I refer the Member to AQW 52977/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053502%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501717","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501717"}},{"id":"501475","reference":"AQW 53389/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-30","answerBy":"2026-10-08","answered":"2026-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities in relation to the NI Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme funding provided via Belfast City Council, to detail (i) any funding allocated; (ii) any project component funded; and (iii) any facility that received funding.","answerText":"Belfast City Council is one of seven applicants through to the next stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot.\n\nThe award of a Grant Funding Agreement is subject to the successful completion of my Department’s initial due diligence process.","answerHtml":"Belfast City Council is one of seven applicants through to the next stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot.
The award of a Grant Funding Agreement is subject to the successful completion of my Department’s initial due diligence process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053389%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501475","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501475"}},{"id":"502162","reference":"AQO 4051/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any assessment that has been made of the impact of rising fuel prices on regional economic performance.","answerText":"Rising fuel prices affect both households and businesses and, in turn, the wider economy.\n\nIn the North, those impacts can be particularly significant given our reliance on road transport, home heating oil and diesel vehicles, with many people depending on their cars for work and everyday activities and diesel prices having risen more sharply than petrol prices.\n\nMy Department keeps a close eye on economic conditions. While it is not possible to isolate precisely the impact of fuel costs from other factors affecting the economy, higher fuel prices increase costs for businesses and place additional pressure on household budgets.\n\nDespite those challenges, the latest NISRA growth figures show that the North's economy has continued to outperform Britain over the past year, demonstrating the resilience of our businesses and workforce.\n\nMy Department will continue to monitor these impacts closely.","answerHtml":"Rising fuel prices affect both households and businesses and, in turn, the wider economy.
In the North, those impacts can be particularly significant given our reliance on road transport, home heating oil and diesel vehicles, with many people depending on their cars for work and everyday activities and diesel prices having risen more sharply than petrol prices.
My Department keeps a close eye on economic conditions. While it is not possible to isolate precisely the impact of fuel costs from other factors affecting the economy, higher fuel prices increase costs for businesses and place additional pressure on household budgets.
Despite those challenges, the latest NISRA growth figures show that the North's economy has continued to outperform Britain over the past year, demonstrating the resilience of our businesses and workforce.
My Department will continue to monitor these impacts closely.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204051%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=502162","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=502162"}},{"id":"499716","reference":"AQW 52639/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail (i) the age of outstanding ratepayer debt; (ii) the value outstanding; and (iii) any target that exists for reducing debt outstanding for more than three years.","answerText":"(i) & (ii) Land & Property Services (LPS) carried forward £180,905,782 of unpaid rates into the 2026-27 rating year. Since 1 April Land & Property Services has reduced this by almost £50 million.\n\nOf the £131.0 million or carried forward unpaid rates remaining at 4th October 2026:\n\n£52.6 million is moving through legal recovery channels with £64.4 million being examined for potential legal action within the current rating year; and\n\n£14.0 million is the subject of an active payment plan.\n\n(iii) LPS makes strenuous efforts to recover all outstanding debt regardless of age which is reflected in the target set which is to reduce the total carried forward rates balance by 50%.","answerHtml":"(i) & (ii) Land & Property Services (LPS) carried forward £180,905,782 of unpaid rates into the 2026-27 rating year. Since 1 April Land & Property Services has reduced this by almost £50 million.
Of the £131.0 million or carried forward unpaid rates remaining at 4th October 2026:
£52.6 million is moving through legal recovery channels with £64.4 million being examined for potential legal action within the current rating year; and
£14.0 million is the subject of an active payment plan.
(iii) LPS makes strenuous efforts to recover all outstanding debt regardless of age which is reflected in the target set which is to reduce the total carried forward rates balance by 50%.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052639%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499716","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499716"}},{"id":"499715","reference":"AQW 52638/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail (i) the total cost of (a) rate collection; and (b) debt recovery activity, undertaken by Land and Property Services, in each of the last five financial years; and (ii) the amount recovered for each pound spent on that activity.","answerText":"(i) Land and Property Services (LPS) administers rate collection and debt recovery through an integrated revenue collection process. As staff time and associated costs are not recorded separately for individual elements of that process, LPS is unable to identify the total cost of either rate collection or debt recovery activity. Accordingly, the information requested is not held.\n\n(ii) As the costs of rate collection and debt recovery activities are not separately identified, it is not possible to calculate the amount recovered for each pound spent on those activities.","answerHtml":"(i) Land and Property Services (LPS) administers rate collection and debt recovery through an integrated revenue collection process. As staff time and associated costs are not recorded separately for individual elements of that process, LPS is unable to identify the total cost of either rate collection or debt recovery activity. Accordingly, the information requested is not held.
(ii) As the costs of rate collection and debt recovery activities are not separately identified, it is not possible to calculate the amount recovered for each pound spent on those activities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052638%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499715","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499715"}},{"id":"499714","reference":"AQW 52637/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider making the Translink yLink a Department for Infrastructure concessionary fare, to protect discounted tickets for young people.","answerText":"No decisions have been made in respect of Translink’s consultation on the yLink concession. As you are aware, there is no agreed Executive Budget, and the Executive are united in their negotiations with the British Treasury for a fairer funding settlement.","answerHtml":"No decisions have been made in respect of Translink’s consultation on the yLink concession. As you are aware, there is no agreed Executive Budget, and the Executive are united in their negotiations with the British Treasury for a fairer funding settlement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052637%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499714","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499714"}},{"id":"498778","reference":"AQW 52125/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps she is taking to ensure that the Utility Regulator's price control determinations for SONI provide sufficient funding, to deliver the grid reinforcement and expansion required to meet Northern Ireland's renewable electricity targets.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator is responsible for determining the level of funding provided to SONI through the price control process and is currently assessing SONI's latest price control submission as part of its independent statutory functions.\n\nThe delivery of electricity network reinforcement and expansion will be critical to achieving the North’s target of 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030.\n\nThrough the Grid Development Monitoring Group, my Department brings together senior representatives from SONI, NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and other stakeholders to monitor progress on strategic network developments, identify barriers to delivery and support the timely progression of the infrastructure required to facilitate increased renewable electricity generation.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator is responsible for determining the level of funding provided to SONI through the price control process and is currently assessing SONI's latest price control submission as part of its independent statutory functions.
The delivery of electricity network reinforcement and expansion will be critical to achieving the North’s target of 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030.
Through the Grid Development Monitoring Group, my Department brings together senior representatives from SONI, NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and other stakeholders to monitor progress on strategic network developments, identify barriers to delivery and support the timely progression of the infrastructure required to facilitate increased renewable electricity generation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052125%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498778"}},{"id":"498777","reference":"AQW 52124/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-09-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work her Department is currently carrying out on the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill (NIA Bill 42/22-27), now that it has been introduced to the Assembly.","answerText":"The Renewable Electricity Generation Bill was introduced to the Assembly on 30 June 2026 and passed its Second Stage on 8 September 2026. The Bill now stands referred to the Economy Committee for consideration.\n\nThe focus for my Department, in terms of the Bill, is therefore supporting its progress through the Assembly, including the Committee's scrutiny process.\n\nIn parallel, officials are continuing the work required to implementation of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee scheme, including development of subordinate legislation and detailed operational arrangements.","answerHtml":"The Renewable Electricity Generation Bill was introduced to the Assembly on 30 June 2026 and passed its Second Stage on 8 September 2026. The Bill now stands referred to the Economy Committee for consideration.
The focus for my Department, in terms of the Bill, is therefore supporting its progress through the Assembly, including the Committee's scrutiny process.
In parallel, officials are continuing the work required to implementation of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee scheme, including development of subordinate legislation and detailed operational arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052124%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498777","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498777"}},{"id":"498776","reference":"AQW 52123/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any assessment that has been made of SONI's current grid connection queue, including (i) the number of renewable energy projects awaiting connection; (ii) the average waiting time for a grid connection offer; and (iii) any steps the Utility Regulator has taken to address any delays in that process.","answerText":"Through the Grid Development Monitoring Group, my Department brings together senior representatives from SONI, NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and other stakeholders to oversee progress on network development, identify barriers to delivery and support the timely progression of the infrastructure required to facilitate increased renewable electricity generation.\n\nInformation on projects seeking connection to the transmission system is published in SONI's Connections Register. As of 17 August 2026, SONI's Connections Register reports 33 effective connection applications awaiting connection across a range of technologies including renewable energy projects.\n\nUnder the terms of its licence, SONI is required to provide connection offers as soon as practicable and, where it has received all information reasonably required, normally within three months. Where SONI requires longer than three months to issue a connection offer, it must obtain the Utility Regulator's consent to an extension. Through this process, the Utility Regulator oversees requests for additional time, and details of any extensions granted are published on its website.","answerHtml":"Through the Grid Development Monitoring Group, my Department brings together senior representatives from SONI, NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and other stakeholders to oversee progress on network development, identify barriers to delivery and support the timely progression of the infrastructure required to facilitate increased renewable electricity generation.
Information on projects seeking connection to the transmission system is published in SONI's Connections Register. As of 17 August 2026, SONI's Connections Register reports 33 effective connection applications awaiting connection across a range of technologies including renewable energy projects.
Under the terms of its licence, SONI is required to provide connection offers as soon as practicable and, where it has received all information reasonably required, normally within three months. Where SONI requires longer than three months to issue a connection offer, it must obtain the Utility Regulator's consent to an extension. Through this process, the Utility Regulator oversees requests for additional time, and details of any extensions granted are published on its website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052123%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498776"}},{"id":"497703","reference":"AQO 3950/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-21","answered":"2026-09-21","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the progress that has been made in reducing waiting times for neurology services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Butler","text":"I thank the Member from East Belfast. I know that the Member is significantly interested in the topic, so I was not surprised to see it pop up. It is also close to my heart. My Department has secured £2·3 million in recurrent funding to increase neurology capacity and to begin reducing unacceptably long waits. The funding will be directed towards a balanced programme of immediate backlog reduction and sustainable service reform. That includes additional professional staff who can assess, review and support appropriate patients without requiring every contact to be consultant-led. My officials are working with a range of neurology stakeholders to ensure that action is in line with the published regional review of neurology services without prejudice to that work. Investment could support improvements to clinical triage, advice and guidance for GPs, validation of new and review waiting lists and patient-initiated follow-ups for suitable, stable patients. Measures such as those will ensure that specialist appointments are prioritised for patients with the greatest clinical need, while building a safer, more equitable and sustainable service across Northern Ireland. Neurology waiting times saw a slight improvement in the first six months of 2026, with the regional focus on elective care action. Between January and June, there was a reduction of 1,333 patients waiting for a first consultant appointment, from 28,188 to 26,855. However, the median average wait of 77 weeks remains unacceptable. That is why we need much more investment to support the regional review. The review proposes an ambitious programme to put people with neurological conditions at the centre of their care and to improve services underpinned by workforce growth and new ways of working. My Department is preparing to publish the review's consultation analysis report and to progress the next steps for implementation as soon as possible, despite the significant budget challenges that face the health and social care system."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, given the progressive nature of many neurological conditions and the need to act quickly when they are discovered, will you outline what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of a deterioration in people's conditions while they wait for that crucial first neurology appointment or follow-up review?"},{"speaker":"Mr Butler","text":"It is essential that we reduce waiting times, but we must also improve support for people while they wait, which is what the Member talked about. Services need to ensure that referrals are reviewed according to clinical need and that people whose conditions worsen can be identified and assessed more quickly. Better specialist advice for general practitioners can help some patients to begin appropriate tests or treatment without having to wait for hospital appointments. My Department's regional review also recommends protected urgent appointments for people who are at risk of hospital admission, clearer points of contact and stronger links with nursing services, therapy services and community and voluntary services. Those approaches require careful planning and appropriate staffing, but they are central to a safer service. Patients should not feel forgotten whilst they wait, and those with the most urgent needs should be identified and prioritised consistently across Northern Ireland."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203950%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497703","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-21&docID=498919#AQO%203950/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497703"}},{"id":"498301","reference":"AQO 3931/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-15","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will introduce shared future proofing as part of the budget setting process.","answerText":"All departments are required to have regard not only to the need to promote equality of opportunity, but also to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group, in line with their statutory obligations under Section 75. Promoting good relations is also consistent with the principles of reconciliation, inclusion and mutual respect that are central to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.\n\nAn Equality Assessment was published as part of the consultation process for both the draft 2025-26 Budget and the draft 2026-29/30 Budget.\n\nThese assessments provide an overarching, strategic view of the potential impact of the draft budget on all Section 75 groups and Good Relations.","answerHtml":"All departments are required to have regard not only to the need to promote equality of opportunity, but also to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group, in line with their statutory obligations under Section 75. Promoting good relations is also consistent with the principles of reconciliation, inclusion and mutual respect that are central to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
An Equality Assessment was published as part of the consultation process for both the draft 2025-26 Budget and the draft 2026-29/30 Budget.
These assessments provide an overarching, strategic view of the potential impact of the draft budget on all Section 75 groups and Good Relations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203931%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498301","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498301"}},{"id":"496387","reference":"AQO 3889/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-08","answered":"2026-09-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any plans underway for ensuring the longevity of the cultural legacy created by the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I intend to answer questions 4 and 15 together. My Department did not provide any direct funding to the fleadh. However, my officials and several arm's-length bodies (ALBs) of my Department engaged with partners to support and promote the fleadh, and my Department provided important support in terms of event space, with a number of DFC-owned public spaces used by businesses during the fleadh. Those included Writer's Square, Donegall Quay, Queen's Quay, Bank Square and Cotton Court, and my Department was responsible for ensuring that all areas under its ownership were cleaned and maintained before, during and after the event. Looking forward to 2027, while I am not currently in a position to advise on any projected investment for next year, I will ensure that my Department and its ALBs continue to engage with the organisers of the 2027 fleadh on ways to further enhance the festival for Belfast and Northern Ireland, as well as ensuring the longevity of its cultural legacy."},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"I thank the Minister for that answer. It is disappointing that he did not put any direct funding into the Fleadh Cheoil. I welcome the fact that spaces belonging to the Department were made available. However, the business case for next year is being made now and will continue into early 2027. Will the Minister commit to putting funding into the Fleadh Cheoil? Belfast City Council did so with much less resource, so I would welcome the Minister having another look at it. I am sure that he will agree that the fleadh was a very successful event."},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes, it was a successful event, and I was happy to attend a number of the events in August. It brought people together and was good for the city and beyond. I was not asked to provide any funding for the fleadh. I met the organisers over a year before the event. There are lots of other people who ask me for money and I am not able to help them, but no request was made in this case. It was right and proper that the funding from the Executive came from the Department for the Economy. It is the Department that is responsible for large events, and that is why it happened in that way. Of course, I will always consider how we can help and how we can bring benefit to people across Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Minister, the fleadh was a fantastic success, with our thriving arts community bringing Belfast to life in a way that I certainly have never seen before in my lifetime. Minister, you have an opportunity to decide what legacy you want to leave for that sector. I know that you met the arts group Equity earlier today, and I can see that its representatives are watching from the Public Gallery. What practical steps are you taking now to ensure that the artists whom we will depend on for the 2027 fleadh will be able to remain in that sector, build sustainable careers and be supported for the contribution that they will make in 2027?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes, of course, the fleadh would not have been what it was had it not been for the many people who contributed, took part and displayed their talents, all of which were enjoyed by everybody. The Member asked specifically about legacy and what I am doing to ensure that we have a legacy for the arts in Northern Ireland, and that is exactly why I have brought forward the heritage, culture and creativity framework, underneath which will be, for the first time ever in Northern Ireland, an arts policy. We spent a considerable amount of time developing that. We engaged with other Departments and arm's-length bodies."},{"speaker":"","text":"We have ensured that there has been input from councils, and we are doing a considerable amount of work in that space in order to make sure that it is fit for purpose. I am pleased to announce that that will be going out for consultation soon and, subject to the feedback from that consultation, I look forward to sharing that policy with Executive colleagues, with the aim of ensuring that I publish that as early as I can in 2027."},{"speaker":"Mr Kingston","text":"Does the Minister agree that the fleadh was a good example of how our shared cultures can be celebrated together, which is in stark contrast with the despicable scenes and glorification of terrorism that we see annually at the west Belfast festival?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes, absolutely. I congratulate the organisers of the fleadh for the way in which they went about their work and how they tried to make it inclusive and representative not just of Belfast but of Northern Ireland as a whole. There were great opportunities for people to feel welcome and involved. The Member is absolutely right: that does stand in stark contrast to what we saw at the west Belfast festival. Unfortunately, it is becoming commonplace that it is an event that glorifies terrorism. Even this year, we had the promotion and platforming of the evil ideology of Martina Anderson and everything that she had been involved in, and disgracefully so. It would be better for everybody in Northern Ireland if we had a little bit more fleadh and a lot less féile next year."},{"speaker":"Some Members","text":"Hear, hear."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was an extraordinary and unprecedented event in this city and in this region. It genuinely brought joy in a way that people in this city had not experienced before. The people who delivered that, however, and were the backbone of that, were the artists — dozens of whom are watching in the Chamber today — who have been failed by you and by your predecessors as Ministers with responsibility for arts, culture and communities. They want to know when the arts will be sustainably funded here. In Dublin, one theatre — the Abbey Theatre — gets the equivalent of nearly the entire arts budget in Northern Ireland. Budget talks are going on at the moment. Will you finally put an end to the scandal of the underfunded arts sector here and press for a specific and meaningful increase in the arts budget in Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"First, I recognise the fact that the arts are not funded to the level that we want to see them funded to. That stands out when you look at where the budget was 15 years ago compared with where it is today. I understand and fully appreciate people's concerns in relation to that. However, I have made it a priority. For as long as I have been in office, I have had some very difficult decisions to make. There are lots of things that I have not been able to fund as I would have liked to or as we did in the past. Despite that, however, I have increased the arts budget above inflation since I came into office in February 2024. Is that enough? No. Does it take us back to where we were in the previous decade? No, it does not. Nonetheless, I hope that it shows the commitment that I have made to make sure that the budget has been protected during that time. There has also been a considerable increase in the capital funds that have been made available to the Arts Council, from £1·3 million to £1·9 million, over the past couple of years. I understand the importance of community infrastructure and of people having musical instruments for bands, schools, other groups and individuals, and that is why that has been increased. We are in a really constrained budgetary environment, and I will do what I can with what I have. That is why I will also make sure that we deliver on the arts budget."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203889%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496387","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-08&docID=496565#AQO%203889/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496387"}},{"id":"492131","reference":"AQW 49369/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":"2026-07-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the former Tullycarnet Primary school site, including (i) any plans for the site; and (ii) any engagement that has taken place with the local community in the last 12 months.","answerText":"As the former Tullycarnet Primary School was a controlled school, this site remains the responsibility of the Education Authority (EA) as the managing authority.\n\nThe EA has advised it is actively progressing with the pre-construction phase for the creation of a dual campus special school. This is now at an advanced stage, with detailed drawing packages having been prepared by the design team. The next stage will be submitting a planning application, at which point the public will be able to comment. In parallel to this, it is still EA’s intention to redraw the internal boundary with the operational site of the EA-owned Kings Road Nursery School to the rear, to permanently secure the area that has recently been occupied for Forest School activities.\n\nThe EA is represented on the Tullycarnet Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and has been for a number of years. Regular updates have been provided to the Partnership on the EA’s redevelopment plans.","answerHtml":"As the former Tullycarnet Primary School was a controlled school, this site remains the responsibility of the Education Authority (EA) as the managing authority.
The EA has advised it is actively progressing with the pre-construction phase for the creation of a dual campus special school. This is now at an advanced stage, with detailed drawing packages having been prepared by the design team. The next stage will be submitting a planning application, at which point the public will be able to comment. In parallel to this, it is still EA’s intention to redraw the internal boundary with the operational site of the EA-owned Kings Road Nursery School to the rear, to permanently secure the area that has recently been occupied for Forest School activities.
The EA is represented on the Tullycarnet Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and has been for a number of years. Regular updates have been provided to the Partnership on the EA’s redevelopment plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049369%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492131","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492131"}},{"id":"491142","reference":"AQW 48987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount her Department has spent repairing damaged footpaths and pavements, during the last five years, broken down by the cause of the damage.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information on the specific cause of damage to footpaths and pavements, however the table below details expenditure outturns for small scale repairs on footpaths over the last five financial years.\n\nFootway Patching\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\t2024-25\t2025-26 *\n£m\n1.9\t2.1\t2.1\t2.1\t2.4\n\n*2025-26 outturn is subject to Audit review\n\nThe figures in the above table do not include the reconstruction or resurfacing of footpaths.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information on the specific cause of damage to footpaths and pavements, however the table below details expenditure outturns for small scale repairs on footpaths over the last five financial years.
| Footway Patching | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 * |
| £m | |||||
| 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.4 |
*2025-26 outturn is subject to Audit review
The figures in the above table do not include the reconstruction or resurfacing of footpaths.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491142"}},{"id":"491141","reference":"AQW 48986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the new maternity hospital in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust will open.","answerText":"The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has advised as follows:\n\nThe programme for the remediation works aims to provide early occupation to Level 2 of the building in March 2027.\n\nThe remainder of the remediation works, including a new domestic water system to the neo-natal unit, are not scheduled to be completed until November 2027. Following completion of the remediation works, there will be a period of Trust commissioning before the building can be made fully operational. It should be noted that these programme dates are contingent on the success of the remediation works and the Trust’s assurance of the safety of the water system on completion of the works.\n\nThe safety of new mothers and their babies remains our main priority. Our staff continue to provide excellent care to women and babies in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and service delivery has not been impacted as a result of the delay.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has advised as follows:
The programme for the remediation works aims to provide early occupation to Level 2 of the building in March 2027.
The remainder of the remediation works, including a new domestic water system to the neo-natal unit, are not scheduled to be completed until November 2027. Following completion of the remediation works, there will be a period of Trust commissioning before the building can be made fully operational. It should be noted that these programme dates are contingent on the success of the remediation works and the Trust’s assurance of the safety of the water system on completion of the works.
The safety of new mothers and their babies remains our main priority. Our staff continue to provide excellent care to women and babies in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and service delivery has not been impacted as a result of the delay.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491141"}},{"id":"491140","reference":"AQW 48985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to implement the recommendations from the October 2024 report Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"A broad programme of work is already underway to improve maternity and neonatal services, including implementation of the recommendations arising from Professor Renfrew’s report, Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care in Northern Ireland. In addition, this work is also informed by the RQIA review of maternity services, reviews of compliance with NICE guidance, and a detailed gap analysis of relevant reports and strategies. Collectively, this work will be fundamental to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and their families in Northern Ireland.\n\nFollowing publication of Professor Renfrew’s report, my Department wrote to the five Health and Social Care Trusts outlining the critical priorities identified within the review and the immediate actions required. Trusts have been progressing implementation of the recommendations, with action underway across all priority areas and improvements being delivered both regionally and locally.\n\nThis includes action to strengthen governance and accountability arrangements, improve escalation processes and psychological safety, support women requesting care outside of clinical guidance, enhance workforce recruitment and training, and address staffing pressures where possible.\n\nTo support sustained improvement and provide strategic oversight of this work, a multi-disciplinary regional Maternal and Newborn Partnership is being established. The Partnership will bring together existing maternity and neonatal structures to lead the development, implementation and oversight of evidence-based, safe, high-quality services. It will also oversee the development of a regional action plan, providing a clear focus for maternity and neonatal improvement over the next three to five years.","answerHtml":"A broad programme of work is already underway to improve maternity and neonatal services, including implementation of the recommendations arising from Professor Renfrew’s report, Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care in Northern Ireland. In addition, this work is also informed by the RQIA review of maternity services, reviews of compliance with NICE guidance, and a detailed gap analysis of relevant reports and strategies. Collectively, this work will be fundamental to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and their families in Northern Ireland.
Following publication of Professor Renfrew’s report, my Department wrote to the five Health and Social Care Trusts outlining the critical priorities identified within the review and the immediate actions required. Trusts have been progressing implementation of the recommendations, with action underway across all priority areas and improvements being delivered both regionally and locally.
This includes action to strengthen governance and accountability arrangements, improve escalation processes and psychological safety, support women requesting care outside of clinical guidance, enhance workforce recruitment and training, and address staffing pressures where possible.
To support sustained improvement and provide strategic oversight of this work, a multi-disciplinary regional Maternal and Newborn Partnership is being established. The Partnership will bring together existing maternity and neonatal structures to lead the development, implementation and oversight of evidence-based, safe, high-quality services. It will also oversee the development of a regional action plan, providing a clear focus for maternity and neonatal improvement over the next three to five years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491140"}},{"id":"491139","reference":"AQW 48984/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why we have not had a maternity strategy since 2018.","answerText":"While there has been considerable interest in the development of a new maternity strategy, my immediate focus has been on improving the safety, quality and governance of maternity and neonatal services, taking account of the findings and recommendations of several local and national reviews.\n\nA broad programme of work is already underway. Collectively, this will be fundamental to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and their families in Northern Ireland, and will help inform future needs and strategic priorities for maternity and neonatal services, including any consideration of a new maternity strategy.\n\nThe establishment of a multi-disciplinary regional Maternal and Newborn Partnership will be central to this work. The Partnership will bring together existing maternity and neonatal structures to lead the development, implementation and oversight of evidence-based, safe, high-quality services. This will also include the development of a regional action plan, which will provide a focus for maternity and neonatal services for the next three to five years.","answerHtml":"While there has been considerable interest in the development of a new maternity strategy, my immediate focus has been on improving the safety, quality and governance of maternity and neonatal services, taking account of the findings and recommendations of several local and national reviews.
A broad programme of work is already underway. Collectively, this will be fundamental to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and their families in Northern Ireland, and will help inform future needs and strategic priorities for maternity and neonatal services, including any consideration of a new maternity strategy.
The establishment of a multi-disciplinary regional Maternal and Newborn Partnership will be central to this work. The Partnership will bring together existing maternity and neonatal structures to lead the development, implementation and oversight of evidence-based, safe, high-quality services. This will also include the development of a regional action plan, which will provide a focus for maternity and neonatal services for the next three to five years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048984%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491139"}},{"id":"489790","reference":"AQO 3752/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-22","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of an independent, expert-led infrastructure commission.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We are determined to improve the process to ensure that more of our capital projects are delivered on time and on budget. Two work streams are under way that will help to shape decision-making on the best way forward. First, TEO and Strategic Investment Board (SIB) officials are continuing to address the recommendations from the recent review of SIB, including the provision of greater strategic support to the Executive. Secondly, the enabling action plan associated with the draft investment strategy is a key element of tackling the underlying issues that contribute to delays in infrastructure delivery. There are a number of actions, including the development of an infrastructure needs assessment. We will use the findings from those work streams as part of our considerations on the best way forward. Ultimately, obviously, decisions will be a matter for the Executive."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"First Minister, the Institute of Directors and the Construction Employers Federation are still calling for the establishment of an independent, expert-led infrastructure commission some five years after it appeared on page 27 of the previous Executive's COVID recovery plan, to which you were a co-signatory. It was also welcomed by previous Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon. What has contributed to the delay, and why are departmental responses on the topic becoming shorter rather than longer?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"I can say to the Member that we are absolutely committed to ensuring that we can deliver our capital projects better, on time and on budget. We saw some of the difficulties in the past, with projects running way over time, often because of legal challenges and cases. We need to find ways to ensure that we can deliver our projects better."},{"speaker":"","text":"An infrastructure commission is one potential part of that picture. It is one idea that has been advanced and that we have not ruled out. We have asked officials to consider more widely how we can improve the way that we deliver infrastructure projects, and an enabling action plan will be a key element of that."},{"speaker":"","text":"Infrastructure commissions tend to focus on future needs rather than the practicalities of delivery in the here and now, so what is the right balance in how we proceed? Again, if we are going to establish another body, that will have to come to the Executive for decision. We have to do the other legs of work in order to inform a final decision."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203752%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489790","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-22&docID=490798#AQO%203752/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489790"}},{"id":"490284","reference":"AQO 3727/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any engagement he has had on the administration costs related to cross-border travel for users of the Motability Scheme.","answerText":"While my department has no role in the policy or administration of the Motability Scheme, I have discussed the upcoming changes with the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability as part of wider Budget measures.\n\nMy officials have engaged with the Department for Work and Pensions and received briefing material following the announcement of the changes.\n\nMy officials also recently met with the Motability Foundation highlighting concerns raised by Members and stakeholders regarding the impact of forthcoming changes to the Motability Scheme for new orders from 1 July 2026.\n\nFollowing on from this meeting, the Motability Foundation has agreed to offer Members and external disability stakeholders briefing sessions to increase awareness about the Scheme and the implications of the proposed changes for Northern Ireland users.\n\nCustomers of the Scheme are advised to discuss with the Motability Foundation any concerns they may have with the changes.","answerHtml":"While my department has no role in the policy or administration of the Motability Scheme, I have discussed the upcoming changes with the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability as part of wider Budget measures.
My officials have engaged with the Department for Work and Pensions and received briefing material following the announcement of the changes.
My officials also recently met with the Motability Foundation highlighting concerns raised by Members and stakeholders regarding the impact of forthcoming changes to the Motability Scheme for new orders from 1 July 2026.
Following on from this meeting, the Motability Foundation has agreed to offer Members and external disability stakeholders briefing sessions to increase awareness about the Scheme and the implications of the proposed changes for Northern Ireland users.
Customers of the Scheme are advised to discuss with the Motability Foundation any concerns they may have with the changes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203727%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490284"}},{"id":"490729","reference":"AQO 3714/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his actions to address sewage pollution.","answerText":"The actions that my Department is taking to strengthen regulation and enforcement of sewage and wastewater pollution were outlined in my Assembly statement of 3 March 2026 and I am grateful for this opportunity to update members on progress with these initiatives.\n\nI am pleased to advise that the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill will be introduced to the Assembly next week. This offers the opportunity to ensure there is an effective enforcement regime with a consistent approach to offences leading to pollution of the water environment.\n\nI am seeking agreement to identify the Belfast Lough Shellfish Water Protected Area as a sensitive area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. This will require more stringent treatment of wastewater discharges affecting the area and its catchment.\n\nI am also seeking agreement to withdraw from the 2007 Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent with Northern Ireland Water, ensuring a level regulatory playing field for all organisations and individuals impacting our water environment.\n\nMy officials are working with Northern Ireland Water on a number of wastewater regulatory reforms to improve compliance performance and reporting. This includes the roll-out of Event Duration Monitors to provide real-time performance data, and a move towards unannounced sampling of wastewater treatment works from January 2027.\n\nStrengthening regulation and enforcement is essential if we are to maintain public confidence and deliver clean, healthy water for everyone. My officials are progressing a comprehensive programme to review discharge consents and enhance monitoring and reporting.","answerHtml":"The actions that my Department is taking to strengthen regulation and enforcement of sewage and wastewater pollution were outlined in my Assembly statement of 3 March 2026 and I am grateful for this opportunity to update members on progress with these initiatives.
