Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 5 July 2021

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Forward Look

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been officially ratified as the new Leader of the DUP. In a keynote address, he said he would be seeking a return to the Assembly to become First Minister potentially before next year’s Assembly Election “should an opportunity arise”. The Lagan Valley MP also suggested a possible reshuffle of Executive and Assembly positions.

  • The EU and UK have agreed to extend the current grace period on chilled meat products moving from GB to NI until 30 September. The European Commission has also announced that it will bring forward a legislative proposal in early autumn to allow medicines destined for NI to be authorised in GB.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis MP has set out a Framework for Multiparty Talks on Northern Ireland Legacy issues involving nominated representatives from the main political parties and the British and Irish Governments.

  • The Executive has further relaxed Covid-19 regulations to allow live music to return to hospitality venues from 5 July. A cap on outdoor gatherings will also be removed from today. A review of the current Pathway out of Restrictions will be carried out at next Thursday’s Executive meeting to consider the “sequencing of further relaxations”.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published a new ten-year Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Strategy focusses on three key themes: promoting mental wellbeing and resilience; providing the right support at the right time; and new ways of working: LINK.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has announced that work is to commence on the development of an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy. Expert Advisory Panels have been established with wider consultation to follow.

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched a Call for Evidence on a Plan to Eliminate Plastic Pollution in Northern Ireland, a commitment set out in New Decade, New Approach. A Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Sinn Féin’s Phillip McGuigan MLA to ban single-use plastics in Northern Ireland has been approved by the Speaker’s office.

  • The SDLP’s Claire Hanna MP is co-sponsoring a Private Members’ Bill in Parliament to give workers the right to request flexible working from the first day of employment – including working from home, part-time working and flexible hours.

  • Polling for the Dublin Bay South by-election will take place next Thursday. An Irish Times – Ipsos opinion poll has Fine Gael’s James Geoghegan leading with 27% of first preferences, followed by Labour’s Ivana Bacik on 22%.

  • Question Time will take place for the Finance Minister and the Health Minister on Monday. The Infrastructure Minister will answer questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday, the Economy Minister Paul Frew MLA will brief the Economy Committee on Economic Issues; the Finance Committee will receive a briefing from the Financial Services Union on Banking Issues; and the First and deputy First Ministers will brief The Executive Office Committee.

  • On Thursday, the Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will give a Ministerial Briefing to the Health Committee; and the AERA Committee will consider a written briefing on the Climate Change Bill.

  • Retail NI has launched a new High Street Heroes campaign to encourage shoppers to vote for their favourite independent retailer. To vote: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill passed the Final Stage of the Assembly on Tuesday. The Bill, which is expected to come into effect in October, will allow pubs and hotels to extend their hours of service by an hour, change restrictions around opening hours on off-licenses and bars over Easter, and tackle harmful aspects of alcohol consumption. Consideration Stage of the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill took place on Monday.

  • The DUP’s Alex Easton MLA (North Down) has resigned from the party, citing a lack of “respect, decency and discipline” in the party’s actions over the last month. He will remain as an independent MLA.

  • Economy Minister Paul Frew MLA has announced investment of £180 million in the NI Traineeship programme to fund around 20,000 Traineeship places over seven years, delivered via the six FE colleges.

  • The First and deputy First Ministers have extended the appointment of Dame Brenda King as Attorney General for Northern Ireland for one year.

  • Stephen Dunne, son of the late DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, has been co-opted to the Assembly to fill the vacancy left by his father in the North Down constituency.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced that Tom Kark QC will chair the public inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

  • Sajid Javid MP has replaced party colleague Matt Hancock MP as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following Mr Hancock’s resignation on Saturday.

  • The Belfast Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission has published its ‘Reset for Growth’ report to promote new ways to transform the NI economy, including housing development at scale and making Belfast more globally relevant: LINK.

  • Labour’s Alison Gilliland has been elected as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, succeeding the Green Party’s Hazel Chu.

  • Belfast Live has launched three new sub brands focusing on local news in Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.

  • The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has announced Roisin Coulter as its new Chief Executive.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 8 July, Dublin Bay South by-election

  • 9 July, NI Assembly Summer recess begins

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

  • 8 October, Londonderry Chamber President’s Dinner, Everglades Hotel, Derry.

