Expert panel demonstrates value of occupational therapy in addressing health inequalities

(L-R) RCOT NI Region Chair, Vonnie McWilliams, Journalist Amanda Ferguson, Health Committee Chair, Colm Gildernew MLA, Professor Deirdre Heenan, interim CAHPO Suzanne Martin, and Belfast HSCT Occupational Therapist Manager Catherine Podris.

As part of its #OTsForEquity campaign, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has launched its ‘Roots of Recovery’ Report in Northern Ireland, pinpointing key contributors to health inequalities, and providing effective solutions.

The Report was officially launched today (Wednesday) with a virtual panel discussion on the role of occupational therapy in addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland.

The expert panel consisted of Health Committee Chair Colm Gildernew MLA, interim Chief Allied Health Professional Officer Professor Suzanne Martin, RCOT’s Regional Chair for Northern Ireland Vonnie McWilliams, Assistant Occupational Therapy Service Manager for Learning Disability Services Catherine Podris, and Professor Deirdre Heenan. The panel discussed areas that require major reform and offered practical and dynamic solutions that could improve the lives of those living in extreme deprivation under the expertise of an occupational therapist.

The panel covered issues such as mental health, education, the criminal justice system, primary care, rehabilitation, and housing.

Speaking following the event, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Region Chair for Northern Ireland, Vonnie McWilliams said:

“The Roots of Recovery Report provides a stark reminder of how prevalent health inequalities are in our society. However, it also provides practical and pragmatic solutions that can be used to address existing inequalities, with the expertise of occupational therapists.”

“Occupational therapists have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help tackle these problems, but we must have a seat at the table to do so. We must be involved at the earliest possible stage to ensure the support and services provided will be beneficial to those in need. We must have the resources to allow our workforce to maximise its capacity.”

“The upcoming Assembly Election will give us the opportunity to really look at these problems and transform our health service from the ground up but occupational therapists must be at the heart of this given our expertise across sectors, including education, justice and communities.”

“The Royal College of Occupational Therapists is committed to tackling these deep-rooted inequalities. Northern Ireland needs a health care system that provides health parity for all, whether that be in education, housing, or the criminal justice system. This is an issue that will require a cross-departmental approach, but it is essential that the work starts now to tackle health inequalities and transform our health service.”

Tánaiste to address Retail NI Future High Streets Summit

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI

Tánaiste, and incoming Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD will be among the speakers at the Retail NI Future High Streets Summit taking place at Titanic Belfast on 30 March 2022.

Launching today, the in-person conference will promote a new vision for our high streets post-pandemic, and will discuss how Stormont, Westminster and Dublin Ministers can deliver real change for local towns and cities. Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Alex Norris MP, will also speak on the implementation of the Government’s recent White Paper and how Levelling Up can be delivered on a local level in Northern Ireland.

Sponsored by DWF Law, the Summit will be hosted by broadcaster Tara Mills and will feature panel discussions with Executive Ministers on the Assembly’s future economic priorities ahead of May’s election. The conference will consider key strategic documents including the upcoming High Street Taskforce Report which will set out the transformation required to revitalise our local high streets.

The flagship event will conclude with a keynote address from Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, on the challenges facing the North-South economy. Mr Varadkar will take up the role of Taoiseach from December 2022.

Chief Executive of Retail NI, Glyn Roberts said:

“I am pleased that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up Alex Norris MP, and several Executive Ministers, will join us for our first major in-person conference in over two years. The pandemic decimated our high streets, and while we are beginning to see normality returning, a fresh, innovative approach to town and city centre planning is direly needed. Whether it is through Levelling Up, North-South collaboration, or on an Executive level through the High Streets Taskforce, it is imperative that government proposals across these islands are ambitious and help spark a renaissance of our local high streets.”

Head of Real Estate in Northern Ireland at DWF Law, Julie Galbraith said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Retail NI for its Future High Streets Summit. Our town and city centres are thriving hubs of innovation and growth, best evidenced through Northern Ireland’s ever-growing independent retail sector. Supporting our high streets does not just boost jobs and economic activity, it helps build stronger communities that work together to improve livelihoods and build prospects. I look forward to speaking to those business and political leaders in attendance at this excellent Summit.”

Looming National Insurance hikes best mitigated by non-traditional payment methods

By Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore - as originally appeared in The Irish News, Tuesday 8 March

Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

The pending rise in National Insurance contributions is arguably the most significant change to taxation we will see this year. Due to come into play next month, the increase will impact tax bills and pay cheques across the board at a time when rising costs and external factors are squeezing profit margins and disposable incomes to the extreme.