I am pleased to advise that the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill will be introduced to the Assembly next week. This offers the opportunity to ensure there is an effective enforcement regime with a consistent approach to offences leading to pollution of the water environment.
I am seeking agreement to identify the Belfast Lough Shellfish Water Protected Area as a sensitive area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. This will require more stringent treatment of wastewater discharges affecting the area and its catchment.
I am also seeking agreement to withdraw from the 2007 Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent with Northern Ireland Water, ensuring a level regulatory playing field for all organisations and individuals impacting our water environment.
My officials are working with Northern Ireland Water on a number of wastewater regulatory reforms to improve compliance performance and reporting. This includes the roll-out of Event Duration Monitors to provide real-time performance data, and a move towards unannounced sampling of wastewater treatment works from January 2027.
Strengthening regulation and enforcement is essential if we are to maintain public confidence and deliver clean, healthy water for everyone. My officials are progressing a comprehensive programme to review discharge consents and enhance monitoring and reporting.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203714%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490729"}},{"id":"486010","reference":"AQO 3639/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the Proposed Draft Budget 2026-29/30.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"With the Speaker's permission, I will answer questions 2, 10 and 12 together. The Executive need sustainable long-term funding that allows us to plan, invest and deliver. I have made and continue to make the case, including through ongoing engagement with the Secretary of State, for fairer funding for public services and the investment required to grow our economy. In my engagement with both the Treasury and the Secretary of State, I have highlighted that, while the interim fiscal framework has supported our funding close to our 124% level of need, evidence has shown that we are not funded fairly when compared with Wales and Scotland. If the Executive were funded to the same levels, it would mean an additional circa £1 billion and £3 billion per annum respectively. Funding for the Executive has managed to meet levels of need only through the provision of one-off packages in recent years, which is not a sustainable or equitable position. The Executive recognise that we have a role to play in improving efficiency in how we deliver public services, but we need to be properly funded to enable transformation to take place."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"I thank the Finance Minister for his answer. He outlined the levels of need. What has he actually asked of the Treasury? Can he put a figure on that? Given that he is having difficulty agreeing a Budget with his Executive colleagues, could he release capital to, at least, allow new builds to commence?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I have outlined to the Secretary of State and, in writing, to the Treasury that, when I compare our funding package with those of Scotland and Wales, as I said in my substantive answer, I see that, while Scotland is funded in the region of £3 billion over its level of need and Wales is funded in the region of £1 billion over its level of need, we are funded at need. I have said to the Treasury that it needs to examine those figures and ensure that this place is properly funded going forward. However, it is clear from the figures that we are not being fairly funded and that those who pay taxes here are not getting a fair return on their taxes. In relation to the release of capital, my permanent secretary has written to all permanent secretaries across Departments to set out an estimated funding package over this period of time, and capital is within that. Departments can release certain amounts of capital for projects, particularly those that are Executive flagship projects and others for which contracts have been committed to."},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"Minister, not for the first and probably not for the last time, the British Government have characteristically been more preoccupied with their own leadership wrangles in Westminster than with ensuring a fair funding package for the Executive here. Can you outline what engagement you have had with the British Government and how you plan to engage with them going forward on the issue?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I have had several meetings with the Secretary of State on the matter. The Executive have also corresponded with the Secretary of State and the Treasury, and, in the last number of days, we have received a response from the Secretary of State to our Executive position. We will have to study that response and respond in due course. There has been distraction as a result of the ongoing wrangles within the Labour Party, and there now needs to be a focus from the British Government on the issue. They need to come and sit with us, have a proper discussion and engage with us on the needs of public services here and how we properly fund public services and support our economy to levels that are comparable to Scotland and Wales."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Minister, can you set out what the likely consequences for public services will be if you fail to reach agreement with the Treasury and secure Executive approval for a draft Budget?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"In the absence of a Budget, as the Member will be aware, we are currently operating on 45%, as set out in the Vote on Account. If we still have not set a Budget by the end of July, the permanent secretary of the Department of Finance can issue permission to Departments to spend 95% of last year's total Budget and cash holdings. The preferred option is to agree a Budget, but, for that Budget to be agreed, it will have to be properly funded and resourced by the British Government."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, can I just double-check a point of fact? You have just confirmed that if the Executive do not or will not agree a Budget — we all want the UK Government to engage with you; they are in chaos at the minute, so whether they are focusing or not is anyone's guess — there will be an automatic 5% cut imposed by the Executive on public services. Is that a fact?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I would not put it in the same context in which you put it — as being a fact — but the procedures are clear: up until the end of July, we have 45% Vote on Account, and, after that, the permanent secretary can give permission for 95% of last year's Budget and cash to be spent. That will result in less spending power for Departments this year. I am fully focused on ensuring that we get proper funding from the British Government that will allow the Executive to set a Budget that will not only make our public services sustainable but allow us to carry out the programme of transformation that is required."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203639%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486010","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-01&docID=486740#AQO%203639/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486010"}},{"id":"488267","reference":"AQO 3605/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-05-26","answered":"2026-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the development of a public space of reflection, as referenced in the Strategy for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles/Conflict 2024-2034.","answerText":"The Strategy for Victims and Survivors contains a commitment to work with victims and survivors, and with wider society, to develop a designated public space of reflection where people can come together to remember our past. This is a complex and sensitive area of work, and it will take time.\n\nTo date, the focus has been on the design and development of the new Victims Support Programme which is expected to contribute to a range of commitments in the Strategy.\n\nAs we continue to deliver the Strategy, we will engage with relevant partners, including victims and survivors and their representative groups, to consider next steps in relation to the development of a public space of reflection.","answerHtml":"The Strategy for Victims and Survivors contains a commitment to work with victims and survivors, and with wider society, to develop a designated public space of reflection where people can come together to remember our past. This is a complex and sensitive area of work, and it will take time.
To date, the focus has been on the design and development of the new Victims Support Programme which is expected to contribute to a range of commitments in the Strategy.
As we continue to deliver the Strategy, we will engage with relevant partners, including victims and survivors and their representative groups, to consider next steps in relation to the development of a public space of reflection.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203605%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488267"}},{"id":"485385","reference":"AQO 3593/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the implementation of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee Scheme.","answerText":"The Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme policy intent was agreed by the Executive on 26 March 2026.\n\nMy department aims to introduce the required primary legislation for the REPG to the Assembly before summer recess 2026. The drafting process for the Primary Bill is ongoing with OLC. Once the Primary Bill is in place, subordinate legislation will be taken forward to set out the detailed arrangements.\n\nThe REPG is a critical enabler for our net zero ambitions and to position our region as a competitive and attractive destination for renewables’ investment.\n\nDelivering additional renewable electricity generation is complex, demanding a careful balance between security of supply, affordability, and legislative compliance. It therefore requires joined-up working, across government and with our delivery partners, to unlock the progress needed.","answerHtml":"The Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme policy intent was agreed by the Executive on 26 March 2026.
My department aims to introduce the required primary legislation for the REPG to the Assembly before summer recess 2026. The drafting process for the Primary Bill is ongoing with OLC. Once the Primary Bill is in place, subordinate legislation will be taken forward to set out the detailed arrangements.
The REPG is a critical enabler for our net zero ambitions and to position our region as a competitive and attractive destination for renewables’ investment.
Delivering additional renewable electricity generation is complex, demanding a careful balance between security of supply, affordability, and legislative compliance. It therefore requires joined-up working, across government and with our delivery partners, to unlock the progress needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203593%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485385","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485385"}},{"id":"480235","reference":"AQW 44059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-16","answerBy":"2026-05-01","answered":"2026-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to review the time limits for planning enforcement.","answerText":"The current time limits in relation to taking planning enforcement action are set out in section 132 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and are standardised at 5 years across various breaches of planning control. I have no plans currently to bring forward any review or amendment of the current time limits.","answerHtml":"The current time limits in relation to taking planning enforcement action are set out in section 132 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and are standardised at 5 years across various breaches of planning control. I have no plans currently to bring forward any review or amendment of the current time limits.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480235","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480235"}},{"id":"479286","reference":"AQW 43666/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail how he engages with the Education Authority, to ensure equitable provision of special educational needs summer schemes across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026.","answerHtml":"My Department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043666%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479286","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479286"}},{"id":"479285","reference":"AQW 43665/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he will take with the Education Authority to ensure advance planning and communication of summer schemes for children with special educational needs.","answerText":"My department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026.","answerHtml":"My department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043665%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479285","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479285"}},{"id":"478362","reference":"AQW 43425/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-08","answered":"2026-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of (i) men and boys; and (ii) women and girls, who have participated in any Ending Violence Against Women and Girls funded programmes, events or groups, in the last two years.","answerText":"The first delivery plan under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls runs from January 2025 until March 2026. Information on programmes and activities under this delivery plan is still being gathered and collated by The Executive Office based on information provided by delivery partners including Councils.\n\nMost EVAWG programmes are not due to complete until March 2026, and collated data from these programmes is anticipated in June 2026. Therefore, we are currently unable to provide this information.","answerHtml":"The first delivery plan under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls runs from January 2025 until March 2026. Information on programmes and activities under this delivery plan is still being gathered and collated by The Executive Office based on information provided by delivery partners including Councils.
Most EVAWG programmes are not due to complete until March 2026, and collated data from these programmes is anticipated in June 2026. Therefore, we are currently unable to provide this information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043425%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478362","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478362"}},{"id":"478361","reference":"AQW 43424/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-27","answerBy":"2026-04-15","answered":"2026-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of ending violence against women and girls funded (i) groups or programmes; and (ii) events targeted at (a) men and boys; (b) women and girls; (c) everyone, in the last two years.","answerText":"The first delivery plan under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls runs from January 2025 until March 2026. Information on programmes and activities under this delivery plan is still being gathered and collated by The Executive Office based on data provided by delivery partners including Councils.\n\nCollated data from these programmes is anticipated in June 2026.","answerHtml":"The first delivery plan under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls runs from January 2025 until March 2026. Information on programmes and activities under this delivery plan is still being gathered and collated by The Executive Office based on data provided by delivery partners including Councils.
Collated data from these programmes is anticipated in June 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043424%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478361","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478361"}},{"id":"478051","reference":"AQO 3413/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-26","answerBy":"2026-04-20","answered":"2026-04-20","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs when the Climate Action Plan 2023-2027 will be published.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Work is well advanced on finalising Northern Ireland's first climate action plan, following the completion of the public consultation and recent publication of the summary of responses on the DAERA website. Responses highlighted strong support for climate action, alongside clear expectations of fairness, affordability and deliverability. The climate action plan is a significant, cross-cutting statutory document that will provide clarity on how we will cut emissions, improve our environment and achieve sustainable growth in a way that is just and fair for all. It is therefore my intention to bring the climate action plan to the Executive for consideration before the summer recess. Whilst work continues to finalise the first climate action plan for publication, it is important to note that work on a more ambitious second climate action plan is already under way, reflecting the scale of the long-term challenge, as set out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. A low-carbon future will bring multiple benefits that will be achieved only by working together."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. It is also good to hear the positive response that there has been to the climate action plan. Minister, what is your assessment of the recent report by the Climate Change Committee on the cost-benefit analysis of the seventh carbon budget?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Climate Change Committee's cost-benefit analysis reinforces the message that early, well-planned action is economically preferable to delay and that the cost of inaction would be significant and rising for households, farmers and businesses. In particular, the report highlights that a single fossil fuel price shock can cost as much as delivering the recommended route to net zero, underscoring the economic risk of continued exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. Not acting on climate change will cost the UK between £10 billion and £20 billion per year by 2050, and, for every pound invested in climate action, the benefits outweigh that by 2·2 to 4·1 times. Those findings are relevant for Northern Ireland, because inaction would increase our exposure to climate impacts, such as more frequent and extreme weather; increased flooding; and risks to food and energy security. Delay also increases the risk of higher future costs. By contrast, taking forward a planned route through the climate action plan supports a fair and just transition, enabling people and business to adapt in a manageable way. The benefits of acting now are lower energy bills over time; improved energy security; new green jobs and skills; and greater resilience in farming and rural communities. It helps to ensure that the transition delivers economic, social and environmental benefits for Northern Ireland, including protection for the most vulnerable."},{"speaker":"Mr McAleer","text":"Minister, can you give an assurance that the climate action plan and the actions that flow from it will be underpinned by the principles of just transition?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I can, because the issue of just transition runs through the Climate Change Act, which was passed unanimously by the House in 2022. I believe in a just transition. We are setting up the just transition commission to ensure that those voices are heard and no one is left behind. It will be the first time that such a commission has been set up in law in the UK and Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mr Wilson","text":"Minister, you are aware of your wide-ranging role in the climate action plan and the fact that that work is cross-departmental, as you have stated. The climate action plan does not come without cost. In wider society, people are becoming more aware of the great expense associated with overambitious emissions targets. I note that your colleague conveniently referred to the Climate Change Committee's reports. Sadly, those initial reports were, of course, rejected by the majority in the House."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Is there a question, Mr Wilson?"},{"speaker":"Mr Wilson","text":"Yes. I will get to the question. Minister, will you today commit to task every Department and arm's-length body with conducting a cost-benefit analysis of all net zero-related climate policies and funding streams within their remits?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"As I set out in response to the supplementary question from Peter McReynolds, there are clear benefits associated with climate action. The Climate Change Committee consistently reports on that. Requirements are also in place in 'Managing Public Money' for any expenditure in government, as everyone well knows. The issue here with people pushing the mantra that climate action can be deferred and is something that we should not take defies belief, frankly. We are seeing, yet again, a fossil fuel crisis, where people are being pushed into fuel poverty. We are at the behest of dictatorships for the supply of oil and gas. We want to take climate action so that we get off that fossil fuel roller coaster and have a decarbonised society that everyone benefits from. That is what I intend to do, rather than parrot the Trump playbook that the DUP is obsessed with."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Minister, your draft climate action plan stipulates a reduction by 2030 of 18% in dairy cattle, 17% in beef cattle and 18% in sheep, pigs and poultry. Can you give the agriculture industry·— remember: that is the one that you are meant to champion — a commitment that your action plan will not include stock cuts?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"If the Member cared to read the climate action plan, he would realise that it does not; that we are not following the advice of the CCC; and that we are working with farmers to give that thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future. That is what we are doing. It is important that we recognise the course that we are following on that. We are committed to climate action, and we are committed to a just transition."},{"speaker":"","text":"We are also not going to jump on the bandwagon of rejecting science and evidence, which your party does daily."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move to topical questions. Question 1 has been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203413%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478051","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-20&docID=480111#AQO%203413/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478051"}},{"id":"477879","reference":"AQW 43184/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-25","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the definition of major projects that her Department is applying when determining which infrastructure schemes are affected by the High Court judgment of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme.","answerText":"My Department does not apply a standalone or bespoke definition of “major projects” for the purposes of determining which schemes may be impacted by the recent High Court judgment relating to the A5 Western Transport Corridor.\n\nI have asked officials to assess projects casebycase, where they have potential significant legal, financial and environmental risk while the appeal process continues.\n\nTaking decisions on other major projects at this stage could introduce uncertainty and increase the risk of similar legal challenges arising.","answerHtml":"My Department does not apply a standalone or bespoke definition of “major projects” for the purposes of determining which schemes may be impacted by the recent High Court judgment relating to the A5 Western Transport Corridor.
I have asked officials to assess projects casebycase, where they have potential significant legal, financial and environmental risk while the appeal process continues.
Taking decisions on other major projects at this stage could introduce uncertainty and increase the risk of similar legal challenges arising.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043184%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477879","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477879"}},{"id":"477878","reference":"AQW 43183/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-25","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for pausing the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Belfast.","answerText":"The issues being examined in the A5 case are relevant to approval of all of my departments major infrastructure projects and it is therefore considered appropriate not to make decisions on these projects until we have the clarity that final determination of these proceedings should provide.\n\nTaking decisions on other major projects at this stage could introduce uncertainty and increase the risk of similar legal challenges arising.\n\nThis is not a position the Department has adopted lightly, and this will be kept under review.","answerHtml":"The issues being examined in the A5 case are relevant to approval of all of my departments major infrastructure projects and it is therefore considered appropriate not to make decisions on these projects until we have the clarity that final determination of these proceedings should provide.
Taking decisions on other major projects at this stage could introduce uncertainty and increase the risk of similar legal challenges arising.
This is not a position the Department has adopted lightly, and this will be kept under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043183%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477878","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477878"}},{"id":"479568","reference":"AQO 3398/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-14","answered":"2026-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.","answerText":"Improving the experience of the criminal justice system for victims and witnesses of crime is a priority for my Department and its partners. The Bill is focused on a small number of very significant measures that will have the most impact on victims and witnesses of crime.\n\nThe Bill’s provisions will:\n\nPlace a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Commissioner on a statutory footing;\n\nMake provision in relation to reporting duties placed on criminal justice agencies and monitoring compliance of relevant organisations with the Victim and Witness Charters;\n\nIntroduce a right to pre-trial independent legal representation in prescribed circumstances for complainants in serious sexual offence cases;\n\nMake provision relating to improvements to the third party material disclosure process in serious sexual offence cases;\n\nAdd hate crime offences to the list of offences in which there is an automatic eligibility to special measures. In addition, any person charged with any offence under the new statutory aggravation model, which is included within the current Sentencing Bill, will be prohibited from cross examining the victim of a hate crime in any criminal proceedings; and\n\nMake a technical fix to the ‘No Bill’ procedure specifically in relation to causing / allowing death / serious harm of a child / vulnerable adult in preparation for the commencement of Committal Reform.\n\nOfficials are currently working with OLC to support the drafting of the Bill, and I plan to introduce it before the summer recess, subject to Executive approval.","answerHtml":"Improving the experience of the criminal justice system for victims and witnesses of crime is a priority for my Department and its partners. The Bill is focused on a small number of very significant measures that will have the most impact on victims and witnesses of crime.
The Bill’s provisions will:
Place a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Commissioner on a statutory footing;
Make provision in relation to reporting duties placed on criminal justice agencies and monitoring compliance of relevant organisations with the Victim and Witness Charters;
Introduce a right to pre-trial independent legal representation in prescribed circumstances for complainants in serious sexual offence cases;
Make provision relating to improvements to the third party material disclosure process in serious sexual offence cases;
Add hate crime offences to the list of offences in which there is an automatic eligibility to special measures. In addition, any person charged with any offence under the new statutory aggravation model, which is included within the current Sentencing Bill, will be prohibited from cross examining the victim of a hate crime in any criminal proceedings; and
Make a technical fix to the ‘No Bill’ procedure specifically in relation to causing / allowing death / serious harm of a child / vulnerable adult in preparation for the commencement of Committal Reform.
Officials are currently working with OLC to support the drafting of the Bill, and I plan to introduce it before the summer recess, subject to Executive approval.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203398%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479568"}},{"id":"476632","reference":"AQW 42651/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-18","answerBy":"2026-04-02","answered":"2026-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of parking Penalty Charge Notices issued, each month, over the last 12 months.","answerText":"The number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for on-street, off-street and bus lane contraventions are available to download at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"The number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for on-street, off-street and bus lane contraventions are available to download at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042651%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476632","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476632"}},{"id":"478012","reference":"AQO 3360/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-24","answered":"2026-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how he will support research initiatives to encourage more people to work in the field of neurology and address current workforce shortages.","answerText":"My Department’s Regional Review of Neurology report acknowledges the pressures within the current Neurology workforce. The need to grow and develop the workforce is identified as one of four key priorities in the report and has the largest number of recommendations.\n\nIn order to support this growth, it is crucial to ensure that Neurology is regarded as an attractive speciality to work in. To that end, I recognise that research initiatives can positively contribute to interest in working in Neurology.\n\nA range of research initiatives are currently underway. These include an innovative clinical trial testing potential treatments for Motor Neurone Disease, active Neuromuscular research projects, a Headache trial and two Multiple Sclerosis research projects.\n\nOther measures identified in the report intended to increase interest in Neurology include increased exposure at early and middle grade training. It is intended that this will maximise recruitment to the Neurology Training Programme to support recruitment and retention within the medical workforce.\n\nIn addition, a focus on multidisciplinary working, the development of career pathways and the establishment of Neurology Teams should also encourage more people to work in Neurology.\n\nIt is important to recognise, however, that implementation of the Review’s recommendations would require over £65m in additional investment. Given that the draft multi-year budget proposed for my Department is far below what is needed, it is likely that difficult funding decisions will be required. The scale and pace of implementation will therefore have to be adjusted in line with funding.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Regional Review of Neurology report acknowledges the pressures within the current Neurology workforce. The need to grow and develop the workforce is identified as one of four key priorities in the report and has the largest number of recommendations.
In order to support this growth, it is crucial to ensure that Neurology is regarded as an attractive speciality to work in. To that end, I recognise that research initiatives can positively contribute to interest in working in Neurology.
A range of research initiatives are currently underway. These include an innovative clinical trial testing potential treatments for Motor Neurone Disease, active Neuromuscular research projects, a Headache trial and two Multiple Sclerosis research projects.
Other measures identified in the report intended to increase interest in Neurology include increased exposure at early and middle grade training. It is intended that this will maximise recruitment to the Neurology Training Programme to support recruitment and retention within the medical workforce.
In addition, a focus on multidisciplinary working, the development of career pathways and the establishment of Neurology Teams should also encourage more people to work in Neurology.
It is important to recognise, however, that implementation of the Review’s recommendations would require over £65m in additional investment. Given that the draft multi-year budget proposed for my Department is far below what is needed, it is likely that difficult funding decisions will be required. The scale and pace of implementation will therefore have to be adjusted in line with funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203360%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478012","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478012"}},{"id":"476062","reference":"AQO 3338/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-12","answerBy":"2026-03-23","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will commission a review into the performance and culture of her Department.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"Under its previous political leadership, the Department for the Economy did not have clear strategic objectives. It paid lip service to the need for regional balance, for example, and did not embrace the potential of the all-Ireland economy. Its key delivery agency, Invest NI, lacked proper oversight. Those issues have been tackled over the past two years. The progress delivered by my Department includes a 22% increase in the number of students at Magee; a significant funding boost for St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College, both of which were previously in a financially precarious position; the extension of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands into Fermanagh; more affordable grid connections for rural households and businesses; and increased investment in InterTradeIreland and Tourism Ireland. The growth of the all-Ireland economy and our relatively impressive economic output and export statistics are positive signs of change."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, following recent comments in the media by former senior staff from your Department, as well as several unsatisfactory briefings to the Economy Committee, what assurances can you provide that your Department will deliver on the legislation that you committed to bringing forward in this mandate?"},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Minister, did you hear that all right?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"Just about. I base my assessment on what the Department delivers and the outcomes that we achieve. We see improvements in key areas, including our overall objectives of having more good jobs, improved productivity, greater regional balance and lower emissions. It is important that we see the culture coming from the top — the leadership of the Department. Every day, I work with officials whom I see as being dedicated public servants with a real focus on delivering for people here. I also understand that the Department went through a programme of organisational development in the recent past, in which there was a clear focus on improving the culture and on efficiencies and leadership development. In the NICS people survey, my Department performed best in class across all nine Departments, including having the highest level of employee engagement. It is important, however, that we keep a focus on delivery and having a positive culture, and, in any Department, that has to come from the top."},{"speaker":"Mr Kearney","text":"Previously, DUP Economy Ministers delivered the renewable heat incentive scandal, which led to a black hole in our public finances, and a scathing report on the workings of Invest NI. With regard to your earlier comments, how systemic at a cultural, management and operational level are the reforms that you have introduced in the Department? How durable will they be to ensure continued success?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As I have indicated, the performance and culture of any organisation is likely to improve when that organisation has clear and strategic leadership, direction and a focus on delivering the things that matter most for people here. My predecessor, Conor Murphy, and I have provided that throughout this shortened mandate. I have already pointed to some of the examples of our delivery. We are also pursuing an ambitious programme for the rest of the mandate, including an ambitious legislative programme — a once-in-a-generation reform of employment rights. We have already made significant and targeted investments to address priority skills gaps, and we continue to make progress on our long-standing commitment to the expansion of university provision at Magee, with more investment there in the past two years than in the previous 10. We have clear plans to grow our priority sectors, raise our productivity and better deliver regional balance. That all requires a continued focus, and that has to come from the top."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"Minister, you mentioned that the most senior officials in your Department had a lapse in knowledge, forgetting about £81 million being bid for by Treasury. We have seen delays in legislation and two years of your departmental accounts being disclaimed — it looks like a third year, as the Audit Office will not even put its name to the accounts. The Audit Office also published a scathing report on the energy strategy. Under your leadership, the Department's performance genuinely cannot be considered to be good. Will you look at it again and consider reviewing it?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for her question. A number of those issues stem from the previous leadership of the Department. We are working to address the issues that she has highlighted. For example, significant progress has been made on the accounts, as recognised by the Audit Office. As she will know, they are complex accounts, and a number of the issues that led to the opinion that was given by the Audit Office were outwith the Department. Those issues are being addressed, and a programme of work has been undertaken. Of course, there is always room for improvement. I will keep a focus on delivery, because that is what everybody wants us collectively to do for them here."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"Given the focus on delivery, will the Minister update the House on the extension of tourism brands the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East into northern counties?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I thank the Member for his question and his continued focus on tourism. He will know, because I have given the answer at previous Question Times, that Ireland's Ancient East is under review by Fáilte Ireland, which owns all the brands. Once it has evaluated that, I will be keen to engage with it. He will also be aware that there is a Shared Island project on the connection between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway coastal route that I continue to keep a focus on. I continue to make the case to Fáilte Ireland that we should see better incorporation of those brands."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Before I call Claire Sudgen, I remind everyone that supplementaries need to be related, even thinly, to the primary question. Minister, you do not have to respond if they are not related at all."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203338%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476062","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-23&docID=476718#AQO%203338/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476062"}},{"id":"475718","reference":"AQW 42273/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of the independent, expert-led Infrastructure Commission.","answerText":"Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive.","answerHtml":"Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042273%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475718","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475718"}},{"id":"473542","reference":"AQO 3277/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to outline any feedback it has received following the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Parliament Buildings to victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"I thank the Member for his question. As you are aware, the Speaker hosted an event in the Great Hall on 20 February in conjunction with the First Minister and the deputy First Minister to unveil a memorial to victims of historical institutional abuse. The Assembly Commission was proud to play its part in working in partnership with the Executive Office over the past few years to see the memorial finally delivered. A number of Members who sit on the Executive Office Committee and other Members from across the House attended the unveiling. Extremely positive feedback has been received since the event. I am pleased to report that a number of thank yous to staff have been received, including from people who travelled a long distance to see the unveiling, in recognition of how well looked after they were on the day. The event had to be handled extremely sensitively to respect the victims and survivors, who live with the legacy of extremely traumatic experiences. It was important that they were treated with dignity. I am sure that the whole House will join me in thanking all the Assembly Commission and Executive Office officials who worked to deliver an event that was personally meaningful to all who attended it."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Member for her response. I am one of the Members who were there, and it was fitting that victims and survivors were front and centre that afternoon. Do you agree that the plaque is a good example of the importance of listening to victims and survivors?"},{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"Yes, absolutely. The Commission was clear that it wanted to proceed with the memorial only on the basis of the widest possible agreement with victims and survivors. Whilst there is not one view on the issues among the victims and survivors, the engagement that took place with them to get to this point has been extremely important. Their views and feelings were an absolute priority."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203277%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473542","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-10&docID=474548#AQO%203277/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473542"}},{"id":"473529","reference":"AQO 3264/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any engagement he has had with the Minister of Education in relation to the introduction of free school meals for families in receipt of Universal Credit.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"The policy and legislative responsibility for the free school meals scheme sits with the Department of Education. Free school meals are available to children in households claiming universal credit where household net earnings do not exceed £15,390 per year. My officials met their Department of Education colleagues, most recently in May and December 2024, to provide assistance in developing guidance for claimants on uploading their universal credit statement to the Department of Education's online portal to allow their eligibility for free school meals to be determined."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, Advice NI has recommended that children from families in receipt of universal credit should be automatically enrolled for free school meals to ensure that no eligible family misses out."},{"speaker":"","text":"Were data-sharing arrangements to make auto-enrolment possible discussed at those meetings with the Department of Education? Could that fit into the Executive's anti-poverty strategy?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"My officials have engaged with the Department of Education to provide verification of UC award amounts for those who need to use that service. I am more than happy to explore what else we can do to make sure that that works more easily. When it comes to the wider issue of what could be included in an anti-poverty strategy, we should put everything on the table, assess all the options and measure them against one another. Many ideas have come forward, including further welfare mitigations and other plans for payments, for short-term support and for the longer-term support that can tackle the root causes of poverty. However, we should not do that in a piecemeal way. As an Executive, with input from the Assembly, we should put all the options on the table and decide what will give us the greatest return on our investment and what will make the biggest difference to the lives of children, young people and others in our society. I am open to hearing all those ideas, weighing them up and seeing what can make a difference."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203264%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473529","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-10&docID=474548#AQO%203264/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473529"}},{"id":"472189","reference":"AQW 40976/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-06","answered":"2026-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any discussions she has had with Translink regarding route optimisation for buses.","answerText":"The scheduling and timetabling, and therefore optimisation of services is an operational matter for Translink.","answerHtml":"The scheduling and timetabling, and therefore optimisation of services is an operational matter for Translink.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040976%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472189","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472189"}},{"id":"472028","reference":"AQW 40873/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-18","answerBy":"2026-02-26","answered":"2026-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 20976/22-27, (i) for an update on the removal of the C1 licensing requirement for electric vans; (ii) to detail a timeline for the introduction of its removal; and (iii) whether its removal will be completed by summer 2026.","answerText":"In response to your questions:\n\nMy officials have been working on the drafting of the public consultation required as a first step in this process. It is hoped that the consultation will launch in the coming weeks.\n\nAt this stage it is not possible to give an exact timeline for the process.\n\nIt is my hope that, subject to the outcome of the public consultation, the necessary legislative amendments will be made by summer 2026.","answerHtml":"In response to your questions:
My officials have been working on the drafting of the public consultation required as a first step in this process. It is hoped that the consultation will launch in the coming weeks.
