O’Donovan Rossa GAC to Inspire Healthy Minds with new programme

(Left to Right): Chief Executive of Inspire, Kerry Anthony, O’Donovan Rossa Senior Football Captain, Richard Gowdy and Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA at the unveiling of the O’Donovan Rossa Championship 2021 jersey.

(Left to Right): Chief Executive of Inspire, Kerry Anthony, O’Donovan Rossa Senior Football Captain, Richard Gowdy and Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA at the unveiling of the O’Donovan Rossa Championship 2021 jersey.

Inspire has partnered with west Belfast's O’Donovan Rossa GAC to provide the club with mental health awareness training.

The Healthy Minds programme aims at providing information, skills and advice on key areas of mental wellbeing, including nutrition, mindful breathing, addiction awareness and the importance of sleep. These topics were chosen by the senior team players as important issues that impact their wellbeing and on-field performance.

To mark the establishment of the Healthy Minds programme, O’Donovan Rossa has unveiled the new team shirt with the Inspire logo, in order to encourage more GAA players to look after their mental health and promote resilience within the sport. The new jerseys will be worn for all of the club's 2021 championship games.

Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey said:

“I want to commend O'Donovan Rossa GAC and Inspire on this project. This is a grassroots, player-led initiative aiming to break down barriers of stigma and to create a positive focus on mental wellbeing as well as physical. Rossa players have shown leadership in their club, as well as their community, and demonstrated by example that mental health issues can affect anyone.”

Kerry Anthony, Chief Executive of Inspire, said:

“The Healthy Minds programme has been a fantastic initiative, which has allowed the senior players of O’Donovan Rossa to learn about the best ways to deal with mental health issues, along with the pressures that come with playing in high-level team sports.

“Often, the focus will be on the physical health of players. However, to be resilient and ensure that their head is in the game, the mental wellbeing of players must also be considered. It is not easy to talk about mental health and the players are a real testament to both their club and their local communities for standing up and learning how best to be mentally well.

“Everyone at Inspire is very proud that O’Donovan Rossa will have our logo on their jersey and we wish them the best of luck for the championship.”

O’Donovan Rossa's senior football captain, Richard Gowdy, said:

“It has been really beneficial for myself and all my teammates to be part of the Healthy Minds programme and work with Inspire on mental health issues that are important to us as players and teammates.

“The Healthy Minds programme has really opened our eyes to how being mentally fit can help make us more resilient and competent players, while also making sure we are all in good headspaces, on and off the pitch.

“There is still a stigma around talking about your mental health in sport. However, through our work with Inspire, we feel that it is key to break down those barriers and make sure all involved in GAA know the importance of mental health awareness – for themselves and their teams. It will help us all get to the top of our game.”

Maura McMenamin, Ulster GAA's Community, Health & Wellbeing Manager, said:

"Congratulations to O'Donovan Rossa on their Healthy Minds Programme. The mental and emotional wellbeing of our members is of paramount importance and I'm delighted to see O' Donovan Rossa make this a core part of their club activities.

“We would also like to congratulate Inspire on this fantastic initiative, and whom Ulster GAA have partnered with on a number of mental health programmes. I look forward to launching our emotional wellbeing winter programme with Inspire later this year."

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 16 August 2021

Updated Twitter Card 1.jpg

Forward Look

  • The Executive has announced the rules on self-isolation will change on Monday, whereby fully vaccinated people who are a close contact of a Covid-19 case, will no longer have to self-isolate. They are advised to take a PCR test on day two and day eight of the process. There is no limit on the number of people who can gather outdoors in a domestic setting and the rule of six in hospitality venues will be scrapped, this includes weddings. Conferences, exhibitions and raves can also resume. Social distancing on public transport will be lifted and there will be a full return to face-to-face teaching in FE Colleges, Universities and Non-Statutory Contractors. School bubbles will be removed for the beginning of the school year and the requirement to wear a face covering will remain in place for the first six weeks of the new term, remaining under review. The rules around face coverings and social distancing will be considered in September.

  • DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said he will continue to run the party from Westminster until the Assembly Election next year. Sir Jeffrey added that due to issues such as the Northern Ireland Protocol and the legacy proposals, it is important that “the leader of Unionism is at Westminster”.

  • The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report assessing the global climate crisis. The Report found that global temperatures will reach 1.5C above 1850-1900 levels by 2040, breaking the global target set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. The Report concludes that cutting global emissions in half by 2030 could halt the rise in temperatures. To read: LINK.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has announced the NI Executive will convene for a Climate Summit ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in October.

  • Auditor general Kieran Donnelly has expressed concern at how the Department of Health has accounted for £135m of expenditure in its annual budget, commenting that it was not in line with international accounting standards. The DoH said it will consider the report and “respond through the appropriate channels.”

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA issued a statement to the Assembly outlining her priorities for the next regional Area Plan, which will cover a five year period from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027. The proposals to be addressed include the issue of primary pupils being taught in composite classes of more than two year groups and the issue of small sixth forms. To read: LINK.

  • Nichola Mallon MLA announced that £8m will be invested into the delivery of a new LED street lighting programme in Northern Ireland this year.

  • Independent experts appointed by the UN have expressed “serious concern” over the UK Government’s amnesty proposals for Troubles related crimes.

  • The Irish Government has published its Annual Taxation Report 2021. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, income tax revenue fell by 1% in Ireland compared to 2020. To read the report: LINK.

  • Tickets are now available for the Docs Ireland film festival, running from 25 to 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • Ulster Bank published its PMI report for July, showing an increase in output and new orders, with rates of expansion easing from June. Job creation was accelerated, while inflationary pressures remained elevated.

  • Green Party NI representative Councillor Kathryn McNickle resigned her seat from Ards and North Down Borough Council for Holywood and Clandeboye DEA and will be replaced by Lauren Kendall.

  • Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young has outlined the effectiveness of the vaccine, with every 1,000 Covid-19 cases resulting in 22 hospitalisations. In December 2020, every 1,000 Covid-19 cases resulted in 80 hospitalisations.

  • The Department for Communities has launched the Uniting Opportunities programme. The programme provides funding for projects that create opportunities for participation for 11-24 year olds in underrepresented groups.

  • The Department of Justice has launched an appointment competition for a minimum of 15 Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) Members. The IMB is an independent statutory body whose role is to monitor the treatment of prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment.

  • Students across the UK received A-level and GCSE results. 51% of students in Northern Ireland were awarded an A* or A grade and 40% of GCSE students received an A* or A grade.

  • Irish-American lawyer Kathy Hochul has assumed office as the first female governor of New York, following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.

  • Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker, has appointed Nigel Birney as Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA announced the extension to the term of NI Screen Chair, Dame Rotha Johnston. It has been extended from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

  Ormeau Road crowned as the public’s High Street of the Year

Representatives from Ormeau Road Business Association pictured with (L-R) Glyn Roberts, Retail NI CEO; Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank.

Representatives from Ormeau Road Business Association pictured with (L-R) Glyn Roberts, Retail NI CEO; Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank.

Ormeau Road has scooped the prestigious High Street of the Year, battling High Streets across Northern Ireland for the coveted prize. Thousands of votes were cast for Retail NI’s High Street Heroes campaign, with old favourites and new faces picking up gold, silver, and bronze. The initiative shone a light on Northern Ireland’s independent retailers, with the public choosing their favourite retailers.

Belfast had huge success in the campaign picking up eight awards this year, including Off-Licence of the Year and two awards for Deli of the Year.

Crawfords of Maghera picked up the sought-after Overall Retailer of the Year, as well as Convenience Store of the Year and Community Covid-19 Champion.

Retailers across the region were celebrated, with Brolly’s Butchers in Cloughmills, McCrum’s Motorcycles in Portadown, and Newcastle’s Wraps Fashion all picking up gold.

High Street Heroes NI was a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News supported by Camelot and Translink. The awards come as retailers are preparing for the roll out of the High Street Voucher Scheme. 