Announced last year as a taxation to help fund health and social care, National Insurance will rise by 1.25% from April 2022 for a year, before returning to current levels in 2023, when the standalone Health and Social Care levy will take effect.

With increases for all individuals currently liable for National Insurance, the pressure this will place on both employer and employee has sparked significant concern, particularly at a time when the costs of both doing business and living comfortably have skyrocketed.

Though essentially unavoidable, ways to mitigate the increase and enjoy a reduced NI Contribution for both businesses and employees do exist, most notably in the form of a pension salary sacrifice.

In practice, this is an arrangement that enables employees to boost their existing pension contributions to save money. Changes to the rules around salary sacrifice did eliminate many of the tax savings available through employee benefits in 2016, however pension salary sacrifice remained in place, meaning it is now more beneficial than ever in the face of the National Insurance hike.

The basic mechanics of a salary sacrifice are that employees agree to a reduction in their future salary in return for the benefit of additional employer pension contributions paid to their pension. Based on the extent the salary is sacrificed in this agreement, businesses stand to save a considerable 15.05% in National Insurance contributions, including the latest 1.25% increase, while employees save an attractive 13.25%.

This saving can be shared between employer and employee in this format, or alternatively paid as additional pension contributions on the employee’s behalf, or also a combination of both.

What’s important in following this route is that the agreement is reached explicitly between both employer and employee. It should be set out within their terms and conditions that they are fully aware they are forgoing their contractual right to further cash remuneration.

A hugely tax efficient option, it is attractive to all parties given the current economic climate that shows no signs of letting up. Considering current difficulties for many businesses in terms of recruiting and retaining staff, it may prove a useful advantage going forward.

With the world of work altered forever, this route may also have more appeal among workers after two years of uncertainty that have undoubtedly prompted many to consider their security, financial stability and the pension pot that ultimately awaits them in retirement. Many have used this time to reconsider their priorities, and we are seeing more appreciate the value of small sacrifices now to build a healthy pension for the future.

It is often commented that only death and taxes are certain in life, and there is little preparation we can do for the former. Businesses can, however, make use of qualified and reliable business advice to ensure they are best prepared for the latter, and we know that options do exist to mitigate the upcoming rise in National Insurance.

While salary sacrifice is not suitable for every employee, it is a viable option that could ease the impact of the upcoming change on businesses operating in this post-pandemic climate. My advice is to seek input from advisors early and explore the options to ease the financial strain of this change on both your employees and your company accounts.

£1.4 million raised in Northern Ireland as public rallies behind DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal HERE.

Ukrainian Red Cross staff and volunteers are providing food and other necessities to about 8,000 people who are sheltering in a subway station in Kyiv. Image credit: Maksym Trebukhov/Ukrainian Red Cross Society

The Northern Irish public has raised over £1.4 million in just four days in an outpouring of support for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Donations to the appeal from right across the UK have reached £100 million – the equivalent of more than £1 million an hour since the official launch on Thursday 3 March.

In a wave of generosity and goodwill, hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK have donated. More than 1.5 million people have been forced to flee Ukraine due to the conflict, and many more have fled their homes inside the country.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to save, protect, and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response in times of overseas crisis. In Northern Ireland, it is supported by the British Red Cross, Save the Children, Tearfund and Concern Worldwide.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine, border areas and neighbouring countries working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing the conflict. Most of the refugees are women and children, forced to abandon their homes and loved ones to find sanctuary in neighbouring countries. The UN estimates that up to four million people may be forced leave the country and seven million may lose their homes inside Ukraine.

Thanks to the public’s generosity, and £25 million in match-funding from the UK Government, DEC charities have already started to use funds to deliver vital aid and scale up their response.

Charities on the ground are urging people to show their support through cash donations rather than giving specific items, which although well-meaning are often not what people need and are expensive to transport. Funds donated via the DEC appeal will help these charities continue to meet the most urgent needs of food, water, sanitation, and health provisions.

The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal continues. Members of the public can donate at dec.org.uk, by calling 0370 60 60 900, or by texting SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10.

Peter Anderson, Northern Ireland Director at Concern Worldwide (UK) said:

“It is heart-warming to see the people of Northern Ireland donate such a significant amount of money to humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Ukraine. Along with their local partners, DEC charities are delivering aid on the ground, working to meet people’s immediate needs of food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care for those fleeing the conflict. This money will go a long way in supporting that, however I would urge those who can to continue donating as the number of people affected will undoubtedly continue to rise.”

Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:

“The response in Northern Ireland has been overwhelming, and we thank each and every individual who donated in the last few days for their generosity. The circumstances facing the people of Ukraine are unimaginable, and we know the need for humanitarian support will exist in the long term. With this in mind, we would encourage those who feel they can to continue donating and help the people of Ukraine in their darkest hour.”

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“We are extremely grateful to everyone in Northern Ireland and right across the UK who has donated to the DEC Appeal. We also thank the UK Government who have matched pound for pound the first £25 million donated by the public. Giving through the DEC is the most effective way to get the right assistance to the right people. While wanting to collect clothes and other items for people in need is laudable, the things people give today may not be what people need tomorrow and aid workers say they can’t use much of what is arriving. Donating through the DEC is the most helpful way people can assist. While we have raised an astonishing amount in the initial days of the appeal, we urge people to continue donating as the need is great and the response needed is likely to run into months and years. Please help now.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 7 March 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Please find attached a one-page brief on the Alliance Party ahead of their conference tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has until Monday to co-opt a replacement for former South Belfast MLA, Christopher Stalford. According to the Belfast Telegraph, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA, Former First Minister Paul Givan MLA and councillors Tracy Kelly, Sarah Bunting and Paul Porter are seen as potential replacements.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA will bring forward a £50 million business rates support package for the 2022-23 financial year. The Assembly also backed his proposal to freeze regional rates for another year.

  • An indicative budget for Invest NI has been agreed for 2022-23. Interim Chief Executive Mel Chittock has said that due to financial constraints, the agency will not be able to continue supporting businesses in the same way. A “significant prioritisation exercise” is underway.

  • Assembly speaker Alex Maskey MLA has written to MLAs to say it is possible to get all legislation passed during the final 3 weeks of this mandate. An extra plenary sitting has been scheduled for next Wednesday. Another plenary sitting may be scheduled for the week commencing 21 March.

  • The Department for the Economy is to publish sector-specific data on the impact of the High Street Voucher Scheme later this month.

  • The public apology to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse will be delivered next Friday in the Assembly Chamber of Parliament Buildings.

  • The next meeting of the Interparliamentary Forum will take place at Stormont “in the latter part of the year”. A proposal placing the Forum on a statutory basis will be taken forward.

  • The Leaders’ Lectures series from Queen’s University continues next week with addresses from UUP Leader Doug Beattie MLA on Monday, Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill MLA on Tuesday, and Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA on Wednesday.

  • Further Consideration Stage of the of the Private Tenancies Bill and Budget Bill 2022 will take place on Monday. The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Bill and the Autism (Amendment) Bill will each have their Final Stage on Tuesday.

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

  • On Wednesday, the Executive Office Committee will consider a ‘Legacy Report (2017-22)’ on its work this Assembly mandate. The Economy Committee will receive a briefing on the Department’s ‘10X Trade and Investment Action Plan’.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis MP will face Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

  • The CIPR is hosting a Women in Politics breakfast event at Stormont next Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day. To register: LINK.

  • The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an urgent Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to support those fleeing the conflict. To find out more and donate: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • The Climate Change (No. 2) Bill completed its Further Consideration Stage on Tuesday. While the School Age Bil completed its Final Stage on Monday.

  • Ahead of the Assembly Election, the Alliance Party has published two policy documents dealing with healthcare reform and the cost of living crisis.

  • The Irish Labour Party Leader, Alan Kelly, has resigned after losing the support of parliamentary colleagues. Dublin Bay South TD Ivana Bacik is the frontrunner to replace him.

  • On Wednesday, Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee considered an application for a major renovation of Castle Court Shopping Centre.

  • According to a survey of Fine Gael elected representatives, conducted by the Irish Examiner, Helen McEntee TD and Simon Harris TD are “best placed” to replace Leo Varadkar TD in any future party leadership contest.

  • MPs are set to set to receive a 2.7% pay increase from April, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has announced.

  • The Irish Government has allocated £30 million to its Shared Island Fund to support cross border research projects.

  • A British Business Bank report has found that the proportion of small businesses in Northern Ireland happy to use finance to grow was 35%, second only to London at 37%.

Upcoming key political and business events

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

  • 9 March, CIPR Women in Politics Breakfast Event, Long Gallery, Stormont

  • 9 March, RCOT’s Roots to Recovery Launch Event

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 14 – 15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 23 March, In Camera with the Department of Finance

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

  • 7 April, BelTech 2022

  • 26 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

Consultations

NI Charities unite to launch Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal HERE.

