#AE22 Brown O'Connor NI Assembly Election 2022 Constituency Profile: Belfast North

#AE22 Constituency Profile: Belfast North

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENCY

• Belfast North is 100% urban according to NISRA's definition, and is the third smallest constituency by area.

• Many of the city’s peace walls run through north Belfast.

• It’s the most deprived constituency (using NISRA’s measure of the proportion of super output areas (SOA) in each constituency which lie within the top 10% most deprived SOAs in Northern Ireland).

• Belfast North has the highest unemployment in Northern Ireland according to latest experimental claimant count.

• The 2011 Census reports that 46.9% of Belfast North population was from a Catholic community background, and 45.7% Protestant.

PREVIOUS ELECTIONS

• DUP suffered a high profile loss in 2017 with the defeat of Nelson McCausland.

• The combined Unionist share was 42.8% versus 42.5% for Nationalism. Yet Nationalists won three out of five seats in 2017.

• In fact, nationalists have held 3 seats in Belfast North since 2003 (2 Sinn Féin and 1 SDLP).

• Fourth lowest constituency turnout in 2017 Assembly election.

• The results came in a rush in 2017, with two (DUP) candidates elected in stage 6, and the remaining three elected under quota in stage 7.

SINCE 2017

• One of only four constituencies which started and finished the term with all 5 MLAs who had been elected in March 2017

• Both sitting DUP candidates are standing down: deputy leader Paula Bradley and William Humphrey.

• TUV are running a candidate in the constituency; they didn’t stand in the 2017 Assembly election.

• Former PUP councillor and Assembly candidate Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston is running for the UUP in this election.

THE DAY OF THE COUNT

• Expect a repeat of 2017 with no candidate being elected over the quota in the first stage given the well-balanced and competitive field.

• Sinn Féin’s vote balancing has improved, but in previous elections Gerry Kelly has always polled more than running mate Carál Ní Chuilín.

• Alliance will be hoping for strong transfers from excluded Green and UUP candidates.

COMMENTARY

The North Belfast area is incredibly competitive in local, Assembly and Westminster elections. Two deputy leaders are seeking election, though DUP’s Paula Bradley is not standing.

The party suffered setbacks in the constituency with big-name losses such as Nigel Dodds and Nelson McCausland. Going into this election, the DUP hold two relatively safe Assembly seats and are not trying to regain a third. With both sitting MLAs standing down, the DUP are running two council group leaders: Brian Kingston (Belfast City Council) and Phillip Brett (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council).

While other unionist parties are running higher profile campaigns in the constituency this year, they are unlikely to be competitive unless unionist turnout improves. Former PUP candidate Julie-Anne Corr Johnston is running under the UUP flag, while Ron McDowell is running for the TUV.

The Infrastructure Minister and SDLP deputy leader, Nichola Mallon, should be able defend her seat without any great problems. Green Party deputy leader Mal O’Hara will still be well shy of a quota, but will be hoping to boost the party’s share for local government elections in 2023.

The real battle is between Sinn Féin and Alliance. Narrowly missing out on a seat in 2017, Councillor Nuala McCallister is running again and hopes to capitalise on the Alliance surge that swept across Belfast in 2019. Her success would most likely come at the expense of one of the sitting Sinn Féin MLAs, Gerry Kelly or Carál Ní Chuilín. Belfast North is one of Alliance’s top targets for a gain. Missing out here would indicate lower chances of gains in other constituencies.

PREDICTIONS

• Two DUP seats with one SDLP and one Sinn Féin.

• The last seat will be a tight battle between Sinn Féin and Alliance.

NEW JOB: Senior Consultant, Corporate Communications with Brown O'Connor Communications - CIPR Small Consultancy of the Year

Job Specification: Senior Consultant – Corporate Communications

Brown O’Connor Communications - CIPR Northern Ireland Small Consultancy of the Year 2021/2022

Position: Senior Consultant

Experience: Min 5 years (1-2 years management experience essential)

Area: Corporate / Business Communications

Salary: £40k - £50k (Dependent on Experience)

Based: Adelaide Street, Belfast City Centre

The Person

Brown O’Connor Communications, the CIPR Northern Ireland Small Consultancy of the Year, is seeking a talented and ambitious Senior Consultant to join the team in the area of Corporate Communications.

