Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse reacts to reports that the First Minister is expected to resign

Fiona Ryan, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse

Reacting to reports that First Minister Paul Givan MLA is expected to resign this afternoon, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan said:

“This couldn’t come at a worse time for victims and survivors of institutional childhood abuse who have already suffered so much. As Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, I am calling on the Executive to see and understand that the Apology to victims and survivors goes beyond politics and the Executive has a duty to deliver the promised Apology to victims and survivors of institutional childhood abuse.

“I am entreating the Executive to understand that many victims and survivors need this Apology for closure. The idea that victims and survivors are once again being made to feel disregarded and discarded cannot be allowed to happen.

“It was only two weeks ago today, on 20th January marking the 5th anniversary of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report, that the Executive announced the 11th March as the date for the Apology to victims and survivors. The symbolism of that date deeply resonated with victims and survivors. Now 14 days on, that Apology hangs in the balance.

“I have been listening and speaking with victims and survivors all morning since this news broke. Words like anger and sadness don’t come near to describing their feelings. Rage, devastation and betrayal are far more accurate and underneath those is profound sadness. How much more are we going to ask victims and survivors to endure before they hear, ‘You were never to blame. We failed you. We are sorry.’ How much longer must victims and survivors wait?

“Getting to this point where an Apology is to be made, has already been a battle for victims and survivors and many have been lost on the way. If the promised public apology does not take place, it will absolutely cause further trauma to many victims and survivors. It will send the message that once again they are not seen and not heard and the pain and suffering they endured as abused children is once again being ignored.

“I have been in contact with the Executive Office seeking assurance or some direction to offer comfort to victims and survivors that they haven’t been forgotten. I am awaiting a response. I am also mindful that the anxiously awaited Review of the Redress process is happening right now. For many victims and survivors they want to know how this news today impacts on the Review. How will any recommendations be taken forward or will the Review simply be left to lie on a shelf to gather dust.”

Assembly Election 2022 – Is Your Post Election Public Affairs Strategy Right and Ready to Go?

Public Affairs Specialists: Chris Brown and Arlene O’Connor

The post Assembly Election period will bring with it new MLAs, new Ministers, new support staff and new priorities.

With polls now open, now is the time to start planning for the new mandate.

Whether it’s a review of current strategy or the development of a new approach, Brown O’Connor has the expertise, energy and trusted advisers in place for you and your organisation to be prepared well in advance.

As Northern Ireland’s leading Lobbying & Public Affairs led integrated communications agency we’re the CIPR Small Consultancy of the Year 2021/2022 and bring Insight, Influence and Impact to the lobbying programmes and campaigns we develop and deliver.

Our post Assembly Election Public Affairs services include:

  • Public Affairs Strategy Development

  • Political Intelligence & Monitoring

  • Policy & Issues Based Events

  • Public Awareness Campaigns

  • Media Relations and Social Media Content Generation

  • Supporting Campaign Related Strategic Litigation

  • Consultation Response Drafting

  • Issues Management

To explore our approach or discuss your post-election Lobbying & Public Affairs requirements, please get in touch at hello@brownoconnor.com or DM us on LinkedIn (Brown OConnor Communications)  / Twitter (@Brown_OConnor) or Instagram (Brown_OConnor).

NILGA welcomes publication of NIAO's Report on Planning in Northern Ireland

Alison Allen, Chief Executive, NILGA

Reacting to the publication of the Audit Office’s Report on Planning in Northern Ireland, NILGA Chief Executive, Alison Allen said:

“NILGA welcomes and acknowledges the Audit Office’s Report on Planning in Northern Ireland. An in depth and thorough review like this of our planning system is both necessary in highlighting what can be done better as well as acknowledging what is being done well. Since the transfer of planning powers to local government in 2015, our 11 local councils have taken a collaborative approach to delivering for their communities, their local economies, and their constituents. However, this report serves to highlight many of the issues that local government has been raising since 2015, issues which local government are working with our partners to improve and resolve.

“NILGA believes that the current system, as designed, builds in more bureaucracy than similar systems in other jurisdictions, unnecessarily in our view. It is also more complex, involving more organisations due to the fragmentation of public sector delivery in NI. We want to see this improved and we are working with our partners and stakeholders in both central government and the private sector to achieve this.