At this stage it is not possible to give an exact timeline for the process.
It is my hope that, subject to the outcome of the public consultation, the necessary legislative amendments will be made by summer 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040873%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472028","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472028"}},{"id":"472027","reference":"AQW 40872/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-18","answerBy":"2026-03-05","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, with reference to the oral evidence session on the Inquiry into Road Openings by Utilities at the Public Accounts Committee evidence session, held on 11 December 2025, to detail; (i) the 400 roles brought in by her Department, broken down by geographical area; (ii) to detail the roles that the potential 850 newly recruited people would fill; and (iii) when her Department expects to have recruited the full cohort of required roles.","answerText":"The Department for Finance (DoF) is responsible for recruitment across the NICS. As such:\n\nMy Department does not hold the information requested. However, it is worth clarifying that it was 400 people brought into DfI, the majority of which were to fill existing vacancies during that period, not new roles;\n\nMy officials are working with DoF colleagues to progress 41 recruitment competitions. These are across all DfI business areas covering the wide range of roles and disciplines in the Department;\n\nWhile I am keen to have as many vacancies across DfI filled as soon as possible, progress on recruitment activity is contingent upon the capacity of DoF and their delivery partners, HRConnect.","answerHtml":"The Department for Finance (DoF) is responsible for recruitment across the NICS. As such:
My Department does not hold the information requested. However, it is worth clarifying that it was 400 people brought into DfI, the majority of which were to fill existing vacancies during that period, not new roles;
My officials are working with DoF colleagues to progress 41 recruitment competitions. These are across all DfI business areas covering the wide range of roles and disciplines in the Department;
While I am keen to have as many vacancies across DfI filled as soon as possible, progress on recruitment activity is contingent upon the capacity of DoF and their delivery partners, HRConnect.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040872%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472027","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472027"}},{"id":"477334","reference":"AQO 3123/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how he is working to address the threat of invasive species to biodiversity.","answerText":"Invasive species movements are a consequence of living in an increasingly interconnected world, and their management is a responsibility for all landowners and public authorities. My Department’s primary focus is on increasing awareness to promote effective biosecurity and prevent the establishment of new invasive species.\n\nMy Department takes forward regulatory action to comply with the EU regulation on invasive species. This includes work to reduce the distribution and numbers of Widely Spread Species, 12 named invasive species already well-established in Northern Ireland which impact on local biodiversity.\n\nSpecific actions to address invasive species are detailed in the published Environmental Improvement Plan and proposed in the draft Nature Recovery Strategy, the latter including review of the Northern Ireland Invasive Species Strategy.\n\nDAERA also participates in awareness-raising activity such as the Invasive Species Northern Ireland website (https://invasivespeciesni.co.uk/), social media and the Check Clean Dry campaigns for reducing the spread of aquatic invasives, together with collaborative work across the British Irish Council administrations.\n\nAn important delivery mechanism is the Shared Island Invasive Alien Species and Biosecurity initiative which sets out to deliver an enhanced programme of work around invasive alien species, working on a north-south basis. It is funded through the RoI Department of the Taoiseach Shared Island Initiative, with additional funding committed by the (RoI) National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Work commenced in 2024 and continues until 2029, aiming to promote the joined-up, strategic approach necessary to better address the threat presented by invasive species across the island of Ireland.","answerHtml":"Invasive species movements are a consequence of living in an increasingly interconnected world, and their management is a responsibility for all landowners and public authorities. My Department’s primary focus is on increasing awareness to promote effective biosecurity and prevent the establishment of new invasive species.
My Department takes forward regulatory action to comply with the EU regulation on invasive species. This includes work to reduce the distribution and numbers of Widely Spread Species, 12 named invasive species already well-established in Northern Ireland which impact on local biodiversity.
Specific actions to address invasive species are detailed in the published Environmental Improvement Plan and proposed in the draft Nature Recovery Strategy, the latter including review of the Northern Ireland Invasive Species Strategy.
DAERA also participates in awareness-raising activity such as the Invasive Species Northern Ireland website (https://invasivespeciesni.co.uk/), social media and the Check Clean Dry campaigns for reducing the spread of aquatic invasives, together with collaborative work across the British Irish Council administrations.
An important delivery mechanism is the Shared Island Invasive Alien Species and Biosecurity initiative which sets out to deliver an enhanced programme of work around invasive alien species, working on a north-south basis. It is funded through the RoI Department of the Taoiseach Shared Island Initiative, with additional funding committed by the (RoI) National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Work commenced in 2024 and continues until 2029, aiming to promote the joined-up, strategic approach necessary to better address the threat presented by invasive species across the island of Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203123%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477334","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477334"}},{"id":"469759","reference":"AQO 3095/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the appointment of a Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill (The First Minister)","text":"The Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner Regulations 2025 were affirmed by the Assembly and made by the Executive Office on 8 April 2025. They came into force on 9 April 2025. The regulations provide the legal authority for TEO to appoint a Climate Commissioner. Since then, officials have been undertaking work to establish the commissioner's office. That work includes the preparatory work for a public appointment process to be run in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments code of practice, which will lead to the appointment of a Climate Commissioner. Supporting work has been progressing on the drafting of an appropriate business case and on working through the approvals that are required by the Department of Finance. That also involves consideration of the most appropriate staffing structure for the office; identification of suitable office accommodation; and arranging the key systems for human resources, IT, records management and finance. An indicative budget of £3 million — £1 million per annum for three years — to support the operation of the office has been included in the draft Budget, which is out for consultation, and will need Executive consideration before being agreed."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the First Minister for her response. Extreme heat, as a direct consequence of climate change, is predicted to result in 100 deaths a year in Northern Ireland. Flooding and heavy rainfall can have devastating consequences for farmers, families, businesses and coastal communities. With Northern Ireland producing more CO2 per year per person than China, does the First Minister share the view of the deputy First Minister who recently told the Executive Office Committee that a local climate change commissioner would not add any value?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We have a difference of opinion on that. It is the will of the Assembly that we establish a Climate Commissioner. As I said, we are going through all the processes, including the business case, and carrying out the due diligence work that is required. The role of the commissioner will be really important for us. We only have to look at the extreme rain that we have seen since Christmas: weather events that, previously, would have been described as once in a lifetime events, or events that occurred once every 50 years, are now a very regular occurrence. That is a direct result of climate change. We have to play our part and do something about it. There are lots of things going on across all Departments, but the sooner that we get our commissioner in place — one who can work in tandem with everybody — the sooner that we can fulfil our responsibilities around climate change obligations. I believe that the majority of people will do, and want to do, that. It is about having a just transition — a fair transition — and allowing people, particularly our farmers, to play their part. Farmers have always said that they are part of the solution. I believe that that is the case. Let us get to work with a commissioner. We will come back to the House with next stages when we have the business case and everything else complete."},{"speaker":"Ms Murphy","text":"First Minister, you mentioned something very important in your response: a just and fair transition. What will that mean for farmers, families and workers?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"The Member represents a rural constituency so she will know from engagement with farm families that they want to play their part, and will play their part, but they want fairness, and they want support to adjust and transition towards playing their part. Our ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2050 is challenging. We are slightly behind other jurisdictions, but the pathway has been set. The commissioner will provide a unique opportunity to enable us to target specific sectors to look at what can be done and how we can work with individual sectors. Some will be able to do more than others. That is the approach that we need to see. Confronting a climate crisis — I do not think that anybody can deny that that is what it is — means reshaping our economy to create a more equal and more sustainable society. In essence, that is what the just transition is all about. It has to be planned. The commissioner will allow us the ability to do that and to have conversations with farmers, citizens and businesses, all of whom will have a role to play in making sure that the transition is implemented fairly and equitably across the board. We are slightly behind other jurisdictions in the emission reductions that we have achieved thus far, but, by working across the House and all sectors, we can reach those targets and do more."},{"speaker":"Mr Brett","text":"First Minister, at a time when our public services are crumbling, the vast majority of the public will be appalled that you want to spend £3 million on yet another quango. When I asked you this question at Committee, you called me \"a climate change denier\", without any evidence to back up that claim. Could you outline to the House Northern Ireland's contribution to global emissions on an annual basis, please?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"The Member took the opportunity to set that out very clearly at the Committee, and I had no doubt that he was going to ask a similar question today. Instead of running away from the climate crisis — we do have a crisis — we need to do something about it. We need to find ways to work with our farmers and our business industry leaders to make sure that we can all play our part in doing right by the climate. Our public services will continue to be decimated if we have to keep investing in roads that have been dug up because of extreme weather, such as snow and ice. The climate has a real-life impact on our public services. We need to work together on the climate crisis and do everything that we can. We are protecting the future for our children and grandchildren, and we are protecting this world that we live in, but we should be able to do that in a joined-up way by working constructively with people. We should also do it through a just transition that allows people to navigate from where they are to where they need to get to and to play their part."},{"speaker":"Mr Carroll","text":"I have a concern that the Executive have, for too long, operated in the interests of the big agri-food sector. I hope that that does not continue. You mentioned a figure of £3 million for the Climate Commissioner and the staffing structure. How many staff will that include, and will the commissioner have teeth to intervene and impose fines, if necessary? What happens if the deputy First Minister does not agree to the commissioner being established?"},{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"We will take one problem at a time. We have to work our way through this. The deputy First Minister may take her own position, but it is the will of this Assembly to bring forward legislation. We are going through the business case process and doing all the due diligence at this time. It is very clear that the Members on the opposite Benches do not agree with the approach that the rest of us have agreed to. This is about us trying, as custodians, to play our part in protecting the place in which we live for future generations. The commissioner will be able to provide advice and make recommendations to various Departments on the operation of the Act. They will be able to do research, which will inform how we move forward. They will monitor and implement the climate action plans and sectoral policies. They have reports to publish. There is a lot to be done. The Member asked about the staffing of the office. We are working our way through the business case with the Department of Finance, and we will then be able to say more about that. Obviously, budgets will be crucial to what we can do in the office. As I said in the initial answer, as part of the three-year Budget, we have looked at the allocation that we have asked for. That is still to be decided. That will definitely have an impact on what we can do, but suffice it to say that the office needs to provide value for money and needs to pass the business case test. We are actively working, at official level, with Department of Finance officials."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203095%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469759","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-16&docID=470673#AQO%203095/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469759"}},{"id":"469045","reference":"AQW 39549/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-10","answered":"2026-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the percentage of pothole repairs inspected; (ii) the percentage of repairs that were found to be inadequate; (iii) how long repairs were lasting on average, before needing to be repaired again, over the last three financial years; and (iv) whether there is a guarantee or warranty period, during which further repairs are required, without further charge.","answerText":"My Department identifies actionable defects for repair through routine highway safety inspections and through public reporting via the online Report a Fault system.\n\nActionable defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road defect repairs by external contractors before payments are processed. Checks on the work of the Department’s internal contractor are also undertaken.\n\nIn addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.\n\nOfficials use DEM 160/21 Road Maintenance Standards for Safety – Limited Service when determining actionable defects and the Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Works when determining a repair to be satisfactory.\n\nTemporary and long‑term repairs, as distinct from structural resurfacing, are mainly delivered through Term Contracts for Small‑Scale and Responsive Works. The quality and durability requirements for these repairs are set out in the Specification for Highway Works, alongside contract specific amendments.\n\nDurability is ensured through compliance with the specification, which requires the use of approved materials meeting relevant Standards, adherence to defined construction and workmanship requirements, and the application of inspection and testing regimes.\n\nTemporary repairs are intended to address immediate safety hazards until a permanent repair is completed. They are not designed to provide long‑term durability, and the contract does not specify related time periods. Contractors must, however, ensure temporary repairs remain safe and effective for their short‑term purpose.\n\nPermanent repairs are covered by a 52‑week defect correction period, during which contractors must rectify any defects arising from their materials or workmanship.\n\nHowever, long and sustained periods of adverse weather, such as those experienced recently in the North, will have an adverse freeze thaw effect on the road network, impacting on the durability of both temporary and long term repairs.","answerHtml":"My Department identifies actionable defects for repair through routine highway safety inspections and through public reporting via the online Report a Fault system.
Actionable defects are instructed for repair either through our internal or external contractor. On completion of the repair, inspections are undertaken on a percentage of completed road defect repairs by external contractors before payments are processed. Checks on the work of the Department’s internal contractor are also undertaken.
In addition to the contractual checks above, issues will also be recorded at the next routine inspection.
Officials use DEM 160/21 Road Maintenance Standards for Safety – Limited Service when determining actionable defects and the Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Works when determining a repair to be satisfactory.
Temporary and long‑term repairs, as distinct from structural resurfacing, are mainly delivered through Term Contracts for Small‑Scale and Responsive Works. The quality and durability requirements for these repairs are set out in the Specification for Highway Works, alongside contract specific amendments.
Durability is ensured through compliance with the specification, which requires the use of approved materials meeting relevant Standards, adherence to defined construction and workmanship requirements, and the application of inspection and testing regimes.
Temporary repairs are intended to address immediate safety hazards until a permanent repair is completed. They are not designed to provide long‑term durability, and the contract does not specify related time periods. Contractors must, however, ensure temporary repairs remain safe and effective for their short‑term purpose.
Permanent repairs are covered by a 52‑week defect correction period, during which contractors must rectify any defects arising from their materials or workmanship.
However, long and sustained periods of adverse weather, such as those experienced recently in the North, will have an adverse freeze thaw effect on the road network, impacting on the durability of both temporary and long term repairs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039549%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469045","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469045"}},{"id":"468671","reference":"AQW 39360/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of penalty notices issued on Hill Street, Belfast, since it became pedestrianised.","answerText":"Since Hill Street, Belfast, became pedestrianised on 4 December 2025, one Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) has been issued for a parking contravention.","answerHtml":"Since Hill Street, Belfast, became pedestrianised on 4 December 2025, one Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) has been issued for a parking contravention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039360%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468671","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468671"}},{"id":"468670","reference":"AQW 39359/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail a breakdown of all costs incurred by her Department, to date, relating to the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast.","answerText":"My department has spent £1,026 on signage and £4,600 on advertising for the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast. Survey data collection is ongoing, and is expected to cost in the region of £10,000.\n\nThese figures do not include internal staff costs associated with the scheme.","answerHtml":"My department has spent £1,026 on signage and £4,600 on advertising for the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast. Survey data collection is ongoing, and is expected to cost in the region of £10,000.
These figures do not include internal staff costs associated with the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039359%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468670","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468670"}},{"id":"470464","reference":"AQO 3094/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-10","answered":"2026-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her engagement with the Northern Ireland Office on the impact of legacy costs on her Department’s budget.","answerText":"ANSWER to AQO 3094 22-27\n\nEngagement with the Northern Ireland Office is ongoing. My officials are to meet shortly with NIO officials for detailed discussion on the legislative, operational, funding and delivery implications arising from the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.\n\nIn preparation for these meetings my officials have asked those organisations which are likely to be affected by the outcomes of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill for their assessment of their additional resource requirements. The organisations include the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Legal Services Agency, Forensic Science Northern Ireland, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman. The intention is to demonstrate to the NIO that the impacts span across the justice sector, and that there is an unarguable need for further investment in legacy by the UK Government.\n\nI am clear that meaningful progress on legacy requires operational and funding arrangements that are realistic and sustainable, and they must reflect the continuing role and responsibility of the UK Government.\n\nThe Executive cannot afford to meet additional costs without significant impacts on public services, and unavoidable delays in responding to the Legacy Commission, which would further delay justice for victims.\n\nEffective legacy arrangements must work for victims and that can only happen if the arrangements are workable and financially sustainable. It is imperative that the Department of Justice, its agencies and ALBs can deliver our current responsibilities whilst meeting any legal obligations in relation to legacy matters.","answerHtml":"ANSWER to AQO 3094 22-27
Engagement with the Northern Ireland Office is ongoing. My officials are to meet shortly with NIO officials for detailed discussion on the legislative, operational, funding and delivery implications arising from the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
In preparation for these meetings my officials have asked those organisations which are likely to be affected by the outcomes of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill for their assessment of their additional resource requirements. The organisations include the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Legal Services Agency, Forensic Science Northern Ireland, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman. The intention is to demonstrate to the NIO that the impacts span across the justice sector, and that there is an unarguable need for further investment in legacy by the UK Government.
I am clear that meaningful progress on legacy requires operational and funding arrangements that are realistic and sustainable, and they must reflect the continuing role and responsibility of the UK Government.
The Executive cannot afford to meet additional costs without significant impacts on public services, and unavoidable delays in responding to the Legacy Commission, which would further delay justice for victims.
Effective legacy arrangements must work for victims and that can only happen if the arrangements are workable and financially sustainable. It is imperative that the Department of Justice, its agencies and ALBs can deliver our current responsibilities whilst meeting any legal obligations in relation to legacy matters.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203094%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470464","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470464"}},{"id":"469275","reference":"AQO 3036/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the work of the Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee.","answerText":"The Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee (TAC), established in August last year, has been leading and directing the reform of the curriculum. Supported by 13 subject working groups, which are primarily made up of local teachers, academics and subject specialists, TAC’s role is to guide the development of a new, coherent, connected and knowledge rich curriculum for Northern Ireland.\n\nThe TAC has met on 5 occasions and provides direct support and guidance to the working groups which were established in November. Work is progressing as planned under the Committee’s strategic direction. My officials continue to work closely with the Committee to support this programme.\n\nI expect to receive the draft curriculum framework by the end of March 2026, and it is my ambition that phased implementation will begin in September 2027.","answerHtml":"The Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee (TAC), established in August last year, has been leading and directing the reform of the curriculum. Supported by 13 subject working groups, which are primarily made up of local teachers, academics and subject specialists, TAC’s role is to guide the development of a new, coherent, connected and knowledge rich curriculum for Northern Ireland.
The TAC has met on 5 occasions and provides direct support and guidance to the working groups which were established in November. Work is progressing as planned under the Committee’s strategic direction. My officials continue to work closely with the Committee to support this programme.
I expect to receive the draft curriculum framework by the end of March 2026, and it is my ambition that phased implementation will begin in September 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203036%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469275","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469275"}},{"id":"467011","reference":"AQW 38574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-20","answerBy":"2026-01-28","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any requests she has made for funding from the UK Treasury for NI Water since February 2024, including the grounds on which she made any requests.","answerText":"I have not made any requests for funding directly from the British Treasury for NI Water. Any funding requests direct to the British Treasury would be for the Minister of Finance.","answerHtml":"I have not made any requests for funding directly from the British Treasury for NI Water. Any funding requests direct to the British Treasury would be for the Minister of Finance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467011","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467011"}},{"id":"466505","reference":"AQO 2975/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-15","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-26","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline how recipients will benefit from the Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"As a result of the social farming capital grant scheme, recipients will be able to provide enhanced facilities for participants to take part in meaningful farm work. Improvements to social farms because of the social farming capital grant scheme 2025-26 include the renovation of existing farm buildings, improving access at farms, the installation of energy-efficient measures and the purchase of equipment to aid and enhance the social farming experience for participants. It is important for farms delivering social farming to achieve their social farming standards. Therefore, the grant aid allows them to undertake improvements that will both enhance their farm enterprise and help them to achieve their social farming standards. Farms that deliver social farming will also receive reimbursement from referral partners. That income will help to support the sustainability of small rural farms. I am a strong advocate of social farming, as it is a practice that benefits those delivering the service and, very importantly, the participants, who are some of the most vulnerable in our society."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, how will participants share in the benefits from the social farming capital grant scheme?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Peter. Participants in social farming experience benefit as a result of reduced stress, anxiety and depression alongside increased physical activity. The carers and participating social farmers feel more connected to their community and develop new friendships and social networks. Participants also acquire new skills, gain confidence in their abilities and feel a greater sense of purpose. The practice of social farming also contributes to sustainable farming methods, biodiversity and landscape preservation. It also fosters a sense of community, promotes social cohesion and builds stronger community relationships. Those delivering social farming also receive an income from referrals, which aids the sustaining of farm diversification projects."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202975%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466505","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-01-26&docID=467176#AQO%202975/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466505"}},{"id":"459398","reference":"AQW 35620/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether the report into commissioning ADHD services will be published before 31 December 2025.","answerText":"The ADHD needs assessment is nearing completion, with the report expected to be with my Department by end of November 2025.\n\nOnce the report is received, I and my officials will consider the findings, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication thereafter. While a date for publication cannot be confirmed prior to receipt of the report, the expectation is that the report will be published in early 2026.","answerHtml":"The ADHD needs assessment is nearing completion, with the report expected to be with my Department by end of November 2025.
Once the report is received, I and my officials will consider the findings, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication thereafter. While a date for publication cannot be confirmed prior to receipt of the report, the expectation is that the report will be published in early 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035620%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459398","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459398"}},{"id":"459397","reference":"AQW 35619/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when she will meet with the Minister of Health to discuss the findings of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency report, Older car driver Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties in Northern Ireland, 2020-2024.","answerText":"I am aware of the report published on 13 November 2025, which uses PSNI road traffic collision data from 2020 to 2024 to review collisions involving older car drivers and identify any emerging issues in relation to the number of such drivers killed or seriously injured on roads here. My officials will require more time to fully consider the data presented. After this I can consider meeting with the Minister of Health.\n\nRoad safety continues to be of paramount importance for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively, along with key partners in the Strategic Road Safety Forum to make our roads safer for everyone. As my resources are limited, I will continue to focus them on interventions where evidence shows they will have the greatest impact.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the report published on 13 November 2025, which uses PSNI road traffic collision data from 2020 to 2024 to review collisions involving older car drivers and identify any emerging issues in relation to the number of such drivers killed or seriously injured on roads here. My officials will require more time to fully consider the data presented. After this I can consider meeting with the Minister of Health.
Road safety continues to be of paramount importance for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively, along with key partners in the Strategic Road Safety Forum to make our roads safer for everyone. As my resources are limited, I will continue to focus them on interventions where evidence shows they will have the greatest impact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035619%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459397","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459397"}},{"id":"459396","reference":"AQW 35618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the success of the three-year renewal requirement of driving licences for over 70s, following the Older car driver Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties in Northern Ireland, 2020-2024, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency's report finding that, accident responsibility rates increase consistently from age 60.","answerText":"I am aware of the report published on 13 November 2025, which uses PSNI road traffic collision data from 2020 to 2024 to review collisions involving older car drivers and identify any emerging issues in relation to the number of such drivers killed or seriously injured on roads here. My officials will require more time to fully consider the data presented.\n\nRoad safety continues to be of paramount importance for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively, along with key partners in the Strategic Road Safety Forum to make our roads safer for everyone. As my resources are limited, I will continue to focus them on interventions where evidence shows they will have the greatest impact.","answerHtml":"I am aware of the report published on 13 November 2025, which uses PSNI road traffic collision data from 2020 to 2024 to review collisions involving older car drivers and identify any emerging issues in relation to the number of such drivers killed or seriously injured on roads here. My officials will require more time to fully consider the data presented.
Road safety continues to be of paramount importance for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively, along with key partners in the Strategic Road Safety Forum to make our roads safer for everyone. As my resources are limited, I will continue to focus them on interventions where evidence shows they will have the greatest impact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035618%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459396","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459396"}},{"id":"459395","reference":"AQW 35617/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions she will take, following the Older car driver Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties in Northern Ireland, 2020-2024, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency's report, highlighting that 70 per cent of all KSI’s are occurring on roads with a 60mph speed limit.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nMy Department is intending to launch a public consultation in the coming weeks on a Draft Speed Limit Review that will gather evidence from across these islands on a number of speed related matters, including KSIs relating to older car drivers. My Department will consider the outcomes of this consultation that will inform a final Speed Limit Review Report which will be published in due course.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
My Department is intending to launch a public consultation in the coming weeks on a Draft Speed Limit Review that will gather evidence from across these islands on a number of speed related matters, including KSIs relating to older car drivers. My Department will consider the outcomes of this consultation that will inform a final Speed Limit Review Report which will be published in due course.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459395"}},{"id":"459394","reference":"AQW 35616/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on (i) the progress of subordinate legislation, following the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, to introduce the Graduated Driver Licensing; and (ii) when it is expected to be introduced.","answerText":"The statutory framework for the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is set out in Part 3 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 and will require a suite of subordinate legislation to give if effect. Drafting of a commencement Order and three sets of Regulations, one of which will require Assembly debate, is advancing at pace.\n\nThese Statutory Rules will provide for motorway driving for new and learner drivers, revised restrictions for newly qualified drivers, an approved programme of training and the production of a driver logbook. It will be important that the Order and the new subordinate legislation required come into force simultaneously.\n\nSignificant operational planning and development of the digital solution required to support delivery of the programme of training and logbook is also progressing well.\n\nI expect to announce the anticipated date for the introduction of GDL shortly.","answerHtml":"The statutory framework for the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is set out in Part 3 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 and will require a suite of subordinate legislation to give if effect. Drafting of a commencement Order and three sets of Regulations, one of which will require Assembly debate, is advancing at pace.
These Statutory Rules will provide for motorway driving for new and learner drivers, revised restrictions for newly qualified drivers, an approved programme of training and the production of a driver logbook. It will be important that the Order and the new subordinate legislation required come into force simultaneously.
Significant operational planning and development of the digital solution required to support delivery of the programme of training and logbook is also progressing well.
I expect to announce the anticipated date for the introduction of GDL shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035616%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459394","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459394"}},{"id":"458874","reference":"AQW 35419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the Little Changes podcast is resourced using her active travel budget allocation.","answerText":"Audio production equipment was purchased in summer 2025 at a total one-off cost of 1,080.83 (excluding VAT). This is a minor expenditure in the context of overall spend on active travel. The ‘Littles Changes’ podcast does not incur any ongoing costs and is presented, recorded, produced and edited by one member of departmental staff in addition to their other duties and therefore at no additional cost to the department.\n\nDecarbonising transport and promoting cleaner and greener transport options are two of the department’s strategic foundations for a better future, and communication is a key part of that. Like many other organisations, the department is using the podcast format to bring the conversation to audiences in a different way.","answerHtml":"Audio production equipment was purchased in summer 2025 at a total one-off cost of 1,080.83 (excluding VAT). This is a minor expenditure in the context of overall spend on active travel. The ‘Littles Changes’ podcast does not incur any ongoing costs and is presented, recorded, produced and edited by one member of departmental staff in addition to their other duties and therefore at no additional cost to the department.
Decarbonising transport and promoting cleaner and greener transport options are two of the department’s strategic foundations for a better future, and communication is a key part of that. Like many other organisations, the department is using the podcast format to bring the conversation to audiences in a different way.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458874","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458874"}},{"id":"458873","reference":"AQW 35418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the local community responses to the proposed active travel routes in the Active Travel Delivery Plan consultation.","answerText":"I welcome the responses received to the public consultation on the draft Active Travel Delivery Plan. A total of 346 responses were received, 294 from individuals and 53 from organisations which included representation from local interest groups.\n\nHigh level indications demonstrate that the majority of responses received endorsed the plan’s proposals to prioritise connections to local schools, town centres and public transport; and the high level design principles that are people centric, accessible to all, and prioritise safety. The detailed feedback received will be extremely valuable in informing proposals for the final plan.\n\nMy officials are carefully reviewing the responses received with a view to presenting a final plan for my approval in the coming months.","answerHtml":"I welcome the responses received to the public consultation on the draft Active Travel Delivery Plan. A total of 346 responses were received, 294 from individuals and 53 from organisations which included representation from local interest groups.
High level indications demonstrate that the majority of responses received endorsed the plan’s proposals to prioritise connections to local schools, town centres and public transport; and the high level design principles that are people centric, accessible to all, and prioritise safety. The detailed feedback received will be extremely valuable in informing proposals for the final plan.
My officials are carefully reviewing the responses received with a view to presenting a final plan for my approval in the coming months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458873","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458873"}},{"id":"458872","reference":"AQW 35417/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps she is taking improve rural access to public transport, to reduce barriers to food access, as highlighted in the Rural Routes to Food Consumer Council for Northern Ireland November 2025 report.","answerText":"My Department’s draft Transport Strategy sets out a new vision and strategic priorities for our transport system through to 2035 aiming to support economic growth, regional balance, and improved connectivity across both urban and rural areas. The public consultation closed at the end of September 2025, and officials are now analysing responses to help shape a system that meets the needs of all communities.\n\nMy Department provides funding to Translink to provide public transport services and facilities. This means creating a consistent customer experience for everyone, ensuring accessible public transport for people of all ages and abilities. Both the Translink website and App can provide transport options from any location, address or stop, urban and rural, where transport links exist. The website and app allow for address-to-address planning, park & ride planner and a bike it option.\n\nI have allocated an additional 41% in 2025/26 to support the rural Dial-a-Lift transport service in all areas in the north which improves access to local goods and services, helping people travel independently and connected to their local communities. The level of funding was commensurate with the level of funding requested by those providing this service.","answerHtml":"My Department’s draft Transport Strategy sets out a new vision and strategic priorities for our transport system through to 2035 aiming to support economic growth, regional balance, and improved connectivity across both urban and rural areas. The public consultation closed at the end of September 2025, and officials are now analysing responses to help shape a system that meets the needs of all communities.
My Department provides funding to Translink to provide public transport services and facilities. This means creating a consistent customer experience for everyone, ensuring accessible public transport for people of all ages and abilities. Both the Translink website and App can provide transport options from any location, address or stop, urban and rural, where transport links exist. The website and app allow for address-to-address planning, park & ride planner and a bike it option.
I have allocated an additional 41% in 2025/26 to support the rural Dial-a-Lift transport service in all areas in the north which improves access to local goods and services, helping people travel independently and connected to their local communities. The level of funding was commensurate with the level of funding requested by those providing this service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035417%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458872","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458872"}},{"id":"458871","reference":"AQW 35416/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department determines the timing for pedestrians crossing at road crossings, over the timing for vehicles.","answerText":"The calculation of signal timings requires the consideration of a range of factors including:\n\nthe number of various vehicular and pedestrian movements to be facilitated.\n\nthe most efficient means of combining conflicting and non-conflicting movements into a sequence (known as a cycle).\n\nThe allocated time within a cycle to the various movements so that the overall cycle time matches that of nearby junctions to facilitate coordination.\n\nDetermining the length of periods between conflicting movements (known as intergreens) to ensure the safe passage of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.\n\nOther factors such as road geometry, traffic volumes, traffic speed.\n\nMore detailed information is available in Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual.","answerHtml":"The calculation of signal timings requires the consideration of a range of factors including:
the number of various vehicular and pedestrian movements to be facilitated.
the most efficient means of combining conflicting and non-conflicting movements into a sequence (known as a cycle).
