Brown O'Connor Communications One Page Brief: Subsidy Control Bill

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What is it?

·        On 30 June, the UK Government introduced the Subsidy Control Bill, the post-Brexit framework for a new, UK-wide ‘subsidy control’, or state aid, regime. The bill’s second reading is yet to be scheduled.

·        This regime will enable “public authorities, including devolved administrations and local authorities, to deliver subsidies that are tailored and bespoke for local needs to deliver government priorities such as levelling up and achieving net zero carbon, as well as supporting the economy’s recovery from COVID-19.”

·        Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng MP has said the government was using its “newfound freedoms” following Brexit to “empower public authorities across the UK to deliver financial support – without facing burdensome red tape”.

What will it do?

·        Dubbed “the most important bit of post-Brexit legislation yet”, the new and complex bill will replace EU-wide state aid rules, which require member states to seek approval for government assistance to firms. The Subsidy Control Bill will crucially bypass the need to gain unanimous approval from 27 EU member states to release financial supports to failing businesses or industries.

·        Ministers say the new bill allows for more agile, targeted, rapid, and timely interventions, but warned it does not “signal a return to the failed 1970s approach of government picking winners or bailing out unsustainable companies". The EU, however, is concerned the UK may distort competition by failing to ensure firms operate on a level playing field. However, government officials have said they don’t expect the overall level of UK state aid to increase significantly.

·        However, the new subsidies scheme will be a pillar of the Tories’ ‘levelling up’ agenda and supporting fledgling industries like clean energy and green tech. How this plays out with Tory backbenchers who are more ideologically opposed to state intervention remains to be seen, though.

·        The new Subsidy Advice Unit, within the Competition and Markets Authority, will monitor and report on the regime and report on certain subsidies and schemes.

What does it mean for Northern Ireland?

·        Northern Ireland was a net beneficiary of EU funding as a member. EU structural funds helped support cross-border, cross-community, and large-scale capital investment projects. Sectors like agriculture especially benefitted from EU funding.

·        Coupled with the loss of EU structural funds, and with the UK’s proposed replacement the Shared Prosperity Fund likely to be much less generous, a new and more agile state aid regime may be crucial in supporting a Northern Irish economy coming out of the pandemic. Blooming sectors like hydrogen or suffering industries like aviation – which are vital to the wider NI economy – could potentially be in line to benefit from the Subsidy Control Bill.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 6 September 2021

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Forward Look

  • The Executive is expected to meet next week for further discussions on Covid-19 measures. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has said they must now set a path for the removal of all restrictions.

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly returns from Summer Recess on Monday 6 September. The first Plenary Sitting will take place on Monday 13.

  • MPs will return to Westminster on Monday 6 September.

  • Nominations for the two Sinn Fein Assembly seats in Foyle will close on Sunday 5 September. A selection convention will be held in the city on September 8, with those expected to take their Assembly seats by September 13.

  • Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has held a series of talks with political and business leaders in Belfast and Newry, dominated by post-Brexit arrangements and Covid recovery. DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP urged Mr Varadkar to take a fresh approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne is facing calls to resign following the publication of the South Armagh Policing Review which contained 50 recommendations, including the closure of Crossmaglen police station within five years.

  • A public inquiry in relation to the clinical practice of a consultant urologist in the Southern Health Trust will begin on Monday 6 September, led by Christine Smith QC.

  • Mike Nesbitt MLA will brief the Finance Committee on the Defamation Bill on Wednesday, ahead of its Second Reading.

  • The Health Committee will receive briefings from the Department of Health on the Health and Social Care and Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bills on Thursday.

  • The Communities Committee will receive a briefing from NIPSO on a review of Personal Independence Payments. Department officials will also brief MLAs on the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill.

  • The DAERA Committee will receive oral evidence from the Federation of Small Businesses on the Climate Change No.1 Bill.

  • The Irish Cabinet has agreed a plan to end most Covid-19 restrictions by 22 October. A phased return to the workplace will begin on 20 September, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed hopes that all legal requirements to provide proof of vaccination to access indoor hospitality will be removed on 22 October.

  • The Republic of Ireland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of September.

Other Stories this week

  • The Honourable Dame Siobhan Keegan has been sworn into office as Lady Chief Justice for Northern Ireland. Former Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan retired this week after more than a decade at the helm.