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

Consultations

First and deputy First Ministers encourage public to vote for their High Street Hero

(L-R) James Pearson, Head of Field Sales; Paul Givan MLA, First Minister; John Morgan, Translink; Peter McBride, Retail NI President; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Michelle O’Neill MLA, deputy First Minister; Annette Small, Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager

(L-R) James Pearson, Head of Field Sales; Paul Givan MLA, First Minister; John Morgan, Translink; Peter McBride, Retail NI President; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Michelle O’Neill MLA, deputy First Minister; Annette Small, Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have launched High Street Heroes NI today, a public online vote for shoppers’ favourite independent retailer and local high street.

High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News which formally begins on Independents’ Day on 4 July, with early voting open from today. Supported by Camelot and Translink, across 12 different categories, shoppers can vote until early August for their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off-licence, Covid-19 champion, and several other types of independent retailer via www.irishnews.com/heroes.

The First Minister, Paul Givan MLA, said:

“Our independent retailers have provided amazing support to communities over the last year and this is a timely opportunity to show our appreciation to them.

“The challenges of the pandemic resulted in fundamental changes within the retail sector. Our local business owners responded with energy, creativity and a determination to keep providing high-quality products and service for their customers.

“I also know that many proved to be a lifeline for those who were dealing with isolation. There is no doubting the power of friendly word or a kindly action. This is what makes our Northern Ireland retailers so special. I urge everyone to get voting now for your favourite.”

The deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, said:

“There is so much to celebrate within our local retail sector. Our independent businesses are part and parcel of our society and give so much to the community.
“From the early days of the pandemic, retailers and retail workers have been on the frontline, delivering essential services for people, including vulnerable members of our society.

“This has undoubtedly been the most challenging of times for them and they have made a huge effort and significant investment to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Now is the time to say thank you and recognise their contribution.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in the High Street Heroes campaign and support our independent retailers as we move along the road to recovery.”

Retail NI President, Peter McBride, said:

“We are delighted to launch High Street Heroes NI to highlight and celebrate the huge contribution independent retailers make to our local high streets and the economy. High Street Heroes NI gives consumers the opportunity to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street.

“Don’t forget to Vote Independent!”

Camelot’s Retail Director, Jenny Blogg, said:
“From small corner shops to local newsagents and well-stocked convenience stores – our 44,000 retail partners are the backbone of The National Lottery and, to most players, our public face. For that reason, we are delighted to support High Street Heroes NI, to help highlight some of the fantastic independent retailers who continue to serve communities across Northern Ireland – day in, day out.”

Annette Small, Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager, said:

“We have heard countless inspirational stories of local independent retailers adapting and innovating to not only survive, but thrive, in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on shopping habits, socialising and everyday life. We can all play our part by buying local and voting for our favourite independent retailer via www.irishnews.com/heroes.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: 

"It's never been more important to support our local independent retailers and we're ready to bring more people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the fantastic choice, quality and personal touch on offer. 

"Translink is committed to delivering a greener recovery and building back responsibly with robust safety measures in place across our bus and rail services to protect and reassure everyone on their journeys." 

Hospitality Ulster welcomes passing of final stage of Liquor Licensing Bill as ‘great day for sector’ after decade long campaign for reform

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has welcomed the final stage of the Liquor Licensing Bill passing through the Assembly today.

The modifications made in the Bill will be the first set of major changes in licensing legislation since 1996 which has seen Northern Ireland fall behind counterparts in GB and the Republic of Ireland.

The updated legislation, which includes restrictions on alcohol sales over the Easter holiday lifted, are modest but much needed, to support both our domestic customers and the growing tourism market.

Other changes will see pubs / bars and hotel bars allowed to sell alcohol until 2am on 104 nights of the year and opening hours on Sunday evenings brought into line with all other days of the week. Also included is an increase in late nights for small pubs without food or live entertainment from 20 to 104 nights a year and an extension of drinking up time to 1 hour.

The Bill is now awaiting Royal Assent and is expected to come into law in the Autumn.