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA said:

“I am thrilled to see so many great retailers acknowledged in the High Street Heroes campaign. The support for independent retailers proves how important they are to their local communities.

“Retailers have shown a huge amount of determination over the past year and should be immensely proud of their work. It is great to see Ormeau Road pick up the High Street of the Year, which is a testament to all the fantastic independent retailers in our towns and cities.”

Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:

“The High Street Heroes campaign has been a wonderful celebration of Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. The winners are based across Northern Ireland showing a brilliant regional response to the campaign and emphasising the community support for the retailers.

“It has been a very difficult year for independent retailers, but this campaign has shone a light on how valued they are in their community. I hope the roll out of the High Street Voucher Scheme will continue to boost support for our independent retailers.”

Cross border workers’ concerns must be addressed if we are to make Derry a remote working hub

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

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

Since the pandemic began, there has been a fundamental re-think in not just how we live and work, but also, where. Remote work has grown to be a mainstay of our working lives, throwing in doubt the importance of factors such as office facilities and your daily office commute, considerations which previously dominated any question of location. Flexible working practises are here to stay, and businesses and employees alike are benefitting from the so-called “new normal”.

In recent weeks, spurred on by this shift, Invest Derry City & Strabane have launched an exciting new campaign aimed at promoting the North West as a premium remote working destination. This welcome initiative seeks to attract highly skilled home-workers to Derry, Tyrone, and Donegal by highlighting the excellent living standards and employment opportunities available here.

From our beautiful scenery to the growing, dynamic, economy here, it is no surprise that, for example, Derry City & Strabane was ranked fourth in the UK-wide USwitch Remote Working Index 2020, finishing much higher than hotspots such as London, which placed 88th. If capitalised on, remote work has the potential to transform the North West economy, especially in border areas like Donegal which have the most to gain from this fantastic campaign.

For remote workers, the North West can offer employees a fantastic place to pursue an exciting career while raising a family. For the thousands of cross-border workers who live in the Republic of Ireland but work in NI, however, restrictive Irish tax laws could see the loss of this opportunity.

If you live in Donegal, but work in Derry, an outdated tax stipulation means that if you work-from-home at all, you can face a ‘double tax’ on your income. Even if you work in the office four-days-a-week and look to work remotely on a Friday, you’ll face a significant financial penalty.

These rules restricting home-working have been suspended until January 2022, and if re-introduced, would significantly disadvantage businesses in the North West looking to attract remote workers. Businesses may even be forced to restrict their workforce to one side of the border, which, reports show, could have devastating consequences. A EURES 2020 report found that as many as 75% of businesses in the border region employ staff from the opposite jurisdiction.

As we look to make Derry and the entire North West a future remote working hub, the concerns of cross border workers must be addressed. Left unchanged, these personal tax rules not only threaten to stifle this fantastic initiative from Invest Derry City & Strabane but could lead to businesses and employees to look elsewhere, away from the border region.

Looking forward, it is vital that this issue is addressed before the broader North West economy loses out. We live in an era of change, and as we look to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities remote working offers, we must not leave cross-border workers behind.

Lockton appoints Nigel Birney as new Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland

Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, has appointed Nigel Birney to lead its new specialist Trade Credit Insurance team.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance for Lockton

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance for Lockton

Mr Birney will head up Northern Ireland’s largest team of Trade Credit specialists providing Trade Credit Insurance services, assisting with business growth and protecting against bad debts.

The appointment comes as the company expands its service offering in Northern Ireland. With over 90 staff already providing business and commercial insurance services, the addition of Trade Credit Insurance further cements Lockton’s position as the leading and best-resourced brokerage in Northern Ireland.

Lockton is the only insurance broker in Northern Ireland to provide an in-house claims team and risk management service, providing clients with industry expertise and consistent qualified advice. The Trade Credit Insurance service will give clients access to intelligent market monitoring, a debt collection service, protection from bad debts and the potential for greater access to working capital facilities, which combined will help facilitate confident and secure trade both at home and abroad.