  • Jayne Brady has taken up her position as Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

  • Paul Narain has replaced Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau as the United States Consul General to Northern Ireland.

  • The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme for people severely and permanently injured during the conflict opened for applications this week.

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA has announced a £21m investment in special schools. The funds will benefit 17 schools with 61 additional classes, the recruitment of approximately 60 additional teachers and 145 additional classroom assistants.

  • A Pharmacy Collect service to enable individuals to collect rapid Covid-19 tests from 420 selected community pharmacies has launched.

  • The latest LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph has revealed a decline in support for the DUP to 13%. The poll placed Sinn Fein on 25%, the UUP on 16%, the TUV on 14% and the DUP, Alliance and SDLP each on 13%.

  • The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building has welcomed 24 mid-career political and civil leaders to the inaugural Fellowship programme.

  • IFTA-winning film WILDFIRE, brought to the screens by Wildcard Distribution, has launched in cinemas across Northern Ireland.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Expert led cross border conference set to health check pressing issues in a post Brexit environment

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies

On Friday 24 September, the Centre for Cross Border Studies is set to host its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Conference on post Brexit cooperation, bringing together policy experts, leading academics, government officers and Ministers from across the world. 

Entitled “Testing the health of conditions for post-Brexit cooperation: The evolving political and social contexts”, the Conference will bring together a range of key decision and policymakers as well as leading civil society representatives from across the island of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, and America.

This year’s Conference includes experts in healthcare, cross-border research, and infrastructure focusing on the social and political implications as we emerge as a post-Brexit society and explore how we can maintain and strengthen relations in the challenging context of Brexit.

The Conference is expected to explore pertinent issues in cross border infrastructure and healthcare across three panels. The first of which will address the evolving political context of Brexit, the second panel will discuss the social context, and a third panel will measure the cross-border impacts of healthy cooperation across a range of sectors, part of a larger piece of work supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

Following the success of last year’s online Conference, the 2021 event will also take place virtually.

Speakers at this year’s Conference include:

  • Director of Public Policy at the Institute of Public Health Ireland, Dr Helen McAvoy.

  • Assistant Professor at the Trinity Centre for Global Health, Ann Nolan.

  • Director of the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, Professor Pete Shirlow.

  • Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon MLA.

  • Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, Madeleine Alessandri.

  • US Consul General to Northern Ireland, Paul Narain.

The Conference will also launch the renowned 2021 ‘Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland’ which brings together written contributions from academics and cross-border practitioners. Contributors to this year’s edition include the deputy Director of the Institute for British Irish Studies, Paul Gillespie; founder of the Scottish Centre on European Relations, Dr Kirsty Hughes; Director of Longfords’ Women Link, Tara Farrell; Writer and Commentator, Sarah Creighton and Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Aodhán Connolly.

Each year the Journal brings together a range of contributions which focus on a range of timely and pertinent issues from the world of cross border cooperation on the island of Ireland, Great Britain and further afield. This year’s Journal includes articles focusing on the state of relations at a political level between governments across these islands, the challenges and opportunities facing business in the post-Brexit context, and how communities are reacting to a changing landscape.

The Centre for Cross Border Studies is now offering new sponsorship opportunities, with packages available for future policy seminars, the Annual Conference, and the Journal. The sponsorship packages provide a range of benefits and give organisations and individuals the opportunity to work with the Centre to enhance our own research and work.

Chairperson of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Dr Helen Johnson said:  

“We have faced a global pandemic whilst trying to tackle the fall-out from Brexit and it is now crucial that the island of Ireland, the UK, and the EU work together to ensure the political and social conditions in which we operate are at full strength.”

“As governments across the world look towards economic recovery following the pandemic, our Annual Conference has never been as important to foster ideas, solutions and better policy to address the challenges we are currently face.” 

“The Conference marks a new 12-month calendar of events that aims to influence change, shape policy, and debate crucial issues. The Centre invites policy experts and leading academics to engage in discussion about matters affecting this region such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education.”                                                   

Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Dr Anthony Soares said:

“The Centre for Cross Border Studies’ high-quality research is recognised as an essential resource for policy-makers and decision-makers. Since our foundation we have sought to promote the prosperity of all through our engagement with prominent politicians, policymakers, and academics.   