This is an exciting and demanding role within a leading consultancy and requires a resilient individual with demonstrable client management and leadership ability.

You may be already working in corporate communications in an agency; as an in-house communications manager; in politics; or as journalist.

You will have a deep professional interest in business, the media and politics and have a detailed understanding of the role that media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder relations plays.

You will also have the skill and determination to secure front-page coverage, driving forward some of the most important and exciting business and corporate stories in Northern Ireland and beyond.

About Brown O’Connor Communications 

CIPR Consultancy of the Year Judging Panel – “the agency may be relatively young, but it’s building a stellar client list”

Brown O’Connor is an ambitious and trusted public affairs led communications consultancy based in Belfast City Centre. We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with editors, ministers, and commercial decision makers. 

We have a track record for managing and delivering complex communications programmes for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

Our central office is based in Belfast City Centre managing clients based in Northern Ireland, GB, Republic of Ireland and the US.

We are highly regarded for our specialist Public Affairs and Corporate Communications services which includes Crisis Communications, Property and Planning Communications, Litigation Communications, Event Management, Political Monitoring and Communication Strategy Development.  

Senior Consultant Role Specification

Strategic Counsel

• Proven client handling skills with experience in managing large accounts, providing proactive strategic advice and great ideas.

• Ability to manage a high level of client interaction and be able to design and implement strategies.

Day to Day Delivery

• Proven ability to work in a fast paced, often pressurised, outcome orientated environment.

• Write strong editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs and ensure coverage across a range of media outlets.

• Manage an entire range of suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

• Be able to create engaging social media content across multiple platforms.

• Forward plan to ensure smooth running of client campaigns on time, and within budget.

New Business Development

• Take a leading role in new business development and organic growth opportunities alongside company directors and be comfortable in pitching and proposal development.

• Management of successful tender writing from start to submission.

• Experience in converting new business opportunities.

People Management

• Line management duties with wider members of team.

• Understanding of team utilisation and requirement to work efficiently and profitably.

• Manage team members on client accounts to ensure work is carried out successfully and within allocated budgets.

• Work as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

• Deliver outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

Criteria

• Min 5 years working in the areas of Corporate Communications or within a communications environment (Agency experience preferred).

• 1-2 years management experience.

• Third Level Degree or equivalent in the preferred areas of Communications, Law, Politics, Business, Social Science or Humanities.  

• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to deliver attention-grabbing media material, client correspondence and reports.

• An excellent communicator both written and oral.

• Commercially and politically aware.

• Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

• Strong initiative, leadership skills and work ethic.

• Ability to hustle to make things happen.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by client and other activity. 

• Clean driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working in a similar communications role in the Republic of Ireland.

How to Apply

To apply, in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV and the completed answers to the three set questions below, by email, to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com by 5pm Friday 29th April 2022. Please state your name and ‘Brown O’Connor SC 2022’ in the subject line.

Application Process

• Initial shortlisting

• Two stage interview

QUESTION 1: Please outline, with examples, how you meet the Criteria as outlined in the Job Specification (Word Limit 300).

QUESTION 2: Please detail, with examples, your experience of strategic communications development, planning, implementation and the outcomes delivered. (Word Limit 300).

QUESTION 3: Please describe your experience, with examples, of budgetary control and planning and management of staff.  (Word Limit 300)

'Stark headlines but little substance in Spring Statement' writes Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As originally appeared in The Irish News, Thursday 24 March 2022

The Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spring Statement was delivered to the backdrop of a deepening cost of living crisis. And while it brought relief in the form of a reduction in fuel duty, this is a modest saving at best and comes at a concerning time for many.

In reality, yesterday's headlines show support for families and businesses, but do little to ease the pressure. With costs rising to unprecedented levels and previously announced tax increases yet to take effect, the pending rises will in most cases outweigh any tax savings announced at the despatch box.