“We welcome the fact that the Audit Office has highlighted the significant underfunding of the system and the need for the Department and councils to work in partnership to ensure that the planning system is financially sustainable in the longer term. We also welcome the recognition that councils’ ability to perform effectively can be constrained by issues beyond their direct control, including that adequate resources were not provided to allow councils to deliver all the functions for which they are responsible.

“NILGA will be working with the Department for Infrastructure to refine and improve the current system on an ongoing basis, including legislative change where necessary. However, by giving councils the powers, finances, and resources to fully deliver this service, we can resolve many of the issues outlined in this report and improve the quality and consistency of planning delivery across Northern Ireland.”

 

75% of North West businesses confident of growth in 2022 despite cost pressures, new survey reveals

Aidan O’Kane, President, Londonderry Chamber

75% of North West businesses have said they are confident their business can grow in 2022 despite ongoing cost pressures, a new survey has found.

A survey of Londonderry Chamber members revealed optimism for the year ahead from North West companies despite the ongoing difficulties presented by Covid-19 and rising costs.

When asked about specific cost increases, 65% cited energy costs while 58% said staffing difficulties. 6 in 10 businesses said they were considering price increases in the next 12 months in response.

Just 9% of respondents want to see May’s Assembly election focus on the Protocol, with regional imbalance and further investment key priorities for North West businesses.  Businesses also wanted to see the extension of rates relief into the new financial year and a delay to the increase in VAT.

Aidan O’Kane, Londonderry Chamber President, said:

“These survey results are a cause for optimism after a turbulent 12 months. With nearly all Covid-19 restrictions lifted, businesses are finally beginning to put Covid-19 in the rear-view mirror and focus on recovery.”

“However, this survey also lays bare the devastating impact that cost pressures are having upon local businesses. Only 5% of respondents stated they have seen no cost increases recently, and as energy and material costs surge, businesses are reeling. An extension of rates relief into the new financial year and a delay to the VAT increase is essential to prevent these cost increases hitting the consumer.”

“North West businesses are clear in their need for skills and workforce development support. Staffing shortages are widespread, and it is only through the continued expansion of Ulster University Magee and North West Regional College that we can create the talent pipeline our region needs.”

“The Assembly election is under 100 days away, and North West businesses want to see the incoming Executive make addressing regional imbalance a top priority. 9% of members want to see a focus on the Protocol, which, while the focus of significant political discourse, was the ninth of ten most important issues facing respondents.”

“In 2022, we have an opportunity to put the pandemic behind us and focus on rebuilding our regional economy. The Executive and UK Government must listen to our concerns and provide businesses with the support they need going forward.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 31 January 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The Irish News has reported that the DUP will hold its party conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday 26 February. The SDLP Conference will take place at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace on Sunday 20 February.

  • The Executive has published its draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, setting out strategic investment priorities for the next 30 years. Consultation events will take place virtually on Thursday 10 February, Friday 25 February, and Monday 14 March. To view the Strategy: LINK

  • The Department of Infrastructure will bring forward policy proposals “at the earliest opportunity” amending consultation requirements and other planning processes following a review of the Implementation of Planning Act (NI) 2011.

  • First Minister Paul Givan MLA has suggested the DUP’s new deadline for seeing changes to the Protocol will be on Monday 21 February when the EU-UK Joint Committee next meets.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced an Independent Review of Invest NI led by Sir Michael Lyons.

  • The BBC has reported that Edwin Poots MLA will seek the DUP’s nomination to run for the party in South Down.

  • The House of Commons Procedure Committee will meet with members of the Executive Office Committee on Wednesday 23 February to discuss intergovernmental relations.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has received Executive support to establish an Infrastructure Commission.

  • The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will meet on Monday 28 February in London.

  • The Fiscal Council will publish a report in the summer detailing how Budget allocations can impact the sustainability of other departments.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced that the Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme will be extended to include hotels.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on reshaping adult social care. To respond by 18 May: LINK

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

  • The Second Stage of the Employment (Zero Hours Workers and Banded Weekly Working Hours) Bill will take place on Monday. The Consideration Stage of the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill is expected to take place on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday the Executive Office will receive an oral briefing from the Flags, Identities, Culture and Tradition (FICT) Commission Co-Chairs.

