, hand washing, good ventilation, and social distancing to keep cases down and ensure the economy isn’t restricted again.”  

North West engineering firm bolsters global position with $13m US investment creating 200 jobs

E+I Engineering’s existing factory in Anderson, South Carolina.

North West company E+I Engineering is to accelerate its existing US operations with a $13 million expansion plan that will create 200 new jobs.

A global leader in electrical switchgear production, the company’s pioneering work to create unique in-house power solutions takes a major leap forward with this latest US expansion move.

Founded in 1986, E+I Engineering designs, manufactures and sells electrical power distribution products across plants in Derry, Donegal, the United Arab Emirates and the recently expanded facility in South Carolina.

The largest electrical switchgear manufacturer in the UK & Ireland, its products service large infrastructure projects such as data centres, banks, airports, arenas and hospitals.

The acceleration of production facilities in South Carolina will increase capacity to meet growing US demand and facilitate additional modular power solutions, providing a complete data center power distribution system in an increasingly efficient manner.

Headquartered in Burnfoot Co. Donegal, the firm has over 2,000 employees globally and trades with over 32 countries.

South Carolina’s Department of Commerce contributed a $350,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with site preparation and building construction. 

The expansion, which added an additional 100,000 square ft to the existing 230,000 square ft site, is nearing completion and will be followed by further growth across the island of Ireland as E+I Engineering steps up all aspects of its operations off the back of recent success.

E+I Engineering Managing Director Philip O’Doherty said:

“The E+I Engineering team is thrilled to announce the creation of 200 new jobs at our U.S. plant in Anderson, South Carolina. This investment marks an acceleration in our presence in North America which is testament to both growing demand for our products and the skilled workforce in the area.”

“From our establishment in the North West over 35 years ago, E+I Engineering has seen continued strength in our overseas operations, particularly in North America. We have adapted our hiring plans to reflect our commitment to meeting customer demand in the region. This is a competitive industry, and we strive to be ahead of the game by creating high-quality, skilled jobs and providing the most professional leadership.”

Public Inquiries and learning the lessons of the pandemic by Matthew Howse, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland as appeared in the Irish News

Matthew Howse, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that an independent public inquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic will be held in Spring 2022. Local parties like the SDLP and People Before Profit have already been calling for one in Northern Ireland while First Minister Arlene Foster has recently indicated that there will be an inquiry locally. The Prime Minister has also confirmed that the devolved governments across the UK will be consulted on this inquiry.

While the Prime Minister’s announcement is welcome, it raises significant questions, particularly about the inquiry’s terms of reference, a specific timescale, whether it will be judge-led, and how it will involve or interact with the devolved regions. So how might an inquiry take place?

At the outset of the pandemic there was close coordination between all parts of the UK. However, since May 2020, there have been significant policy differences, with each nation adopting its own plans for easing restrictions, reopening parts of the economy, and implementing lockdowns during the second wave of the virus.

Many key aspects of the response to the pandemic relate to devolved matters like health, education, social care, and emergency services. However, there have been a number of crucial UK-wide initiatives during the pandemic including the Joint Action Plan, a scheme to secure PPE, and the purchase and delivery of vaccines. Any inquiry, however, into the handling of the pandemic in a devolved nation is likely to involve consideration of both devolved and reserved matters.

The Inquiries Act 2005 (“the Act”) is the legislation under which public inquiries are commonly established. Such inquiries are powerful beasts in holding decision makers to account and can compel attendance. However, UK government ministers could not set up a UK-wide statutory public inquiry into issues relating to the pandemic which requires it to investigate devolved matters without, at the very least, consultation with the devolved administrations, and arguably their consent. 

Could the devolved administrations hold an inquiry which investigates all aspects of the response to the pandemic which occurred within their relevant jurisdictions? An inquiry established by a devolved administration may take evidence on reserved matters, if the inquiry considers that it is relevant to the terms of reference. However, crucially, it cannot compel that evidence, unless it relates to matters which are wholly or primarily devolved matters.