With the impact of Brexit and Covid, many are already facing significantly increased costs. This is both in business and personally, as companies are forced into the position of passing their own increased cost bases, particularly in terms of energy bills, on to the consumer.

Then we have the multiple tax increases announced last autumn that are due to come into play next month. Businesses are preparing to mitigate these measures, which include the health & social care levy, a 1.25 per cent increase on dividends and national insurance contributions that will be payable by both employer and employee.

Some had indicated their hopes for an extension to the reduced VAT rate of 12.5 per cent past April, but the rate will return to 20 per cent next month. Plastic packaging tax will also go ahead, and the increase in corporation tax to 25 per cent will happen in April 2023.

The statement delivered in the face of these challenges yesterday was helpful, yet it is unlikely to make any significant dent.

In real terms, the reduction in fuel duty of 5p per litre until March 2023 is a modest saving of £50 to £60 for the average family car each year, and comes as the government generates more in fuel duty than it did this time last year.

The national insurance threshold will increase in July, aligning it with the personal allowance for income tax purposes. This is a potential saving of £375 per year per employee. The health & social care levy is however payable from April, and the Chancellor announced that, when taking the two measures together, 70 per cent of people would be better off.

The final significant announcement of cutting the lower rate of income tax from 20 per cent to 19 per cent in 2024, will again have a maximum benefit of £375 for those earning over £50,000. This is a welcome reduction, but again is unlikely to be enough for the many facing increased costs in all areas.

One headline that did come as a surprise was the VAT relief on solar panels, insulation and heating pumps. Applicable in Great Britain only, this has made the political situation around the NI Protocol even more difficult as it cannot take affect in Northern Ireland and comes amid a series of other announcements that will do little to ease the pressure here.

Angela Keery is head of tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, which provides accountancy and business advisory services to clients in the private, public and voluntary sectors including audit & assurance, taxation, restructuring & insolvency and consulting

#AE22 Brown O'Connor NI Assembly Election 2022 Constituency Profile: Strangford

#AE22 Constituency Profile: Strangford

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENCY

• This largely rural constituency wraps around Strangford Lough and includes the urban populations of Saintfield, Comber, Newtownards, Portaferry and Strangford.

• Across the 18 constituencies, the 2011 Census reports that Strangford has the third largest population proportion from a Protestant community background (73%).

PREVIOUS ELECTIONS

• Since 2003, the constituency has elected 1 Alliance MLA and the remaining 4 or 5 seats have been split between the UUP and DUP.

• The SDLP are the perpetual runners up, missing out on the last seat.

• Strangford is a DUP stronghold, their best constituency in 2017 with 3 serving ministers returned.

• Strangford had the third lowest voter turnout (60.9%) in 2017.

SINCE 2017

• Four of the MLAs elected in 2017 are still in the Assembly: Kellie Armstrong (Alliance), Michelle McIlveen (DUP), Mike Nesbitt (UUP), Peter Weir (DUP).

• The DUP’s Simon Hamilton resigned in September 2019 and is now chief executive of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce. Harry Harvey was co-opted as his replacement.

THE DAY OF THE COUNT

• Strangford was one of the longest counts in 2017 requiring 12 stages of exclusions and transfers to elect its 5 MLAs. None of the candidates breached the quota with their first preference votes.

• It took 4 stages before Kellie Armstrong reached the quota in 2017. It could take even longer this year for the first candidate to be elected.

• Once the smaller parties and independent candidates are out of the picture, watch out for the order of exclusions. The early exclusion of the second Alliance candidate would keep SDLP’s Conor Houston in the race for longer.

COMMENTARY

All 5 sitting MLAs are running again. A total of 12 candidates are running, including independent unionist councillor Jimmy Menagh.

Peter Weir squeaked into the last seat in 2017 under quota, with just 225 votes separating him from the SDLP’s Joe Boyle. His seat will be in the direct sight of newbie SDLP candidate, Conor Houston, who is trying to become the first Nationalist to win a seat in the constituency.

However, it’s a very competitive field, with Alliance running two candidates for the first time to capitalise on their recent strong electoral results, and the UUP’s Philip Smith trying to recapture the second UUP seat he lost in 2017.