Today’s passing of the Bill follows a near decade long campaign, led by Hospitality Ulster, to see modernisation of liquor licensing legislation which has outdated for some time.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“Today marks a big step forward for our industry with the passing of all stages of the Liquor Licensing Bill at the Assembly. This will see Northern Ireland move to provide an enhanced hospitality offer, and in turn, give customers more options and more freedom to enjoy our local hospitality.”

“For over a decade, we have been campaigning on behalf of the industry for reform of the previous outdated legislation that really stifled not just the nighttime economy, but trade around the likes of Easter. There have been many failed attempts to get to where we are today, including the collapse of the Assembly in 2017. We have gone through several consultations, several ministers and hours and hours of engagement over the years.”

“The passing of this legislation could not have come at a more critical time for the hospitality sector as it begins its journey to recovery and looks to new initiatives to ensure commercial viability in the months and years ahead. Today’s move will give a real boost to the sector with these crucial changes to licensing ultimately assisting in getting the industry back on its feet again.”

“We thank Minister Hargey and those in the Assembly who had the foresight to support this legislation moving ahead and how these important reforms will translate into how we do business in future. It will only grow our economy further, ease the burden for many within the hospitality sector, and be that vital link, attracting more tourists and visitors to our shores. Now it is time for our sector to be the modern, thriving industry that it has the ability to be without the constraints and limitations of the past. We look forward to seeing the updated legislation coming into effect in the Autumn.”

Groundbreaking independent report demonstrates the value of community pharmacy and the need for fresh thinking

By Pam Cameron MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Community Pharmacy

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As Chair of the All-Party Group on Community Pharmacy, I am very concerned about the future sustainability of our pharmacy network after reading the recent report ‘Community Pharmacy Services in Northern Ireland 2020 and Beyond: Strengths and Pressures’.

The report, carried out by leading consultancy KPMG, cements in my mind the multi-faceted, often intangible benefits, community pharmacy brings to patients, local communities, and our wider society. However, it also brings clarity to the rising cost-base for community pharmacy contractors and the need for an appropriate level of sustained central investment to underpin services.

As the only open-access health care provider in primary care during the Covid-19 pandemic, community pharmacy played a vital role, however like other sectors of health care, its workforce is left beleaguered from the challenge. I believe it is essential for the Department to recognise this and put the necessary measures in place to allow our pharmacy network to move forward positively.

The pandemic brought into sharp focus the tremendous agility of our pharmacy network. Despite unrelenting pressures, they stood strong, launching new services to support changing patient needs. The numbers speak for themselves with over 75,000 Covid vaccines administered within 10 weeks, over 60,000 emergency supplies of medicines being made over an 8-month period and typically 150,000 vulnerable patients having medicines delivered each month.

It is important to learn from this as we carefully consider future health service models. Fresh thinking is urgently required to move community pharmacy from the reserve list to occupy a seat front and centre within new health service structures. For this a sea change in attitudes is needed.

Taking Covid vaccinations for example, everyone acknowledges the overall programme as a huge success, but many also ask why, as the only direct-access service provider at that time, community pharmacy was not included within the first phase of vaccination roll-out? This was arguably a missed opportunity and one we must learn from. A community pharmacy-centred vaccination service seems like the most sustainable, cost-effective solution for the health service moving forward.

This report shows that sustained investment and long-term planning is required to place the sector on a more secure footing. I welcome the collaborative approaches during the pandemic period which led to Minister Swann securing additional short-term investments to sustain the sector. Fundamentally, however, a long-term plan is required which aligns recurrent investment to the costs of providing services, ensuring stability and sustainability of the sector into the future.

Back in January when the idea of establishing an All-Party Group for Community Pharmacy was first mentioned it seemed an ideal moment for MLAs to take a more focused and collective approach to the issues facing community pharmacy. This independent report by KPMG provides a clear context for future discussions.

Community pharmacy is the first point of contact with the health service for so many people in Northern Ireland. This report underscores the sector’s contribution to supporting patients during the last ten years, including through the biggest public health crisis in living memory. The bottom line is that moving forward the community pharmacy network needs to be sufficiently resourced on a recurrent basis with its development underpinned by a long-term plan.

Our pandemic experience has taught us many important lessons and one of these is that we need a healthy, resilient community pharmacy sector to meet future challenges and shifting population dynamics.