“Part of the process of influencing change involves discussion and debate on the significant issues impacting the island of Ireland, the UK, and the EU. We encourage our stakeholders to discuss these issues and use their different outlooks to create solutions.

“The Centre offers great opportunities to those looking to get involved in a wider conversation about the key issues impacting this region. We encourage anyone interested in taking part in this conversation to attend, or sponsor, our Annual Conference to gain an understanding of how the Centre facilitates these important discussions.” 

Lack of vital therapy in schools for children and young people

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70% of occupational therapists are not currently able to provide adequate occupational therapy that children and young people need, a survey carried out by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has found.

Some of the key barriers cited for this significant figure include:

  • Restricted access to schools

  • Workforce issues, including understaffed teams

  • Increased demand for occupational therapy and a backlog of cases

  • Family concerns, or struggles to access telehealth or face-to-face support

Other key findings are that:

  • 62% of occupational therapists have encountered schools that are reluctant to allow therapists to visit.

  • Of these, 83% had encountered reluctance from mainstream schools and 48% from special schools.

  • Workforce pressures are a significant factor when it comes to being able to provide therapy support, with over 50% of respondents reporting understaffing.

Commenting on the survey results, Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, added:

“Occupational therapists have played a vital role in helping people recover from the pandemic, and this includes working on a daily basis with children and young people across Northern Ireland.

“The pandemic has proved a huge challenge for children and young people over the past year and a half. Whether dealing with loss of education or the mental health crisis as they return to education children and young people need as much support as possible, including that offered by occupational therapists.

“These survey results are truly concerning, and with over 70% of respondents reporting an increase in demand, we need the provision, funding and workforce to be fit for the future and deliver for the children and young people of Northern Ireland.”

The Royal College recently met with Vicky Ford, Minister of State for Children and Families, to discuss access to therapies, and we will continue to work with governments across the UK to address the findings of the survey.

IFTA-winning film WILDFIRE opens in Northern Ireland cinemas this week

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Newry-born Cathy Brady’s IFTA-winning film WILDFIRE will screen in cinemas across Northern Ireland and Ireland from Friday 3 September.

WILDFIRE is Cathy Brady’s feature debut starring Nora-Jane Noone (Brooklyn, The Magdalene Sisters) alongside the late Nika McGuigan (Philomena, The Secret Scripture). The six-time IFTA nominated film received its world premiere to critical acclaim at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.

Brought to the screens by Wildcard Distribution, WILDFIRE tells the story of “Irish twins” Lauren (Noone) and Kelly (McGuigan) and their life on the fractious Irish border. When one of them, who has been missing, finally returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited. Together they unearth their mother's past but uncover secrets and resentments which have been buried deep, that threaten to overwhelm them.

WILDFIRE is produced by David Collins for Samson Films, Charles Steel for Cowboy Films and Carlo Cresta-Dina for Tempesta Film. An Irish-UK co-production, WILDFIRE is supported by the BFI, Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and the Wellcome Trust.

Director of WILDFIRE, Cathy Brady said:

“I am so proud WILDFIRE will be screened in cinemas across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The success of the film and the support I have received is overwhelming and I cannot wait for people across Northern Ireland.

“This has been an extremely special film to write and direct. Shot across a number of locations in Northern Ireland including Belfast, Newry and Downpatrick, it was really important to me to showcase the beauty and tragedy of our local environment. I am so privileged to have worked with Nika and Nora-Jane, along with the rest of the cast, crew, producers and financiers, who have all been so committed in helping me achieve this. I’m thrilled to welcome audiences to the cinema to enjoy Wildfire from Friday.”

New Fellowship programme for political and civic leaders to launch with Stormont event

(From Left to Right): John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI and Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board alongside Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board launching a new Fellowship Programme for Mid-career Political and Civic Leaders here.

(From Left to Right): John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI and Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board alongside Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board launching a new Fellowship Programme for Mid-career Political and Civic Leaders here.

A new Fellowship programme to support, develop and build the capacity of 24 of Northern Ireland’s mid-career political and civic leaders will launch live from Parliament Buildings on Thursday 2 September.