If the DUP retained all three seats, that would bolster their race to be the largest party or part of the largest designation in the new Assembly.

PREDICTIONS

• Four of the five seats are easy to call. The DUP will hold two along with one apiece for the UUP and Alliance.

• The final seat is a battle between DUP and SDLP – too tight to call – though an Alliance surge or a significant unionist swing from DUP to UUP would point to strong results across the board for those parties.

INPRIO announces Dr Claire Shaw as Research Analyst

Dr Claire Shaw, Research Analyst at INPRIO

Commercial property consultancy INPRIO has appointed Dr Claire Shaw as Research Analyst.

Claire brings over 20 years’ experience in the sector, having previously spent several years as a research analyst for Lambert Smith Hampton.

Specialising in market analysis with a focus on the investment sector, Claire is a trusted property analyst and has published reports on the Belfast retail, office, and hotel landscape. She will specialise in commercial property intelligence and strategic commercial property analysis in her consultancy role.

The appointment comes amid a period of sustained growth and development for the firm which specialises in investment acquisitions and disposals, asset management, retail leasing and development consultancy.

With Belfast’s commercial property market continuing to improve, INPRIO Director Neil McShane has said Claire’s appointment will allow an expansion of the consultancy service.

New Research Analyst at INPRIO Dr Claire Shaw said:

“I am thrilled to be joining INPRIO as Research Analyst. Northern Ireland’s commercial market continues to grow in strength, and I look forward to providing quality market research for our expanding client base. The pandemic is still impacting corporate confidence, and the most informed acquisition advice and analysis will be critical to quantify the merits and demerits of any commercial property opportunity.”

“Having worked in the research sector for over two decades, I am delighted to be joining Neil and INPRIO to support property companies and high net worth individuals, creating or expanding their commercial property holdings.”

Welcoming the appointment, INPRIO Director Neil McShane said:

“Claire’s appointment is fantastic news for INPRIO. Her wealth of experience, considerable market knowledge, and trusted analysis will be invaluable as we strive to provide best-in-class acquisition advice and high-quality market analysis.”

“Investment volumes for 2021 have exceeded expectations, and this year has already shown a continued pipeline of market opportunity. Over £300 million was invested in Northern Ireland last year, and in the next 12 months, we anticipate that retail investments will return as the dominant asset class.”

“With an Executive no longer in place and inflationary pressures rife, Claire’s addition will strengthen our hand in providing property companies and private investors with up-to-date and in-depth market knowledge, the bespoke advice and commercial property expertise.”

'Early preparation key to avoiding licensing headaches' by Matthew Howse, Partner - Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 15 March

Matthew Howse, Partner - Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland

Last year saw the biggest shake-up to Northern Ireland’s outdated liquor licensing laws in a generation. After years of campaigning from our local pubs, hotels and business groups, the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill was approved by the Assembly and ushered in modern opening hours and the removal of restrictions on trade over the Easter period.

This was a well-deserved and hard-fought win for the hospitality industry, and this year’s Easter period will present the first opportunity to avail of the new laws, coupled with the added bonus of the removal of Covid restrictions which have so badly hurt the industry over the past two years. However, while the industry is now rightly focused on recovery, it’s also important that pubs and other licenced premises begin to turn one eye to September’s liquor licensing renewal deadline.

Early preparation and getting your ducks in order as soon as possible is the key to keeping yourself right ahead of September. And while this may seem a long while away yet, protecting the validity of your licence should obviously be your key concern during this process. The rules governing liquor licensing in Northern Ireland are complex, however, and can often trip up licence holders when they’re looking to renew.

The Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol, including governing who can hold a licence and which premises. However, the Covid pandemic has changed the way premises like bars, hotels and other hospitality venues operate. For example, many hoteliers or bar owners created outdoor drinking areas and made other alterations to accommodate social distancing, ensure proper ventilation and clean air, and ensure they stayed within the Covid regulations of the day.