A man hugs his daughter and granddaughter after they crossed the border from Shehyni in Ukraine to Medyka in Poland. Numerous Ukrainians are leaving the country fleeing the conflict. Image credit: Michael Kappeler/dpa

Charities in Northern Ireland have united to launch a major fundraising appeal for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to raise urgent funds to help those forced to flee their homes gets underway today. Over one million people have left Ukraine in the last week and many more have been displaced inside the country due to intense fighting.

Locally, the appeal is supported by the British Red Cross, Save the Children NI, Concern Worldwide Northern Ireland and Tearfund NI who have joined the wider DEC effort to raise funds quickly and efficiently.

Inside Ukraine homes have been destroyed and essential infrastructure such as water supplies, hospitals and schools have been hit. People are being forced to hide in shelters and metro stations to stay safe.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of people are crossing borders into Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, triggering a large-scale humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that four million people could flee the country due to the conflict. The majority crossing the borders are women and children arriving with only what they can carry.

As what will happen next with the conflict remains unclear, the 15 leading UK aid charities supported by the DEC have united to scale up their response and help families affected by the crisis. DEC members and their local partners are responding in Ukraine and across neighbouring countries to meet the immediate needs of people fleeing with food, water, health assistance, protection, and trauma care.

Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK government through its Aid Match scheme up to the value of £20 million. This support will double the impact of the public’s own donations and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach those in urgent need.

Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:

“The conflict in Ukraine is having a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of people. Lives are being lost, homes are being destroyed and families are being separated. Over one million people have fled their homes with only enough as they can carry, and long queues are forming at borders. With so many people impacted, there is a need for those of us at home to give what we can to support people seeking refuge.”

“DEC charities and their local partners are active both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. This appeal will help them to scale up their efforts and make sure food, water, health assistance and trauma care make it to those in desperate need. We have a chance to mobilise the generosity of people here in Northern Ireland and help more families and individuals impacted by the conflict. I urge local people and businesses to donate what they can to those affected at this crucial time.”

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“I could never have envisaged launching a humanitarian appeal in Europe in 2022. But tragically, that’s exactly where we find ourselves. Our members are working tirelessly with local partners to reach people in Ukraine swiftly as the brutal conflict turns lives upside down. Families, including many children, have been forced to leave everything they know behind to find safety and desperately need food, water and shelter. The DEC exists to mobilise the British public’s generosity and goodwill at times of crisis overseas, and this is one of those moments.”

Romanian firefighters helping Ukrainians on the border with Romania called Vama siret. Image credit: World Vision.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the Appeal in PMQs in the House of Commons. He said:

“Time and time again the British people have proved responsive and generous when confronted with a global emergency, and so I have no doubt that millions will support this vital appeal.”  

“That is also why the UK Government will match every pound donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee by the British public, ensuring vital supplies and support reaches those left homeless, displaced and distraught by this war.” 

Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss said:

“The UK stands with people fleeing this terrible conflict and we are working with our humanitarian partners to provide for those in need in Ukraine and the wider region in their hour of need.”

“Through the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, we will match, pound for pound, up to £20 million of donations from the Great British public, ensuring vital support reaches communities in desperate need of help.” 

How to Donate:

·        Online: dec.org.uk   

·        Phone: 0370 60 60 610

·        SMS: To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150. Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk

·        Or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.

BelTech returns in person for ninth annual conference

Mark Brown, Vice President of Technology Products at Unosquare, Catherine Paul, Lead Software Engineer at Kainos, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Kate Nicholl, Managing Director of Liberty IT Tony Marron and Kevin Higgins, Technical Lead at Allstate NI.

BelTech, the popular technology conference that celebrates and inspires the local tech community, is returning to Belfast for its ninth annual event.

Taking place at Titanic Belfast on April 7, BelTech is back in person for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A forum for the technologists of today to investigate the revolutionary technologies of the future, BelTech is this year curated by individuals from three of the region’s largest technology companies; Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland and Liberty IT.

Set to inspire a burst of activity among local innovators, BelTech will focus on Software Delivery and the challenges of making it to market. Sessions will cover the importance of multi-disciplinary teams, the challenges of working with live systems and designing technology for future change.

An opportunity to meet and collaborate with peers both locally and globally, BelTech will celebrate the latest achievements and milestones of local industry while also providing engaging and informative sessions for the next generation of innovators.