The Fellowship aims to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the current and future cadres of political and civic leaders in Northern Ireland are best placed to lead into the next decade and navigate through complexity. Streamed online live from Parliament Buildings, this event celebrates the launch of the inaugural Fellowship class, giving attendees the chance to meet the Fellows themselves.

Featuring present and future leaders from Northern Ireland and beyond, the event will include discussions from leading policymakers, business leaders and public figures on the collective challenges facing our region. The speakers include the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Kate Nicholl, Sir David Sterling, former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and Margaret Ritchie, former MP and Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick.

The leadership symposium is the first step in the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s ambitious effort to spark a new conversation exploring the Spirit of Possibility in Northern Ireland. The Fellowship’s Advisory Board, which includes prominent Northern Irish business and academic leaders, will host panel discussions with a range of guest speakers.

The event includes an address from John Healy, the Fellowship Advisory Board Chair and Vice President of Allstate NI, and Professor Karise Hutchinson, Advisory Board Vice Chair and Professor at Ulster University. Through collaboration across the political, local government, business and civic society realms, this launch event seeks to spark a new conversation that realises Northern Ireland’s potential for progress and innovation.

The Fellowship is delivered by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB), working with key stakeholders and facilitators from the business sector and leading academic institutions. The programme is supported by Allstate NI, Devenish, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, Ulster Carpets, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Fellowship’s Advisory Board, who will speak at the launch event, include:

  • John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI (Chair)

  • Professor Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University (Vice-Chair).

  • Darragh McCarthy, CEO, FinTrU;

  • Owen Brennan, Chairman, Devenish;

  • Deepa Mann-Kler, CEO, Neon and Visiting Professor, Ulster University;

  • David Clements, Managing Director, Fujitsu NI;

  • Nick Coburn, Managing Director, Ulster Carpets.

Guest Speakers for the Fellowship launch event include:

  • Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Kate Nicholl;

  • Claire Sugden MLA, MLA for East Londonderry;

  • Louise Warde-Hunter, Principal and CEO of Belfast Metropolitan College;

  • Margaret Ritchie, former MP and Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick;

  • Tara Grace Connolly, UN Youth Delegate;

  • Sir David Sterling, Former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service;

  • Amanda Ferguson, Journalist and Broadcaster.

John Healy, Vice President at Allstate NI and Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“I am thrilled to be speaking at the launch of the Fellowship in what will be a special event live from Parliament Buildings. This symposium celebrates the beginning of the first Fellowship programme which promises to give our emerging political and civic leaders the knowledge, skills, and relationships they require to lead Northern Ireland into the next decade.”

“The chosen 24 candidates will be joined by a group of esteemed business, political and civic society leaders who will discuss the collective challenges we face in NI and abroad. The speakers include experienced policymakers, influential public figures, and esteemed business leaders from the Fellowship Advisory Board.”

“I am looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic occasion and hope to see many attendees tuning in online to join the event.”

Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“Given our troubled past in Northern Ireland, we often neglect to be ambitious for the future. The Fellowship programme seeks to start a new conversation here, one that explores the Spirit of Possibility in Northern Ireland. From Covid-19 recovery to continued political instability, the societal challenges we face require a new, innovative method of thinking. This leadership symposium is an ambitious event gathering business, political and civic leaders to discuss how, through strong collaboration, we can achieve meaningful results.”

“I am very proud to be supporting the launch of this year’s fantastic programme alongside my colleagues in the Advisory Board. I would encourage all those interested to register for this excellent event.”

The Fellowship Launch and Leadership Symposium will take place on Thursday 2 September, 2021 between 9.30am-12.45pm. The event will be streamed live from the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

To register for the event, visit: LINK.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 30 August 2021

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Forward Look

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has said that he will contest the next Northern Ireland Assembly election for Lagan Valley. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA and First Minister Paul Givan MLA are also expected to run for the party. Sir Jeffrey will meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD today to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • Sinn Féin MLAs for Foyle, Martina Anderson MLA and Karen Mullan MLA, will step down before the Assembly returns from Summer recess. A selection convention for their replacements will be held on September 8, with the two successful candidates set to be co-opted into the Assembly before September 13.

  • Following her resignation, Martina Anderson MLA will take a new international role for the party in Europe promoting Irish unity. Karen Mullan MLA will have a new regional role in the North West strengthening cross-border co-ordination between the party’s elected representatives.

