Proposed cuts to Justice Department will have a catastrophic impact on most vulnerable

(L - R) David Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland and David Lavery CB, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland

The legal profession in Northern Ireland have warned that proposed cuts to the Justice Budget contained within the Executive Budget will undermine Access to Justice.

The Bar of Northern Ireland and The Law Society of Northern Ireland have jointly expressed their deep concerns and opposition to proposed financial cuts which will have a catastrophic impact on the most vulnerable within the community.

Representatives from the Bar and the Law Society have been meeting with Assembly Members to raise practitioners’ concerns over the proposed cuts that come at a time when the Justice system is already facing a huge backlog of cases and unacceptable delay.

Both the Bar and the Law Society argue that the proposed cuts contained in the Executive’s Draft Budget will have a detrimental impact on the local economy, forcing many solicitors and barristers to cease practice or restrict their services.

This is in stark contrast to the plans of other neighboring jurisdictions, particularly England and Wales, who have invested in both Justice and Heath System.

The Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, David Lavery CB said:

“Lawyers are all too aware of the significant strains under which the Justice system is now operating and the real impact that these proposals will have on their clients, the community and their ability to access justice in Northern Ireland.”

“Under these proposals, the most vulnerable in our society will be denied access to justice and there will be a significant economic impact as many practices across Northern Ireland will be forced to cease offering publicly-funded services or be put out of business entirely. “

“The Executive must reconsider its budget proposals if they are to maintain the network of local lawyers and the invaluable services they provide to their communities and those in need across Northern Ireland.”

David Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland said:

“In highlighting these issues, the Bar and Law Society are speaking up for the many individuals and families within our communities who rely upon us and Legal Aid to help them when they are at their most vulnerable.”

“The Department have acknowledged that this budget will force barristers and solicitors out of business and will deprive our clients, often facing complex legal issues regarding families and children, of the help and assistance that they need and deserve.”

“This will cause untold and irreversible individual, societal and economic harm.”

“The proposed budget is wholly unsustainable. It ignores the reality that, like the Health Service, Legal Aid is demand led and has a serious backlog of cases that must be dealt with.”

“We urgently need longer term solution and strategic thinking from the Executive and the Justice Minister to solve this issue.”

Apprenticeships are key to tackling skills shortage say Northern Ireland's Further Education leaders

To mark the third annual Apprenticeship week, Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges are highlighting the importance of apprenticeships to address the skills shortage.

In a week-long celebration, in partnership with the Department for the Economy, Colleges throughout Northern Ireland will be highlighting how apprenticeships are the first step to gaining vital knowledge and skills that are needed to further advance economic and skills development.

Apprenticeships exist in an increasing range of professional and service sectors that are calling out for more highly skilled individuals to contribute to their economic growth and recovery. Examples of these include apprenticeships in Hospitality, Fintech, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Cyber Security and Marketing.

Apprenticeships are a valuable manner of investing in the people of Northern Ireland. Over 40,000 people have undertaken an apprenticeship which has led to full time employment.

As people have begun to return to the office and seek new employment, the Further Education Colleges are urging learners to contact them to find out about the hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities in their region.

Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education Principal’s Group said:

“This Week gives us a prime opportunity to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships and the skills they provide to tackle the skills deficit in Northern Ireland”

“Apprenticeships can play an important part in tackling this deficit by providing people with a learning structure and valuable work experience that provides qualifications and holistic skills that are needed for economic growth.”

“As the skills deficit in Northern Ireland becomes clearer the value of apprenticeships cannot be underestimated. With close links to over 9,000 employers, Further Education colleges stand ready to create more industry aligned apprenticeships to ensure our local communities have the skills necessary to gain employment in our localities.”

“On Apprenticeship Week, all six colleges encourage any individual looking to re-skill to consider an apprenticeship. It is an open door to a promising career.”