Gary Ennis, Partner and Head of Office for Lockton in Northern Ireland said:

“Nigel will play a crucial role in the development of our Trade Credit Insurance offer here in Northern Ireland as we enhance our services to a range of clients across the private sector.”

“This is a strategic hire for us and as a key player in the insurance industry, Nigel brings years of experience. His insights, market knowledge and expertise will significantly enhance the Lockton offer and strengthen our position within the local market and the island of Ireland.”

“As we emerge from the pandemic, and as business returns to a level of normality, the role that Credit Insurance plays for business is vital. With vast levels of debt amassed by companies of all shapes and sizes since March 2020, businesses must take sensible and proactive steps to protect themselves, particularly as they seek new markets or recalibrate their supply chains. Our new Trade Credit Insurance team, with years of considerable and combined experience in the sector, is here to help businesses get back on their feet post-lockdown and restore confidence as they begin trading again.”

The Lockton team, Julie McCallion, Leah Smyth, Ruth Hawkins with Nigel Birney who has been appointed the new Lockton Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland.

The Lockton team, Julie McCallion, Leah Smyth, Ruth Hawkins with Nigel Birney who has been appointed the new Lockton Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance for Lockton, added:

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Lockton team during a period of ambitious growth for the company, particularly in the specialist area of Trade Credit Insurance. The availability of trade credit insurance and its many benefits will be absolutely vital as we emerge from the pandemic and look to reinvigorate the Northern Ireland economy.”

“The last number of years has been a tumultuous period for the local market here in Northern Ireland. Our businesses have gone through many big moments including Brexit, the pandemic, and an absent Stormont, which have affected their confidence when trading locally and overseas. The Trade Credit service we can now provide at Lockton means that businesses using our service can trade with confidence and explore new markets knowing that their business is protected against credit risk such as the insolvency of one of their customers.”

“What sets us apart is that we have a very experienced and dedicated team fully committed to building relationships who will work very closely with all our clients to really understand and make a difference to their business”

Fintech integral to Belfast's reset for growth, writes Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

As published in the Irish News, 10 August

An uncertain investment landscape is a legacy of the pandemic not even the most active technology hotspots could avoid. Many industries remain in a temporary stasis, while others have bolstered their position in this post-Covid world.

Just as people’s lifestyles and priorities have undoubtedly been altered, the past eighteen months triggered a shift right across the economy. Progressing from the ‘response’ to ‘recovery’ phase, the local economy has reached an inflection point as new patterns of trade and investment emerge.

The ability of fintech to adapt and overcome when the world’s economies grind to a halt was first displayed during the 2008 recession and again as we navigated the challenges of Covid-19. Despite no longer being in survival mode, cashless payments, mobile remittance apps and digital-only banking are trends that are here to stay.

But just as the digital world of fintech carved out a promising future during one of the most arduous economic climates, Northern Ireland has the potential to shape its own future as a thriving global investment hub home to world-renowned business clusters.

The sense that we have reached an economic tipping point is reflected in the recent ‘Reset for Growth’ report published by the Belfast Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission. With a range of propositions to revitalise the future economy, it sets out how Belfast can up its game in supporting trade and investment to capitalise on trade advantages and make the region more globally relevant.

The Commission is clear that our existing attributes must be rapidly scaled, and I was thrilled to see fintech recognised among the unique sectoral specialisms through which we can achieve a more successful, sustainable, and equitable future.

Setting a clear direction for skills and infrastructure development in the tech and digital sectors, the reset plans rightly focus on areas of industry with the proven resilience and capacity to drive city growth.

Employees are the oxygen of the workforce, and as an innovative and growing area of industry, the fintech sector needs a constant supply of highly skilled individuals to feed growing demand. Over recent years we’ve seen how partnership between higher and further education and industry can create new talent pipelines and increase the supply of talent into the sector.

While more needs to be done on the ‘supply side’, there is also work for the sector to do to create greater awareness of the broad range of roles available that make for an attractive and fulfilling career option.