Unfortunately, these licence holders could fall foul of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 through no fault of their own by being unaware that prior approval of the court may be necessary before an alteration can be carried out, depending on the nature of the alteration. This means that any unauthorised alterations could potentially invalidate the licence when it comes up for renewal.

This is further complicated by the fact that there operates in Northern Ireland a sort of ‘one in, one out’ system for licences for pubs, off licences, hotels, and other valid premises. This is because there is a finite number of licences available for all of Northern Ireland, a point which was raised repeatedly in the Assembly debates of the new legislation last year as being a barrier to the establishment of new pubs. This could leave licence holders in the sticky position of being denied a renewal of their existing licence and then having difficultly getting a new one as another party has been granted one.

There are reasons to be optimistic for the hospitality sector after an incredibly tough two years. The recent decision by the Health Minister to also lift all remaining Covid regulations and transfer them to guidance signals a new chapter, one hopefully defined less so by restrictions and more so by positivity and economic strength. However, it’s important that liquor licence holders make sure they have their renewal in order ahead of September and lay the foundations for a successful year ahead.

UK FinTech leaders to unite in Belfast for first ever Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium

(L-R) George McKinney, Director of Technology and Services at Invest NI, Andrew Jenkins, Chair of FinTech NI and FinTech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Roisin Finnegan, NI FinTech Lead at Deloitte and Chris Jessup, Finance Partner at A&L Goodbody.

The fintech community of Northern Ireland will come together with sector leaders from across the UK in Belfast next week for the first ever Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium.

 Hosted by FinTech NI, the symposium follows the launch of the NI FinTech Sector Strategy, which revealed that fintech now contributes £392 million to the economy, with the potential to create thousands more jobs and generate over £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment here in the next three years.

 Taking place on Wednesday 23 March in Belfast City Centre, the summit will focus on the need for national connectivity as the UK continues to cement its position as a globally recognised fintech hub.

 Representatives from other leading UK fintech clusters, including Scotland, the West Midlands, and the North of England, will address delegates at the conference. The event will also hear from Innovate Finance, the independent industry body for fintech in the UK.

 The symposium takes place just one year after the HM Treasury backed Independent FinTech Strategic Review chaired by Ron Kalifa OBE, which put NI among the ten leading emerging clusters for fintech in the UK.

Next week’s summit will examine how the sector has progressed since, including with the launch of the NI FinTech Sector Strategy.

 Produced by leading advisory firm Deloitte and launched in September 2021, the in-depth report found that we could set to benefit from the setup of over 20 companies, the creation of thousands of jobs and the establishment of over ten new international partnerships in just three years.

 Following the detailed roadmap and action plan, the event will examine the areas where work is required to realise that ambition and supercharge the sector here, including connecting SMEs with investors, addressing barriers to skills and talent, and developing new funding networks for young fintechs.

The Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium 2022 is supported by A&L Goodbody, Invest Northern Ireland, Deloitte and Fintech Nexus.

 Andrew Jenkins, Chair of FinTech NI and HMT FinTech Envoy for Northern Ireland said:

 “As the independent voice of FinTech in Northern Ireland, FinTech NI exists to promote the region as a leading global fintech hub. We have known for quite some time now that the local sector punches well above its weight, however significant advancements in the last few years, including the launch of the three-year strategy, have shown we are on the cusp of much more.”

 “On track to generate thousands more jobs and attract up to £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment in the next three years, now is the time to bring together the fintech ecosystem and celebrate its strength and vibrancy with our counterparts across the UK. We are thrilled to have the support of A&L Goodbody, Invest Northern Ireland, Deloitte and Fintech Nexus and look forward to welcoming the wider ecosystem to Belfast next week.”

 Chris Jessup, Finance Partner at A&L Goodbody said:

 “The fintech sector is on a hugely promising trajectory, and one that’s of significant interest to the wider professional service sector in Northern Ireland. At A&L Goodbody, we advise on UK and EU financial services regulation and have seen a growth in demand here in line with the expansion of the Northern Ireland fintech ecosystem. We see great potential in this area, which is why we are delighted to be supporting the inaugural Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium.” 