Curated by technologists, for technologists, BelTech 2022 is supported by Kainos, Liberty IT, Allstate NI and Unosquare. A hybrid event, the conference will also be streamed live for those who wish to attend from home.

Tom Gray, Director of Innovation at Kainos, said:

“Northern Ireland’s tech professionals will unite once again this April at BelTech, a conference that has adapted and evolved over the past nine years to provide timely and valuable insights for the industry. This year, we look forward to delving into the area of Software Delivery, specifically the process of getting software ready for production and delivery to the market.”

“Carefully curated to be a useful and beneficial event for professionals across all areas, it will also examine what’s new, next, and how those emerging technologies will affect us. BelTech returns to foster leadership, advancement and collaboration and we have no doubt the opportunity to return live and in person this year will help inspire new partnerships, ideas and innovations across the industry.”

Jason McBride, Senior Leader at Allstate Northern Ireland said:

“I am thrilled to return as a BelTech curator after an informative and inspiring conference last year. As technologists, we rely on collaboration and knowledge sharing with our peers, and BelTech is an opportunity to engage with individuals who are experts in their fields both locally and globally. A dynamic and exciting event, the programme for 2022 is shaping up to be our best yet and I look forward to seeing what new innovations it inspires.”

Tony Marron, Managing Director at Liberty IT said:

“We are pleased to be once again supporting BelTech, a conference that will examine the latest and emerging advancements in technologies like LiveOps, Evolutionary Architecture, Blockchain, AI and Cyber Security. Northern Ireland’s tech industry is well known for its collaboration, and it is always fantastic to see the community coming together to share knowledge and experiences that will inspire and empower innovators. There’s an extremely strong programme of lively discussions and presentations and I have no doubt it will bring great value for local technologists, both of today and of the future.”

To find out more and register for the virtual conference which takes place on Thursday 7 April, visit: https://beltech.co/

Public encouraged to make their pledge and Unite Against Hate in Northern Ireland

Unite Against Hate will today launch a pledge urging the public to challenge, reach out and speak out against hate in Northern Ireland.

People are being encouraged to sign the pledge to show their commitment to tackling prejudice and discrimination in Northern Ireland. This comes as recent PSNI statistics have shown that an average of eight hate crimes or incidents are reported to the police every day across the region, with figures of racist and sectarian incidents rising every year.

Launching today at an event titled “We Are Here”, the Unite Against Hate Pledge has been developed in collaboration with the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME), LGBTQ+, Jewish and other communities from across Northern Ireland. Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Kate Nicholl will address the event where individuals will discuss their experiences of prejudice, discrimination, and racism here.

The Unite Against Hate pledge opens for signatures online today with the public able to have their name displayed on the pledge wall. The pledge has three key parts, for individuals to challenge their own prejudices, reach out to those from a different community, and speak out and not standing by when others experience discrimination or hate.

The Unite Against Hate campaign delivered by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building has been supported by the Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Funding programme. To sign the Pledge, visit: http://uniteagainsthate.org.uk/pledge/

Minister for Justice, Naomi Long MLA, said:

“The most important thing we can do is to challenge the reasons why hate crime occurs. We need to learn to embrace diversity and better understand the challenges that other people face.

“When we see intolerance and prejudice, we need to be confident enough to speak out against it. We need to call people out and challenge them to change their ways. We need to do that in private and we need to do it in public.”

“And that’s why I’m lending my support to this Unite Against Hate campaign because I think that changing attitudes is the most important thing we can do to protect people from hate crime.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Kate Nicholl, said:

“I’m proud to have signed the pledge to show my commitment to tackling prejudice and discrimination in Northern Ireland and I encourage everyone to take a moment to add their own signature. There’s absolutely no place for hatred in our society – and it’s up to each and every one of us to take steps to End Hate and Embrace Diversity.”

“I’m passionate about encouraging a more welcoming, kinder Belfast during my term of office and I’m really heartened by the great work that many organisations are doing to help break down stereotypes and combat discrimination.  But just imagine what a fantastic place it would be if we all pledged to recognise and address our own prejudices, to reach out and learn from those we see as being different, and to speak out for diversity and inclusion.”

Baroness Margaret Ritchie of Downpatrick, Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, added:

“Embracing diversity and uniting against hate is crucial in Northern Ireland because we know the consequences of prejudice, discrimination and hatred. We have come far in the last 25 years, and we are beginning to see a rich, diverse, multi-cultural society blossom here.”