The allocated time within a cycle to the various movements so that the overall cycle time matches that of nearby junctions to facilitate coordination.
Determining the length of periods between conflicting movements (known as intergreens) to ensure the safe passage of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Other factors such as road geometry, traffic volumes, traffic speed.
More detailed information is available in Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035416%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458871","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458871"}},{"id":"458870","reference":"AQW 35415/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-13","answerBy":"2025-11-28","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the procurement process for the audio equipment used for the Little Changes podcast.","answerText":"The audio equipment was procured in accordance with public procurement policy for minor expenditure. A number of quotations were obtained, and the cheapest one was taken forward.","answerHtml":"The audio equipment was procured in accordance with public procurement policy for minor expenditure. A number of quotations were obtained, and the cheapest one was taken forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035415%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458870","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458870"}},{"id":"458699","reference":"AQW 35308/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she is aware of any concerns raised, by those with disabilities, regarding access to Hill Street, Belfast, during the pedestrianisation experimental scheme.","answerText":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.\n\nI can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.\n\nDuring the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.\n\nAs the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.
I can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.
During the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.
As the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035308%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458699","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458699"}},{"id":"458698","reference":"AQW 35307/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement she has had with disability groups, regarding the potential unintended impacts due to the proposed pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast.","answerText":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.\n\nI can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.\n\nDuring the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.\n\nAs the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.
I can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.
During the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.
As the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035307%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458698","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458698"}},{"id":"458697","reference":"AQW 35306/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether an equality impact assessment has taken place, regarding the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast.","answerText":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.\n\nI can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.\n\nDuring the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.\n\nAs the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Orders to be introduced as part of the pedestrianisation of Hill Street are in accordance with RSPPG E063 – Measures to Regulate Traffic. As part of the enactment of this policy, an overarching Section 75 screening form was completed.
I can confirm that my officials, as part of a consultation process, engaged with key business stakeholders, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, IMTAC and the PSNI. In addition, a public consultation opened on 15 October 2025 and closed on 6 November 2025 which gave any interested party the opportunity to comment as part of the statutory procedure.
During the development and consultation phases of the Hill Street Pedestrianisation scheme specific local issues relating to Section 75 groups were identified. Officials have considered and addressed the issues in advance of the introduction of the experimental scheme.
As the pedestrianisation of Hill Street is being introduced as an experimental scheme, running for an initial 6 month period, any interested party has the opportunity to make further representations which will be fully considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035306%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458697","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458697"}},{"id":"458529","reference":"AQW 35177/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 20976/22-27, for an update on any progress.","answerText":"Since the response issued to AQW 20976/22-27 on 24 January 2025, Britain introduced further amendments in June 2025 to provide additional flexibility for alternatively fuelled vehicles.\n\nThe introduction of similar licencing changes here would be subject to the outcome of a public consultation process. Departmental officials have commenced work on this.","answerHtml":"Since the response issued to AQW 20976/22-27 on 24 January 2025, Britain introduced further amendments in June 2025 to provide additional flexibility for alternatively fuelled vehicles.
The introduction of similar licencing changes here would be subject to the outcome of a public consultation process. Departmental officials have commenced work on this.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035177%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458529","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458529"}},{"id":"458528","reference":"AQW 35176/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has agreed proportions of road safety campaigns, targeting (i) drivers; (ii) pedestrians; and (iii) cyclists.","answerText":"Priorities are determined by evidence and statistics on the causations of KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) rather than setting fixed proportions of budget available to particular road user groups. The budget is allocated to areas which the evidence suggests will give us the greatest return, in terms of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads here. It is also allocated to protect those road users who are more vulnerable, such as pedestrians, cyclists, children and motorcyclists, and to promote lifesaving seatbelt wearing, if involved in a road traffic collision.\n\nKey causation factors reported by the PSNI for 2024/25 are Careless Driving, Drink/Drug Driving, and Speeding. Vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, children, older adults, and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected. For example, over the five-year period 2020-2024, pedestrians alone accounted for 18% of KSI casualties.\n\nBased on this evidence, I initially prioritised the reinstatement of pedestrian and motorcyclist safety campaigns and have since launched the Anti-Drink Drive campaign. Evidence also demonstrates a growing problem involving those who take drugs and choose to drive. For that reason, I approved the commissioning of a new Anti-Drug Driving campaign, which aired last week for the first time.\n\nThe evidence also shows that more than 9 out of 10 road traffic collisions are due to road user error, with drivers being responsible for the majority of crashes; speeding remains a major contribution to collisions. I have therefore approved two further new campaigns ‘Anti-Speeding’ and ‘Driver Behaviour’, these will air in early 2026. A new radio edit highlighting the dangers children face when getting on and off buses aired on 17 November across radio stations.\n\nOur media plan has not yet been fully finalised as the road safety problem continues to be monitored, but, in addition to those campaigns already mentioned we expect to address careless/inattentive driving, mobile phone use, seatbelt wearing and cyclist safety by the end of this financial year.","answerHtml":"Priorities are determined by evidence and statistics on the causations of KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) rather than setting fixed proportions of budget available to particular road user groups. The budget is allocated to areas which the evidence suggests will give us the greatest return, in terms of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads here. It is also allocated to protect those road users who are more vulnerable, such as pedestrians, cyclists, children and motorcyclists, and to promote lifesaving seatbelt wearing, if involved in a road traffic collision.
Key causation factors reported by the PSNI for 2024/25 are Careless Driving, Drink/Drug Driving, and Speeding. Vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, children, older adults, and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected. For example, over the five-year period 2020-2024, pedestrians alone accounted for 18% of KSI casualties.
Based on this evidence, I initially prioritised the reinstatement of pedestrian and motorcyclist safety campaigns and have since launched the Anti-Drink Drive campaign. Evidence also demonstrates a growing problem involving those who take drugs and choose to drive. For that reason, I approved the commissioning of a new Anti-Drug Driving campaign, which aired last week for the first time.
The evidence also shows that more than 9 out of 10 road traffic collisions are due to road user error, with drivers being responsible for the majority of crashes; speeding remains a major contribution to collisions. I have therefore approved two further new campaigns ‘Anti-Speeding’ and ‘Driver Behaviour’, these will air in early 2026. A new radio edit highlighting the dangers children face when getting on and off buses aired on 17 November across radio stations.
Our media plan has not yet been fully finalised as the road safety problem continues to be monitored, but, in addition to those campaigns already mentioned we expect to address careless/inattentive driving, mobile phone use, seatbelt wearing and cyclist safety by the end of this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035176%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458528"}},{"id":"458527","reference":"AQW 35175/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how the money collected from (i) parking fines; and (ii) speeding fines, are allocated.","answerText":"(i) Revenue from parking fines is factored into the Department’s annual budget requirement and supports the delivery of essential enforcement and parking related services.\n\n(ii) My Department has no responsibility for the issue or collection of speeding fines which are issued by the PNI.","answerHtml":"(i) Revenue from parking fines is factored into the Department’s annual budget requirement and supports the delivery of essential enforcement and parking related services.
(ii) My Department has no responsibility for the issue or collection of speeding fines which are issued by the PNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035175%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458527"}},{"id":"458526","reference":"AQW 35174/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department is measuring the impact of the Share the Road to Zero campaign.","answerText":"Share the Road to Zero is an initiative which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging all of us to think about our shared responsibilities as road users, to be aware of our surroundings, and take more care when out and about.\n\nOnce subscribers have signed up to Share the Road to Zero they receive weekly road safety advice and information from the Highway Code NI. Our key message is, as always, reduce your speed, wear a seatbelt, pay attention, ignore the phone and never ever drive having taken alcohol or drugs and drive.\n\nShare The Road to Zero currently reaches 33,367 newsletter subscribers. On social media, the campaign has built a strong presence with 36,000 followers on Facebook, 4,148 on X and is actively growing its audience on Instagram.\n\nIn the last 30 days on Facebook, Share The Road to Zero has had a reach of 1.7 million. The two best performing posts were ‘Just Because’, which is about pedestrian safety and another on the use of brake lights for drivers.\n\nWithin the past two years, sporting organisations and individuals, business and road safety organisations and local councils have lent their support to the initiative which has helped its messaging reach new audiences in different ways.\n\nA strategy has been devised to support the Share the Road to Zero campaign. It is embedded within our Road Safety Strategy to 2030. The strategy sets a target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of zero fatalities by 2050. The action plans include performance indicators and progress tracking.","answerHtml":"Share the Road to Zero is an initiative which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging all of us to think about our shared responsibilities as road users, to be aware of our surroundings, and take more care when out and about.
Once subscribers have signed up to Share the Road to Zero they receive weekly road safety advice and information from the Highway Code NI. Our key message is, as always, reduce your speed, wear a seatbelt, pay attention, ignore the phone and never ever drive having taken alcohol or drugs and drive.
Share The Road to Zero currently reaches 33,367 newsletter subscribers. On social media, the campaign has built a strong presence with 36,000 followers on Facebook, 4,148 on X and is actively growing its audience on Instagram.
In the last 30 days on Facebook, Share The Road to Zero has had a reach of 1.7 million. The two best performing posts were ‘Just Because’, which is about pedestrian safety and another on the use of brake lights for drivers.
Within the past two years, sporting organisations and individuals, business and road safety organisations and local councils have lent their support to the initiative which has helped its messaging reach new audiences in different ways.
A strategy has been devised to support the Share the Road to Zero campaign. It is embedded within our Road Safety Strategy to 2030. The strategy sets a target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of zero fatalities by 2050. The action plans include performance indicators and progress tracking.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035174%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458526","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458526"}},{"id":"458525","reference":"AQW 35173/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to extend the Translink concession pass criteria, to include those who have not been refused a driving licence but are unable to drive consistently, due to dynamic disability.","answerText":"I have no plans to extend the Translink concession pass criteria to include those who have not been refused a driving licence but are unable to drive consistently due to dynamic disability at this time. However, I am keen to extend the criteria when possible and all options will be considered.","answerHtml":"I have no plans to extend the Translink concession pass criteria to include those who have not been refused a driving licence but are unable to drive consistently due to dynamic disability at this time. However, I am keen to extend the criteria when possible and all options will be considered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035173%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458525","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458525"}},{"id":"457645","reference":"AQW 34710/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 30928/22-27, (i) for an update on the report into the commissioning of ADHD services; and, (ii) to detail what date it will be published.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nThe ADHD needs assessment is ongoing, with work continuing to finalise proposals on workforce requirements, proposed referral pathways and estimated costs. It is anticipated that a report will be with my Department by end of November 2025.\n\nOnce the report is received, I and my officials will consider the findings, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication in due course.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
The ADHD needs assessment is ongoing, with work continuing to finalise proposals on workforce requirements, proposed referral pathways and estimated costs. It is anticipated that a report will be with my Department by end of November 2025.
Once the report is received, I and my officials will consider the findings, with a view to identifying next steps and arranging publication in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034710%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457645","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457645"}},{"id":"453834","reference":"AQW 33058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-23","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any discussions that have taken place with the UK Government regarding (i) funding for Casement Park; and (ii) capital support to other sports in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nI have had several discussions with both the NIO and Treasury in relation to funding for Casement Park. This includes meetings with the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, as well as with the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury and his predecessor.\n\nIn these meetings I reiterated my desire to see the project move forward as quickly as possible and emphasised to the British Government the need for it to live up to its commitments in relation to the funding of Casement Park.\n\nAs part of these meetings I also highlighted the Executive’s wider capital requirements and discussed potential costs relating to the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
I have had several discussions with both the NIO and Treasury in relation to funding for Casement Park. This includes meetings with the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, as well as with the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury and his predecessor.
In these meetings I reiterated my desire to see the project move forward as quickly as possible and emphasised to the British Government the need for it to live up to its commitments in relation to the funding of Casement Park.
As part of these meetings I also highlighted the Executive’s wider capital requirements and discussed potential costs relating to the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453834","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453834"}},{"id":"453833","reference":"AQW 33057/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-08","answerBy":"2025-10-23","answered":"2025-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any capital bids for sport his Department plans to submit as part of the 2026-2029 budget process.","answerText":"As part of the Department of Finance Information Gathering exercise, I have submitted a number of capital bids which recognise the societal benefits that sports bring, and my commitment to investment in sport. These bids are being considered as part of the ongoing work to set budgets for future years and will be subject to consideration by the Executive. Details of bids will be published as part of the budget consultation process.","answerHtml":"As part of the Department of Finance Information Gathering exercise, I have submitted a number of capital bids which recognise the societal benefits that sports bring, and my commitment to investment in sport. These bids are being considered as part of the ongoing work to set budgets for future years and will be subject to consideration by the Executive. Details of bids will be published as part of the budget consultation process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033057%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453833","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453833"}},{"id":"452597","reference":"AQW 32593/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-02","answerBy":"2025-10-10","answered":"2025-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the findings in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Active Travel in Northern Ireland; and (ii) to detail the actions she will take to ensure active travel spend is used wisely to deliver active travel projects.","answerText":"With respect to the Member’s first question, I welcome the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into active travel in Northern Ireland. I can confirm that the report will be considered very carefully and a response to the recommendations will be provided in line with the established process.\n\nWith respect to the second question, my department has taken a number of important steps in recent years to increase capacity to support the effective delivery of active travel projects. This work has included the development of a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan, including proposed network plans for our major towns and cities. Officials are currently reviewing responses to a public consultation on that plan with a view to publishing the final plan later this year. When complete, the Active Travel Delivery Plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and Strategic Plan for Greenways to provide a firm basis for the prioritisation and delivery of active travel infrastructure for the next ten years and beyond.\n\nOther steps that have been taken include filling key posts within the Active Travel team and increasing supply chain capacity to facilitate an increased future delivery pipeline. My officials will continue to work diligently to ensure robust financial governance arrangements are in place for the delivery of active travel projects.","answerHtml":"With respect to the Member’s first question, I welcome the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into active travel in Northern Ireland. I can confirm that the report will be considered very carefully and a response to the recommendations will be provided in line with the established process.
With respect to the second question, my department has taken a number of important steps in recent years to increase capacity to support the effective delivery of active travel projects. This work has included the development of a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan, including proposed network plans for our major towns and cities. Officials are currently reviewing responses to a public consultation on that plan with a view to publishing the final plan later this year. When complete, the Active Travel Delivery Plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan and Strategic Plan for Greenways to provide a firm basis for the prioritisation and delivery of active travel infrastructure for the next ten years and beyond.
Other steps that have been taken include filling key posts within the Active Travel team and increasing supply chain capacity to facilitate an increased future delivery pipeline. My officials will continue to work diligently to ensure robust financial governance arrangements are in place for the delivery of active travel projects.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032593%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452597","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452597"}},{"id":"454685","reference":"AQO 2534/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-02","answerBy":"2025-10-13","answered":"2025-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the work he is doing to improve welfare for companion animals.","answerText":"In May, I published my Animal Welfare Pathway, which is represents the most ambitious package of reforms for this area for over a decade. This includes several key initiatives which have the potential to transform companion animal welfare, including: a review of dog breeding and canine fertility services; regulation of the sale and supply of pups and kittens; and consideration of issues associated with a ban on aversive training devices.\n\nOver 480 responses were received to my consultation document containing proposals to regulate of the supply and sale of pups and kittens, which also outlined my aspiration to ban third party sellers.\n\nMy officials are continuing to analyse the submissions received and I hope to be able to publish a formal consultation response soon, which I will use to set out my final way forward.\n\nAn expert advisory group has been established to review the operation of the current dog breeding regulations here and examine the provision of canine fertility services. Work is well underway, and I understand that the group has been gathering evidence and has met with a wide range of stakeholders.\n\nFinally, my officials have commenced initial policy development work on the remaining reforms in the pathway and have been examining the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations and exploring potential changes to the operation of the current animal boarding regulations. While this work is in an early phase, I still hope to be in a position to initiate a public consultation on all these topics around the end of this year.\n\nThese actions demonstrate my ongoing commitment to strengthening protections for companion animals across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"In May, I published my Animal Welfare Pathway, which is represents the most ambitious package of reforms for this area for over a decade. This includes several key initiatives which have the potential to transform companion animal welfare, including: a review of dog breeding and canine fertility services; regulation of the sale and supply of pups and kittens; and consideration of issues associated with a ban on aversive training devices.
Over 480 responses were received to my consultation document containing proposals to regulate of the supply and sale of pups and kittens, which also outlined my aspiration to ban third party sellers.
My officials are continuing to analyse the submissions received and I hope to be able to publish a formal consultation response soon, which I will use to set out my final way forward.
An expert advisory group has been established to review the operation of the current dog breeding regulations here and examine the provision of canine fertility services. Work is well underway, and I understand that the group has been gathering evidence and has met with a wide range of stakeholders.
Finally, my officials have commenced initial policy development work on the remaining reforms in the pathway and have been examining the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations and exploring potential changes to the operation of the current animal boarding regulations. While this work is in an early phase, I still hope to be in a position to initiate a public consultation on all these topics around the end of this year.
These actions demonstrate my ongoing commitment to strengthening protections for companion animals across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202534%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454685","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454685"}},{"id":"452206","reference":"AQW 32365/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-30","answerBy":"2025-10-15","answered":"2025-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how the amount of a penalty fine for (i) on-street parking; and (ii) speeding, were decided.","answerText":"The current level of the fixed penalty for speeding was established in 2001, and while the specific rationale behind the original amount is not readily available, it reflects decisions made at the time by the relevant policy authorities. I had recently instructed my officials to undertake a review of penalty fines for speeding, and officials are currently considering the next steps and way forward.\n\nThe original cost of a Penalty Charge Notice (£60) was increased to £90 in 2012 through a decision taken by the Assembly. This change was introduced to act as a deterrent to those who do not adhere to parking restrictions.","answerHtml":"The current level of the fixed penalty for speeding was established in 2001, and while the specific rationale behind the original amount is not readily available, it reflects decisions made at the time by the relevant policy authorities. I had recently instructed my officials to undertake a review of penalty fines for speeding, and officials are currently considering the next steps and way forward.
The original cost of a Penalty Charge Notice (£60) was increased to £90 in 2012 through a decision taken by the Assembly. This change was introduced to act as a deterrent to those who do not adhere to parking restrictions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032365%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452206","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452206"}},{"id":"452205","reference":"AQW 32364/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-30","answerBy":"2025-10-15","answered":"2025-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline why speeding penalty fines are not included in the Road Safety Strategy.","answerText":"The Road Safety Strategy to 2030 is an overarching document that identifies the Strategic Priority areas we – government, organisations and road users – must focus our efforts on in order to overcome challenges and deliver on the strategic outcomes connected with Safe People, Safe Roads and Safe Vehicles. The annual action plans that accompany the Strategy reflect the current and emerging trends in road safety. These actions are developed and lead by my and other departments and our road safety partner organisations in the emergency services.\n\nI have recently received briefing and advice from officials on a number of speeding related measures, including a review of penalty fines for speeding. Officials are now considering the next steps and way forward. A new Action Plan is currently being developed and will reflect this work.","answerHtml":"The Road Safety Strategy to 2030 is an overarching document that identifies the Strategic Priority areas we – government, organisations and road users – must focus our efforts on in order to overcome challenges and deliver on the strategic outcomes connected with Safe People, Safe Roads and Safe Vehicles. The annual action plans that accompany the Strategy reflect the current and emerging trends in road safety. These actions are developed and lead by my and other departments and our road safety partner organisations in the emergency services.
I have recently received briefing and advice from officials on a number of speeding related measures, including a review of penalty fines for speeding. Officials are now considering the next steps and way forward. A new Action Plan is currently being developed and will reflect this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032364%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452205","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452205"}},{"id":"452204","reference":"AQW 32363/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-30","answerBy":"2025-10-15","answered":"2025-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when the review of penalty fines for speeding will be complete.","answerText":"Officials are considering options for a review of penalty fines for speeding. Once I have received briefing and advice from them I will consider the next steps.","answerHtml":"Officials are considering options for a review of penalty fines for speeding. Once I have received briefing and advice from them I will consider the next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032363%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452204","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452204"}},{"id":"449005","reference":"AQW 30928/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-11","answerBy":"2025-09-19","answered":"2025-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on the report into the commissioning of ADHD services; and (ii) when it will be published.","answerText":"The Department of Health commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability.\n\nThe needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, will aim to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like, including potential implementation and staffing costs.\n\nWhile the initial estimated completion date was end June 2025, due to the desire and demand for further stakeholder engagement, information gathering and analysis, it is likely that the work will now be completed by November 2025. Given the importance of this work in informing future ADHD service provision, it is important that sufficient time is given to ensure a robust evidence base and proposals.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD in early February 2025, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability.
The needs assessment, which covers both adults and children, will aim to determine the level of demand for a commissioned service, as well as recommendations for what such a service might look like, including potential implementation and staffing costs.
While the initial estimated completion date was end June 2025, due to the desire and demand for further stakeholder engagement, information gathering and analysis, it is likely that the work will now be completed by November 2025. Given the importance of this work in informing future ADHD service provision, it is important that sufficient time is given to ensure a robust evidence base and proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030928%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449005","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449005"}},{"id":"450314","reference":"AQO 2362/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-04","answerBy":"2025-09-16","answered":"2025-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the provision of new laboratories for Forensic Science Northern Ireland.","answerText":"ORAL QUESTION No 7 - AQO 2362/22-27\n\nANSWER\n\nThe project to develop a new forensic science laboratory and office accommodation on the Seapark site in Carrickfergus is progressing well. The Full Business Case was approved in June 2025, and a Contractor was appointed in July 2025 to take forward the detailed design and construction phase. Following an initial period of pre-construction design, construction is expected to commence in early 2026.\n\nForensic Science Northern Ireland is a vital component of the criminal justice system. It provides robust scientific services in support of justice for all. With this investment, we are making sure it has suitable accommodation within which to continue to provide this crucial public service given the increasing sophistication and technological advancement of the techniques that the organisation deploys.","answerHtml":"ORAL QUESTION No 7 - AQO 2362/22-27
ANSWER
The project to develop a new forensic science laboratory and office accommodation on the Seapark site in Carrickfergus is progressing well. The Full Business Case was approved in June 2025, and a Contractor was appointed in July 2025 to take forward the detailed design and construction phase. Following an initial period of pre-construction design, construction is expected to commence in early 2026.
Forensic Science Northern Ireland is a vital component of the criminal justice system. It provides robust scientific services in support of justice for all. With this investment, we are making sure it has suitable accommodation within which to continue to provide this crucial public service given the increasing sophistication and technological advancement of the techniques that the organisation deploys.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202362%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450314","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450314"}},{"id":"445927","reference":"AQW 29944/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-04","answerBy":"2025-07-16","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, of the total budget set aside for construction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme during the 2025-26; and 2026-27 financial years, to detail what capacity there is to allocate some of this budget over that two-year period to road safety messaging.","answerText":"The budget for the A5 scheme in the 2025-26 financial year is an Executive Flagship project, as such any need to surrender budget in 2025-26 will need to be made to the Executive for re-prioritisation.\n\nI am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case and it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling. My priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.","answerHtml":"The budget for the A5 scheme in the 2025-26 financial year is an Executive Flagship project, as such any need to surrender budget in 2025-26 will need to be made to the Executive for re-prioritisation.
I am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case and it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling. My priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029944%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445927","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445927"}},{"id":"445776","reference":"AQW 29839/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-03","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2025-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, of the total budget, set aside for construction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme during the 2025-26; and 2026-27, financial years, to detail the amount which may now be re-allocated to the construction of bypasses at an advanced state of planning, such as Cookstown, Enniskillen and Ballynahinch, in order to enhance air quality in those towns.","answerText":"I am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case. The judgement is lengthy and complex and raises a number of issues that we need to deal with. At this stage, it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling but my priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.\n\nBudgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project, and I am determined to deliver it.","answerHtml":"I am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case. The judgement is lengthy and complex and raises a number of issues that we need to deal with. At this stage, it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling but my priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.
Budgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project, and I am determined to deliver it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029839%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445776"}},{"id":"445615","reference":"AQW 29729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the share of the budget, set aside for construction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme between Strabane and Ballygawley over the (i) 2025-26; and (ii) 2026-27 financial years, that will now be allocated towards safety improvements at known accident black spots on the existing A5.","answerText":"I am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case. The judgement is lengthy and complex and raises a number of issues that we need to deal with. At this stage, it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling, but my priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.\n\nBudgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project.","answerHtml":"I am carefully considering the implications of the judgement in the A5 case. The judgement is lengthy and complex and raises a number of issues that we need to deal with. At this stage, it is too early to identify the budgetary implications of the ruling, but my priority is to find the right solution that sees the A5 built as quickly as I can so that no more lives are lost.
Budgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445615","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445615"}},{"id":"445496","reference":"AQW 29615/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-09","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the budget set aside for the construction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme between Strabane and Ballygawley during the (i) 2025-26; and (ii) 2026-27, financial years.","answerText":"The DfI budget for the A5 scheme for the 2025-26 financial year is £165m which is now subject to review. Budgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project. Annual budget allocations to the scheme will be subject to Executive and Assembly approval as part of the statutory budget process.","answerHtml":"The DfI budget for the A5 scheme for the 2025-26 financial year is £165m which is now subject to review. Budgets have not yet been agreed for the 2026-27 financial year, however, this remains an Executive flagship project. Annual budget allocations to the scheme will be subject to Executive and Assembly approval as part of the statutory budget process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029615%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445496","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445496"}},{"id":"442168","reference":"AQO 2181/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-05","answerBy":"2025-06-17","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the reasons for not including condition-specific pathways as a year one priority in the Regional Review of Neurology Services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202181%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442168","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442168"}},{"id":"441317","reference":"AQW 27867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-03","answered":"2025-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the creation of an active travel stakeholder group.","answerText":"I recognise the benefits for my department of positive constructive engagement with key users and stakeholders. As part of my commitment to this, an active travel stakeholder group will be established later this year.","answerHtml":"I recognise the benefits for my department of positive constructive engagement with key users and stakeholders. As part of my commitment to this, an active travel stakeholder group will be established later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441317"}},{"id":"441290","reference":"AQO 2129/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on legislation relating to the Utility Regulator.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I assume that the Member is referring to the Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill. The draft Bill, which was developed in conjunction with the regulator, has been subject to a public consultation, the results of which have been shared with the Committee for the Economy and published on my Department's website, along with all consultation responses received. We have received legal confirmation that the Assembly has the legislative competence to introduce the Bill. My officials are working through the remaining legal issues. The Bill has been designed to provide the Utility Regulator with additional powers to support my Department as we move towards our future decarbonised energy system. I assure Members that the policy development work to deliver the energy strategy continues. Additional powers for the energy economic regulator are included in the various pieces of legislation that will be introduced on new policy areas."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, it is your Department's responsibility to ensure that we reach 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030. Can you assure the House that changes to the role or remit of the Utility Regulator will support the delivery of \"80 by 30\"?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"The intent of the Bill is to give the Utility Regulator powers over decarbonisation as one of the considerations in respect of investment. The Bill will therefore be really important in supporting us to meet our targets for renewable electricity and our climate obligations. As I said in my answer, along with that initial legislation, the powers that are necessary across different policy areas will be progressed through the Assembly. Delivery across a range of energy policy areas will be crucial in supporting us to meet our energy targets in the coming years."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202129%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441290","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-06-10&docID=441929#AQO%202129/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441290"}},{"id":"440697","reference":"AQW 27658/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-06-03","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what statutory first aid training is required for new care home staff prior to commencing work.","answerText":"Under the Care Standards for Nursing Homes (2015) and Residential Care Homes Minimum Standards (2022), all new care home staff are required to undertake appropriate training as part of their induction process. While there is no single statutory course mandated prior to commencing work, care home providers must ensure that staff are trained to a level that enables them to respond effectively to the needs of their residents.\n\nThe Care Standards do not explicitly state that First Aid training must be completed prior to commencing work. However, they do require that:\n\nAn induction programme is in place for all staff, including bank and agency staff, and that this induction is specific to their role,\n\nThe induction should ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties, which includes responding to emergencies appropriately.\n\nThe standards, issued by the Department of Health, stipulate that care home providers must ensure that at all times there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty who are trained in First Aid. This includes ensuring that new staff receive first aid training either before starting work or as part of their initial induction, depending on their role and responsibilities.\n\nIn addition to training, the Care Home Minimum Standards also specify that all care homes in Northern Ireland must have appropriate First Aid policies and procedures in place and adhere to these at all times.\n\nThe Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) monitors compliance with these standards during inspections, and providers are expected to maintain up-to-date training records for all staff.\n\nThe Department continues to work with stakeholders to ensure that training requirements reflect best practice and support the safety and wellbeing of residents.","answerHtml":"Under the Care Standards for Nursing Homes (2015) and Residential Care Homes Minimum Standards (2022), all new care home staff are required to undertake appropriate training as part of their induction process. While there is no single statutory course mandated prior to commencing work, care home providers must ensure that staff are trained to a level that enables them to respond effectively to the needs of their residents.
The Care Standards do not explicitly state that First Aid training must be completed prior to commencing work. However, they do require that:
An induction programme is in place for all staff, including bank and agency staff, and that this induction is specific to their role,
The induction should ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties, which includes responding to emergencies appropriately.
The standards, issued by the Department of Health, stipulate that care home providers must ensure that at all times there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty who are trained in First Aid. This includes ensuring that new staff receive first aid training either before starting work or as part of their initial induction, depending on their role and responsibilities.
In addition to training, the Care Home Minimum Standards also specify that all care homes in Northern Ireland must have appropriate First Aid policies and procedures in place and adhere to these at all times.
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) monitors compliance with these standards during inspections, and providers are expected to maintain up-to-date training records for all staff.