How, then, could a single UK inquiry investigate what happened without the consent of the devolved administrations? While there is nothing to prevent independent inquiries from coming to different conclusions and making different recommendations as to what measures should be implemented as a result, the benefits of such an outcome are questionable and could undermine public confidence.

Section 32 of the Act, however, enables two or more ministers to assume responsibility for an inquiry, including ministers from more than one administration. However, this has only happened once in 2008 between the UK and Scottish governments, and there has been no indication to date that such an inquiry will be established.

There will be advantages and challenges to either approach, i.e. having a joint inquiry or four separate inquiries. In any event, inquiries into the response to the pandemic are likely to involve unprecedented challenges for the relevant administrations, and those practising in the field of public inquiries, alike.

Filmmaker launches virtual reality film to shine light on impact of mental abuse and coercive control

(Left to Right): Maire McGrath, Mental Abuse Matters, Professor Paul Moore, Future Screens NI, and Lucy Baxter, Mental Abuse Matters and film creator.

A filmmaker has launched a Virtual Reality (VR) film to raise awareness of the impact of mental abuse and coercive control on victims.

Lucy Baxter, director of domestic abuse charity Mental Abuse Matters and a Film Practice lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast is using Mental Abuse Matters as her PhD subject.

The VR film shows the hard-hitting and traumatic impact of mental abuse on the victim, through an immersive film experience. The project was funded by Future Screens NI and is now being developed into a wider business idea through a Tech Start funded customer discovery process with Qubis.

The pioneering VR film, which depicts a woman who is being mentally abused by her partner, will be used for training those who come into contact with abuse victims, to enable greater understanding of the victim’s experience.

It is hoped that the film will help raise greater awareness of the impact of mental abuse and coercive control and can be used by those working in health and social care and the criminal justice systems.

Director of Mental Abuse Matters, Lucy Baxter said:

“Mental abuse and coercive control are lesser known but very real forms of domestic abuse. The abuse can gradually wear down a person’s sense of independence and they may become accustomed to an atmosphere of dread and trepidation, always living in fear that they might unintentionally aggravate an abusive partner. It happens to people of all genders and backgrounds.

“The difficulty with mental abuse is that no one outside the relationship can see the damage that it is causing, because there are no physical signs like bruises or broken bones. The trauma for victims however is very real and terrifying.

“My aim is to encourage greater understanding and empathy for victims of mental abuse. Using Virtual Reality software, we can create an experience for the user that will allow them to place themselves in the shoes of the victim and get a sense of what they are feeling. This will give those who support abuse victims, first-hand knowledge of what it feels like to be in their position.”

Professor Paul Moore from Future Screens NI said:

“Coercive control and mental abuse are not often discussed or understood by many people in society. Only in recent years have we become more aware of coercive control as a form of domestic abuse, and it is still hard for many to fully understand the impact on victims because they cannot see physical signs of its impact.

“Future Screens NI is thrilled to be able to fund innovative projects like the Mental Abuse Matters Virtual Reality film because it shows how film-making can be used in the most innovative ways to educate people about the impact of issues that are challenging to articulate beyond direct experience.   

“The ‘walking on eggshells’ analogy is said all too often, but this immersive film by Lucy allows us that first-hand experience of what that feels like to be a victim. We hope that by funding this important project, it becomes an important training tool in educating professionals about the very real and long-lasting damage that mental abuse causes.”

High-profile Washington D.C. lawyer appointed Chair of prestigious Ireland-US transatlantic program in a series of new Board appointments

(L-R) Susan Hoffman, Chair of the Washington Ireland Program, Charles John O’Byrne, Vice-Chair of the Washington Ireland Program, Amy Dacey, Board Member of the Washington Ireland Program and Rachel Powell, Board Member of the Washington Ireland Program

High-profile Washington D.C. lawyer appointed Chair of prestigious Ireland-US transatlantic program in a series of new Board appointments

The immediate Past President of the DC Bar, Susan Hoffman, has been named as the new Chair of the Washington Ireland Program, with several other high-profile figures also joining the Program’s Board.