Other Stories this week

  • Doug Beattie MLA has remained as UUP leader despite backlash surrounding a series of controversial tweets.

  • Sinn Féin have blocked a DUP paper seeking Executive approval for the continuation of checks introduced by the Protocol.

  • A LucidTalk/Belfast Telegraph poll has found that Sinn Féin hold an eight-point lead over the DUP.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has said that £100m has been left unallocated by this month’s January Monitoring Round.

  • Richard Kennedy has been appointed as the new Chairman of InterTradeIreland.

  • RTÉ have appointed Sean Whelan as its new Washington Correspondent.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 11 February, Succeed North West, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, Londonderry Chamber

  • 20 February, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Bellaghy

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 26 February, DUP Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 3 March, Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Lunch, City Hotel, Derry

  • 9 March, Post-Brexit Conference: Sustaining and Building Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade, Newry and Dundalk Chamber

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

  • 7 April, RTPI Annual Dinner, Titanic Belfast

Consultations

Executive publishes new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

First Minister Paul Givan MLA and deputy First Minister launching the Strategy today

The Executive have today published its new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI).

The draft strategy sets out an approach to multi-billion-bound investment for infrastructure projects including new roads, schools, hospitals, social housing and public transport. It sets out the Executive’s priorities for investment over the next 30 years.

A public consultation on the draft strategy has been opened today, with responses from businesses, community organisations and individual citizens on the future of infrastructure planning accepted being encouraged. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 20 April 2022.

Please find below a rundown of the key facets of the new Strategy.

What is the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland?

The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) describes the public infrastructure that government intends to deliver. It is one of the Executive’s three high level policy documents, developed alongside the forthcoming Programme for Government and budget. The ISNI 2011-21 saw investment of over £14.8 billion being injected into Northern Ireland, but the next ISNI will take a “longer term strategic view, supported by a more detailed 10 year plan”.

What are the key priorities of the new Investment Strategy?

The next Investment Strategy will be set against the immediate priorities of recovery from Covid-19 and adaptation to Brexit. However, it will focus on the long term (30+ years) emerging trends such as resilience to climate change, meeting the needs of a growing ageing population, as well as new technologies.

Over £1.6 billion of capital expenditure per annum will be injected into the NI public sector including roads, hospitals, schools and college. Several thematic pillars are set out, including:

  • Community and Leisure - housing; regeneration; sports and heritage.

  • Health and Social Care - primary health care (e.g. GPs and pharmacies); hospitals; social care.

  • Energy - energy generation, including renewables; energy storage and distribution.

  • Learning and Skills - schools’ estate; further and higher education; libraries.

  • Digital Communications - digital services; data and 5G.

  • Transport and Mobility - airports and ports; public transport and strategic/local road network.

  • Industry and Innovation - R&D investment and support to primary industries (e.g. manufacturing).

  • Justice - criminal, civil justice system and prisons.

  • Water and Waste - water treatment; flood risk management and residential/commercial waste.

When will the final Investment Strategy be published?

The ISNI will be drafted following the Consultation. A major part of its development will be engagement with relevant stakeholders across Northern Ireland. The final document will then be subject to a period of formal consultation and equality screening.

How can I get involved?

The Executive’s draft Investment Strategy will be open for Consultation until 20 April 2022. To respond, visit: isni.gov.uk

Leading businesses help parents understand critical skills for the future of work

Allstate NI, EY and Herbert Smith Freehills are set to bring parents together in an online event to explore the skills and attributes needed to prepare school leavers for the future of work.

The latest instalment in the ‘Your Child, Their Future’ series will focus on ‘Future Skills’ and explore the technical abilities and personal traits required for a successful career in the industries and sectors of today.

As global businesses at the forefront of digital and professional services and with significant workforces in Northern Ireland, the companies will provide a diverse range of opinions and information from industry experts who are parents themselves.

The free online event, which will take place on Tuesday 1 February, will hear from:

  • Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive at Young Enterprise NI

  • Jenna Bell, Business Development Manager at the Chartered Institute of Building

  • Rose Mary Stalker, Founder of 4C Ur Future

Hosted by former BBC Northern Ireland journalist Sarah Travers, the Virtual Parent’s Evening is an informal opportunity to chat with professionals about how best to support the younger generations as they embark on their careers.