The Department continues to work with stakeholders to ensure that training requirements reflect best practice and support the safety and wellbeing of residents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027658%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440697","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440697"}},{"id":"441896","reference":"AQO 2093/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-22","answerBy":"2025-06-03","answered":"2025-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how the Food Strategy Framework Action Plan 2025-2027 will help facilitate economic prosperity in the agri-food sector.","answerText":"I am passionate about the continued success of our Agri-Food Sector. It is our largest manufacturing sector, with a gross turnover of approximately 6 billion pounds and employs an estimated 80,000 employees across agriculture and food processing. It is particularly significant to our rural and coastal economies.\n\nMy Executive colleagues and I are committed through the Food Strategy Framework Action Plan to focus our collective efforts to maximise the opportunities our food system offers. Our focus in the next two years is to build collaboration and purposeful partnerships across departments and with key stakeholders to build on the good work already underway and to identify gaps and future opportunities.\n\nI recognise our economy needs thriving food and drinks processing, hospitality and tourism sectors. Improving productivity through high-value products and reducing inefficiencies, adopting new technology and investing more in innovation and in a highly skilled workforce will help drive competitiveness.\n\nAttracting and keeping talent will be critical, and we must work collectively with stakeholders to deliver and promote rewarding, secure and sustainable career opportunities.\n\nAlthough policy responsibility for many of these areas lies with the Department for the Economy, Mission 3, within the Action Plan sets out a number of actions we can take collectively to further develop economic prosperity.\n\nThese include a review of knowledge and skills provision for the agri-food sector, effective signposting of the ranges of support services available to food and drinks processing businesses, optimising uptake of research and development opportunities, and export sales opportunities.\n\nI look forward to working collaboratively with my Ministerial colleagues to progress this exciting agenda.","answerHtml":"I am passionate about the continued success of our Agri-Food Sector. It is our largest manufacturing sector, with a gross turnover of approximately 6 billion pounds and employs an estimated 80,000 employees across agriculture and food processing. It is particularly significant to our rural and coastal economies.
My Executive colleagues and I are committed through the Food Strategy Framework Action Plan to focus our collective efforts to maximise the opportunities our food system offers. Our focus in the next two years is to build collaboration and purposeful partnerships across departments and with key stakeholders to build on the good work already underway and to identify gaps and future opportunities.
I recognise our economy needs thriving food and drinks processing, hospitality and tourism sectors. Improving productivity through high-value products and reducing inefficiencies, adopting new technology and investing more in innovation and in a highly skilled workforce will help drive competitiveness.
Attracting and keeping talent will be critical, and we must work collectively with stakeholders to deliver and promote rewarding, secure and sustainable career opportunities.
Although policy responsibility for many of these areas lies with the Department for the Economy, Mission 3, within the Action Plan sets out a number of actions we can take collectively to further develop economic prosperity.
These include a review of knowledge and skills provision for the agri-food sector, effective signposting of the ranges of support services available to food and drinks processing businesses, optimising uptake of research and development opportunities, and export sales opportunities.
I look forward to working collaboratively with my Ministerial colleagues to progress this exciting agenda.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202093%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441896","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441896"}},{"id":"439676","reference":"AQW 27186/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-15","answerBy":"2025-06-02","answered":"2025-05-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when the Driver and Vehicle Agency will enable online applications for a full driving licence.","answerText":"DVA has introduced several online application services in recent years which include applications for a full driving licence. An online application process is also available to applicants applying for a first provisional driving licence; renewing an existing driving licence; replacing a driving licence; and notifying a change of address.","answerHtml":"DVA has introduced several online application services in recent years which include applications for a full driving licence. An online application process is also available to applicants applying for a first provisional driving licence; renewing an existing driving licence; replacing a driving licence; and notifying a change of address.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027186%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439676","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439676"}},{"id":"439675","reference":"AQW 27185/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-15","answerBy":"2025-06-02","answered":"2025-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when Translink will enable online applications and renewals for the Senior SmartPass.","answerText":"My Department is working alongside Translink to facilitate the move to online applications, which is due to be implemented before the end of 2025-26.","answerHtml":"My Department is working alongside Translink to facilitate the move to online applications, which is due to be implemented before the end of 2025-26.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027185%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439675"}},{"id":"439674","reference":"AQW 27184/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-15","answerBy":"2025-06-02","answered":"2025-05-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) how the appointment of board members to the Strategic Investment Board are determined; (ii) how transparency is ensured; and (iii) what oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place.","answerText":"The positions of Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Strategic Investment Board are public appointments regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI (CPANI). New appointments are made following a publicly advertised open competition in line with the CPANI Code of Practice and are subject to oversight by CPANI. The names of the successful candidates are published.\n\nOfficials are currently preparing a recruitment competition for a Chair and Non-Executive Directors, which we expect to launch in the near future.\n\nThe Chief Executive of the Strategic Investment Board may be appointed as an Executive Director on an ex officio basis.","answerHtml":"The positions of Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Strategic Investment Board are public appointments regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI (CPANI). New appointments are made following a publicly advertised open competition in line with the CPANI Code of Practice and are subject to oversight by CPANI. The names of the successful candidates are published.
Officials are currently preparing a recruitment competition for a Chair and Non-Executive Directors, which we expect to launch in the near future.
The Chief Executive of the Strategic Investment Board may be appointed as an Executive Director on an ex officio basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027184%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439674"}},{"id":"436507","reference":"AQW 25962/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any support the Housing Executive provides to victims of domestic violence.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“The Housing Executive’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan seeks to ensure staff can provide support to those experiencing domestic abuse and to equip staff with the knowledge to signpost to appropriate services when required.\n\nThe Action Plan acknowledges that domestic abuse can be a contributing factor in homelessness wherein the Housing Executive has a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless applicants under the Housing (NI) Order 1988.\n\nThis duty is met through a range of options for those experiencing domestic abuse, including Women’s Aid refuges, which provide temporary accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. Applicants’ support needs are considered when determining the suitability of accommodation and, in all cases involving domestic abuse, the safety of the Applicant is the primary consideration.\n\nAdditionally, the Supporting People Programme helps vulnerable people live independently in the community, including those affected by domestic abuse. This programme grant funds the delivery of short-term accommodation-based services, providing support for those in housing need and through short-term Floating Support services for those who remain at home or in a community setting.\n\nIndividuals experiencing domestic abuse who are ineligible for assistance, or are not otherwise owed the full housing duty under the Housing (NI) Order 1988, can avail of advice and assistance from the Housing Executive, which can include information regarding self-referral hostels and referrals to floating support services as outlined above. The Housing Executive continues to be the main funder for such provision for those experiencing domestic abuse across Northern Ireland.”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The Housing Executive’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan seeks to ensure staff can provide support to those experiencing domestic abuse and to equip staff with the knowledge to signpost to appropriate services when required.
The Action Plan acknowledges that domestic abuse can be a contributing factor in homelessness wherein the Housing Executive has a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless applicants under the Housing (NI) Order 1988.
This duty is met through a range of options for those experiencing domestic abuse, including Women’s Aid refuges, which provide temporary accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. Applicants’ support needs are considered when determining the suitability of accommodation and, in all cases involving domestic abuse, the safety of the Applicant is the primary consideration.
Additionally, the Supporting People Programme helps vulnerable people live independently in the community, including those affected by domestic abuse. This programme grant funds the delivery of short-term accommodation-based services, providing support for those in housing need and through short-term Floating Support services for those who remain at home or in a community setting.
Individuals experiencing domestic abuse who are ineligible for assistance, or are not otherwise owed the full housing duty under the Housing (NI) Order 1988, can avail of advice and assistance from the Housing Executive, which can include information regarding self-referral hostels and referrals to floating support services as outlined above. The Housing Executive continues to be the main funder for such provision for those experiencing domestic abuse across Northern Ireland.”
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025962%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436507","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436507"}},{"id":"436590","reference":"AQO 1934/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-05-06","answered":"2025-05-06","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the contribution of wastewater discharges in reducing water quality.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am aware of the impact of sewage pollution on water quality. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) undertakes an extensive water quality monitoring programme in Northern Ireland's rivers and lakes. NIEA's river waterbody monitoring indicates that 53% of river waterbodies are impacted by agriculture-related pressures and that 25% by sewage-related pressures. The percentages include a significant number of waterbodies, some 21%, that are impacted by sewage and agricultural pressures. The research, which was led by AFBI and published in October 2020, examined substance-flow analysis for phosphorus in Northern Ireland's food system. Of the estimated 1,530 tons of phosphorus lost to water, 62% was determined to be from agricultural sources and 36% from sewage, of which 24% was attributed to waste water and a further 12% to septic tanks. The approved environmental improvement plan for Northern Ireland sets out my commitment to improve water quality, including the requirement to publish the third cycle river basin management plan and the associated programme of measures. Work to improve water quality will require collective action across government, the public and private sectors and wider society."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Thank you, Minister, for that thorough response. Will you provide an update on regulation and enforcement arrangements regarding sewage pollution by Northern Ireland Water?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I can answer that question in a number of ways. The third cycle river basin management plan has been with the Executive for approval for a while, and I continue to engage with my Executive colleagues on it. If Members will bear with me, I will explain this a bit more. When NI Water was established in 2007, a statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI) was put in place, and it has remained in place. A number of years ago, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency exited from the element on drinking water. People should understand about SORPI that, when dealing with regulation or enforcement against NI Water for sewage pollution, the historical underinvestment must be taken into account. Therefore, in many instances, Northern Ireland water is getting a by-ball for pumping sewage into our waterways. That is not tenable, and, as Minister, I will be honest and fair to all polluters in Northern Ireland. That is why I am engaged in a formal process to get the views of NI Water and DFI on our exiting that arrangement and putting Northern Ireland Water on the same platform as all other polluters in Northern Ireland. I will make a final decision on that in the forthcoming weeks. It is just not tenable that Northern Ireland Water should be treated differently from other polluters. It is a corporate polluter and should be treated as such."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, you set out your views on NI Water and SORPI. However, you have also said that you want to give the Infrastructure Minister and her predecessor time and space to come up with a funding solution. They have had time and space, and there is no funding solution. Heads appear to be stuck in the sand. What pressure are you bringing to bear on the Infrastructure Minister to come up with a plan to invest in NI Water? The situation is getting worse, and our water is in crisis. What pressure are you bringing to bear on your ministerial colleague?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am on record as saying that I will support the Infrastructure Minister in funding bids for Northern Ireland Water. That is the kind of person that I am. I will support that investment, which needs to take place. The pressure that I am bringing to bear relates to the regulation and enforcement arrangements for Northern Ireland Water, as I outlined, and the set-up that has been in place since 2007. It is not tenable to have that in place. NI Water, in its current state, is not fit for purpose. What is happening in Northern Ireland with regard to sewage pollution in our waterways is nothing short of a thundering disgrace. It is wrong. Belfast lough is likely to become the next Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland due to the level of pollution that is occurring. The lack of investment in waste water infrastructure is not just holding back economic investment and housebuilding but destroying our environment. We cannot continue to kick the can down the road. It is for others to step up and take decisions on it."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"Minister, do you share my disappointment that there is not one specific mention in the Programme for Government that suggests any solutions to tackle the pollution in Belfast lough? We both realise that it will be the next Lough Neagh."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Programme for Government sets out areas of commitment, one of which relates to improving the environment. In the environmental improvement plan, we have actions that I seek to take as Minister. Clearly, what is required with regard to waste water infrastructure is investment. The Northern Ireland Audit Office has set out its views on that: people would do well to pay heed to them."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201934%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436590","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-05-06&docID=437900#AQO%201934/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436590"}},{"id":"434572","reference":"AQO 1840/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-27","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-04-07","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline when he will repeal Article 4(1)(c) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan (The Minister of Education)","text":"As Minister, I do not have the power to repeal article 4(1)(c). That would be a matter for the Assembly. I am considering whether to bring any such proposals to the Executive."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Minister, I raised the issue with you on 30 April 2024. Why has nothing changed in almost a year?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"It is an issue on which differing views have been expressed, particularly by those in our schools who have to navigate what can be very difficult challenges. I moved to establish a working group and invited participants to be part of that so that we can look at what guidance can be provided. The outworkings of that will provide a better understanding on which to base a decision on whether to repeal the article."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Question 2 has been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201840%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434572","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-04-07&docID=435279#AQO%201840/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434572"}},{"id":"435086","reference":"AQO 1824/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-04-01","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for her assessment of achieving the target of 80 per cent electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.","answerText":"Question 15 AQO 1824/22-27\n\nOne of my four critical objectives for the Economy is to reduce carbon emissions; generating sufficient renewable electricity is key to facilitate this change.\n\nWe must build on our previous success in renewables development and the Executive needs to take a collaborative, whole system approach to facilitate delivery of the 80% by 2030 target.\n\nWhilst my Department has legislative responsibility for the target, collaboration across departments and with wider stakeholders, including industry, will be essential to the successful delivery of this target.","answerHtml":"Question 15 AQO 1824/22-27
One of my four critical objectives for the Economy is to reduce carbon emissions; generating sufficient renewable electricity is key to facilitate this change.
We must build on our previous success in renewables development and the Executive needs to take a collaborative, whole system approach to facilitate delivery of the 80% by 2030 target.
Whilst my Department has legislative responsibility for the target, collaboration across departments and with wider stakeholders, including industry, will be essential to the successful delivery of this target.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201824%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435086","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435086"}},{"id":"433397","reference":"AQO 1783/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-03-31","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the interdepartmental working group will publish its updated paper on the establishment of an Infrastructure Commission.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"A draft paper was produced by the interdepartmental working group in early 2022. It set out an initial assessment of options for consideration and was a precursor to more detailed analysis and the development of a business case. The working group was then stood down. TEO officials are reviewing that assessment alongside other developments and will provide us with advice on the next steps. We are considering the report from the recent Strategic Investment Board (SIB) review. The recommendations from the review will also inform that work. Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive in due course, but, as the Member knows, Executive papers are not routinely published."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her response. The Department for Infrastructure was allocated the largest capital budget in the history of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Does she agree with my colleagues and me that the commission is needed and that the paper needs to be published urgently, given that the establishment of an infrastructure commission was first explored and proposed by a ministerial advisory panel five years ago, in 2020?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The most important thing in all of this is that the assessment is of whether a commission would make a positive difference. In that context, it is notable that the National Infrastructure Commission in England has been rolled into another organisation. The UK Government tried that idea and have moved on from it and made some changes. That indicates to me that they felt that the commission, perhaps, did not do what they wanted it to do as initially envisaged. From our point of view, we want to assess whether this is the right way forward. We have the Strategic Investment Board and the investment strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI), which is the Executive's strategic infrastructure document. We need to look at how we can improve on all of that. At this stage, however, I can advise the Member that I am open-minded on the way forward on this. I simply want a structure that works better than what we have had before and delivers against our ambitions for our infrastructure. I look forward to officials giving us those recommendations, and we will discuss the issue. As I said, the Executive will consider it as well."},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"Will the deputy First Minister outline a time frame for the publication of the final investment strategy?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. That is under active consideration. Over the past number of months, we have been working with departmental officials and the SIB to finalise some elements of the strategy. Of course, much of the capital that we have available is already committed to existing projects. As I said in response to the previous question, however, it is really important to us that those projects start to come in on time and on budget. That is not the way in which capital projects have been done before. It is not just about getting the strategy out — we have committed to doing that over the next number of weeks — it is about the structures around it. How can we deliver our capital projects in a better way than we have done before? How can we make sure, as far as possible, that they hit their budget and time frame? Of course, that then enables us to do more with the capital budget that we have."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201783%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433397","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-31&docID=434620#AQO%201783/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433397"}},{"id":"430987","reference":"AQW 23756/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-04","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any recourse patients have when a private medical practice closes prior to the competition of diagnosis, assessment or treatment.","answerText":"If a service user/patient is dissatisfied with the standard of care and treatment (or lack thereof) from a provider that has now ceased operating they may share their concerns with the relevant professional regulatory body (for example: GMC, GDC, NMC, NISCC, HCPC); the provider's medico-legal indemnifier; or commence legal action against the provider.\n\nIf the service was registered with RQIA it would treat this as intelligence to determine if there was sufficient evidence of a breach of the relevant regulations or minimum standards, and consider any follow up action required.","answerHtml":"If a service user/patient is dissatisfied with the standard of care and treatment (or lack thereof) from a provider that has now ceased operating they may share their concerns with the relevant professional regulatory body (for example: GMC, GDC, NMC, NISCC, HCPC); the provider's medico-legal indemnifier; or commence legal action against the provider.
If the service was registered with RQIA it would treat this as intelligence to determine if there was sufficient evidence of a breach of the relevant regulations or minimum standards, and consider any follow up action required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023756%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430987","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430987"}},{"id":"430609","reference":"AQW 23672/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-03","answerBy":"2025-03-06","answered":"2025-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the safeguards for patients who purchase private (i) diagnosis; (ii) assessment; and (iii) treatment in the event of a private practice closing.","answerText":"The Health and Social Care system in Northern Ireland provides publicly funded health and social care, including general medical services, primarily for the ordinarily resident population of Northern Ireland. The Department does not provide private healthcare.\n\nEligibility to access publicly funded healthcare in Northern Ireland is based on ordinary residence. A person will be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland when that residence is lawful, voluntary, and for a settled purpose as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, whether of short or long duration. A person who is ordinarily resident is entitled to access publicly funded healthcare.\n\nIndividuals choosing to procure healthcare privately are effectively stepping outside of the health and social care system.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, independent clinics and hospitals, which meet the criteria defined in the Independent Health Care Regulations 2005, are required to be registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), the body responsible for the regulation (registration, inspection and enforcement) of healthcare establishments and agencies in Northern Ireland. Once a private practice closes, the RQIA ceases to have a role.","answerHtml":"The Health and Social Care system in Northern Ireland provides publicly funded health and social care, including general medical services, primarily for the ordinarily resident population of Northern Ireland. The Department does not provide private healthcare.
Eligibility to access publicly funded healthcare in Northern Ireland is based on ordinary residence. A person will be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland when that residence is lawful, voluntary, and for a settled purpose as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, whether of short or long duration. A person who is ordinarily resident is entitled to access publicly funded healthcare.
Individuals choosing to procure healthcare privately are effectively stepping outside of the health and social care system.
In Northern Ireland, independent clinics and hospitals, which meet the criteria defined in the Independent Health Care Regulations 2005, are required to be registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), the body responsible for the regulation (registration, inspection and enforcement) of healthcare establishments and agencies in Northern Ireland. Once a private practice closes, the RQIA ceases to have a role.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023672%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430609","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430609"}},{"id":"429901","reference":"AQW 23305/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the average processing time for the (i) review; (ii) approval; (iii) and signing of a Departure from Standard within her Department for each of the last seven years.","answerText":"My Department does not record the average processing time for the review, approval and signing as each Departure from Standard (DfS) is unique a scheme and there are many issues that will impact on DfS processing times, including:\n\nTheir submission as a package of departures, as these are returned only when all have been reviewed;\n\nThe impact of legal, planning or financial implications for private developments may result in their application being placed on hold and not reviewed until all issues are resolved, which could be months or years;\n\nPoor quality of submissions, which often results in longer review times and the need for significant comments to be addressed and for applications to be amended and resubmitted; and\n\nDepartures from Standard are normally processed in chronological order, however there are occasions when the Department will prioritise an application if we are made aware that it is urgent.\n\nStaff availability and vacancies in the Divisions and Engineering Approvals team also impact on processing times, however, when possible, priority is being given to those applications that are highlighted as urgent by the applicants.","answerHtml":"My Department does not record the average processing time for the review, approval and signing as each Departure from Standard (DfS) is unique a scheme and there are many issues that will impact on DfS processing times, including:
Their submission as a package of departures, as these are returned only when all have been reviewed;
The impact of legal, planning or financial implications for private developments may result in their application being placed on hold and not reviewed until all issues are resolved, which could be months or years;
Poor quality of submissions, which often results in longer review times and the need for significant comments to be addressed and for applications to be amended and resubmitted; and
Departures from Standard are normally processed in chronological order, however there are occasions when the Department will prioritise an application if we are made aware that it is urgent.
Staff availability and vacancies in the Divisions and Engineering Approvals team also impact on processing times, however, when possible, priority is being given to those applications that are highlighted as urgent by the applicants.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023305%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429901","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429901"}},{"id":"429900","reference":"AQW 23304/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the average processing time for the issuance of road licence agreements for each of the last seven years.","answerText":"My Department does not record the average processing time for Road Licence Agreements. Any attempt to do so would require an extensive exercise to be conducted across the Divisions and this would produce data of limited accuracy given that some Road Licence Agreements can take a long time to agree due to factors outside the control of my Department.","answerHtml":"My Department does not record the average processing time for Road Licence Agreements. Any attempt to do so would require an extensive exercise to be conducted across the Divisions and this would produce data of limited accuracy given that some Road Licence Agreements can take a long time to agree due to factors outside the control of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023304%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429900","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429900"}},{"id":"429899","reference":"AQW 23303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given her Department’s prioritisation of strategic road improvement schemes, to detail the impact this prioritisation has had on the regional balance of Departures from Standard applications and issuance of road licence agreements.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as Engineering Approvals and Road License Agreements.\n\nWhile I am committed to taking forward Strategic Road Improvements schemes as set out in our Emerging Transport Plans, and the City and Growth deals, these are not unduly prioritised and staff in my Department are working very hard to keep the many important services for which I have responsibility functioning for the benefits of all citizens.\n\nDepartures from Standard and Road License Agreements are normally processed in chronological order, however there are occasions when the Department will prioritise an application if we are made aware that it is urgent.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as Engineering Approvals and Road License Agreements.
While I am committed to taking forward Strategic Road Improvements schemes as set out in our Emerging Transport Plans, and the City and Growth deals, these are not unduly prioritised and staff in my Department are working very hard to keep the many important services for which I have responsibility functioning for the benefits of all citizens.
Departures from Standard and Road License Agreements are normally processed in chronological order, however there are occasions when the Department will prioritise an application if we are made aware that it is urgent.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429899","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429899"}},{"id":"429898","reference":"AQW 23302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of members of staff in her Department that have been seconded to support the Departure from Standard process for strategic road improvement schemes.","answerText":"There are no seconded staff supporting the Departure from Standard process for strategic road improvement schemes.","answerHtml":"There are no seconded staff supporting the Departure from Standard process for strategic road improvement schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429898","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429898"}},{"id":"429897","reference":"AQW 23301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-25","answerBy":"2025-03-12","answered":"2025-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the provisions made to support the timely delivery of Departures from Standard, given the increased number of applications.","answerText":"It is worth clarifying that there has not been a significant increase in the number of applications for Departures from Standard (DfS), although the workload in this area does change depending on the nature and complexity of projects and the quality of submissions.\n\nTo support the DfS process the Department has clear and structured application forms to ensure the provision of the information required. There is a specific branch identified as responsible for ultimate approval of DfS. We have moved to an electronical process to minimise the administrative burden of hard copy applications.\n\nIn addition, when we are dealing with multiple applications from an Engineering Consultant or developer, where possible, my Department works with the applicant to establish scheme priority for processing DfSs.","answerHtml":"It is worth clarifying that there has not been a significant increase in the number of applications for Departures from Standard (DfS), although the workload in this area does change depending on the nature and complexity of projects and the quality of submissions.
To support the DfS process the Department has clear and structured application forms to ensure the provision of the information required. There is a specific branch identified as responsible for ultimate approval of DfS. We have moved to an electronical process to minimise the administrative burden of hard copy applications.
In addition, when we are dealing with multiple applications from an Engineering Consultant or developer, where possible, my Department works with the applicant to establish scheme priority for processing DfSs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429897","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429897"}},{"id":"429563","reference":"AQW 23199/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-24","answerBy":"2025-03-11","answered":"2025-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) when she plans to remove the written counterpart to the Northern Ireland driving licence; and (ii) when she will put in place any necessary consequential mechanisms to identify penalty points and other matters.","answerText":"The DVA has made significant enhancements to the Driver Licensing System since its introduction and is currently reviewing and prioritising further developments. An assessment of the work needed to support the abolition of the paper counterpart will form part of this review. The timescale for the delivery of these enhancements will be dependent on the availability of resource to take this forward, including the engagement with key stakeholders to ensure any consequential issues are addressed.\n\nThe legislative framework to enable the replacement of the statutory function of the counterpart is in place, but the relevant law will require a Commencement Order.","answerHtml":"The DVA has made significant enhancements to the Driver Licensing System since its introduction and is currently reviewing and prioritising further developments. An assessment of the work needed to support the abolition of the paper counterpart will form part of this review. The timescale for the delivery of these enhancements will be dependent on the availability of resource to take this forward, including the engagement with key stakeholders to ensure any consequential issues are addressed.
The legislative framework to enable the replacement of the statutory function of the counterpart is in place, but the relevant law will require a Commencement Order.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023199%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429563","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429563"}},{"id":"428928","reference":"AQW 22908/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-19","answerBy":"2025-02-24","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to work by his Department to assess demand for a commissioned ADHD service, to detail (i) who was allocated to carry out this work; (ii) how they are carrying out this work; and (iii) the stakeholders they have engaged with to date.","answerText":"(i) The Department of Health has recently commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability. A lead has been appointed through the HSC Leadership Centre, and the work commenced in early February, with an estimated completion date of end June 2025.\n\n(ii) Work will be progressed in line with the agreed Terms of Reference for the assignment and will include a literature review and consideration of best practice in other jurisdictions; an assessment of existing ADHD service provision, including barriers and challenges; and an analysis of future demand to inform recommendations for a future commissioned service, including estimated costs, workforce requirements and supporting implementation plan.\n\nA list of stakeholders has been developed which includes representatives from the Department of Health, HSC Trusts, the Community and Voluntary sector and people with lived experience, amongst others. Stakeholder engagement will be taken forward in the coming weeks to inform the findings of the assessment.","answerHtml":"(i) The Department of Health has recently commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability. A lead has been appointed through the HSC Leadership Centre, and the work commenced in early February, with an estimated completion date of end June 2025.
(ii) Work will be progressed in line with the agreed Terms of Reference for the assignment and will include a literature review and consideration of best practice in other jurisdictions; an assessment of existing ADHD service provision, including barriers and challenges; and an analysis of future demand to inform recommendations for a future commissioned service, including estimated costs, workforce requirements and supporting implementation plan.
A list of stakeholders has been developed which includes representatives from the Department of Health, HSC Trusts, the Community and Voluntary sector and people with lived experience, amongst others. Stakeholder engagement will be taken forward in the coming weeks to inform the findings of the assessment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022908%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428928","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428928"}},{"id":"428747","reference":"AQW 22813/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-02-21","answered":"2025-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the criteria that was applied to refuse funding to ADD-NI from the Core Grant Funding Scheme 2025-26; and (ii) the options open to ADD-NI to replace this funding.","answerText":"The Core Grant Funding Scheme for 2025-26 was co-designed in 2024 with Community and Voluntary Sector representatives, and included the following scoring criteria:\n\nevidence of how an organisation supports the department’s strategic objectives;\n\nevidence that an organisation is involved in carrying out relevant activities;\n\nevidence that an organisation will deliver clear outcomes, including how those will be measured and the targets that will be met;\n\nevidence that an organisation has delivered similar outcomes previously;\n\nevidence that an organisation has suitable monitoring and control systems in place, and suitably qualified and experienced staff; and\n\nevidence that an organisation will work in partnership across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.\n\nThese scoring criteria are listed and explained in the guidance for applicants, available on the departmental website.\n\nMy officials will be in contact with all applicants to offer feedback, which I hope will be of assistance in applying for future funding rounds. Indeed, those who have missed out this time will have another opportunity later this year to bid for funding in 2026/27.","answerHtml":"The Core Grant Funding Scheme for 2025-26 was co-designed in 2024 with Community and Voluntary Sector representatives, and included the following scoring criteria:
evidence of how an organisation supports the department’s strategic objectives;
evidence that an organisation is involved in carrying out relevant activities;
evidence that an organisation will deliver clear outcomes, including how those will be measured and the targets that will be met;
evidence that an organisation has delivered similar outcomes previously;
evidence that an organisation has suitable monitoring and control systems in place, and suitably qualified and experienced staff; and
evidence that an organisation will work in partnership across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.
These scoring criteria are listed and explained in the guidance for applicants, available on the departmental website.