  • The Economy Committee has been informed that the High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal until 11 October 2021. For further information: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for 2021-2031. The draft strategy consists of 67 recommendations across four key themes. The consultation deadline is 20 October. To respond: LINK

  • Professor Charlotte McArdle has stepped down as Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer to take up the role of Deputy CNO for Patient Safety and Improvement with NHS England.

  • The Executive will meet in-person next week to discuss its next steps in easing Covid-19 restrictions. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has denied the immediate possibility of re-introducing restrictions. Currently, Northern Ireland has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the UK and the lowest vaccination rate.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a new financial support programme for the local tourism sector. The programme will focus on attractions and other experience providers. For further information: LINK

  • The Department of Health has announced that Covid-19 vaccine certificates are now available for those in Northern Ireland planning to travel in the next three months.

  • A Lucid Talk-Belfast Telegraph poll on party-political support in Northern Ireland is expected to be published this weekend.

  • The Financial Reporting Council has proposed a new governance code which will reduce the flexibility that audit firms have to decide how they govern their business. Plans for the new code will be under consultation before being introduced in 2022.

  • Fine Gael has asked the public to submit a policy proposal on how to make Ireland “better for all”. To respond: LINK

  • The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship programme will launch on Thursday 2 September with an event live from Stormont. The event gathers business, political and civic leaders to discuss Northern Ireland’s future. To register: LINK

  • The Docs Ireland film festival continues this weekend, with tickets available for a range of films until Sunday 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK

Other Stories this week

  • Mass vaccination centres have closed across Northern Ireland following the ‘Big Jab Weekend’, where an estimated 12,000 people received first doses. The vaccine rollout will continue with community pharmacies and ‘pop-up’ mobile clinics.

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced a new agricultural policy framework for Northern Ireland. The framework has four main targets including ensuring environmental sustainability and improving economic resilience. To view: LINK

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced the allocation of £8m in support grants to a range of charities in Northern Ireland.

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been appointed as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Cameroon. Baroness Kate Hoey has been appointed Trade Envoy to Ghana.

  • Ulster University Magee’s Graduate Medical School opened this week for 70 students in Derry.

  • Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

  • Ryanair has announced it will cease flights from Belfast City Airport in September and from Belfast International Airport in October.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Economy Committee briefing on High Street Voucher Scheme - 25 August 2021

The Economy Committee was briefed this morning on the High Street Voucher Scheme by Department Officials. Below is a summary of the Committee session outlining more information on the upcoming scheme.

  • The High Street Voucher Scheme will launch on 12 September 2021, with individuals able to apply for a £100 pre-paid card using an online portal from then until 11 October 2021.

  • The pre-paid cards can be used when activated by the card holder until 30 November 2021. All accounts must be concluded by the end of March 2022.

  • Department officials stated that while there remained “significant challenges and risks” in implementing the scheme, they are confident that these provisional dates can be agreed and put forward in regulations in September.

  • The verification process for using the card will operate in three stages, using the Electoral Register, the DVLA databases, and National Insurance numbers. A telephone support service will also be available for those who cannot access the online portal.

  • Department officials confirmed that there is no registration process for businesses to participate in the scheme. The only criteria is that the business must have a merchant code so that the pre-paid card can be used in a POS system.

  • Department officials stated that they are working with Chambers of Commerce and other sectors to try and introduce promotions for local communities. This includes, for example, to encourage midweek spending, as research suggests that the majority of spending from this Voucher will be undertaken on weekends.

  • The cards can be used for click-and-collect services, where an individual orders and pays over the phone for example, and gets it delivered to their home.

  • 16-17 year olds will not have access to the High Street Voucher due to concerns regarding verification of their identity.

  • An individual’s name will be printed on the pre-paid card, but no ID is needed to validate a purchase. Individuals can grant permission to others to use their card even if it is not in their name.

Travel the world from your cinema seat with Docs Ireland festival! 

Belfast-born filmmaker Mark Cousins.

Belfast-born filmmaker Mark Cousins.

Film fans will be able to travel the world without leaving their cinema seats at the Docs Ireland festival, which takes place in Belfast from 25 - 29 August.