Ethics integral to the advancement of modern technology

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As EmTech Europe prepares to broadcast live from Belfast on 1 and 2 July, Curator and Researcher in AI Ethics Nell Watson discusses how ethics must be at the forefront as modern technology advances.

The technology sector is home to the world’s largest, most valuable, and ultimately most powerful companies. It has transformed our world and our workplaces over the past two decades, not least through advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, now extending into Crypto and the Internet of Things.

Whilst the increasing pace of technological change offers the promise of expanded capabilities and growth, it is vital that we proceed with an awareness of the ethical and legal risks associated with wildly innovative and disruptive technologies.

Never has the power of the tech industry been more inescapable than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mutating across the world at unprecedented speed, the virus triggered huge demand for digital health solutions to track infections, facilitate vaccine rollouts, and bring targeted response applications to our devices. It also created the necessity for various laggards and digital immigrants to embrace socially distanced solutions which previously offered limited appeal.

Artificial Intelligence is advancing at a pace that bewilders even those within the industry, with colossal models of trillions of parameters now capable of solving high school pop quizzes, essay writing contests, and even displaying humour. A ‘Sputnik Moment’ will occur soon, once the digital assistants we have grown accustomed to asking simple questions are suddenly able to have meaningful and entertaining conversations with us. We will become increasingly dependent on these technologies as they grow ever more entwined with our personal and professional lives.

Many businesses also use AI to problem-solve and innovate, streamlining tedious processes, boosting productivity, and making sense of chaotic situations. These capabilities are a transformational force across all industries, not to mention in the background of our homes with widespread adoption of Alexa speakers, Nest thermostats and Hue lightbulbs.

But as it becomes increasingly engrained in our lives, it is vital we ensure the principles of human rights, equality and sustainability are built in. Privacy and security are matters of increasing public concern – perhaps even quiet desperation – fueled by fears that tracking technologies such as those introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19 and facilitate travel have the potential for multiple uses. Meanwhile, the value to public health of noble lies and censorship, with monopolies on questionable truths, appears to be an own goal. It may take generations to restore the faith in our formerly unimpeachable global health institutions.

Major questions around ethics and equity will be addressed when those at the forefront of global innovation come together in Northern Ireland next month.

Whilst exploring many of the most promising emerging technologies across Health, Sustainability, and Intelligence, EmTech Europe will examine how these interact with ethics and human rights when it broadcasts live from Belfast.

A prestigious win for Northern Ireland’s tech landscape, the EmTech Europe event, in association with MIT, will unite leaders in academia, business, and government to share groundbreaking research and solutions to many of society’s grand challenges.

Reflecting upon the events of our time and their ramifications, the conference offers all of us a chance to make sense of the innovations and trends at play as we work with the technology sector to build towards a healthier, brighter, and more sustainable future.

To find out more and register for EmTech Europe which takes place on 1 and 2 July, visit: https://emtecheurope.com/

EmTech Europe to explore pathway to climate-friendly living

Dr. Robert Grundy

Dr. Robert Grundy

EmTech Europe will unite the leading voices on climate change, green-tech and sustainability when broadcast live from Belfast on 1 and 2 July.

As rising temperatures fuel the worldwide climate threat, business-led industry panel Matrix has thrown its weight behind the prestigious conference that will explore the technologies with the greatest potential to stave off disaster.

Taking ‘A Sustainable Future’ as its first theme, EmTech Europe will bring together the entrepreneurs, founders and futurists who are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to forge a brighter future.

From renewables and green energy solutions to optimizing manufacturing processes, the conference will examine the promise and potential of the latest global efforts to fend off planetary meltdown.

An expert panel that advises on the commercial exploitation of R&D, science and technology in Northern Ireland, MATRIX will support the ‘A Sustainable Future’ track on Thursday 1 July.

Following a keynote from Artemis CEO Dr Iain Percy OBE, the theme includes sessions with: Valentin Gutknecht, Co-Founder and CEO of Neustark, Switzerland; Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Lahti, Finland, the European Green Capital 2021; Clay Dumas, Partner at Lowercarbon Capital Partners, USA and Henrietta Moon, Co-Founder and CEO of Carbo Culture, Finland.