 George McKinney, Director of Technology and Services, Invest NI said:

 “The strength and potential of the local fintech ecosystem cannot be understated. This is a sector with a unique geographical advantage and world-class educational system that delivers a structured pipeline of new talent. We have leading capabilities in key areas such as banking & capital markets technology, regtech & compliance, data analytics & AI, insuretech, and a supportive and collaborative business community to go alongside it. Now is the time to showcase this ecosystem, and we are pleased to be supporting the FinTech NI Association to do so.”

Leadership is required to create awareness of HIV in Northern Ireland

By Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life - as originally appeared in the Irish News, Wednesday 9 March

Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life

For 35 years now, Positive Life has been making a difference to the lives of people living or affected by HIV in Northern Ireland as a driving force in research and campaigning.

Later this month we will launch the Northern Ireland Buyers Club at an event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, at Belfast City Hall. The Club is a membership based fundraising project which aims to bring together organisations and like-minded individuals to support the work of Positive Life.

The Buyers Club is a response to the need to modernise Northern Ireland’s attitudes towards HIV, while also contributing to the organisations growth and influence.

HIV is no longer a death sentence, but stigma in Northern Ireland is still prevalent and is life changing. A recent survey commissioned by Positive Life in Northern Ireland which had over 1000 respondents gave a concerning insight into how people view HIV and further highlighted the high level of stigma experienced here.

Over 30% would not approve of a family member dating someone with HIV. While 22% would not approve of someone with HIV looking after their child.

This stigma has a crippling impact on people living with HIV, often leading to mental health issues, family break ups and high levels of internalised shame that remains unaddressed. In the 21st century we should be providing people living with HIV with compassion and support, not stigma, prejudice, and intolerance.

HIV stigma, coupled with the lack of political will to deliver either a HIV Action Plan or Sexual Health Strategy for NI has meant that the support services we offer are needed more than ever. Tackling this issue requires leadership and for those in leading positions to acknowledge its impact, step up, address it, and help create awareness.

It is welcome that the latest statistics published by the Public Health Agency show that there has been a 5% decline in new HIV diagnosis. However sexual health testing has significantly reduced as a result of the pandemic and the number of people in Northern Ireland living with HIV currently sits at over 1200.

This is not generally an attractive cause for supporters with our research showing that financial support for those living with HIV in Northern Ireland has not traditionally been a priority for the public, or private sector organisations when considering charitable donations.

We are hopeful that The Northern Ireland Buyers Club will help us change this by developing new relationships that will help support our world to tackle the stigma surrounding HIV. The funds raised will drive public awareness campaigns to target the challenges of HIV related stigma alongside research and new projects to inform our responses to meet the challenging needs of our service users.

Leading organisations such as Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Phoenix Law and the Institute of Directors are already represented among our Founding members and have come on board to help us in our fight, why don’t you?

To find out more about the Northern Ireland Buyers Club visit www.positivelifeni.com/TheNIBuyersClub. To discuss membership opportunities, contact TheNIBuyersClub@positivelifeni.com.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 14 March 2022

Forward Look                                

• The Green Party NI Annual Conference will take place tomorrow at Ulster University. The SDLP has rescheduled its spring Conference to Friday 25 March at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy.

• Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has been co-opted into the DUP’s South Belfast seat to replace former MLA, Christopher Stalford. The DUP has to co-opt a replacement to the DUP Lagan Valley team in the coming weeks.

• Stormont Party leaders met yesterday to find a solution to the Budget crisis. They will meet today for further ‘robust’ discussions.

• Party leaders will today receive a briefing from the Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, and Department of Finance officials on what is possible regarding the £300 million of unspent funding.

• The EU-UK Joint Committee met on Tuesday. Both parties reiterated the need to find solutions to the Protocol and agreed to discretely continue negotiations during the upcoming Assembly election.

• Mark H Durkan MLA is exploring if a Private Members’ Bill on devolved competencies can be accelerated to allow £300 million of funding to be used to address the cost-of-living crisis.

• Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, will swap roles with current Department of Justice Permanent Secretary Peter May, following a reshuffle of permanent secretaries taking effect in April.