A partner at an eminent Washington D.C. law firm, Ms. Hoffman will lead the Program’s Executive team alongside new Vice-Chair, Charles John O’Byrne, Executive Vice President for Policy for one of America’s largest private real-estate developers. A prominent legal figure in Washington D.C., Ms. Hoffman specializes in human rights issues affecting women and children.

Since 1995, the Washington Ireland Program has provided over 750 participants the opportunity to work in the likes of the US Congress and Senate, high profile companies and major advocacy organizations. The 6-month program sees young leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland engage in conversations with global leaders across a wide variety of sectors and take part in a renowned leadership development curriculum.

Ms. Hoffman will lead the Board’s delivery of its mission to develop, support and engage leaders who can build constructive relationships between communities across the island of Ireland. Notable Program alums include the Tánaiste and former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD and prominent Stormont representatives including Chris Lyttle MLA and Claire Sugden MLA.

The WIP Class of 2021 will see over 100 students participate in a hybrid program of virtual and in-person activities including work placements, speaker sessions and meetings with senior US leaders in Dublin and Belfast. Over 400 young people will also take part in the 2021 Forums where they will tackle the major questions facing Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Leading women in American politics and former CEOs of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Amy Dacey and Jess O’Connell, have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Program.  Belfast-based Women’s Sector Lobbyist, Rachel Powell also joins the Program’s Board responsible for overseeing WIP’s work in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and America. Catherine May, General Counsel for Bank of America Europe, and John McCarthy, General Counsel for US investment firm Wicklow Capital, also joins the prestigious leadership team.

CEO of a D.C. Lobbying firm, B.R. McConnon III will step down as WIP Chair, with Carmel Martin leaving the Board to take up her position in the White House Administration. Jen O’Malley Dillon, President Biden’s Campaign Manager will also leave the Board as recently appointed White House Deputy Chief of Staff.

Chair of the Washington Ireland Program, Susan Hoffman, has said:

“As a long-time supporter, Board member and ‘Host Mom’, I am thrilled to be appointed Chair of the Washington Ireland Program. In recent years, I have seen first-hand the impact the Program has on young people and their futures. Its outstanding professional, personal and leadership development curriculum continues to produce the next generation of change-makers in Ireland and Northern Ireland who are determined to build a future of peace and prosperity.”

“In my legal career, I have always sought to promote accessibility into the legal profession and support the next generation. The 2021 WIP Class will develop over 100 emerging leaders from across the island in the most unique, diverse program to date and, at this challenging time, I am very proud to support the Program’s important and exciting work.”

“I would like to thank outgoing Board Chair, B.R. McConnon III, and Vice Chair, Carmel Martin, for their hard work and commitment to the Program. The new Board appointments include exciting, forward-looking women at the top of their legal and political fields. I look forward to working with new Vice-Chair, Charles John O’Byrne, the new Board and the wider WIP community as we continue to grow the Program in years to come.”

New Vice-Chair of the Washington Ireland Program, Charles John O’Byrne, has said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed Vice-Chair of the Washington Ireland Program. I am very proud to support the remarkable work the Program continues to do in developing Northern Ireland and Ireland’s young leaders. Susan shares my full commitment to the Program and its values, and I look forward to working with her and the new Board as we look to the bright future of WIP.”

Executive Director of the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics at American University, former CEO of the DNC, and Washington Ireland Program Board Member, Amy Dacey, has said:

“I am delighted to be joining the Washington Ireland Program Board. Inclusion and accessibility into politics is crucial, and WIP continues to broaden opportunity to young people from all backgrounds with the 2021 Class its most unique and diverse to date. There are lessons to be learnt from Irish, Northern Irish and American history, and I look forward to the chance to meet Program participants and hear their views on how we progress in the years to come.”

Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program, Bryan Patten, added:

“We are very pleased to announce our new Board Chair, Vice Chair and new Board appointments today. As Board members, Susan, and Charles John’s dedication to the WIP’s success has been invaluable in the continued growth of the Program. They will lead a prestigious team at the top of their respective professions across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and America including leading women such as Amy. I look forward to working with the new Board as we look forward to welcoming the exciting WIP Class of 2021 later this year.”