Dr. Robert Grundy, CEO of Anglezarke and Chair of Matrix said:

“We are delighted to be able to support the EmTech Conference which will present us with an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s indigenous tech sector as a world leader in new and emerging technologies, a hotbed for R&D and innovation and the ideal environment to develop, test and scale solutions to the global climate challenges that are ahead of us.”

“Northern Ireland is a region with a rich history of innovation and a pioneering spirit in science and technology stretching back centuries and now, on the cusp of a new era, the holding of EmTech in Belfast allows us to cement that legacy whilst looking to the future, grasping the opportunities presented to us to create a better world for our citizens both locally and globally.”

Nell Watson, Researcher in AI Ethics and Curator of EmTech Europe said:

“With the stage set for EmTech Europe 2021, the support from Matrix is a welcome reminder of the excitement and anticipation that is growing both among our own tech ecosystem in Northern Ireland and further across Europe. The first theme for 2021, ‘A Sustainable Future’ will bring together the most brilliant minds working to combat the climate challenges we face. Made up of nineteen business and academic leaders in some of the most promising areas of innovation, it is fantastic to have an industry-led panel like Matrix endorse the sustainability theme.”

To find out more and register for the virtual two-day conference which takes place on 1 and 2 July, visit: https://emtecheurope.com/

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 28 June 2021

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Forward Look

  • The DUP electoral college will meet tomorrow to formally elect Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson as DUP Leader Designate. Party officers will then arrange a meeting of the central executive committee to ratify the election. The Belfast Telegraph is reporting that former DUP MLA Brenda Hale is the favourite to run in any future Lagan Valley by-election.

  • The Executive will meet on Thursday to ratify a series of relaxations to Covid-19 regulations with the indicative date of 5 July. These include the return of conferences and exhibitions; reopening of seated theatres and concert halls; return of live music at ambient levels to licensed and unlicensed premises and the return of live music and dancing without restriction at outdoor events.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has allocated over £220m as part of the June monitoring round, including: £66m for Health, over £30m of which is to tackle waiting lists and £17.7m for pharmaceutical pressures; £35m to support children with SEN and £19m for the Victims Payment Scheme.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will introduce a bill for soft opt-out organ donation to the Assembly following agreement with the DUP and Executive approval.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA’s Justice (Sex Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill will be introduced to the NI Assembly ahead of the summer recess following Executive approval on Thursday.

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA intends to bring his draft Climate Change Bill before the Assembly in this mandate following Executive agreement, meaning two alternative Climate Change Bills will be passing through the Assembly. The Department’s 2021-22 Business Plan, including an overarching Environment Strategy to be published this year, was released this week: LINK.

  • The appointment of a chair to the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Public Inquiry will be announced next week, Department of Health officials have indicated.

  • Question Time will take place for The Executive Office and Economy Minister on Monday. The Education Minister will answer questions on Tuesday.

  • The Final Stage of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill will take place on Tuesday. The Second Stage of the Charities Bill will also take place on Tuesday.

  • Junior Ministers Gary Middleton MLA and Declan Kearney MLA will brief The Executive Office Committee on Brexit on Wednesday. The Finance Committee will hear from trade and customs experts on the NI Protocol.

  • Hospitality Ulster, Sport NI and the Arts Council will brief the Communities Committee on Thursday on post-Covid recovery. The Health Committee will consider the HSC Bill and will also receive a Departmental briefing on Brexit.

  • Publishing the consultation analysis report on a draft Mental Health Strategy, Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has indicated he will publish the full Mental Health Strategy in Summer 2021.

  • An international certification scheme for vaccines will go live in Northern Ireland on or before 19 July. It comes as several countries were added to the green list for travel including the Balearic Islands, Madeira, Malta and Barbados.

  • The MIT Technology Review conference EmTech Europe will take place in Belfast on Thursday and Friday 1-2 July. Broadcast live from Titanic Belfast, the virtual event will unite the world’s leading voices on health-tech, sustainability and artificial intelligence. To register: LINK

Other Stories this week

  • The first British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in over two years took place at Dublin Castle on Thursday, Chaired by NI Secretary Brandon Lewis and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney. A ‘process of intensive engagement’ on legacy matters was agreed.