My officials will be in contact with all applicants to offer feedback, which I hope will be of assistance in applying for future funding rounds. Indeed, those who have missed out this time will have another opportunity later this year to bid for funding in 2026/27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022813%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428747"}},{"id":"428078","reference":"AQO 1604/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-13","answerBy":"2025-02-24","answered":"2025-02-24","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the pressures facing the Northern Ireland Prison Service.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The Northern Ireland Prison Service, like all public services, has faced budgetary pressures over a number of years. In response, it has made significant efforts to drive efficiencies, where possible. In doing so, however, it has at all times been mindful of the need to ensure the safety of prisoners and staff. The rising prisoner population places pressure on the Northern Ireland Prison Service and on all prison services across the UK and Ireland. On 1 February 2022, the total prisoner population in Northern Ireland was 1,601. On 1 February 2025, it had increased by almost 20%, to 1,913. Between 1 February 2023 and 1 February 2025 alone, there was an increase in prisoner numbers of 170. The Prison Service is dealing with a greater number of complex individuals in custody with poor mental health and drug and alcohol addictions. It is also dealing with higher numbers of older people in prison. As a result of the increase in the prisoner population, and following a review of operational staffing levels, I have approved the recruitment of a further 75 prison officers. The Prison Service remains focused on supporting the rehabilitation of people in custody so that, when they leave prison, they are able to resettle and contribute in a meaningful way that supports the Executive's commitment to making communities safer. The Prison Service's ability to deliver on that work, however, has been impacted on by the rising prisoner population, the high number of remand prisoners and short-sentence prisoners and a rise in the number of public protection cases. In response to those pressures, the Prison Service has commissioned a review of its rehabilitation model. The review is scheduled to be completed within the next few months. Its findings may mean that additional funding is required in order to support rehabilitation work. I will consider any such funding requests sympathetically. The Prison Service is a robust and agile organisation that, over many years, has proven itself to be able to change and adapt. The results of the recent Hydebank Wood Secure College inspections are a testament to that determination, and I am confident that the Prison Service can continue to respond to the pressures that it faces from having a rising prisoner population."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Minister for her response. What are the impacts of a rising prisoner population on each establishment?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I thank the Member for his question. Each prison establishment is distinct. Hydebank Wood is the smallest such establishment in Northern Ireland. Despite its size, it comes with its own complexity from housing young male and female prisoners on a single site. Although the young male population there has remained relatively stable, the young female population has increased from 70 to 113 between February 2022 and February 2025. Magilligan is an adult male prison that primarily holds sentenced prisoners as they progress towards release. Its prisoner population is being managed carefully in order to sustain it at as close to its capacity of 500 prisoners as possible. The reason for the careful population management is to alleviate the ongoing pressure on the prison. Maghaberry is the largest and most complex prison in Northern Ireland. It is a high-security prison for sentenced and unsentenced adult male prisoners in integrated and separated conditions. Since February 2022, the population of Maghaberry prison has increased by 25%, to 1,270. Nearly half of the prisoners held there — 632 — are on remand."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"The number of assaults on prison staff has trebled over the past four years, from 32 in 2020 to 96 in 2024. Does the Minister feel that that has had an averse impact on the recent recruitment campaign? What more can be done to tackle what is a growing problem?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Based on the number of people who have applied, the recent recruitment campaign has been quite successful. Northern Ireland remains in a much healthier position than other jurisdictions that have run recruitment campaigns. The increase in the number of assaults has undoubtedly has an impact on the prison staff already in place, however. When there is more disruption and a more volatile situation in prisons, which is the case when prisoner numbers are increasing, people are often unable to benefit from having the full regime. As a result, they get frustrated, and volatility increases. It is therefore a spiralling situation. Nevertheless, we have managed to keep the prisons reasonably stable and safe. As prisoner numbers grow, however, there is a challenge with the access that people have to opportunities to let off steam and to avail themselves of therapy and education as part of the full regime. That is challenging for prison officers as well, because it means that people are spending longer in their cell. It is important that the recruitment of new officers to the Prison Service allow us to have additional officers in place over the summer in order to restore the full regime. As I said, it will then be important, through the review, to look at what we can do around rehabilitation that better reflects the new prisoner population that we now have to manage in the establishments."},{"speaker":"Mr Beattie","text":"The Minister 's answer feeds in well to the question that I am about to ask about pressures and the moral component. The Department of Finance believes that the sickness-absence policy for the Northern Ireland Prison Service should be the same as that for all civil servants. Does the Minister agree that the policy should take account of the unique role of our Prison Service? What is she doing to get DOF to change the policy to reflect that unique role?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"We recognise that, across the Civil Service, there are people acting in front-line roles whose jobs are distinct and different from those of people who are office-based and do not have to interact with members of the public who, often, are vulnerable and volatile. The Prison Service has a unique situation, which is why we have put unique supports in place, whether those are through access to the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) — and the work that is done there in psychology, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and training, where required, for prison officers — or in the work that we do in prisons to support prison officers in their role. It is important that we drive down sickness absence, but I recognise that sickness absence can be driven up because people work longer hours and take additional shifts when the Prison Service is under stress. One of the reasons that it is so important that we recruit a new cadre of officers is so that we can relieve some of that pressure and allow officers who are suffering from stress to make their way back into the system. Any HR system has to look at the roles and functions that somebody is involved in. That does not mean that there has to be a different system, but the system has to be sensitive to the nature of the role. That is standard HR procedure."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. Minister, to what extent are disputes with legal practitioners and the associated strike action putting the prison system under further duress?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"To be clear, there is no dispute with legal practitioners; there is a dispute with the criminal Bar. The remainder of the legal practitioners continue to work and are working with me. Only the criminal Bar has withdrawn its services at this point — certainly, as far as I am aware, that is the case. I met the criminal Bar in the past week or so to work through some of the issues that it raised. Of course, the remand population increases if there are delays to trial. Delays mean that, potentially, there will be people in prison who should not be in prison and people who are not in prison who should be. The criminal Bar should reflect on that as it decides how to take its action forward."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201604%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428078","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-24&docID=428904#AQO%201604/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428078"}},{"id":"429707","reference":"AQO 1547/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline what learning they have applied following the violent attacks and disorder during the summer of 2024.","answerText":"We have taken learning from other programmes which deal with societal issues, and believe a strong focus on a public health style approach is needed if we are to tackle racism and racial inequality.\n\nA public call for views was launched on 6th February to gain evidence for the new strategic approach to racial equality when the current strategy ends in December 2025.\n\nWe want to hear from key stakeholders, the minority ethnic sector, and wider society about what they believe the root causes of racism and race hate are. We would encourage everyone to have their voices heard in this important consultation.\n\nWork is also ongoing to undertake a review to fulfil the commitment made by the Assembly after its urgent recall and statements of condemnation, following the racist attacks last year","answerHtml":"We have taken learning from other programmes which deal with societal issues, and believe a strong focus on a public health style approach is needed if we are to tackle racism and racial inequality.
A public call for views was launched on 6th February to gain evidence for the new strategic approach to racial equality when the current strategy ends in December 2025.
We want to hear from key stakeholders, the minority ethnic sector, and wider society about what they believe the root causes of racism and race hate are. We would encourage everyone to have their voices heard in this important consultation.
Work is also ongoing to undertake a review to fulfil the commitment made by the Assembly after its urgent recall and statements of condemnation, following the racist attacks last year
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201547%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429707","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429707"}},{"id":"426751","reference":"AQW 21962/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-05","answerBy":"2025-02-20","answered":"2025-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the remaining life of the existing rail stock; (ii) when new rail stock will be ordered; and (iii) when the new rail stock will be in operation.","answerText":"It is typical to replace rail stock when it is around 30 years old. The Enterprise fleet will be 30 years old in 2027; the Class 3000 fleet will be 30 years old in 2030-35, with the Class 4000 fleet reaching this age in 2040-41.\n\nTranslink and Irish Rail are currently procuring new Enterprise trains. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded before the end of the year subject to Business Case and governance approvals being achieved.\n\nIt is anticipated that the new Enterprise trains will come into service in 2029.","answerHtml":"It is typical to replace rail stock when it is around 30 years old. The Enterprise fleet will be 30 years old in 2027; the Class 3000 fleet will be 30 years old in 2030-35, with the Class 4000 fleet reaching this age in 2040-41.
Translink and Irish Rail are currently procuring new Enterprise trains. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded before the end of the year subject to Business Case and governance approvals being achieved.
It is anticipated that the new Enterprise trains will come into service in 2029.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021962%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426751","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426751"}},{"id":"427705","reference":"AQO 1523/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-30","answerBy":"2025-02-10","answered":"2025-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what work he is undertaking with the Minister of Health to reduce levels of ill-health related economic inactivity.","answerText":"Question 14 – AQO 1523/22-27\n\nEconomic inactivity is an important policy area, led by the Minister for Communities. I am committed to working with him and Executive colleagues, including the Minister for Health, to help address barriers to employment. We are working closely with the Department for Communities on the Executive’s Disability and Work Strategy which has this issue at its core.\n\nMy Department plays a key role through provision of skills programmes which aim to make skills and education more accessible, including for those experiencing additional barriers such as disability or illness.\n\nWe also recently consulted on a Good Jobs Bill which aims to help those with ill health, and those caring for dependents suffering from ill health, to remain within or access the workforce.\n\nIn addition, the social enterprise action plan’s focus on leadership support will increase the capacity of the sector as it continues to support those furthest from the labour market into meaningful work.","answerHtml":"Question 14 – AQO 1523/22-27
Economic inactivity is an important policy area, led by the Minister for Communities. I am committed to working with him and Executive colleagues, including the Minister for Health, to help address barriers to employment. We are working closely with the Department for Communities on the Executive’s Disability and Work Strategy which has this issue at its core.
My Department plays a key role through provision of skills programmes which aim to make skills and education more accessible, including for those experiencing additional barriers such as disability or illness.
We also recently consulted on a Good Jobs Bill which aims to help those with ill health, and those caring for dependents suffering from ill health, to remain within or access the workforce.
In addition, the social enterprise action plan’s focus on leadership support will increase the capacity of the sector as it continues to support those furthest from the labour market into meaningful work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201523%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427705"}},{"id":"447118","reference":"AQO 1477/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-07-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline how her Department is working to help people move away from group violence and gangs.","answerText":"ORAL QUESTION No 12 - AQO 1477/22-27\n\nANSWER\n\nThe Department of Justice currently hosts the cross-Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC). This is a truly cross-sectoral initiative. The Programme works across Northern Ireland through statutory and community organisations to support people and communities that experience paramilitary harm. A key part of this is helping those who want to move away from involvement in paramilitary activity.\n\nSignificant outcomes are being seen across the Programme. On top of major disruptions to criminal groups, we are seeing reductions in youth violence, and in paramilitary style assaults and public order offences. This Programme has also been at the forefront of work on trauma informed approaches and child criminal exploitation.\n\nIn response to evidence gathered by EPPOC that showed the lack of specific initiatives to help people exit groups, the Programme has completed a feasibility study of what is called the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV). This started in Boston, USA and has been used successfully in Scotland and England. It aims to identify and support those who genuinely want to move away from, or avoid joining, violent gangs.\n\nFollowing the completion of a feasibility study, a project team is working towards the implementation of a 12-month pilot phase in South and East Belfast, due to commence in April 2025. Through collaborative partnerships with community organisations and statutory partners, the initiative aims to create targeted support systems to help individuals desist from reoffending by helping them safely move away from gang involvement and group violence.\n\nCIRV is aimed at young people, aged 18-24, and will take a personalised problem-solving approach, encouraging participants to make positive life changes through the support of, for example, mentorship programmes, and education and employment opportunities. It will draw on already successful initiatives in EPPOC helping to join up existing supports.","answerHtml":"ORAL QUESTION No 12 - AQO 1477/22-27
ANSWER
The Department of Justice currently hosts the cross-Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC). This is a truly cross-sectoral initiative. The Programme works across Northern Ireland through statutory and community organisations to support people and communities that experience paramilitary harm. A key part of this is helping those who want to move away from involvement in paramilitary activity.
Significant outcomes are being seen across the Programme. On top of major disruptions to criminal groups, we are seeing reductions in youth violence, and in paramilitary style assaults and public order offences. This Programme has also been at the forefront of work on trauma informed approaches and child criminal exploitation.
In response to evidence gathered by EPPOC that showed the lack of specific initiatives to help people exit groups, the Programme has completed a feasibility study of what is called the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV). This started in Boston, USA and has been used successfully in Scotland and England. It aims to identify and support those who genuinely want to move away from, or avoid joining, violent gangs.
Following the completion of a feasibility study, a project team is working towards the implementation of a 12-month pilot phase in South and East Belfast, due to commence in April 2025. Through collaborative partnerships with community organisations and statutory partners, the initiative aims to create targeted support systems to help individuals desist from reoffending by helping them safely move away from gang involvement and group violence.
CIRV is aimed at young people, aged 18-24, and will take a personalised problem-solving approach, encouraging participants to make positive life changes through the support of, for example, mentorship programmes, and education and employment opportunities. It will draw on already successful initiatives in EPPOC helping to join up existing supports.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201477%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447118","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447118"}},{"id":"424565","reference":"AQW 20976/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-01-24","answered":"2025-01-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department is considering the removal of the C1 licence requirement for electric vans, in order to bring Northern Ireland in line with Great Britain on the issue of licence derogation.","answerText":"The introduction of similar licencing changes here would be subject to the outcome of a public consultation process. The Department plans to commence work on this as soon as resources allow.","answerHtml":"The introduction of similar licencing changes here would be subject to the outcome of a public consultation process. The Department plans to commence work on this as soon as resources allow.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020976%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424565","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424565"}},{"id":"422783","reference":"AQW 20049/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-07","answerBy":"2025-01-10","answered":"2025-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 18800/22-27, when he will publish the analysis undertaken by policy areas in his Department which informed the review conducted in November 2023 into whether the Highway Code for Northern Ireland should be updated.","answerText":"An internal review of the Code was commissioned in November 2023 by all policy areas in the Department. The Department does not plan to publish the analysis.","answerHtml":"An internal review of the Code was commissioned in November 2023 by all policy areas in the Department. The Department does not plan to publish the analysis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020049%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422783","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422783"}},{"id":"422534","reference":"AQW 19982/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-09","answered":"2025-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will commission scalp reconstruction surgery.","answerText":"My Department commissions surgical care on a speciality rather than procedure basis. Scalp reconstruction surgery can be a clinically required response to immediate or post trauma injury, cancer or congenital malformation. It may also range in complexity from wound management through to highly specialist reconstructive techniques requiring input from a number of specialities. My Department is unaware of any specific issues in accessing clinical care across these services as outlined.","answerHtml":"My Department commissions surgical care on a speciality rather than procedure basis. Scalp reconstruction surgery can be a clinically required response to immediate or post trauma injury, cancer or congenital malformation. It may also range in complexity from wound management through to highly specialist reconstructive techniques requiring input from a number of specialities. My Department is unaware of any specific issues in accessing clinical care across these services as outlined.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019982%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422534","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422534"}},{"id":"422533","reference":"AQW 19981/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Translink is exploring the introduction of batteries to retrofit existing trains on the network to reduce both carbon emissions and fuel costs.","answerText":"The current Translink railway fleet is not suitable to facilitate a battery retrofit to the vehicles. However, Translink have informed me that all new trains purchased in the coming years will encompass battery and/or electric propulsion technology.","answerHtml":"The current Translink railway fleet is not suitable to facilitate a battery retrofit to the vehicles. However, Translink have informed me that all new trains purchased in the coming years will encompass battery and/or electric propulsion technology.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019981%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422533","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422533"}},{"id":"422532","reference":"AQW 19980/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer AQW 11597/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019980%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422532","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422532"}},{"id":"422599","reference":"AQO 1334/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-13","answered":"2025-01-13","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the Climate Action Plan.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The climate action plan will set out Northern Ireland’s approach to meeting the carbon budget for 2023-27. It will also establish a pathway towards the interim targets for 2030 and 2040 and the overall net zero by 2050 target. Ambitious policies and proposals will be required to put us on the path to net zero; our current policies, as they stand, will not be sufficient. My Department has been leading on the development of our first climate action plan with input from all Departments. Extensive work has been undertaken to ensure that we have a credible plan that is supported by robust science and evidence, which is important. Significant progress has been made. Last month, the first three carbon budgets for 2023-27 and the interim 2030 and 2040 emissions targets were set. The legislation came into operation on 12 December 2024, which was a positive moment. Officials are in the process of finalising the draft climate action plan document for consultation. Given the cross-cutting nature of the climate action plan, the draft will need to be approved by the Executive prior to its publication for consultation. I aim to bring the draft climate action plan to Executive colleagues as soon as possible to seek their approval to publish the plan for a 16-week statutory consultation. I am fully committed to delivering a climate action plan that is transformational, evidence-based, informed by stakeholders and in line with my commitment to a just transition."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Minister, I am sure that you have seen the devastating destruction caused by the wildfires in LA over the past week. Against that context, what is your response to the news that 2024 was the first year to pass the 1·5°C global warming limit?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I thank the Member for his important question. That news is very concerning, but, sadly, it is not surprising. It is yet another example of a global tipping point. Climate change is expected to become more severe and more frequent as global warming increases, which will have real impacts on lives and livelihoods. Tragically, we are seeing that today. My thoughts are with all the people affected in California, especially those who have lost loved ones and those who have been forced to flee their homes. Whilst that might be on our TV screens, it is real to us in Northern Ireland because each of one of us, whether individually as citizens or as participants in government, needs to take action on climate change and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. It does not need to be like this, and it is really important that we invest in taking action, whether in climate change mitigation or adaption. That is why I am taking forward this work on climate change: I believe in it. We have a moral responsibility, not just to the people of Northern Ireland but to those way beyond it, to address those issues, which affect people across the globe."},{"speaker":"Ms McLaughlin","text":"The delay in the climate action plan is concerning because of the global crisis. What impact will that have on our ability to meet interim carbon budgets and overall net zero targets? You mentioned the cross-cutting nature of the issue. Are you concerned about the lack of pace in our progress?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Sinéad, for your question. In this place, we lost a lot of pace in taking action on climate change as a result of the collapse of the Assembly. We lost two years to that, and, before that, we lost years because of stop-go government. That is why we need to have reform of these institutions. Since taking up office, I have been working hard on this. I worked hard to get Executive agreement on the carbon budgets, and I was glad to get support in the Assembly to be able to do that. That was just before Christmas, and very quickly thereafter I met officials to go through the content of the CAP. That is being finalised, which is important and detailed work. I will bring it to the Executive for consultation once that work is complete. I am quite confident about the content and interventions in the first CAP. It is a bit like a marathon: the first 10K is a bit easier than the last, but it is important that we do the first 10K. Collectively, we must take action. My Department and I cannot do it alone: we all need to do take action collectively. I am confident that we can do that in Northern Ireland if we put our shoulders to the wheel. I am massively positive on this. I brought the green growth strategy to the Executive, and I continue to engage with my Executive colleagues to get agreement on it because it is about the benefits associated with decarbonisation, such as good green jobs, with which, hopefully, everyone is on board."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"It seems to me that the main outcome, or one of the main outcomes, of the Minister's ambitious plans is to penalise hard-working people who are trying to provide a living for their families, including business owners, farmers, electricity bill payers and ordinary employees. How can the Minister ensure that the transition is a just one?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am firmly committed to a just transition and I am taking action in that regard. That is why we are look to set up a just transition commission in Northern Ireland, which, perhaps, will be one of the first to be set up under statute. Beyond that, I was glad to be able to secure an agreement with the Finance Minister to set up a just transition fund for agriculture within the draft Budget. That is an example of my commitment to a just transition, and I encourage people to respond to the consultation on the just transition commission, because the road to net zero has to be about a just and fair journey. That is what I am passionately committed to."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201334%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=422599","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-01-13&docID=422082#AQO%201334/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=422599"}},{"id":"421362","reference":"AQW 19726/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-11","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the active travel amendment in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, (i) whether his Department has defined what 10 per cent of the transport budget represents; (ii) how he will fund this figure; and (iii) when these figures and plans will be published.","answerText":"In defining the overall transport budgets, my department is working on the basis of including all the transport related functions of the department, including all expenditure in Transport and Roads Asset Management group as well as expenditure on public transport, which is predominantly Translink, and transport policy.\n\nIn the current financial year, £20.7m has been directly allocated to Active Travel capital projects and resource budgets. In addition to this allocation, my department routinely undertakes many activities for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists that are not currently included within these figures. Officials are carrying out analysis of overall expenditure relevant to Section 22 of the Act for future reporting.\n\nMy department is working on the basis of ramping up overall active travel investment to meet Section 22 of the Climate Change Act obligations by 2030. A number of important steps have been taken to increase capacity to support the delivery of active travel including filling key posts within the Active Travel team and the appointment of an Active Travel Support Office. My department has also developed a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan, which is currently open for public consultation. When complete, this plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan (2022) and the Strategic Plan for Greenways (2016) to provide a firm basis for the future prioritisation of active travel infrastructure investment and delivery.\n\nThe delivery of the obligations will be subject to the availability of funding through the normal Executive budgetary processes.","answerHtml":"In defining the overall transport budgets, my department is working on the basis of including all the transport related functions of the department, including all expenditure in Transport and Roads Asset Management group as well as expenditure on public transport, which is predominantly Translink, and transport policy.
In the current financial year, £20.7m has been directly allocated to Active Travel capital projects and resource budgets. In addition to this allocation, my department routinely undertakes many activities for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists that are not currently included within these figures. Officials are carrying out analysis of overall expenditure relevant to Section 22 of the Act for future reporting.
My department is working on the basis of ramping up overall active travel investment to meet Section 22 of the Climate Change Act obligations by 2030. A number of important steps have been taken to increase capacity to support the delivery of active travel including filling key posts within the Active Travel team and the appointment of an Active Travel Support Office. My department has also developed a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan, which is currently open for public consultation. When complete, this plan will complement the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan (2022) and the Strategic Plan for Greenways (2016) to provide a firm basis for the future prioritisation of active travel infrastructure investment and delivery.
The delivery of the obligations will be subject to the availability of funding through the normal Executive budgetary processes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019726%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421362","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421362"}},{"id":"420628","reference":"AQW 19376/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-05","answerBy":"2024-12-10","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 18962/22-27, (i) for a breakdown of the £0.5 billion figure cited by (a) resource; (b) capital; and (c) earmarked projects, taking account of the alterations to the final opening budget allocations from the Equality Impact Assessment; (ii) to detail the percentage of the £0.5 billion allocated to improve wastewater treatment; (iii) to detail the wastewater treatment works that received this funding; and (iv) how he plans to fill the funding gap.","answerText":"(i) (a),(b) The table below sets out the breakdown of the £0.5 billion figure, including the additional £11.5m resource DEL and £19.5m capital DEL allocated following the October monitoring round:\n\nCapital 2024-25 £k\nEU Peace Plus (ring fenced) *\t875\nGeneral allocation\t343,167\nTotal\t344,042\nResource 2024-25 £k\nTotal\t149,230\n\n*This is to cover the Department’s match-funding element of the EU Peaceplus grant for this scheme.\n\n(c) The funding is earmarked for the delivery of water and wastewater base maintenance and capital enhancement as determined under the Price Control and subject to budget availability. The capital funding I have provided in addition to the final opening budget will be used to alleviate capacity constraints to enable housing connections.\n\n(ii) NI Water has advised that, of the £0.5 billion allocated, 33% overall has been allocated to improve wastewater infrastructure.\n\n(iii) NI Water has advised that they are investing public funding in the following Wastewater Treatment Works in 2024-25:\n\nBallyronan WwTW\tCarrickfergus WwTW\tLisnaskea WwTW - Cat 5\nKillygonlan WwTW\tLoughries WwTW\tClogher WwTW\nBellaghy WwTW\tKinnegar WwTW\tLough Macrory WwTW\nGrange WwTW\tBallygowan WwTW\tGarrison WwTWs\nBallintoy WwTW\tNewcastle WwTW Tertiary Treatment Appraisal\tBelleek WwTW\nBallyvoy WwTW\tDrumaness WwTW\tMonea WwTW\nKilrea WwTW\tDownpatrick WwTW\tTamlaght WwTW\nMarkethill WWTW feasibility\tDromore WwTW\tBallygawley WwTW\nRobinsonstown WwTW\tDromara WwTW\tLWWP - Belfast WwTW - Phase 1 Ancillary Work\nMoy WwTW\tNewry WwTW\tLWWP - Whitehouse WwTW\nCabragh WwTW\tMeigh WwTW\tLWWP - Belfast WwTW Phase1 upgrade\nDungannon WwTW\tCarrickfergus WwTW\tLWWP - Greenisland WwTW\nWaringstown WwTW\tLoughries WwTW\tLisnaskea WwTW - Cat 5\nAnnsborough WwTW\tKinnegar WwTW\tClogher WwTW\nDundrum WwTW Phase 2\tBallygowan WwTW\tLough Macrory WwTW\nRWwIP PC21\tNewcastle WwTW Tertiary Treatment Appraisal\tGarrison WwTWs\nAghanloo WwTW\tDrumaness WwTW\tBelleek WwTW\nCulmore WwTW - Cat 5\tDownpatrick WwTW\tMonea WwTW\nMountfield WwTW\tDromore WwTW\tTamlaght WwTW\nPomeroy WwTW\tDromara WwTW\n\n(iv) I continue to work with Executive colleagues to try and increase wastewater investment, I am reviewing the policy and legislation around developer contributions and I have secured Executive agreement for the Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill to be introduced to the Assembly. This legislation will provide powers to encourage increased use of sustainable drainage systems which use nature to separate and release storm water more slowly into the system so that it does not overrun wastewater treatment works.","answerHtml":"(i) (a),(b) The table below sets out the breakdown of the £0.5 billion figure, including the additional £11.5m resource DEL and £19.5m capital DEL allocated following the October monitoring round:
| Capital 2024-25 £k | |
| EU Peace Plus (ring fenced) * | 875 |
| General allocation | 343,167 |
| Total | 344,042 |
| Resource 2024-25 £k | |
| Total | 149,230 |
*This is to cover the Department’s match-funding element of the EU Peaceplus grant for this scheme.
(c) The funding is earmarked for the delivery of water and wastewater base maintenance and capital enhancement as determined under the Price Control and subject to budget availability. The capital funding I have provided in addition to the final opening budget will be used to alleviate capacity constraints to enable housing connections.
(ii) NI Water has advised that, of the £0.5 billion allocated, 33% overall has been allocated to improve wastewater infrastructure.
(iii) NI Water has advised that they are investing public funding in the following Wastewater Treatment Works in 2024-25:
| Ballyronan WwTW | Carrickfergus WwTW | Lisnaskea WwTW - Cat 5 |
| Killygonlan WwTW | Loughries WwTW | Clogher WwTW |
| Bellaghy WwTW | Kinnegar WwTW | Lough Macrory WwTW |
| Grange WwTW | Ballygowan WwTW | Garrison WwTWs |
| Ballintoy WwTW | Newcastle WwTW Tertiary Treatment Appraisal | Belleek WwTW |
| Ballyvoy WwTW | Drumaness WwTW | Monea WwTW |
| Kilrea WwTW | Downpatrick WwTW | Tamlaght WwTW |
| Markethill WWTW feasibility | Dromore WwTW | Ballygawley WwTW |
| Robinsonstown WwTW | Dromara WwTW | LWWP - Belfast WwTW - Phase 1 Ancillary Work |
| Moy WwTW | Newry WwTW | LWWP - Whitehouse WwTW |
| Cabragh WwTW | Meigh WwTW | LWWP - Belfast WwTW Phase1 upgrade |
| Dungannon WwTW | Carrickfergus WwTW | LWWP - Greenisland WwTW |
| Waringstown WwTW | Loughries WwTW | Lisnaskea WwTW - Cat 5 |
| Annsborough WwTW | Kinnegar WwTW | Clogher WwTW |
| Dundrum WwTW Phase 2 | Ballygowan WwTW | Lough Macrory WwTW |
| RWwIP PC21 | Newcastle WwTW Tertiary Treatment Appraisal | Garrison WwTWs |
| Aghanloo WwTW | Drumaness WwTW | Belleek WwTW |
| Culmore WwTW - Cat 5 | Downpatrick WwTW | Monea WwTW |
| Mountfield WwTW | Dromore WwTW | Tamlaght WwTW |
| Pomeroy WwTW | Dromara WwTW |
(iv) I continue to work with Executive colleagues to try and increase wastewater investment, I am reviewing the policy and legislation around developer contributions and I have secured Executive agreement for the Water, Flooding and Sustainable Drainage Bill to be introduced to the Assembly. This legislation will provide powers to encourage increased use of sustainable drainage systems which use nature to separate and release storm water more slowly into the system so that it does not overrun wastewater treatment works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019376%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420628"}},{"id":"420251","reference":"AQW 19203/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-03","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will prioritise delivery of road safety education in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.","answerText":"There are already opportunities throughout the Northern Ireland curriculum for teachers to deliver road safety education.\n\nAt primary level, the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Area of Learning requires teachers to enable pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in keeping themselves healthy and safe.\n\nAt post-primary level, the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning requires that pupils should have opportunities to “develop preventative strategies in relation to accidents in the home, school and on the road”.\n\nAdditionally, The Department of Infrastructure provide educational road safety resources which primary and post primary schools can avail of.","answerHtml":"There are already opportunities throughout the Northern Ireland curriculum for teachers to deliver road safety education.
At primary level, the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Area of Learning requires teachers to enable pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in keeping themselves healthy and safe.
At post-primary level, the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning requires that pupils should have opportunities to “develop preventative strategies in relation to accidents in the home, school and on the road”.
Additionally, The Department of Infrastructure provide educational road safety resources which primary and post primary schools can avail of.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019203%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420251"}},{"id":"419527","reference":"AQW 18962/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-28","answerBy":"2024-12-03","answered":"2024-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) when he first read the Story of Belfast Lough document; and (ii) for his assessment of it.","answerText":"The ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ document was brought to my attention by my officials following its publication on NI Water’s website. The significant water quality issues highlighted have been known for some time and were identified in my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan, which was published in November 2021 following Executive endorsement. The document outlines some of the further work funded by my Department through this Plan since 2021, including integrated environmental modelling to inform the future design standards for the upgrades needed to the wastewater treatment works that discharge into Belfast Lough.\n\nIt was always acknowledged that additional funding would be required to deliver all aspects of the Belfast Plan within the original 12-year timeframe. In the New Decade New Approach agreement, published in January 2020, Living With Water was identified as a beneficiary of increased funding, however, this was not received. In 2023, NI Water also increased the cost estimate of its elements of the Belfast Plan by £700 million, pushing the overall costs from £1.4 to £2.1 billion.\n\nAn affordability review conducted by my Department in response to this increase has concluded that the need for the Belfast Plan continues to exist, however, without the necessary budget, its original timescale is no longer achievable. Delivery of the projects in the Belfast Plan will therefore be taken forward by my Department and NI Water as normal business at a scale and pace achievable within available budgets.\n\nIn this financial year, I have provided NI Water with c£0.5billion funding, however, I will continue to make the case for additional funding for water and wastewater services.","answerHtml":"The ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ document was brought to my attention by my officials following its publication on NI Water’s website. The significant water quality issues highlighted have been known for some time and were identified in my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan, which was published in November 2021 following Executive endorsement. The document outlines some of the further work funded by my Department through this Plan since 2021, including integrated environmental modelling to inform the future design standards for the upgrades needed to the wastewater treatment works that discharge into Belfast Lough.
It was always acknowledged that additional funding would be required to deliver all aspects of the Belfast Plan within the original 12-year timeframe. In the New Decade New Approach agreement, published in January 2020, Living With Water was identified as a beneficiary of increased funding, however, this was not received. In 2023, NI Water also increased the cost estimate of its elements of the Belfast Plan by £700 million, pushing the overall costs from £1.4 to £2.1 billion.
An affordability review conducted by my Department in response to this increase has concluded that the need for the Belfast Plan continues to exist, however, without the necessary budget, its original timescale is no longer achievable. Delivery of the projects in the Belfast Plan will therefore be taken forward by my Department and NI Water as normal business at a scale and pace achievable within available budgets.