Rather than a lecture or recruitment event, it is a relaxed online session that will provide opportunities to ask questions or alternatively sit back and listen to expert advice.

John Healy, Vice President & Managing Director at Allstate NI said:

“We are looking forward to hosting another ‘Your Child, Their Future’ event and providing direction to parents and young people as they navigate the final years of education and consider their next steps. In technology, job roles evolve and change quickly in line with continued advancements and developments in the modern world. This can be daunting for pupils as they prepare for careers that don’t yet exist, but we know that a number of fundamental skills and attributes will always be valued by employers.”

“In our latest event, we will hear from professionals who are well regarded for their expert views and insights on how best to kickstart your career. I encourage anyone feeling uncertain about their next steps, or who would like to know more about the opportunities that exist for their children, to join us to discuss the skills of the future.”

‘Your Child, Their Future: Future Skills’ will take place from 5 – 6pm on Tuesday 1 February 2022. For more information or to register for the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-child-their-future-future-skills-tickets-223367687767

NILGA appoints new Chief Executive

Alison Allen, Chief Executive, NILGA

The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has appointed their new chief executive. 

Alison Allen will join NILGA as CEO on the 1st of February and brings over 20 years of public service experience including wide-ranging roles in Belfast City Council, Antrim Borough Council, the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and the NI Assembly.

Her leadership experience, which includes Belfast City Council since 2013, has focused on working in partnership with a diverse range of political, voluntary, community, statutory and private sector stakeholders to deliver high quality services to the public.

Commenting on her appointment to NILGA, Alison Allen the incoming NILGA CEO said:

“I am delighted to be joining the NILGA team and look forward to bringing my passion for innovation, integration, sustainability and flexibility in public services in support of local government across Northern Ireland, particularly as we continue to work together to ensure local people and places prosper.

“The pandemic has had a hugely detrimental impact on local government, across the UK and Ireland, but our 11 local councils have led by example over the past two years, serving their communities and continuing to provide high-quality public services. I am excited to be taking the reins at such an important time, with the Assembly Election only weeks away at this stage, and other key milestones on the horizon.”

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess also said:

“I am thrilled that we have appointed Alison as NILGA’s new Chief Executive. Alison is an impressive and accomplished local government leader with over 20 years’ public service experience. The NILGA Office Bearers and wider NILGA Team look forward to working closely with her to support our members and our councils as they recover from the pandemic. Ahead of the Assembly Election in May, Alison has come on board at a crucial time, and her expertise and competencies will be vital in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 24 January 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Sue Gray is to publish her investigation into Downing Street parties during lockdown next week. It comes after the Prime Minister has faced calls for his resignation from his own backbench MPs.

  • The Executive has agreed to remove the rule of six in hospitality settings, the cap on the number of households meeting indoors and the need to provide proof of mask exemption from noon today. From 26 January nightclubs will reopen with covid certification and the requirement for social distancing in the workplace will be removed. The remaining covid measures will be reviewed on 10 February.

  • The Government is to discuss the reform of the roles of First Minister and deputy First Minister after the upcoming Assembly Election.

  • The Speaker of the Assembly has written to MLAs to say that any Bill which does not get through Committee Stage in the next few weeks is unlikely to pass. Plenary sittings on Wednesdays have now been introduced to ensure more legislation progresses before the end of March.

  • EU Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič has signalled that Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations could finish by the end of February if no breakthrough occurs.

  • The Fiscal Commission’s final report will be published in the next few weeks after minor changes are made.

  • The First and deputy First Minister will deliver a public apology to Historical Institutional Abuse victims at an event on 11 March.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a 22-point plan for the Path to Net Zero Energy in Northern Ireland to be delivered by 2050. The plan can be viewed here: LINK

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA is to seek approval from her Executive colleagues to run a third financial assistance scheme for the private bus and coach sector.

  • Maria McIlgorm will take up the position of Chief Nursing Officer in March 2022.