Sebastian McFarland, Level 3 Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice at Northern Regional College said:

“If anyone is thinking of changing career or wanting to re-skill, I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship. You get paid to learn so you don’t end up with student loans that need repaid. Plus, the balance between practical experience with your employer and the time you spend in college helps make everything relevant.”

Lost Treasures of Revolution: The Graphics of Solidarity 1980-89 on display at Ulster University

‘Elections ’89’, Solidarity election poster by E. Baluk-Zaborowska Poland, 1989. Image © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Ulster University and the Polish Cultural Institute in London are hosting a unique “Lost Treasures of Revolution” exhibition at the Ulster University’s Belfast campus until 12 March.

The exhibition showcases 26 posters from one of the biggest social movements of the 20th century, Solidarity. As the leading political force opposing communism in Poland during the 1980s, the movement paved the way for the peaceful transition to democracy in 1989. This collection explores the role that graphics played in building the campaign and sustaining it during the difficult days of government repression and martial law.

From its iconic logo to spontaneous poster designs, Solidarity’s printed graphics created a rich visual culture of resistance that spoke to people from all walks of society. This Victoria and Albert Museum collection also features rarely seen underground stamps that bear witness to the grassroots creative spirit of the movement highlighting the role of graphic design to foster participation and political dialogue.

Marta de Zuniga, Director of the Polish Cultural Institute, said:

“We are thrilled to be able to present the highlights of the Victoria and Albert poster collection as well as other graphics of Solidarity to the audience of Belfast in Northern Ireland, which are the legacy of Solidarity, one of the biggest peaceful social movements in the 20th century.”

Catherine Flood, the exhibition curator, said:

“As well as famous poster designs, we are delighted to be showing a collection of underground postage stamps and graphic ephemera that provide vivid evidence of Solidarity’s multi-dimensional appeal in the 1980s. Most of these items were produced at a grassroots community level on small underground presses by designers and ordinary citizens working with few resources to create a new democratic beginning. As issues of social inequality and alienation are thrown into sharp relief by the pandemic, it is timely to reflect on the means by which social movements can bring people together through collective action.”

Cian Smyth, Ulster Presents Manager, Ulster University, said:

“Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art and Design has a long history of producing some of Northern Ireland’s best artists and designers. The inspiration of design movements in social and political activism is also one we share deep interest in from our own experience of political conflict in the 20th Century. It is with great interest and curiosity that we present this exhibition for the benefit of our students, researchers and the public alike. It has already generated a lot of advance interest and we look forward to sharing it over the coming months.”

The exhibition has been organised by Ulster University’s Ulster Presents programme and the Polish Cultural Institute in London in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 7 February 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The DUP’s Paul Givan MLA has resigned as First Minister of Northern Ireland, effective from midnight last night. Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA has automatically been removed from her post.

  • Under the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill, the NI Assembly will remain in shadow form and legislation currently passing through the chamber can continue.

  • Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey MLA has asked for arrangements to be made to schedule an Assembly sitting before Thursday to provide an opportunity for the posts of First and deputy First Minister to be filled.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA is seeking legal clarification regarding decisions on Covid regulations. The Executive was planned to meet on Thursday to discuss the remaining restrictions.

  • Ian Jeffers has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors (CVS) on a four-year term.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has confirmed the Treasury’s plans for a Spring Statement on 23 March 2022 to provide an updated economic and fiscal forecast.

  • Northern Ireland is to receive £49 million for community renewal, £617 million as part of City and Growth Deals, and £70 million for new British Business Bank investments through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Plan announced this week.

  • The British Government is to introduce a new ‘Brexit Freedoms Bill’ in the coming weeks to amend and remove EU law more easily.

  • Belfast Live is reporting that the DUP has deselected East Belfast MLA, Robin Newton to be replaced by Councillor David Brooks. It is expected that Paul Bell will run in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Councillor Brian Kingston will run in North Belfast, and Councillor Alan Robinson will run in East Londonderry. Ex-DUP MLA Alex Easton will run in North Down as an Independent.