  • MPs have debated the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill during its second reading in the House of Commons. The Bill, which makes provisions on Ministerial appointments, extraordinary Assembly elections, petitions of concern and the Ministerial Code of Conduct in Northern Ireland has progressed to a Public Bill Committee for scrutiny.

  • The HSC Business Services Organisation has published its annual General Pharmaceutical Service Statistics, highlighting that Community Pharmacies dispensed over 99% of items in 2021, some 78,000 for each pharmacy on average.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published a three-year blueprint recovery plan for cancer services. Care will be focused on clinical priority and equality of waiting across Northern Ireland. View the plan: LINK.

  • The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has launched a co-design process to allow victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland to help develop support and services. For further information: LINK.

  • Economy Minister Paul Frew MLA has announced a £4.5m NI Domestic Aviation Kickstart Scheme (NIDAKS) to enhance connectivity with the rest of the UK. For further information: LINK.

  • Belfast News Letter Editor Alistair Bushe has been appointed Senior Editor (Ireland) of Reach Plc and the Daily Mirror in Northern Ireland.

  • Head of BT in Northern Ireland Paul Murnaghan has succeeded Henry Brothers Director Ian Henry as president of the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • President Joe Biden has named Massachusetts representative and senior Democratic lawmaker Claire Cronin as the next US ambassador to Ireland, subject to approval by the Senate foreign relations committee.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Brown O’Connor Communications provides fast, accurate and relevant political monitoring and research services for the public, private and non-profit sectors. We can help you track the latest developments in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Local NI Councils, Westminster and the Oireachtas. To find out more, please get in touch at arlene@brownoconnor.com or chris@brownoconnor.com.

£200,000 EU PEACE IV funding provided to support victims and survivors in reducing social isolation and loneliness

Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)

Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has awarded £200,000 in funding to 19 community organisations supporting victims and survivors to build social connections and reduce social isolation.

The funding, provided through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the SEUPB, will enable 6,000 social interactions, positively impacting the lives of victims and survivors throughout the summer months. 

VSS is committed to reducing social isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.  

The funding supports activities that are centered around ‘TAKE 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ initiative. The concept of TAKE 5 is to encourage victims and survivors to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and to give. Activities funded by the programme include outdoor photography, book clubs and painting workshops, walking tours, equine-assisted learning and horticulture.

CEO of VSS, Margaret Bateson said:

“VSS is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors. This initiative will allow us to provide 19 community organisations with the means to help reduce social isolation amongst victims and survivors, which is more important now than ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The funding provided to our community partners will enable victims and survivors to safely interact and connect through a range of social activities, now that restrictions on social interaction are easing.”

Welcoming the funding awarded, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, Gina McIntyre said:

“Many victims and survivors of our shared history experience high levels of isolation which can have a negative impact upon their mental health. Unfortunately, this has only been intensified, as a direct result of the pandemic.

“This EU PEACE IV funding will allow community organisations to deliver further health and well-being support activities, that will give thousands of victims and survivors the opportunity to positively connect with those around them.”

This programme is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

Universities and colleges lead initiative to offer school leavers alternative routes to university at local colleges

Ken Webb, Chair of the College Principals’ Group

Ken Webb, Chair of the College Principals’ Group

Northern Ireland’s Universities and Further Education Colleges have united behind a new initiative aimed at ensuring school leavers are made aware of the full range of higher education options available locally.

For the first time school leavers, parents and careers staff will have access to the full higher education course listing through a single source at each of Northern Ireland’s two universities.

Dedicated pages on University websites will provide a full listing of all higher education opportunities available to school leavers. Individuals who do not receive an offer can use the web pages to signpost them towards other provisions, including foundation degrees and higher education courses at Northern Ireland’s six local Further Education Colleges.

The aim is to ensure that Northern Ireland’s school leavers understand the many alternative and valued routes to a university degree that are available via Northern Ireland’s six regional Colleges.

This is the first time that tertiary education providers have jointly worked on a project of this scale, and it is hoped that the move will not only benefit students, but will also benefit employers, by ensuring there is a strong pipeline of highly skilled individuals coming into the local workforce.

Colleges offer a wide range of higher-level qualifications, including Level 5 qualifications, foundation degrees and higher national diplomas, as well as higher level apprenticeships.