  • Belfast City Council is seeking views on their Draft Urban Innovation Framework. The consultation closes on 15 March. More information can be found here: LINK

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

  • On Wednesday the Economy Minister will provide a Ministerial Briefing to the Economy Committee on the draft Budget and Energy Strategy. The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council will appear before the Finance Committee to discuss their draft Budget report.

Other Stories this week

  • After heavy criticism, the Government withdrew a House of Lords amendment to the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections, and Petition of Concern) Bill to bring back double-jobbing for MLAs and MPs.

  • The NI Fiscal Council published its report assessing the Executive’s 2022-25 draft Budget. It concludes that the draft Budget lacks strategic direction. It can be viewed here: LINK

  • The Integrated Education Bill passed its Consideration Stage in the Assembly by 58-27 votes.

  • DUP MP Ian Paisley has presented the Digital Devices (Access for Next of Kin) Bill before Parliament.

  • It was revealed that imports into the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland surged 64% during 2021.

  • Claire Cronin has been sworn in as US Ambassador-Designate to Ireland.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA announced plans to extend Project Stratum to an additional 8500 premises.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 11 February, Succeed North West, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, Londonderry Chamber

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 3 March, Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Lunch, City Hotel, Derry

  • 9 March, Post-Brexit Conference: Sustaining and Building Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade, Newry and Dundalk Chamber

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

2022 a crucial year for the North West City Region, says Derry and Letterkenny Chambers

(L-R) Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber; Kristine Reynolds, President, Letterkenny Chamber; Aidan O’Kane, President, Londonderry Chamber; and Toni Forrester, Chief Executive, Letterkenny Chamber

The Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce have met to discuss their shared priorities for the North West ahead of a significant year for the city region.

Representing over 600 businesses across the North West, the two Chambers agreed a partnership in 2021 to collaborate on issues affecting the membership of both bodies. The meeting was the first opportunity for new Chamber Presidents, Derry Chamber’s Aidan O’Kane, and Letterkenny Chamber’s Kristine Reynolds, to meet as they began their tenure.

With Protocol negotiations ongoing, both Chambers expressed their desire for the protection of the North West’s unfettered access to UK, Ireland, and EU markets. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to businesses on both sides of the border, with rising energy and material costs presenting further disruption to hard-hit retail and hospitality sectors.

The meeting comes as the Chambers submit their joint response to the All Island Strategic Rail Review, where they call for wholesale rail reform to strengthen the North West’s connectivity with the island’s other economic hubs.

Over the past year, the Chambers have also collaborated on a Masters in Research Programme examining cross border clusters, with a particular focus on the FinTech sector.

Londonderry Chamber President, Aidan O’Kane, said:

“I was privileged to meet with the Letterkenny Chamber to discuss our shared ambitions for the North West. For years, our close partnership with Letterkenny has reflected the progress we believe can be made through meaningful cross-border collaboration. The challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit have not gone away, and it is imperative that we work alongside each other to meet these issues head-on.”

“The vast economic potential of the North West City Region is well known. Derry and Letterkenny are thriving hubs of innovation and growth, and with proper investment, support, and stimulus, we can reach the heights seen elsewhere across the island. In the year ahead, Stormont, Dublin and Westminster must knuckle down, not work in their silos, and support the North West’s growth, as one coherent and conjoined region.

“I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Letterkenny Chamber in my tenure in what is a crucial year for the North West business community.”

Kristine Reynolds, Letterkenny Chamber President, said:

“We were delighted to establish a formal partnership with the Derry Chamber in 2021, an agreement which reflected how interconnected we are as a city region. Our collaboration has been instrumental in promoting our members’ interests to key stakeholders and elected representatives across the island. Now, with an important year ahead of us, we are looking forward to working together to tackle the key issues facing our local economy.”

“As a unique cross-border city region, the North West provides unfettered access to the UK, Ireland and EU markets. Regional infrastructure and connectivity are improving slowly, however, and there remains little to no rail connectivity to and within our region. Following the All Island Strategic Rail Review, both Stormont and Dublin must work to address the regional imbalance in transport infrastructure as part of a properly funded investment programme to bolster our region.”

“I was pleased to meet with my counterpart Aidan and I hope that, in working together, we can build a more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous regional economy that benefits everyone.”