In this financial year, I have provided NI Water with c£0.5billion funding, however, I will continue to make the case for additional funding for water and wastewater services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018962%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419527"}},{"id":"419239","reference":"AQW 18800/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of the risk of not updating the Highway Code for Northern Ireland to reflect recent changes in Great Britain.","answerText":"No single policy area of DfI has responsibility for the content of the Highway Code. Rather, a review of the Code is commissioned periodically, and individual policy areas are asked to ensure that content relating to their area remains accurate. The Code is then updated as necessary, based on responses received.\n\nThe most recent review was commissioned in November 2023, following the substantive update to the Highway Code in GB in 2022. Policy areas were asked to consider the content of the Code and advise whether any amendment was required. The responses received resulted in no significant adjustments to the published version of our Highway Code.","answerHtml":"No single policy area of DfI has responsibility for the content of the Highway Code. Rather, a review of the Code is commissioned periodically, and individual policy areas are asked to ensure that content relating to their area remains accurate. The Code is then updated as necessary, based on responses received.
The most recent review was commissioned in November 2023, following the substantive update to the Highway Code in GB in 2022. Policy areas were asked to consider the content of the Code and advise whether any amendment was required. The responses received resulted in no significant adjustments to the published version of our Highway Code.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018800%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419239","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419239"}},{"id":"419238","reference":"AQW 18799/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-26","answerBy":"2024-12-11","answered":"2024-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 18339/22-27, for a breakdown of the cost implications for reinstating the Primary Modern Languages Programme.","answerText":"As per my response to AQW 18339/22-27, given the current financial pressures facing education at this time, I have no present plans to reinstate the Primary Modern Languages Programme. As such, current cost implications have not been analysed. The programme last ran in 2014/15 with funding of £900k.","answerHtml":"As per my response to AQW 18339/22-27, given the current financial pressures facing education at this time, I have no present plans to reinstate the Primary Modern Languages Programme. As such, current cost implications have not been analysed. The programme last ran in 2014/15 with funding of £900k.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018799%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419238","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419238"}},{"id":"420001","reference":"AQO 1226/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-21","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of whether his Department will deliver the target of 80 per cent electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.","answerText":"Question 14 – AQO 1226/22-27\n\nOne of my four critical objectives for the Economy is to reduce carbon emissions; generating sufficient renewable electricity is key to facilitate this change.\n\nWe must build on our previous success in renewables development and the Executive needs to take a collaborative, whole system approach to deliver the 80% by 2030 target.\n\nWhilst my Department has legislative responsibility for the target, collaboration across departments and with wider stakeholders, including industry, will be essential to the successful delivery of this target.","answerHtml":"Question 14 – AQO 1226/22-27
One of my four critical objectives for the Economy is to reduce carbon emissions; generating sufficient renewable electricity is key to facilitate this change.
We must build on our previous success in renewables development and the Executive needs to take a collaborative, whole system approach to deliver the 80% by 2030 target.
Whilst my Department has legislative responsibility for the target, collaboration across departments and with wider stakeholders, including industry, will be essential to the successful delivery of this target.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201226%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420001","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420001"}},{"id":"418107","reference":"AQW 18339/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-18","answerBy":"2024-12-03","answered":"2024-11-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to re-instate the Primary Modern Languages Programme.","answerText":"Given the current financial pressures facing education at this time, I have no present plans to reinstate the Primary Modern Languages Programme or another programme of this nature.\n\nModern languages have, however, been identified as a priority area of focus within the Northern Ireland Curriculum. My officials continue to engage with colleagues in the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to consider how best to support languages and encourage the development of language skills in young people.\n\nIn addition, the Independent Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum that I have commissioned will make a series of policy recommendations regarding the purpose, design, specification and implementation of the curriculum.","answerHtml":"Given the current financial pressures facing education at this time, I have no present plans to reinstate the Primary Modern Languages Programme or another programme of this nature.
Modern languages have, however, been identified as a priority area of focus within the Northern Ireland Curriculum. My officials continue to engage with colleagues in the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to consider how best to support languages and encourage the development of language skills in young people.
In addition, the Independent Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum that I have commissioned will make a series of policy recommendations regarding the purpose, design, specification and implementation of the curriculum.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018339%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418107","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418107"}},{"id":"418106","reference":"AQW 18338/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-18","answerBy":"2024-12-03","answered":"2024-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of modern languages teachers employed in the last five years, broken down by (i) full-time employment; (ii) part-time employment; and (iii) constituency.","answerText":"The Department of Education does not collect information on the subject taught by teachers and therefore is unable to provide the number of modern languages teachers employed in the last five years.\n\nThe General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) is currently running its data collection which includes the main subject taught by teachers and they expect to have this information available by March 2025.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education does not collect information on the subject taught by teachers and therefore is unable to provide the number of modern languages teachers employed in the last five years.
The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) is currently running its data collection which includes the main subject taught by teachers and they expect to have this information available by March 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018338%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418106","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418106"}},{"id":"419216","reference":"AQO 1207/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-14","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline how the Department will deliver up to 1,400 new build social homes in the 2024-2025 financial year given constraints in the wastewater infrastructure.","answerText":"Following confirmation of the extra budget for the Social Housing Development Programme in the October monitoring round, it will be for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, as the commissioning body for the Social Housing Development Programme, to assess how the additional budget may best be used to meet identified housing need before any final starts figure for 2024/25 can be confirmed or revised target set. I am advised that work on this is underway.\n\nDeliverability of any additional social home schemes in this financial year will be a key consideration for the Housing Executive in their deliberations regarding additional budget.\n\nIn terms of social housing delivery, my Department has previously received confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that when developments are already underway, with valid planning permission, and where sewerage/water planning conditions have been followed, NI Water is obliged to provide connections to the sewerage system and will endeavour to do so.","answerHtml":"Following confirmation of the extra budget for the Social Housing Development Programme in the October monitoring round, it will be for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, as the commissioning body for the Social Housing Development Programme, to assess how the additional budget may best be used to meet identified housing need before any final starts figure for 2024/25 can be confirmed or revised target set. I am advised that work on this is underway.
Deliverability of any additional social home schemes in this financial year will be a key consideration for the Housing Executive in their deliberations regarding additional budget.
In terms of social housing delivery, my Department has previously received confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that when developments are already underway, with valid planning permission, and where sewerage/water planning conditions have been followed, NI Water is obliged to provide connections to the sewerage system and will endeavour to do so.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201207%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419216","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419216"}},{"id":"418233","reference":"AQO 1150/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-07","answerBy":"2024-11-18","answered":"2024-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on plans to permit all taxis to use certain bus lanes in Belfast City Centre.","answerText":"The closure of Durham Street is necessary for the development of Belfast Grand Central Station and the associated public realm works. My Department has been working closely with Translink to manage traffic flow during construction, and I am aware of the level of disruption being experienced at certain times.\n\nTo alleviate some of this disruption, and to support the taxi industry, I am bringing forward proposals which will permit Class A and Class C taxis to use certain bus lanes in the vicinity of the works.\n\nThe taxi industry provides an important service within our community ensuring people, including the most vulnerable in society, have door to door access to work, education, socialising and medical appointments.\n\nTourists, particularly those using the new station, are also regular users of taxis.\n\nWork on the legislation is ongoing and I will announce further details on the commencement of the pilot in the near future.","answerHtml":"The closure of Durham Street is necessary for the development of Belfast Grand Central Station and the associated public realm works. My Department has been working closely with Translink to manage traffic flow during construction, and I am aware of the level of disruption being experienced at certain times.
To alleviate some of this disruption, and to support the taxi industry, I am bringing forward proposals which will permit Class A and Class C taxis to use certain bus lanes in the vicinity of the works.
The taxi industry provides an important service within our community ensuring people, including the most vulnerable in society, have door to door access to work, education, socialising and medical appointments.
Tourists, particularly those using the new station, are also regular users of taxis.
Work on the legislation is ongoing and I will announce further details on the commencement of the pilot in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201150%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418233","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418233"}},{"id":"416460","reference":"AQW 17603/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-05","answerBy":"2024-11-20","answered":"2024-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he plans to develop and publish a workforce plan for GPs.","answerText":"I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice and the impact that increasing demand and workload pressures are having on GPs. I also recognise the importance of a sustainable workforce for general practice and the need to build and sustain the GP workforce.\n\nThe Department of Health welcomed the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy which made a number of useful recommendations.\n\nMy Department has taken forward a range of actions to address workforce and workload challenges, many of which are in line with recommendations set out in the RCGPNI Retention Strategy plan. These include:\n\nTaking speedy action to progress the 2023/24 Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Board recommendation for GPs and applying a 6.0% uplift for GP pay. In addition, a 6% uplift for practice staff expenses and a 7.3% uplift for other expenses (3% recurrent) were also applied.\n\nAgreeing the new 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract. A key aim of these new contract arrangements is to provide GPs with greater certainty over their income throughout the year, as well as reducing administrative burdens and associated costs to practices.\n\nFocussing on building the GP workforce through funding a number of initiatives, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, GP Retainer Scheme, GP Mentor Scheme and GP Fellowship Scheme.\n\nIn September this year, my Department commissioned a second Fellowship Scheme for GP Practices in the Southern Trust area designed to attract salaried GPs to work in Practices which they have taken over due to contract hand-backs. The first round of recruitment has completed; with a second round now being worked through by the Federation.\n\nIncreasing the annual number of GP training places from 65 in 2015/16 to the current all-time high level of 121 (an increase of 86%).\n\nWorking with NIMDTA on innovations to the local GP training programme with the objective of enhancing the recruitment and retention of trainees in Northern Ireland.\n\nIn relation to GP training numbers, the GP Training Group, which includes the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) and GP representatives including RCGPNI, will make recommendations on the number of GP training places required for the 25/26. It will also progress work to project the number of GP training places required over the next 5 years.","answerHtml":"I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice and the impact that increasing demand and workload pressures are having on GPs. I also recognise the importance of a sustainable workforce for general practice and the need to build and sustain the GP workforce.
The Department of Health welcomed the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy which made a number of useful recommendations.
My Department has taken forward a range of actions to address workforce and workload challenges, many of which are in line with recommendations set out in the RCGPNI Retention Strategy plan. These include:
Taking speedy action to progress the 2023/24 Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Board recommendation for GPs and applying a 6.0% uplift for GP pay. In addition, a 6% uplift for practice staff expenses and a 7.3% uplift for other expenses (3% recurrent) were also applied.
Agreeing the new 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract. A key aim of these new contract arrangements is to provide GPs with greater certainty over their income throughout the year, as well as reducing administrative burdens and associated costs to practices.
Focussing on building the GP workforce through funding a number of initiatives, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, GP Retainer Scheme, GP Mentor Scheme and GP Fellowship Scheme.
In September this year, my Department commissioned a second Fellowship Scheme for GP Practices in the Southern Trust area designed to attract salaried GPs to work in Practices which they have taken over due to contract hand-backs. The first round of recruitment has completed; with a second round now being worked through by the Federation.
Increasing the annual number of GP training places from 65 in 2015/16 to the current all-time high level of 121 (an increase of 86%).
Working with NIMDTA on innovations to the local GP training programme with the objective of enhancing the recruitment and retention of trainees in Northern Ireland.
In relation to GP training numbers, the GP Training Group, which includes the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) and GP representatives including RCGPNI, will make recommendations on the number of GP training places required for the 25/26. It will also progress work to project the number of GP training places required over the next 5 years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017603%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416460","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416460"}},{"id":"416459","reference":"AQW 17602/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-05","answerBy":"2024-11-20","answered":"2024-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his Department’s work to implement the recommendations from the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland report A Workforce Fit for the Future: RCPGNI Retention Strategy, published in April 2024.","answerText":"I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice and the impact that increasing demand and workload pressures are having on GPs. I also recognise the importance of a sustainable workforce for general practice and the need to build and sustain the GP workforce.\n\nThe Department of Health welcomed the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy which made a number of useful recommendations.\n\nMy Department has taken forward a range of actions to address workforce and workload challenges, many of which are in line with recommendations set out in the RCGPNI Retention Strategy plan. These include:\n\nTaking speedy action to progress the 2023/24 Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Board recommendation for GPs and applying a 6.0% uplift for GP pay. In addition, a 6% uplift for practice staff expenses and a 7.3% uplift for other expenses (3% recurrent) were also applied.\n\nAgreeing the new 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract. A key aim of these new contract arrangements is to provide GPs with greater certainty over their income throughout the year, as well as reducing administrative burdens and associated costs to practices.\n\nFocussing on building the GP workforce through funding a number of initiatives, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, GP Retainer Scheme, GP Mentor Scheme and GP Fellowship Scheme.\n\nIn September this year, my Department commissioned a second Fellowship Scheme for GP Practices in the Southern Trust area designed to attract salaried GPs to work in Practices which they have taken over due to contract hand-backs. The first round of recruitment has completed; with a second round now being worked through by the Federation.\n\nIncreasing the annual number of GP training places from 65 in 2015/16 to the current all-time high level of 121 (an increase of 86%).\n\nWorking with NIMDTA on innovations to the local GP training programme with the objective of enhancing the recruitment and retention of trainees in Northern Ireland.\n\nIn relation to GP training numbers, the GP Training Group, which includes the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) and GP representatives including RCGPNI, will make recommendations on the number of GP training places required for the 25/26. It will also progress work to project the number of GP training places required over the next 5 years.","answerHtml":"I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice and the impact that increasing demand and workload pressures are having on GPs. I also recognise the importance of a sustainable workforce for general practice and the need to build and sustain the GP workforce.
The Department of Health welcomed the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy which made a number of useful recommendations.
My Department has taken forward a range of actions to address workforce and workload challenges, many of which are in line with recommendations set out in the RCGPNI Retention Strategy plan. These include:
Taking speedy action to progress the 2023/24 Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Board recommendation for GPs and applying a 6.0% uplift for GP pay. In addition, a 6% uplift for practice staff expenses and a 7.3% uplift for other expenses (3% recurrent) were also applied.
Agreeing the new 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract. A key aim of these new contract arrangements is to provide GPs with greater certainty over their income throughout the year, as well as reducing administrative burdens and associated costs to practices.
Focussing on building the GP workforce through funding a number of initiatives, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, GP Retainer Scheme, GP Mentor Scheme and GP Fellowship Scheme.
In September this year, my Department commissioned a second Fellowship Scheme for GP Practices in the Southern Trust area designed to attract salaried GPs to work in Practices which they have taken over due to contract hand-backs. The first round of recruitment has completed; with a second round now being worked through by the Federation.
Increasing the annual number of GP training places from 65 in 2015/16 to the current all-time high level of 121 (an increase of 86%).
Working with NIMDTA on innovations to the local GP training programme with the objective of enhancing the recruitment and retention of trainees in Northern Ireland.
In relation to GP training numbers, the GP Training Group, which includes the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) and GP representatives including RCGPNI, will make recommendations on the number of GP training places required for the 25/26. It will also progress work to project the number of GP training places required over the next 5 years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017602%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416459"}},{"id":"415570","reference":"AQW 17339/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any guidance his Department provides for schools to create an Independent Healthcare Plan for children with epilepsy.","answerText":"Children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy, should have a healthcare plan in place. The responsibility for drawing up a healthcare plan lies with the relevant Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) involved in the healthcare of the child or young person with epilepsy. The AHP provides a detailed plan which is agreed with the parents and school and can be used as all or part of an individual’s Medication Plan.\n\nSchools have responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that that the needs of pupils with medical needs, including epilepsy, are met.\n\nThe department provides the following guidance to support schools “Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs” at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/support-pupils-medication-needs.\n\nTo ensure that school staff have a basic understanding, can recognise symptoms and seek appropriate support, awareness training should be completed. This will help ensure that the needs of pupils can be met. Epilepsy Action provides a free training module for schools. The training required, however, for individual children will be noted in the medication plan. The child and their family should be known to the Paediatric Epilepsy Nursing Specialists team who can provide specific support, if required.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) Special Educational Needs (SEN) Inclusion Service Medical Needs Service operates a central point of contact for schools to support the effective inclusion in schools of children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy. The service can be contacted at 028 7127 2340 or EAMedicalNeedsSupport@eani.org.uk. Information and signposting to resources and training is also available on the EA’s website Support available to schools for Medical Needs | SEND Plan.","answerHtml":"Children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy, should have a healthcare plan in place. The responsibility for drawing up a healthcare plan lies with the relevant Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) involved in the healthcare of the child or young person with epilepsy. The AHP provides a detailed plan which is agreed with the parents and school and can be used as all or part of an individual’s Medication Plan.
Schools have responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that that the needs of pupils with medical needs, including epilepsy, are met.
The department provides the following guidance to support schools “Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs” at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/support-pupils-medication-needs.
To ensure that school staff have a basic understanding, can recognise symptoms and seek appropriate support, awareness training should be completed. This will help ensure that the needs of pupils can be met. Epilepsy Action provides a free training module for schools. The training required, however, for individual children will be noted in the medication plan. The child and their family should be known to the Paediatric Epilepsy Nursing Specialists team who can provide specific support, if required.
The Education Authority (EA) Special Educational Needs (SEN) Inclusion Service Medical Needs Service operates a central point of contact for schools to support the effective inclusion in schools of children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy. The service can be contacted at 028 7127 2340 or EAMedicalNeedsSupport@eani.org.uk. Information and signposting to resources and training is also available on the EA’s website Support available to schools for Medical Needs | SEND Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017339%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415570"}},{"id":"415569","reference":"AQW 17338/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the provisions that currently exist for the management of epilepsy in educational settings.","answerText":"Children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy, should have a healthcare plan in place. The responsibility for drawing up a healthcare plan lies with the relevant Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) involved in the healthcare of the child or young person with epilepsy. The AHP provides a detailed plan which is agreed with the parents and school and can be used as all or part of an individual’s Medication Plan.\n\nSchools have responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that that the needs of pupils with medical needs, including epilepsy, are met.\n\nThe department provides the following guidance to support schools “Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs” at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/support-pupils-medication-needs.\n\nTo ensure that school staff have a basic understanding, can recognise symptoms and seek appropriate support, awareness training should be completed. This will help ensure that the needs of pupils can be met. Epilepsy Action provides a free training module for schools. The training required, however, for individual children will be noted in the medication plan. The child and their family should be known to the Paediatric Epilepsy Nursing Specialists team who can provide specific support, if required.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) Special Educational Needs (SEN) Inclusion Service Medical Needs Service operates a central point of contact for schools to support the effective inclusion in schools of children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy. The service can be contacted at 028 7127 2340 or EAMedicalNeedsSupport@eani.org.uk. Information and signposting to resources and training is also available on the EA’s website Support available to schools for Medical Needs | SEND Plan.","answerHtml":"Children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy, should have a healthcare plan in place. The responsibility for drawing up a healthcare plan lies with the relevant Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) involved in the healthcare of the child or young person with epilepsy. The AHP provides a detailed plan which is agreed with the parents and school and can be used as all or part of an individual’s Medication Plan.
Schools have responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that that the needs of pupils with medical needs, including epilepsy, are met.
The department provides the following guidance to support schools “Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs” at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/support-pupils-medication-needs.
To ensure that school staff have a basic understanding, can recognise symptoms and seek appropriate support, awareness training should be completed. This will help ensure that the needs of pupils can be met. Epilepsy Action provides a free training module for schools. The training required, however, for individual children will be noted in the medication plan. The child and their family should be known to the Paediatric Epilepsy Nursing Specialists team who can provide specific support, if required.
The Education Authority (EA) Special Educational Needs (SEN) Inclusion Service Medical Needs Service operates a central point of contact for schools to support the effective inclusion in schools of children and young people with medical needs, including epilepsy. The service can be contacted at 028 7127 2340 or EAMedicalNeedsSupport@eani.org.uk. Information and signposting to resources and training is also available on the EA’s website Support available to schools for Medical Needs | SEND Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017338%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415569","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415569"}},{"id":"415568","reference":"AQW 17337/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when he will introduce a new Building Safety Act.","answerText":"My officials are currently working with major stakeholders to co-design a building safety policy for Northern Ireland. I hope to bring this to the Executive in early 2027, with a view to introducing a Building Safety Bill at the start of the next Assembly mandate.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently working with major stakeholders to co-design a building safety policy for Northern Ireland. I hope to bring this to the Executive in early 2027, with a view to introducing a Building Safety Bill at the start of the next Assembly mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017337%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415568"}},{"id":"415415","reference":"AQW 17256/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-10-31","answered":"2024-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) why the Review of Grading in Modern Languages at GCSE and A-level has not been published since being commissioned in 2020; and (ii) when it will be published.","answerText":"The language reports submitted by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) are currently being reviewed by my Department. Officials are scoping the curriculum policy implications of these reports, as part of a wider approach to enhance and strengthen modern languages moving forward, in conjunction with CCEA colleagues. The aim is to recognise and promote the importance of languages and their place within the curriculum, and in doing so, attempt to address the decline in uptake at key stage 4 and post-16 levels.","answerHtml":"The language reports submitted by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) are currently being reviewed by my Department. Officials are scoping the curriculum policy implications of these reports, as part of a wider approach to enhance and strengthen modern languages moving forward, in conjunction with CCEA colleagues. The aim is to recognise and promote the importance of languages and their place within the curriculum, and in doing so, attempt to address the decline in uptake at key stage 4 and post-16 levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017256%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415415","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415415"}},{"id":"415414","reference":"AQW 17255/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-11-07","answered":"2024-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will collect data in relation to the number of health and social care staff that have received dementia-specific training.","answerText":"My Department recognises the importance of our Health and Social Care workforce having access to education and training in relation to Dementia to enable them to provide safe and effective care.\n\nThe Dementia Education and Learning Framework was launched in September 2016. This framework supports the training requirements of staff working within dementia care across the range of health and social care sectors.\n\nThere are numerous Dementia specific training resources utilised within Health and Social Care Trusts. Storage of data and information relating to training will vary, for example line managers will keep records in relation to staff training and development. The Clinical Education Centre and the Learning Management System (also known as LearnHSCNI) also retain information regarding staff training provided through their services. Figures of attendance are also collated through the various training teams across disciplines of courses including: The Dementia bus, Dementia dictionary, Vocational skills and simulation training.\n\nThe recently established Dementia Project Board and associated Education and Training work-stream are currently scoping Dementia Education provision across the region. All five HSC Trusts are represented on the Project Board and the Education and Training Workstream.\n\nThe Education and Training workstream have begun to map current provision, gaps in provision and potential solutions to collating information relating to the wide variety of education and training staff can avail of.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the importance of our Health and Social Care workforce having access to education and training in relation to Dementia to enable them to provide safe and effective care.
The Dementia Education and Learning Framework was launched in September 2016. This framework supports the training requirements of staff working within dementia care across the range of health and social care sectors.
There are numerous Dementia specific training resources utilised within Health and Social Care Trusts. Storage of data and information relating to training will vary, for example line managers will keep records in relation to staff training and development. The Clinical Education Centre and the Learning Management System (also known as LearnHSCNI) also retain information regarding staff training provided through their services. Figures of attendance are also collated through the various training teams across disciplines of courses including: The Dementia bus, Dementia dictionary, Vocational skills and simulation training.
The recently established Dementia Project Board and associated Education and Training work-stream are currently scoping Dementia Education provision across the region. All five HSC Trusts are represented on the Project Board and the Education and Training Workstream.
The Education and Training workstream have begun to map current provision, gaps in provision and potential solutions to collating information relating to the wide variety of education and training staff can avail of.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017255%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415414"}},{"id":"413804","reference":"AQW 16602/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-11","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Eastern Transport Plan 2035.","answerText":"My Department is continuing to work with councils and stakeholders on the development of the Eastern Transport Plan 2035 (ETP). Results of a public engagement exercise that was undertaken to launch the ETP, were recently published on the Department’s website. Building on the transport challenges identified through public and stakeholder engagement, a set of Belfast City Centre proposals have been developed and are currently being finalised. Testing of the proposals will commence shortly with public engagement planned for 2025. Simultaneously, work is ongoing to develop transport proposals covering the entire five council ETP area.","answerHtml":"My Department is continuing to work with councils and stakeholders on the development of the Eastern Transport Plan 2035 (ETP). Results of a public engagement exercise that was undertaken to launch the ETP, were recently published on the Department’s website. Building on the transport challenges identified through public and stakeholder engagement, a set of Belfast City Centre proposals have been developed and are currently being finalised. Testing of the proposals will commence shortly with public engagement planned for 2025. Simultaneously, work is ongoing to develop transport proposals covering the entire five council ETP area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016602%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413804","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413804"}},{"id":"413702","reference":"AQO 1006/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-10","answerBy":"2024-10-21","answered":"2024-10-21","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department has made an initial assessment of the impact developer contributions will have on wastewater system capacity.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I recognise the current waste water capacity challenges and am taking a three-pronged approach to the matter. First, I continue to work with my Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment for NI Water. Secondly, I am introducing new legislation on sustainable urban drainage, which will help to store storm water so that it releases more slowly into the waste water network. Thirdly, I have asked my officials to examine the legislative change required to introduce developer contributions. The impact of developer contributions will be fully assessed through the stakeholder engagement and consultation. In the meantime, I encourage developers to engage earlier with NI Water, through its pre-development enquiry process, to identify solutions, where they exist."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"Minister, what do you say to those who raised concerns with me recently that they fear that developer contributions to address our waste water system capacity risk creating a two-tier system for development and passing costs on to house buyers?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"As I said in my answer, that will require legislative change, and part of that change will involve a consultation process where views can be aired and taken on board, whether from the point of view of the developer, the house purchaser or whoever it may be. The House will have to vote on the legislation. There are a number of steps to be taken — accountability measures will be built into those steps — before any final decisions are made."},{"speaker":"Mr Baker","text":"What current obstacles are preventing developers from contributing financially to NI Water in order to facilitate development?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"The current obstacle is the legislation that we have available to us, which does not allow us to take contributions from developers in order to pay directly towards waste water treatment works. It is common practice that developers will pay for the separation of storm water and sewage and foul waste but, at the moment, we cannot allow for contributions to be taken from developers for the purpose of waste water treatment works."},{"speaker":"Mrs Erskine","text":"Developers are saying that they already contribute. We have a number of unadopted sites in Northern Ireland, yet developers say that they have contributed in some way. Is the Minister working on anything to try to combat that?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"The Member will be aware that developers pay a bond towards roads and other public services maintenance in areas. Before any bond is used to complete a site, however, I believe that it is only right and proper that my officials explore to the nth degree why a developer cannot do that themselves. In itself, the bond is very rarely sufficient to complete the site. It is only right and proper that when we come across those challenges, my officials engage with the developer to challenge them to complete the site, rather than dipping into the public purse."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Has the Minister engaged with the Minister for Communities regarding the cost consequences of this proposal and its potential negative cost impact on the provision of social housing?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I have not engaged directly with the Communities Minister at this stage. As I said to one of your colleagues, however, we are at the start of this process rather than at the end of it. It will require legislative change, and consultation takes place, as part of any legislative journey, with fellow Ministers, other key stakeholders and the general public."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Questions 4 and 5 have been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201006%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413702","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-10-21&docID=414507#AQO%201006/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413702"}},{"id":"412682","reference":"AQW 16149/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-18","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether all planned works for Phase 1 of the A5 Western Transport Corridor will commence at the same time.","answerText":"My Department has programmed for main construction works on the Strabane to Omagh section to commence next year with the Omagh to Ballygawley section to commence one year later.","answerHtml":"My Department has programmed for main construction works on the Strabane to Omagh section to commence next year with the Omagh to Ballygawley section to commence one year later.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016149%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412682"}},{"id":"412681","reference":"AQW 16148/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-18","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the Omagh bypass will be included in Phase 1 of the A5 Western Transport Corridor.","answerText":"Yes, my decision to proceed relates to the length of road from Strabane to Ballygawley and therefore bypasses the town of Omagh.","answerHtml":"Yes, my decision to proceed relates to the length of road from Strabane to Ballygawley and therefore bypasses the town of Omagh.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016148%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412681","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412681"}},{"id":"412680","reference":"AQW 16147/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-18","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when improvements to the Newbuildings to Strabane section of the A5 Western Transport Corridor will commence.","answerText":"My officials continue to make good progress in addressing the issues raised in the Planning Appeals Commission report in regards this section of the road and I remain fully committed to all 85 kilometres of the scheme in line with my statutory duties.","answerHtml":"My officials continue to make good progress in addressing the issues raised in the Planning Appeals Commission report in regards this section of the road and I remain fully committed to all 85 kilometres of the scheme in line with my statutory duties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016147%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412680","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412680"}},{"id":"412679","reference":"AQW 16146/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-18","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when work will commence on the A5 Western Transport Corridor.","answerText":"My Department has programmed for main construction works on the Strabane to Omagh section to commence next year with the Omagh to Ballygawley section to commence one year later.","answerHtml":"My Department has programmed for main construction works on the Strabane to Omagh section to commence next year with the Omagh to Ballygawley section to commence one year later.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016146%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412679","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412679"}},{"id":"414001","reference":"AQO 967/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what discussions have taken place with the Minister for Infrastructure to address the shortfall in funding for Northern Ireland Water.","answerText":"I have had recent discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the funding requirements for NI Water. During a recent meeting in September in relation to the in-year budget position, the issue of the capital funding position of NI Water was discussed.\n\nI have also had a further meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss specifically the question of developer contributions as a means of funding water and wastewater infrastructure. At that meeting, the Infrastructure Minister outlined that legislative change would be required before NI Water could introduce developer contributions in relation to water and wastewater infrastructure and that he is currently considering how best to proceed. I recognise that a lack of water and wastewater capacity is acting as a constraint on development in many locations, particularly in relation to social housing, and this does need to be addressed.","answerHtml":"I have had recent discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the funding requirements for NI Water. During a recent meeting in September in relation to the in-year budget position, the issue of the capital funding position of NI Water was discussed.
I have also had a further meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss specifically the question of developer contributions as a means of funding water and wastewater infrastructure. At that meeting, the Infrastructure Minister outlined that legislative change would be required before NI Water could introduce developer contributions in relation to water and wastewater infrastructure and that he is currently considering how best to proceed. I recognise that a lack of water and wastewater capacity is acting as a constraint on development in many locations, particularly in relation to social housing, and this does need to be addressed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20967%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414001","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414001"}},{"id":"414002","reference":"AQO 967/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-03","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what discussions have taken place with the Minister for Infrastructure to address the shortfall in funding for Northern Ireland Water.","answerText":"I have had recent discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the funding requirements for NI Water. During a recent meeting in September in relation to the in-year budget position, the issue of the capital funding position of NI Water was discussed.\n\nI have also had a further meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss specifically the question of developer contributions as a means of funding water and wastewater infrastructure. At that meeting, the Infrastructure Minister outlined that legislative change would be required before NI Water could introduce developer contributions in relation to water and wastewater infrastructure and that he is currently considering how best to proceed. I recognise that a lack of water and wastewater capacity is acting as a constraint on development in many locations, particularly in relation to social housing, and this does need to be addressed.","answerHtml":"I have had recent discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the funding requirements for NI Water. During a recent meeting in September in relation to the in-year budget position, the issue of the capital funding position of NI Water was discussed.