If Northern Ireland is to truly reset for growth, gaps in our skills pipeline, digital infrastructure and levels of R&D investment must be addressed. Though the entrepreneurial spirit to get start-ups off the ground and engaging in active innovation does exist locally, early-stage companies require nourishment, and we must get better at signposting to finance opportunities.

As the world’s number one destination for fintech development investment projects, Northern Ireland is sitting on an industry with the momentum and potential to spur an economic revival. To use the words of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his recognition of Northern Ireland’s centenary year, the ‘world-class fintech industry’ is proving itself as integral to our viability as a centre of global excellence in innovation.

Vaccine key to recovery but employers must be aware of pitfalls by Lisa Bryson, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 10 August 2021

Lisa Bryson, Partner - Employment, Eversheds Sutherland

Lisa Bryson, Partner - Employment, Eversheds Sutherland

The issue of mandatory vaccines in the workplace has provoked lots of discussion, debate and concern. Tech giants Google and Facebook have told their US employees that they must be vaccinated to return to offices. Vaccination will be compulsory for care home staff in England from November onwards. As businesses in Northern Ireland also now turn to recovery, and getting back to the workplace for certain sectors, the question of whether employers can require employees to be vaccinated, understandably, forms part of the conversation.  So, can they?  

It depends. Requiring existing employees to be vaccinated is an intrusion into their autonomy to choose and determine their own medical care.  It may be justifiable but only if the health and safety benefit to the employee or others outweighs that intrusion.  

Employers have to ensure, as far as possible, the health and safety of employees and others who might be affected by their business. Existing Covid-secure measures, such as testing, social distancing, and face-coverings, are deemed by the Executive to be reasonable measures to address workplace infection risks.  Such measures do not currently include compulsory vaccination, however. Unless this changes, it is unlikely to be justified on health and safety grounds for most employers. As things stand now, many employers would be exposed to significant legal risks if they sought to mandate vaccination and if they disciplined or dismissed those who refused. 

Employers who can justify mandating employee vaccination must avoid a blanket policy and should be flexible to ensure equality laws are not breached e.g. where employees who are protected from discrimination are unable to have the vaccine, such as those with certain health conditions.

Regardless of the preferred approach, another practical question is can an employer demand to know the vaccine status of their employees?  An individual’s vaccination status is personal data concerning health, which is special category data under data protection law. An employer’s use of this data must be fair, necessary, and relevant for a specific purpose. Employee consent is not sufficient. According to ICO guidance, employers must have a compelling reason for recording employee vaccination status and whether such a reason exists will depend on the individual workplace risks.

Ordinarily, this will depend on whether it is necessary for the protection of public health or to satisfy the employer’s health and safety obligations. Any data processing justification will depend on the individual workplace or an employee’s role, for example, whether there are people at risk of serious illness from Covid-19 present in the workplace or perhaps where the employee is required to travel abroad to countries with higher rates of infection.

Employers should be reviewing and updating their health & safety risk and data privacy impact assessments regularly and, if appropriate, consider devising a draft vaccination strategy and policy.  Of course, if this is considered a necessary approach, engagement with employees and any trade union or employee representatives to obtain feedback, build support and ensure an understanding in relation to the proposed approach is vital. 

The vaccine will be crucial in reopening offices and returning to pre-pandemic levels of activity and productivity. However, employers should give sensitive consideration to how they will encourage uptake of the vaccine to protect workers and customers alike, especially if they intend on returning to regular workplaces.

New film to be screened on ‘the people’s priest’ and one of Belfast’s most loved peacemakers

Fr Des Wilson saying mass.

Fr Des Wilson saying mass.

Docs Ireland will host a special screening of ‘Fr Des – The Way He Saw It’ on Thursday 12 August, in partnership with Féile an Phobail.

Vincent Kinnaird’s documentary focuses on the life of highly respected West Belfast priest, the late Fr Des Wilson. The film looks at the pioneering work of Fr Des in community, education and peace-making, and is narrated by Belfast born actor, Stephen Rea.