The Department for the Economy’s recent 10X Skills Strategy highlights the future undersupply of skilled individuals coming through at Level 5. Many of these work-related qualifications have been co-designed with employers to address skills gaps and provide participants with clear progression routes through to employment or alternatively the opportunity to progress through to a full honours degree with a local university.

Those behind the initiative include Northern Irelands six Further Education Colleges, Queens University Belfast, Ulster University, Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College, Open University and CAFRE.

Chair of the College Principals’ Group, Ken Webb, said:

“Results day can be a joyous or disappointing occasion for some. To give school leavers confidence to move their careers forward, we have partnered with the universities on this landmark initiative.”

“Young people who do not receive their expected grades for university should not lose hope or feel that they must forgo their career aspirations. There are alternative routes to that university degree at the six local colleges and they can still reach their end destination by taking on a higher education course or foundation degree in college first.”

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Greer said:

“Northern Ireland’s third level education sector is world-leading, and our universities and colleges equip thousands of people every year with the skills and qualifications they need to pursue valuable careers.”

“We understand that this year will cause anxiety for many school leavers. This website will provide detailed information on the extensive range of higher education options at local colleges available to school leavers as a viable alternative that will help pursue their intended degree course.”

Ulster University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew said:

“A shared priority is to enable young people to keep their career ambitions intact and their options open by signposting them to the pathways that can lead to a wide range of degree choices.”

“At Ulster University we have a long-established track record in widening participation in and access to higher education. Through our partners in the FE Colleges, we offer well over 100 pathways into a diverse range of Ulster University degree programmes. These alternative routes open up a wealth of options for study and lay the foundations for rewarding careers.”

Minister for the Economy, Paul Frew MLA, said:

“It’s always important that young people are aware of all the options available to them as they leave school and are considering next steps. Studying for a higher education qualification in a further education college is an excellent option for many school leavers who wish to continue their learning journey.”

“The new websites provide a one-stop shop setting out the availability of foundation degree and other HE courses at our local colleges and will be a valuable tool for young people who are seeking to continue their pathway to a bright future.”

Cross Border Workers Coalition meets with Irish Finance Minister Donohoe

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The Cross Border Workers Coalition, a group campaigning to change remote working tax rules in the Republic of Ireland, has met with Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD this week.

In the virtual meeting, Coalition Co-Chairs Aidan O’Kane, Conor Dowds, and Paul Quinn engaged with the Minister on the Republic of Ireland’s tax laws which can deny home-working opportunities to thousands of cross-border workers. The group were encouraged by the Minister’s response that his department’s advisory body, the Tax Strategy Group, will publish a report addressing the issue later this year, with the Minister continuing to engage with the Coalition ahead of its release.

Established in March 2020, the Coalition is an alliance of individual employees who live in the border regions of the Republic of Ireland but work in Northern Ireland. Restrictive personal tax rules mean that, if cross-border workers work-from-home at all, they can face a ‘double tax’ on their income. Finance Minister Donohoe has temporarily waived these rules until January 2022 and responded positively to the Coalition’s ask that the current temporary amendments are made permanent.

Earlier this month, when asked about this issue during a meeting of the Shared Island Dialogue by Coalition Co-Chair Aidan O’Kane, An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, said this is an issue the Government is hoping to “work out” before Budget 2022 in October this year. The Coalition are optimistic that, following this positive engagement with senior Irish Government Ministers, a long-term, pragmatic solution can be found.

Conor Dowds, Co-Chair of the Cross Border Workers Coalition, said:

 “It was good to engage with Minister Donohoe yesterday who, during the meeting, acknowledged the importance of the issue and committed to thoroughly consider options to address it while engaging with us further. The Minister recognised our concern that, left unchanged, current tax legislation threatens to impose an unfair tax penalty to thousands of cross-border workers seeking to work-from-home. We appreciated his constructive engagement with us and look forward to the publication of the Tax Strategy Group’s report on our issue.”

“Alongside the recent positive contribution of An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, yesterday’s meeting with Minister Donohoe represents a turning point in our campaign to change these outdated remote working tax rules. We were very thankful for the Minister’s time and look forward to further interaction with him and his department to bring forward a long-term solution to this issue.”