“We must embrace and support our minority communities and show them that Northern Ireland has learned from the past, and is now a place where diversity is celebrated, not rejected.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 28 February 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The DUP Party Conference has been postponed until Autumn following the passing of Christopher Stalford MLA. The party must co-opt a new MLA for the South Belfast constituency by Monday.

  • Invest NI will host a major showcase event for Northern Ireland businesses on Thursday at the International Conference Centre. To register for the hybrid event: LINK

  • Ministers Michelle McIlveen MLA, Conor Murphy MLA, Nichola Mallon MLA, Robin Swann MLA, and Naomi Long MLA will deliver a public apology to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse on 11 March.

  • Dame Rotha Johnson MBE and Maureen O’Reilly have been appointed as panel members for the Independent Review of Invest NI.

  • EU-UK Protocol negotiations are to continue in a “discreet” manner due to the upcoming Assembly election.

  • The Institute of Export & International Trade will open a new office in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol. To respond by 17 May 2022: LINK

  • Belfast City Council expect a refreshed ‘Belfast Agenda’ document will be published for public consultation in the Spring.

  • The Department for Economy will commission an independent evaluation of the High Street Spend Local Scheme to assess the Scheme’s efficacy.

  • The Climate Change (No.2) Bill will have its Further Consideration Stage on Monday.

  • The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill will have its Second Stage on Tuesday.

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

  • On Wednesday, the NI Assembly EU Affairs Manager will brief the Executive Office Committee.

  • Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney TD will address attendees at the Londonderry Chamber’s President’s Annual Lunch on Thursday.

  • The six Further Education Colleges and Hospitality Ulster will partner to host a virtual panel event discussing the working relationship between the two sectors on Thursday.

Other Stories this week

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has denied that he intended to re-join the UUP following an approach from party leader Doug Beattie MLA in May 2021.

  • The SDLP cancelled its party conference following the death of Christopher Stalford MLA.

  • Invest NI have suspended new offers of financial support to potential investors because of uncertainty surrounding its budget.

  • Departmental officials have told the Finance Committee that health, rates, and borrowing were the key emerging themes that informed the Executive’s draft Budget 2022-25 in the absence of a Programme for Government.

  • Ministers and MLAs will receive a £500 salary increase from April due to inflation.

  • The Protection from Stalking Bill has passed its Final Stage. The Autism (Amendment) Bill and the School Age Bill have passed their Further Consideration Stages.

  • Richard Morgan will join the BBC Radio Ulster Evening Extra presenter team from 21 March.

Upcoming key political and business events

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

  • 3 March, Northern Ireland Showcase, Invest NI, International Conference Centre

  • 3 March, Further Education & Hospitality: Collaborative partners on the road to recovery, Northern Regional College and online

  • 5 March, Alliance Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

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

  • 9 March, CIPR Women in Politics Breakfast Event, Long Gallery, Stormont

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 14 – 15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

  • 15 March, The Future of Regeneration, NILGA, Craigavon Civic Centre and online

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

  • 26 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

Consultations

Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry set to hold Virtual Information Session

Inquiry team puts call out to encourage those impacted by issues at the Hospital to come forward as part of Inquiry process 

The Muckamore Abbey Hospital Public Inquiry Team is calling for people affected by issues at Muckamore Abbey Hospital to come along to a virtual Information Session.

The Information Session, led by the Public Inquiry Chair, Tom Kark QC, will provide those affected by Muckamore Abbey Hospital the opportunity to engage with the Inquiry Team and receive further information about the Inquiry process.

The Information Session is set to take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday 9th March at 5pm.

The Inquiry Team has asked that all attendees register for the Information Session. This can be done by phoning the Inquiry Team directly on 028 9051 5462 or by emailing info@mahinquiry.org.uk. An invitation link will be sent ahead of the session. All contact will remain confidential, and those attending will be treated with complete sensitivity.

Prior to the session, those who can, are encouraged to fill out the short contact form available on the Inquiry website at www.mahinquiry.org.uk

Chair of the Inquiry, Tom Kark QC said:

“This independent Public Inquiry has been set up to consider the serious and complex issues at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. This Inquiry is about the wellbeing of vulnerable people who have been entrusted into the care of others, often away from their families.”

“We want all those who have information, of whatever nature, to come forward ahead of the commencement of hearings and I encourage all those affected to engage with the Inquiry. I recognise that this may be an extremely distressing time for some, and I can assure individuals that all engagement with the Inquiry will be treated with sensitivity.”