  • Department of Finance officials are liaising with the Cabinet Office regarding a ‘Procurement Reform Bill’ to bring greater transparency to Northern Ireland’s procurement process.

  • The Assembly has voted in favour of supporting a 2050 net zero emissions target for Northern Ireland. Consideration Stage for the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill will continue on Monday.

  • The Second Stage of Sinn Féin’s Onshore Fracking (Prohibition) Bill will take place on Tuesday.

  • Question Time will take place for the Justice Minister on Monday. The DAERA Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday, Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI will give evidence to the Economy Committee on the Employment (Zero Hours Workers and Banded Weekly Working Hours) Bill. The Finance Committee will consider the 2021-25 Budget.

  • The NI Affairs Select Committee will receive oral evidence from NIO Minister of State Conor Burns MP on progress since the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

Other Stories this week

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP has pledged to reform internal structures at Number 10 following the publication of an update from Sue Gray into lockdown gatherings.

  • On Wednesday, AERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA ordered a halt to checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from GB as part of the DUP’s opposition to the NI Protocol. Checks will continue until at least Monday while the legal position is reviewed.

  • An NI Audit Office report has found that lengthy delays inherent within NI’s planning system are significantly hampering development opportunities.

  • The Prime Minister’s Head of Policy, Munira Mirza, the Downing Street Director of Communications, Jack Doyle, the Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary, Martin Reynolds, and Chief of Staff, Dan Rosenfield have resigned.

  • The first results of Northern Ireland’s Census will be published by June.

  • Dr Katy Radford MBE has been appointed as Chair of the British Council’s Northern Ireland Advisory Committee.

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, In Camera with the Department for Infrastructure

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 25 February, Women in Tech Conference, Titanic Belfast

  • 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

  • 14 -15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

Londonderry Chamber criticises resignation of First Minister

Aidan O’Kane, President, Londonderry Chamber

Reacting to the resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister of Northern Ireland, Londonderry Chamber President Aidan O’Kane said:

“Political instability like this does nothing for anybody in Northern Ireland. We had an absent Assembly for three years recently and it served no positive purpose for anyone in our communities. It does nothing for our hospital waiting lists, currently the worst in the entirety of the UK; it does nothing for families struggling with the exponential rise in the cost of living; it does nothing to tackle the ongoing pandemic; and it does nothing to support our businesses as they look to rebuild and recover.

“Northern Ireland deserves a better politics, one which isn’t characterised by lurching from one crisis to another on a regular basis. This place will only thrive when our political leaders commit to grown up politics, based on mutual respect and collaboration. Businesses in the North West need - and demand - certainty and stability. There are a number of outstanding commitments which our region must see completed including the expansion of Magee to 10,000 students, increased and improved rail provision, the financial sustainability of our regional airport, the completion of the A5, and the full roll-out of the City Deal projects – an absent or hamstrung Executive delivers nothing for the North West.

“The Chamber calls on all our political parties to commit to ensuring this certainty which business and society craves, and to work together in a collaborative fashion to overcome any issues.”

Hospitality Ulster reacts to resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister of Northern Ireland

Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive, Colin Neill

Reacting to the resignation of Paul Givan MLA as First Minister, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill said:

“Political uncertainty and instability will damage business confidence including the hospitality sector which is just coming back from the brink following the last two years of pandemic restrictions, and the three years of an absent Assembly.”

“The impact of this is likely to be felt right across the business community. The hospitality sector has only started to get back on its feet with some remaining restrictions still to be lifted. We also need a focused strategy on the revitalisation of the sector brought forward. Whilst an election was imminent, we are really worried that without Executive approval this all could be in jeopardy and we need to be reassured that this is being dealt with.”

“Hospitality businesses and the dedicated workforce, who have already dealt with the biggest challenge of a generation, now need a stable government working in partnership with the industry to rebuild and look to the future.”

 

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.”