With films from Chile, Hong Kong, Uganda, India, Taiwan, Cuba, Russia, Iraq, Brazil, Zambia, Mexico and the US as well as the UK and Ireland, festival goers will be able to explore the lives and lands of people from numerous cultures as they watch from the comfort of Belfast cinemas including Queen’s Film Theatre, the Odeon Belfast and Strand Cinema.

After almost two years of online events, the Docs Ireland team are delighted to be back in front of the big screen with live audiences.

Docs Ireland will open on Wednesday 25 August with a specially restored screening of the 1958 classic ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ which includes footage of Jazz legends Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Thelonious Monk from the famous Newport Jazz Festival. The screening will be hosted at a unique outdoor setting at the Hidden Huntley Walled Garden, where audiences can bring their own picnic and enjoy a live set by Martello Jazz Band before watching the film.

‘The Story of Film: A New Generation’ by Belfast’s very own Mark Cousins premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and Docs Ireland audiences will be treated to a sneak preview of this brand new critically acclaimed documentary, as well as an interview with the director.

‘Untold Secrets’, by acclaimed director Teresa Lavina, looks at the life and upbringing of the late Anne Silke, a young survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

‘Oliver Sacks: His Own Life’ explores the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller, as he shares intimate details of his battles with drug addiction, homophobia, and a medical establishment that accepted his work only decades after the fact.

Through its commitment to showcasing diversity in its annual programme, Docs Ireland has partnered with aemi and film distributor Kino Rebelde to present a celebration of international experimental filmmaking from Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the US and Spain.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“Two years is a long time and while it has been brilliant to be able to host events online during lockdown, nothing compares to the authentic cinema experience and the way in which it brings people together.

We started Docs Ireland because of the quality of documentary work being created on this island, combined with the exciting future potential of the Irish non-fiction industry. 

The new crop of Irish films which feature in the festival are truly inspiring and don’t follow what we might think of as ‘traditional’ Irish themes.  From films about spies in Cuba, to the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Russia, Irish filmmakers are going out into the world and bringing us back powerful stories, told in a fresh new way.” 

To find out more information and to book your tickets for Docs Ireland, visit docsireland.ie 

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, TG4, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Film Hub NI, BFI FAN, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon and Belfast Media Group.

Community Pharmacies still getting the jab done with first and second doses available

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene

Community Pharmacy NI is urging those who have yet to receive their Covid-19 vaccine to do so at their local pharmacy as more pharmacies join the Moderna programme.

Following the success of The Big Jab Weekend and the closure of mass vaccination sites, the negotiating body for community pharmacies across Northern Ireland is reminding those who have yet to receive their first jab that it can be accessed at a number of local community pharmacies.

Currently, around 50 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are administering the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to all age cohorts over 18. Some 350 pharmacies are also providing the AstraZeneca to those aged over 40.

From its roll-out in March 2021, the Community Pharmacy Vaccine Programme has already successfully administered more than 135,000 Covid-19 jabs. It is estimated that these numbers will increase as community pharmacies become a leading provider of first doses of the vaccine through the Department of Health’s Evergreen Programme.

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said:

“It was fantastic to see the success of The Big Jab Weekend with the high turnout seen across vaccine centres, mobile units and community pharmacies. As the mass vaccine centres now close, we are urging those who have yet to receive their vaccine to book an appointment with a community pharmacy and get the jab in a convenient, accessible location. We encourage those seeking the vaccine at a community pharmacy to check out the web portal so you can find the closest vaccinating pharmacy.

 

“Getting vaccinated is the greatest protection from the virus and the best tool on offer to help Northern Ireland move out of restrictions and return to normal society. In the coming weeks, we will see a further uplift of pharmacies providing the Moderna vaccine, which will expand the options available for those who remain unvaccinated. 

“We would also remind the public that community pharmacies remain open with support and guidance for any medical concern. The vaccination programme does not impact on other services and prescriptions are still being delivered in a safe, convenient and timely manner for all. Public health continues to be our top priority and the community pharmacy network remains committed to serving their communities. Please be patient with your local pharmacy teams as we work to ensure all patients are supported during this time.”

To find out which pharmacies are providing the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines: https://covid-19.hscni.net/community-pharmacy-covid-19-vaccination-service/