• Ivana Bacik TD is the only candidate for the leadership of the Irish Labour Party after the resignation of Alan Kelly TD. She will become leader at noon on 24 March.

• Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA did not move the Consideration Stage of her Climate Change (No. 1) Bill after the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill passed its Final Stage. It is awaiting Royal Assent.

• Alan Chambers MLA’s Preservation of Documents (Historical Institutions) Bill, introducing a legal requirement on record holders to preserve information relating to Mother and Baby Institutions and Magdalene Laundries, passed its First Stage.

• Question Time will take place for the Education and Finance Ministers on Monday. The Health Minister and the NI Assembly Commission will face questions on Tuesday.

• On Tuesday, the Public Accounts Committee will consider its report into Planning in Northern Ireland.

• 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 departmental briefing on Skills and the Future of Vocational Qualifications. Departmental officials will brief the Finance Committee on spending arrangements for 2022-23.

Other Stories this week

• The DEC Humanitarian Appeal continues, with £2.2 million raised in NI. To find out more and donate: LINK.

• The interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Council, Mark Parkinson, has resigned.

• The NI Deal Tracker report found that £100.7 million was invested in NI tech firms in 2021, reaching its highest level ever.

• The Assembly reversed a proposed 10% rent cut for tenants, that had been mistakenly supported last week.

• The Budget Bill 2022, the Integrated Education Bill, and the Betting, Gaming Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill have passed their Final Stage and are awaiting Royal Assent.

• Tina McKenzie was appointed Policy Chair of FSB NI.

• Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre report found the NI economy is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year 

Upcoming key political and business events

• 14 – 15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

• 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

• 23 March, In Camera with the Department of Finance

• 23 March, Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium, Europa Hotel

• 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

• 24 March, Positive Life Launch of the Northern Ireland’s Buyers Club, Belfast City Hall

• 25 March, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy

• 30 March, Retail NI’s Future High Streets Summit, Titanic Belfast

• 7 April, BelTech 2022

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

• 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

Consultations

• Review of the Strategic Growth Plan. Derry and Strabane District Council. Deadline 14 April 2022.

• Draft Investment Strategy. The Executive Office. Deadline 20 April 2022.

• Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol. Department of Health. Deadline 17 May 2022.

• Reform of Adult Social Care. Department of Health. Deadline 18 May 2022.

Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse urged to seek support for upcoming Apology event

Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive Officer of the Victims and Survivors Service

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) is urging survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) to seek emotional and practical support as the formal apology approaches on Friday 11 March 2022.

 A public apology will be offered to victims and survivors of HIA by Ministers Michelle McIlveen, Conor Murphy, Nichola Mallon, Robin Swann and Naomi Long. 

 Ministers will deliver the apology in the Assembly Chamber of Parliament Buildings on behalf of government. This will be followed by apologies from each of the institutions where systemic failings were found in the Hart Report.

Together with its community partners WAVE Trauma Centre and Advice NI, the VSS provides services to support the health and wellbeing of survivors of HIA. The services have been co-designed with survivors and are available to anyone who has been impacted by HIA.

 A dedicated Health and Wellbeing team provide services including psychological therapies, pain management, education and training, and information recovery and retrieval. The VSS can also assist survivors in engaging with the HIA Redress Board.

 Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service, Margaret Bateson said:

“We recognise that this is a momentous occasion for survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse, and we are committed to providing survivors with the support and services they require before, during and after the apology.

 “The apology has been long-awaited and survivors will experience a range of emotions. It is important that all survivors know that we are here and are aware of the support and assistance available to them.

 “VSS has a dedicated and specialist team who will adopt a tailored approach that is responsive to the unique needs of each individual. We will work closely with the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA), and with our community partners, WAVE Trauma Centre and Advice NI, to ensure survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse receive the support they need and deserve.”

 VSS can be contacted by phoning 028903 11678 or by emailing hiaenquiries@vssni.org.  In addition to the usual operating hours of Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, VSS will also be available via telephone, email or webchat as follows:

Saturday 12 March 9am to 5pm
Sunday 13 March 9am to 5pm

 To find out more about the services provided, please visit www.victimsservice.org