The film is primarily recounted in Fr Des’ own words, featuring interviews taken between 2011-2018 alongside earlier footage. It includes contributions from Stephen Rea; Rev. Brian Smeaton, a Church of Ireland minister on the Shankill road in 1969; Eilish Rooney, a senior figure in the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University and Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey, a Civil Rights activist and former MP.

Fr Des was affectionately known as “the people’s priest” and spent his life helping those in need, particularly during the time of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He criticised the authorities for perpetrating a sectarian state and placed his focus on building community relations.

Fr Des spoke with and encouraged discussion with Loyalist and Republican working-class groups for decades and opposed the leadership of his Church for not speaking out against bad decisions in Government. His disagreements with the then Bishop, Dr. Philbin led to his being ostracised from the Church.

Fr Des continued to advocate for justice and against inequality until the end of his life in November 2019.

Vincent Kinnaird, Director of ‘Fr Des – The Way He Saw It’ said:

“It’s an honour to be able to document the life of Fr Des Wilson. His incisive, well-informed, no-nonsense, humanitarian approach and perspective need to be heard, particularly today. He was an extraordinary man in extraordinary times and his words and lessons still resonate.

“The support I have received from Springhill Community House, Docs Ireland, Fine Point Films and many other individuals and organisations has been invaluable throughout the process of creating this documentary.”

Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival said:

“Wherever possible we strive to give indigenous talent, both in front of and behind the camera, the opportunity to showcase their work.  Fr Des – The Way He Saw It, is an important piece of our recent history which has been captured by this director. His vision, and that of the talented documentary sector we have here, will ensure we keep telling true stories about people like Fr Des who have enriched our society.”

Kevin Gamble, Director of Féile an Phobail said:

“Fr Des – The Way He Saw It showcases what Féile is all about. Celebrating remarkable individuals and the very best of our communities. It is a brilliant documentary on the life of an extraordinary humanitarian.”

To find out more about this year’s programme and book your tickets for Docs Ireland, visit docsireland.ie 

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 9 August 2021

Updated Twitter Card 1.jpg

Forward Look

  • The Executive has published its 'Building Forward - Consolidated Covid Recovery Plan' to accelerate economic, health, and societal recovery over the next 2 years. To read: LINK.

  • The establishment of an independent Infrastructure Commission to advise on the delivery of large-scale projects; a Green Growth Strategy; new skill and re-skill programmes for Further Education; and an AI Collaboration Centre have been included as key commitments in the Plan.

  • Current Assembly Speaker and long-serving Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey is to step down from politics at the next Assembly Election in May 2022.

  • The SDLP has announced its candidates for the Foyle constituency for next year’s election. Current MLAs Sinead McLaughlin and Mark Durkan will be joined by former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Councillor Brian Tierney. The TUV has selected John Ross (East Belfast) and Ron McDowell (North Belfast) as its first two election candidates.

  • Ex-DUP leader Peter Robinson will conduct a review of the party’s internal structures amid recent divisions. Part of the review includes reforming how the party chooses its leader with a final report expected in October.

  • The Executive is said to be considering the introduction of vaccine certificates for entering hospitality venues in Northern Ireland and is awaiting advice from the cross-departmental Covid Taskforce.

  • The Department of Health has announced that from today Covid-19 vaccinations will be provided to all 16 and 17 year olds.

  • The Department of Finance has issued a Procurement Advisory Note, to be reviewed in late September, which will allow construction firms to increase already agreed prices for public sector contracts to account for fluctuating building material costs.

  • Climate activist and County Armagh student Emer Rafferty has been named as Northern Ireland’s ambassador for the COP26 Climate Change Summit in November.

  • From Sunday, Northern Ireland’s international travel lists will change. Austria, Germany and Norway will be added to the Green List, whilst India will move to the Amber List. Those returning from an amber list country who have been fully vaccinated do not have to self-isolate or take the day eight post-arrival test.

  • NILGA’s Annual General Meeting will take place next Friday at Belfast Castle and via zoom.

  • The film schedule for this year’s Docs Ireland has been announced, to view: LINK. The festival will run from 25 to 29 August with both live and online screenings.

Other Stories this week

  • The Electoral Office of Northern Ireland has clarified that the electoral register will not be wiped until later this year, enabling those who have not yet re-registered to still be eligible for the High Street Stimulus Scheme in September.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced plans to establish a £1 million fund to remove aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding from private residential buildings over 18 metres.

  • In a letter to Mid and East Antrim councillors, Sir Peter Hendy, tasked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP to conduct the Union Connectivity Review, has said that the Government remains committed to delivering a Freeport in Northern Ireland “as quickly as possible”.

  • The winners of Retail NI’s High Street Heroes 2021 campaign have been revealed. To view: LINK.

  • A LucidTalk survey has found that 71% of people in Northern Ireland believe integrated schools should be the main education model, up from 66% eight years ago.

  • Aer Lingus is expected to name Emerald Airlines as its new regional carrier this week, with a new service likely to begin in January.

  • The UUP has co-opted Matthew Bell to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to represent the Omagh DEA.

  • The Balmoral Show is the latest NI event which will require proof of a full Covid vaccination or negative test before entry, following Belsonic and Féile an Phobail.

  • Baroness Margaret Ritchie has joined the Board of Directors of the Centre for Democracy and Peacebuilding.

  • Gail Bell, Editor-at-Large of the Belfast Telegraph has announced she has left the newspaper, while BBC NI’s Environmental Correspondent, Conor Macauley has taken up a new role as RTE’s Northern Correspondent.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 13 August, NILGA AGM

  • 19 August, Green Recovery Forum, Institute of Directors

  • 1 September, Belfast City Council Meeting

  • 5 September, Northern Ireland Assembly returns from Summer Recess

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

Consultations

Londonderry Chamber welcomes new Economy Minister to North West

(L-R) Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Chamber Vice President Aidan O’Kane; Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin; and Selina Horshi, Managing Director, White Horse Hotel.

(L-R) Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Chamber Vice President Aidan O’Kane; Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin; and Selina Horshi, Managing Director, White Horse Hotel.

The Londonderry Chamber has welcomed new Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to the North West, in his first official visit to the region since taking up post last month.

The Minister met with a Chamber delegation to discuss the ongoing impact of the pandemic on local businesses, the Executive’s plans for economic recovery post-lockdown, and the Department for the Economy’s High Street Stimulus Scheme.

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“We welcomed the opportunity to host the newly appointed Economy Minister as he visited the North West this afternoon. This was a very useful engagement with Minister Lyons as he takes up his position and we discussed a wide range of issues including the impact of the pandemic on our members, the Minister’s plans for recovery and post-pandemic growth, and his department’s upcoming High Street Stimulus Scheme.

“It’s been a busy summer for the North West as the economy has reopened and visitors from across the UK and the island of Ireland have returned in strong numbers. The summer tourism period has been vital in helping boost our small and independent businesses across all sectors and the influx of visitors has really helped them as they get back on their feet again.

“We discussed the Minister’s High Street Stimulus Scheme, which will be an important driver of economic growth and will support our local traders as they reopen, and the Executive’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan which was published this week. We stressed to the Minister that the plan’s actions to help the economy –  such as support for skills through greater access to apprenticeships, driving innovation, supporting job creation, and reinvigorating local high streets – must be rolled out as quickly as possible and receive the necessary financial backing from the Executive to become a reality. Businesses do not need more plans and strategies - they need swift action and committed support as they deal with the severe impact of the pandemic.

“We also urged the Minister and the wider Executive to state when all remaining Covid restrictions can be lifted, as in other parts of the UK, given the ongoing impact they are having on sectors, specifically hospitality.

“I thank Minister Lyons again for visiting the North West this afternoon and I look forward to further engagements with him and his department over the coming months as we recover and rebuild.”