I have also had a further meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss specifically the question of developer contributions as a means of funding water and wastewater infrastructure. At that meeting, the Infrastructure Minister outlined that legislative change would be required before NI Water could introduce developer contributions in relation to water and wastewater infrastructure and that he is currently considering how best to proceed. I recognise that a lack of water and wastewater capacity is acting as a constraint on development in many locations, particularly in relation to social housing, and this does need to be addressed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20967%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414002","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414002"}},{"id":"412291","reference":"AQW 15988/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-01","answerBy":"2024-10-16","answered":"2024-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the introduction of an expert-led, Independent Infrastructure Commission.","answerText":"We are currently considering the report from the SIB Review. The recommendations from the review will help to inform a revised paper on options for an Infrastructure Commission. Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive in due course.","answerHtml":"We are currently considering the report from the SIB Review. The recommendations from the review will help to inform a revised paper on options for an Infrastructure Commission. Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015988%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412291"}},{"id":"412290","reference":"AQW 15987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-01","answerBy":"2024-10-16","answered":"2024-10-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount of budget for the works on the (i) A2 Clooney Road, Ballykelly; and (ii) A29 Ring Road, Coleraine, has been spent on (a) road resurfacing; and (b) active travel provision.","answerText":"The value of the Active Travel scheme on the A2 Clooney Road in Ballykelly is £2.6m and the value of the scheme on the A29 Ring Road in Coleraine is £0.8m.\n\nProvision of high quality active travel infrastructure along existing roads, in some cases means having to move and reprofile the existing carriageway, including replacing kerb lines and drainage. This is the case on the Clooney Road and Coleraine Ring Road schemes where the carriageway needs to be realigned and reprofiled to facilitate the active travel infrastructure improvements. The resultant resurfacing is a necessary consequence of delivering the active travel improvements and cannot, therefore, be considered in isolation.\n\nThe resurfacing element of the Clooney Road active travel scheme is estimated to be in the region £0.4m for the surface course material, with the Coleraine Ring Road estimated to be in the region £0.2m.\n\nI can further confirm that the roads in question were not in a condition where carriageway resurfacing was considered a priority. It would not be practical to wait many years for road surfaces to deteriorate to the point where they would be prioritised for resurfacing before progressing any road improvement scheme, including improvements to active travel provision.","answerHtml":"The value of the Active Travel scheme on the A2 Clooney Road in Ballykelly is £2.6m and the value of the scheme on the A29 Ring Road in Coleraine is £0.8m.
Provision of high quality active travel infrastructure along existing roads, in some cases means having to move and reprofile the existing carriageway, including replacing kerb lines and drainage. This is the case on the Clooney Road and Coleraine Ring Road schemes where the carriageway needs to be realigned and reprofiled to facilitate the active travel infrastructure improvements. The resultant resurfacing is a necessary consequence of delivering the active travel improvements and cannot, therefore, be considered in isolation.
The resurfacing element of the Clooney Road active travel scheme is estimated to be in the region £0.4m for the surface course material, with the Coleraine Ring Road estimated to be in the region £0.2m.
I can further confirm that the roads in question were not in a condition where carriageway resurfacing was considered a priority. It would not be practical to wait many years for road surfaces to deteriorate to the point where they would be prioritised for resurfacing before progressing any road improvement scheme, including improvements to active travel provision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412290"}},{"id":"412289","reference":"AQW 15986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-01","answerBy":"2024-10-16","answered":"2024-10-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department enforces cycle lanes.","answerText":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. Mandatory Cycle Lanes are sited at carriageway (road) level and are separated from the rest of the carriageway by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island.\n\nAdvisory Cycle Lanes also sited at carriageway (road) level but separated from the rest of the carriageway by a broken white line are not enforceable. However, if there is a parking restriction marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, those restrictions also apply to the Advisory Cycle Lane.\n\nCycle Tracks sited on footways are also not enforceable. However, if there is a parking restriction marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, this will also apply to the adjacent footway and any cycle tracks thereon.\n\nVehicles parked on Advisory Cycle Lanes or Footway Cycle Tracks causing an obstruction, where no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway, are a matter for the PSNI.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. Mandatory Cycle Lanes are sited at carriageway (road) level and are separated from the rest of the carriageway by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island.
Advisory Cycle Lanes also sited at carriageway (road) level but separated from the rest of the carriageway by a broken white line are not enforceable. However, if there is a parking restriction marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, those restrictions also apply to the Advisory Cycle Lane.
Cycle Tracks sited on footways are also not enforceable. However, if there is a parking restriction marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, this will also apply to the adjacent footway and any cycle tracks thereon.
Vehicles parked on Advisory Cycle Lanes or Footway Cycle Tracks causing an obstruction, where no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway, are a matter for the PSNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412289","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412289"}},{"id":"411880","reference":"AQW 15844/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-02","answered":"2024-10-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether he is aware of car insurers refusing to process changes to insurance policies when changing cars; and (ii) whether he or his officials will engage with the Association of British Insurers on this issue.","answerText":"Insurers can refuse to provide cover when changing cars as the risk originally insured will have changed and may now fall outside of their underwriters' criteria.\n\nGovernance of the motor insurance industry is not a devolved matter; it falls within the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).","answerHtml":"Insurers can refuse to provide cover when changing cars as the risk originally insured will have changed and may now fall outside of their underwriters' criteria.
Governance of the motor insurance industry is not a devolved matter; it falls within the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411880","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411880"}},{"id":"411879","reference":"AQW 15843/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any action he is taking to strengthen the enforcement measures used to control unauthorised developments.","answerText":"The Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 introduced new enforcement powers for councils and also increased several levels of fines with regards to suspected breaches of planning control. Following consideration of the available evidence, the report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 (RIPA) made numerous recommendations/actions covering key elements of the planning system. In respect of enforcement my Department was not persuaded of the need to change the approaches to planning enforcement and this position has not changed.","answerHtml":"The Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 introduced new enforcement powers for councils and also increased several levels of fines with regards to suspected breaches of planning control. Following consideration of the available evidence, the report on the Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 (RIPA) made numerous recommendations/actions covering key elements of the planning system. In respect of enforcement my Department was not persuaded of the need to change the approaches to planning enforcement and this position has not changed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015843%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411879","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411879"}},{"id":"409665","reference":"AQW 14820/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-11","answerBy":"2024-09-26","answered":"2024-11-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) for an update on the draft Refugee Integration Strategy; and (ii) whether the long-term housing needs of displaced Ukrainians will be considered as part of the strategy.","answerText":"We are currently considering a draft Refugee Integration Strategy and intend to present a final version, and an associated Thematic Delivery Plan, to the Executive for agreement. In the meantime, work is ongoing under the auspice of the draft Strategy to continue to support refugees and asylum seekers here.","answerHtml":"We are currently considering a draft Refugee Integration Strategy and intend to present a final version, and an associated Thematic Delivery Plan, to the Executive for agreement. In the meantime, work is ongoing under the auspice of the draft Strategy to continue to support refugees and asylum seekers here.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014820%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409665","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409665"}},{"id":"409486","reference":"AQW 14720/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans he has to improve access to driving lessons for people with a disability.","answerText":"Whilst the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is responsible for regulating the Approved Driver Instructor (ADI) industry, it does not employ ADIs in the capacity of delivering driving instruction or have any influence over who they may present to driving test.\n\nNidirect provides information for learner drivers, including information for those with a disability. It signposts learner drivers with disabilities to contact local specialist instructor/s at Disability Action and provides contact details to do so (Learning to drive with a disability | nidirect).\n\nLearner drivers with a disability will take the same driving test as all other candidates, regardless of impairment or condition. Such candidates should inform the DVA of any disability at the time of booking their driving test and drivers with disabilities may be allocated additional time for their test, to accommodate specific requirements and/or allow for explanation of any adaptations.\n\nDriving examiners are specially trained to understand any specific needs that may arise from disabilities.","answerHtml":"Whilst the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is responsible for regulating the Approved Driver Instructor (ADI) industry, it does not employ ADIs in the capacity of delivering driving instruction or have any influence over who they may present to driving test.
Nidirect provides information for learner drivers, including information for those with a disability. It signposts learner drivers with disabilities to contact local specialist instructor/s at Disability Action and provides contact details to do so (Learning to drive with a disability | nidirect).
Learner drivers with a disability will take the same driving test as all other candidates, regardless of impairment or condition. Such candidates should inform the DVA of any disability at the time of booking their driving test and drivers with disabilities may be allocated additional time for their test, to accommodate specific requirements and/or allow for explanation of any adaptations.
Driving examiners are specially trained to understand any specific needs that may arise from disabilities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014720%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409486","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409486"}},{"id":"409485","reference":"AQW 14719/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the public art that will be on view at the new Belfast Grand Central Station; and (ii) when it will be installed.","answerText":"Translink is committed to creating a number of public art pieces as part of Belfast Grand Central Station and its surrounding public realm. The first public art is now on display along the walls at the entrance to the station. This is the culmination of work with local communities and historians to capture the great stories of the area and celebrate the rich history through art and storytelling.","answerHtml":"Translink is committed to creating a number of public art pieces as part of Belfast Grand Central Station and its surrounding public realm. The first public art is now on display along the walls at the entrance to the station. This is the culmination of work with local communities and historians to capture the great stories of the area and celebrate the rich history through art and storytelling.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014719%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409485","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409485"}},{"id":"410083","reference":"AQO 777/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-05","answerBy":"2024-09-16","answered":"2024-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline his immediate plans to mitigate fuel poverty for people who are most vulnerable.","answerText":"The impacts of Fuel Poverty can be felt right across our society. Living in a cold home creates health risks for people of all ages. Cold and damp homes are linked to worsening respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, poor mental health, dementia and hypothermia. This is particularly important for vulnerable people or those with existing health conditions.\n\nMy officials are currently drafting a new Fuel Poverty Strategy which will set out a long-term strategic approach to reducing fuel poverty. The new Fuel Poverty Strategy will take a needs-based approach to targeting support, with a focus on long term sustainable solutions to address the causes of fuel poverty and reduce the poor health outcomes associated with cold homes.\n\nThe strategy will contain some key themes including how government supports those living in or at risk of fuel poverty, improved collaboration to target the hard to reach and make best use of our resources, improve health outcomes and provide consumer protection through the energy transition.\n\nMy Department continues to deliver the Affordable Warmth Scheme for owner occupiers and those in the private rented sector most at risk of fuel poverty. This application-based scheme provides low-income households with a range of heating and insulation measures to improve the thermal efficiency of their home.\n\nI am developing a new more ambitious fuel poverty intervention to replace the Affordable Warmth Scheme when to comes to an end in March 2026. This fuel poverty intervention will ensure people living in owner occupied or private rented homes and experiencing fuel poverty, receive vitally important energy efficiency work.\n\nFor those in need of immediate support, additional financial support is available through my Department’s Discretionary Support Service. This is unique to Northern Ireland and is there to provide support to people in financial need and those who require short term assistance in crisis or emergency situations.\n\nMy Department’s ‘Make the Call’ service continues to support individuals and families who otherwise may be missing out on benefits they are entitled to. My Department’s communication team regularly undertakes activities to promote Pension Credit to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit and any other benefits. Our State Pension staff also triage customers who may be eligible to receive Pension Credit and introduce them directly to the Pension Credit team.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Housing Executive also offers support with energy-efficiency advice that is targeted actively at vulnerable households and those that will benefit most from energy efficiency related advice. As the One-Stop Shop for energy advice across all tenures in Northern Ireland, they offer information to help with energy efficiency, grants, signposting, renewable energy advice, how to switch energy provider, debt assistance, fuel poverty advice and how to benefit from oil-buying savings across NI.","answerHtml":"The impacts of Fuel Poverty can be felt right across our society. Living in a cold home creates health risks for people of all ages. Cold and damp homes are linked to worsening respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, poor mental health, dementia and hypothermia. This is particularly important for vulnerable people or those with existing health conditions.
My officials are currently drafting a new Fuel Poverty Strategy which will set out a long-term strategic approach to reducing fuel poverty. The new Fuel Poverty Strategy will take a needs-based approach to targeting support, with a focus on long term sustainable solutions to address the causes of fuel poverty and reduce the poor health outcomes associated with cold homes.
The strategy will contain some key themes including how government supports those living in or at risk of fuel poverty, improved collaboration to target the hard to reach and make best use of our resources, improve health outcomes and provide consumer protection through the energy transition.
My Department continues to deliver the Affordable Warmth Scheme for owner occupiers and those in the private rented sector most at risk of fuel poverty. This application-based scheme provides low-income households with a range of heating and insulation measures to improve the thermal efficiency of their home.
I am developing a new more ambitious fuel poverty intervention to replace the Affordable Warmth Scheme when to comes to an end in March 2026. This fuel poverty intervention will ensure people living in owner occupied or private rented homes and experiencing fuel poverty, receive vitally important energy efficiency work.
For those in need of immediate support, additional financial support is available through my Department’s Discretionary Support Service. This is unique to Northern Ireland and is there to provide support to people in financial need and those who require short term assistance in crisis or emergency situations.
My Department’s ‘Make the Call’ service continues to support individuals and families who otherwise may be missing out on benefits they are entitled to. My Department’s communication team regularly undertakes activities to promote Pension Credit to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit and any other benefits. Our State Pension staff also triage customers who may be eligible to receive Pension Credit and introduce them directly to the Pension Credit team.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive also offers support with energy-efficiency advice that is targeted actively at vulnerable households and those that will benefit most from energy efficiency related advice. As the One-Stop Shop for energy advice across all tenures in Northern Ireland, they offer information to help with energy efficiency, grants, signposting, renewable energy advice, how to switch energy provider, debt assistance, fuel poverty advice and how to benefit from oil-buying savings across NI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20777%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410083"}},{"id":"406778","reference":"AQW 13791/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-25","answerBy":"2024-07-10","answered":"2024-07-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the legislative timescale for the increase of the maximum authorised weights for certain alternatively-fuelled vehicles and certain zero-emission vehicles, including when it will come into effect.","answerText":"I anticipate that these regulations will come into effect in the latter part of 2024 subject to no significant issues or barriers being identified by Departmental Solicitors Office.","answerHtml":"I anticipate that these regulations will come into effect in the latter part of 2024 subject to no significant issues or barriers being identified by Departmental Solicitors Office.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013791%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406778"}},{"id":"405479","reference":"AQW 13329/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-13","answerBy":"2024-06-18","answered":"2024-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) when he will publish the consultation report on the Proposed Amendment to the Fees Charged by Approved Tachograph Centres; and (ii) when he expects to make a final decision on the outcome of the consultation.","answerText":"The consultation response report and my decision on the Proposed Amendment to the Fees Charged by Approved Tachograph Centres will be published in July.","answerHtml":"The consultation response report and my decision on the Proposed Amendment to the Fees Charged by Approved Tachograph Centres will be published in July.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013329%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405479","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405479"}},{"id":"405907","reference":"AQO 597/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-06","answerBy":"2024-06-17","answered":"2024-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice whether her legislative plans will include protections for frontline transport workers.","answerText":"No-one should face mistreatment whilst doing their job and serving the public. Such attacks are wholly unacceptable and must not be tolerated.\n\nA number of offences against the person already exist, with maximum sentences ranging from 6 months at the lower end of the scale up to a potential life sentence for the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.\n\nThese offences apply to all victims, regardless of their occupation. However, I have been shocked by reports of aggression being displayed against people who serve the public in a range of occupations, including transport workers.\n\nTo recognise this increased risk the Department’s proposed Sentencing Bill will include a new offence of assaulting a person who is providing a service to the public or performing a public duty.\n\nThe new offence will have an increased maximum sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment in the magistrates’ courts and a two year maximum if tried on indictment.\n\nIn more serious cases the fact that the victim was such a worker will become a statutory aggravating factor.","answerHtml":"No-one should face mistreatment whilst doing their job and serving the public. Such attacks are wholly unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
A number of offences against the person already exist, with maximum sentences ranging from 6 months at the lower end of the scale up to a potential life sentence for the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
These offences apply to all victims, regardless of their occupation. However, I have been shocked by reports of aggression being displayed against people who serve the public in a range of occupations, including transport workers.
To recognise this increased risk the Department’s proposed Sentencing Bill will include a new offence of assaulting a person who is providing a service to the public or performing a public duty.
The new offence will have an increased maximum sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment in the magistrates’ courts and a two year maximum if tried on indictment.
In more serious cases the fact that the victim was such a worker will become a statutory aggravating factor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20597%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405907","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405907"}},{"id":"403099","reference":"AQW 12519/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to ensure that homeowners without a driveway can charge their electric vehicles from home.","answerText":"Over 80% of houses in the North have access to off street parking. In these situations, charging solutions are already available. However, for those who rely on on-street parking at their homes, home charging solutions are more problematic, primarily due to the issue of the charging cable needing to cross the footway.\n\nMy officials are engaging with colleagues in other jurisdictions to evaluate the benefits of a number of pilot schemes being progressed in relation to cross pavement charging solutions. Engagement is also taking place with key stakeholders and the Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), which has recently announced the availability of grants for on street charging solutions.\n\nGuidance for applicants, local councils and Highway Authorities is currently being prepared by OZEV and my officials are considering how that guidance can be adapted to meet specific legislative arrangements here. Once available, this guidance will be used to assess if installations at particular locations can satisfy the conditions of the grant. Legislative arrangements contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 detail where a street works licence is required to facilitate the safe channelling or suspension of a cable. This legislation is in place to protect public health and safety and to address ownership and liability issues.\n\nDue to the calling of a General Election the finalised guidance document from OZEV will be delayed. In the interim, my officials will continue to explore how legislative requirements can be satisfied and engage with stakeholders regarding charging solutions for those without a driveway.","answerHtml":"Over 80% of houses in the North have access to off street parking. In these situations, charging solutions are already available. However, for those who rely on on-street parking at their homes, home charging solutions are more problematic, primarily due to the issue of the charging cable needing to cross the footway.
My officials are engaging with colleagues in other jurisdictions to evaluate the benefits of a number of pilot schemes being progressed in relation to cross pavement charging solutions. Engagement is also taking place with key stakeholders and the Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), which has recently announced the availability of grants for on street charging solutions.
Guidance for applicants, local councils and Highway Authorities is currently being prepared by OZEV and my officials are considering how that guidance can be adapted to meet specific legislative arrangements here. Once available, this guidance will be used to assess if installations at particular locations can satisfy the conditions of the grant. Legislative arrangements contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 detail where a street works licence is required to facilitate the safe channelling or suspension of a cable. This legislation is in place to protect public health and safety and to address ownership and liability issues.
Due to the calling of a General Election the finalised guidance document from OZEV will be delayed. In the interim, my officials will continue to explore how legislative requirements can be satisfied and engage with stakeholders regarding charging solutions for those without a driveway.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012519%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403099","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403099"}},{"id":"403098","reference":"AQW 12518/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of Financial Transactions Capital as a method to attract additional investment for capital projects.","answerText":"My Department has not been able to avail of Financial Transactions Capital (FTC). FTC must be used to provide a loan to or make an equity investment in a private sector entity and as such no opportunities have been identified within infrastructure that meet this requirement.","answerHtml":"My Department has not been able to avail of Financial Transactions Capital (FTC). FTC must be used to provide a loan to or make an equity investment in a private sector entity and as such no opportunities have been identified within infrastructure that meet this requirement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012518%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403098","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403098"}},{"id":"403097","reference":"AQW 12517/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the cost per kilowatt of (i) home charging; and (ii) public charging for electric vehicles.","answerText":"As the provision of home electricity is commercially led, my Department does not hold records of the cost per kilowatt of home electricity. There are a number of electricity providers operating in this market and they would be best placed to advise you of their individual home energy tariffs.\n\nSimilarly, the provision and operation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charge points is commercially led with responsibility for the setting of individual charging tariffs at publicly available charge points solely resting with the relevant charge point operator. There are more than fifteen charge point operators active in the market and they would be best placed to advise you of their tariffs at their publicly available electric vehicle charge points. My Department does not hold records of the cost per kilowatt of charging at publicly available electric vehicle charge points.","answerHtml":"As the provision of home electricity is commercially led, my Department does not hold records of the cost per kilowatt of home electricity. There are a number of electricity providers operating in this market and they would be best placed to advise you of their individual home energy tariffs.
Similarly, the provision and operation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charge points is commercially led with responsibility for the setting of individual charging tariffs at publicly available charge points solely resting with the relevant charge point operator. There are more than fifteen charge point operators active in the market and they would be best placed to advise you of their tariffs at their publicly available electric vehicle charge points. My Department does not hold records of the cost per kilowatt of charging at publicly available electric vehicle charge points.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012517%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403097","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403097"}},{"id":"403096","reference":"AQW 12516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department has conducted research on a biodiversity net gain scheme.","answerText":"No specific research has been carried out by my department on a ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) scheme, however, I am very keen for environmental protection and biodiversity enhancement to be central in all the activities of my Department.\n\nThis is demonstrated by the extent of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, the changes I have introduced to the Department’s approach to grass cutting along our road network, and the production of a Biodiversity Strategy by Translink, which is an Arm’s Length Body of my Department.","answerHtml":"No specific research has been carried out by my department on a ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) scheme, however, I am very keen for environmental protection and biodiversity enhancement to be central in all the activities of my Department.
This is demonstrated by the extent of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, the changes I have introduced to the Department’s approach to grass cutting along our road network, and the production of a Biodiversity Strategy by Translink, which is an Arm’s Length Body of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403096","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403096"}},{"id":"403095","reference":"AQW 12515/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will commit to publishing workforce statistics annually, including the number of registered children’s community nurses.","answerText":"Information on Health and Social Care (HSC) staff in post is published by my Department on an annual basis in the Health & Social Care Workforce Census at the link below.\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/dhssps-statistics-and-research/workforce-statistics\n\nThis official statistics report includes children’s community nurses within the category of paediatric nurse. It is not possible to add a breakdown of setting (i.e. community) to this report. However, the number of children’s community nurses can be obtained by my Department from the HSC Trusts. The most recent information acquired is detailed in the response to AQW 9860/22-27.","answerHtml":"Information on Health and Social Care (HSC) staff in post is published by my Department on an annual basis in the Health & Social Care Workforce Census at the link below.
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/dhssps-statistics-and-research/workforce-statistics
This official statistics report includes children’s community nurses within the category of paediatric nurse. It is not possible to add a breakdown of setting (i.e. community) to this report. However, the number of children’s community nurses can be obtained by my Department from the HSC Trusts. The most recent information acquired is detailed in the response to AQW 9860/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403095","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403095"}},{"id":"403009","reference":"AQO 508/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-23","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what discussions have taken place with the Department of Business and Trade regarding Harland and Wolff’s application for an export development guarantee loan.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20508%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403009","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403009"}},{"id":"402539","reference":"AQW 12279/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-05-24","answered":"2024-05-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) why the decision was made to close road service operations and maintenance transport hubs, on a temporary basis, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area; (ii) how long these closures will last; and (iii) whether the decision underwent rural proofing to ensure the temporary closure of services will not adversely impact local communities.","answerText":"Staff resourcing at industrial grade has been a recurring issue within my department, with my Operations and Maintenance teams witnessing a significant reduction in staff complement over a sustained period.\n\nConsequently, issues with recruitment and retention have made it difficult to maintain an industrial presence across all of my Department’s depots in the North. To address these issues, an internal review was completed to temporarily adjust the geographical spread and make best use of available resources, stabilising and securing the service delivery of core functions, whilst maintaining our health and safety obligations.\n\nAs an outworking of this review, routine services previously provided from Ballymoney depot have been temporarily transferred to the Northbrook Depot in Coleraine. Ballymoney depot will still provide an out of hours function, such as winter and emergency services.\n\nThe outworkings of the stabilisation review, which were subject to rural proof screening, seek to maintain a level of service for the next 12 to 18 months dependent on staff recruitment and retention.","answerHtml":"Staff resourcing at industrial grade has been a recurring issue within my department, with my Operations and Maintenance teams witnessing a significant reduction in staff complement over a sustained period.
Consequently, issues with recruitment and retention have made it difficult to maintain an industrial presence across all of my Department’s depots in the North. To address these issues, an internal review was completed to temporarily adjust the geographical spread and make best use of available resources, stabilising and securing the service delivery of core functions, whilst maintaining our health and safety obligations.
As an outworking of this review, routine services previously provided from Ballymoney depot have been temporarily transferred to the Northbrook Depot in Coleraine. Ballymoney depot will still provide an out of hours function, such as winter and emergency services.
The outworkings of the stabilisation review, which were subject to rural proof screening, seek to maintain a level of service for the next 12 to 18 months dependent on staff recruitment and retention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012279%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402539"}},{"id":"401824","reference":"AQO 486/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-05-28","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"The Executive Office","departmentId":"86","minister":"First Minister and deputy First Minister","question":"To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline when the draft Strategic Framework Ending Violence Against Women and Girls will be approved.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20486%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401824","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-05-28&docID=402612#AQO%20486/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401824"}},{"id":"401069","reference":"AQW 11700/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-05-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to ensure children’s palliative care is sustainably funded.","answerText":"The Department and then Minister published the Paediatric Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy in 2016. This strategy was completed after considerable consultation with all relevant stakeholders across the sector in NI and beyond to ensure it was as comprehensive as possible. The Strategy includes 23 ambitious objectives that cover the full range of issues within paediatric palliative care, from diagnosis of a palliative or life limited condition through to bereavement support for families of those children who have passed away.\n\nSubsequent to the publication of the strategy and with the availability of Transformation Funding in 2019, a number of specific innovations were introduced in NI.\n\nThis has included the following: -\n\nThe appointment of a paediatric palliative care lead in each Trust. Funding for this is for one programmed activity per Trust per week which totals £48,597 regionally;\n\nthe appointment of a Regional Paediatric Palliative Care consultant who was trained at Great Ormond Street but works at the RBHSC and has input across the region. The funding for this is £120,000 per year;\n\nthe appointment of Paediatric Palliative and Life Limited Nurse and service. The nurse works in RJMH and RBHSC supporting staff and facilitating a move to non-hospital setting (home or hospice) for step down or step up care, and where appropriate, an end of life care service. As well as the specialist nursing role, this service has access to one 24/7 hospice bed or virtual hospice bed with support available for over 300 bed nights per year. Following a recent uplift in funding £204,515 is now available per annum.\n\nAs well as the above a further £17,734 per annum was made available to offer administrative support to the Regional Paediatric Palliative Care consultant. There was also a further £4,189 in 2021/22 to Southern Health and Social Care Trust in respect of a palliative medical lead for Paediatrics Strategy.\n\nIn 2019, a Regional Paediatric Palliative Care Network (RPPCN) was created and this is chaired by a Paediatric Palliative Clinical Care lead. The network is made up of key clinical and nursing leads from each Trust as well as the NI Children’s Hospice. This network works closely together on two main areas. Firstly, the network identifies the key priorities for delivery in line with the strategy and puts in place measures to deliver same and secondly the network acts as a vehicle for the region to identify areas of best practice and share clinical opinion on specific cases to ensure continuous improvement.\n\nTo date the network has developed ante-natal care pathways, rapid discharge plans, advanced care plans and has also agreed pathways regarding pain relief, amongst others. Currently the network is also working on other key issues including the provision of 24/7 end of life care as well as examining how to best develop closer ties with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland.\n\nTo assist with the dissemination of clinical best practice a Project Echo scheme is run by the NI Children’s Hospice on behalf of the region. These are monthly clinical sessions where clinicians across NI come together to discuss and disseminate clinical best practice and learn from case studies.\n\nThe NICH provides a range of services to children with life limiting conditions and their families, including respite care, short breaks and end of life care. The Department has provided funding of £1.857m to NICH in 2023/24.\n\nThe NICH have advised the Department of Health that they are facing financial uncertainty, in light of this DoH official’s have been meeting with NICH the last of which was on the 9th May 2024. At that meeting the NICH discussed their financial situation and the dual challenges with an increase in costs and reduction in revenue. The NICH outlined that they have faced a rise in over 100% of non-salaried costs from £97,451 in 20/21 to £195,976 in 23/24. Alongside this the cost of fundraising has meant that where they would have seen a return on £4 for every £1 spent in 20/21 on fundraising now in 23/24 they achieve only £2 on every £1 spent. This has significantly impacted on income/ revenue available to the NICH who had been drawing down cash reserves to make up shortfalls but they advised there are no longer any cash reserves available to them.\n\nThe NICH have asked for equivalent funding to that provided to Adult Hospices which sees a 50/50 funded model. The NICH is currently funded c30%. The cost of funding a 50/50 model would be in the region of 860k. The NICH advised that to maintain financial stability any funding available would also need to be linked to AFC uplifts to enable the NICH to keep pace with changes in NHS terms and conditions.\n\nIn NI, much work has been done on the development of improved paediatric palliative care provision and more will be done by the RPPCN to ensure NI can continue to improve. The network works closely together to ensure that irrespective of where a child lives in NI they can access high quality paediatric palliative care. Members of the network alongside colleagues in my department will continue to examine means to improve paediatric palliative care, including building on the funding that has already been made available.\n\nHowever, it must be noted that due to ongoing financial and budgetary constraints it will be challenging to identify additional funding at this point.","answerHtml":"The Department and then Minister published the Paediatric Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy in 2016. This strategy was completed after considerable consultation with all relevant stakeholders across the sector in NI and beyond to ensure it was as comprehensive as possible. The Strategy includes 23 ambitious objectives that cover the full range of issues within paediatric palliative care, from diagnosis of a palliative or life limited condition through to bereavement support for families of those children who have passed away.
Subsequent to the publication of the strategy and with the availability of Transformation Funding in 2019, a number of specific innovations were introduced in NI.
This has included the following: -
The appointment of a paediatric palliative care lead in each Trust. Funding for this is for one programmed activity per Trust per week which totals £48,597 regionally;
the appointment of a Regional Paediatric Palliative Care consultant who was trained at Great Ormond Street but works at the RBHSC and has input across the region. The funding for this is £120,000 per year;
the appointment of Paediatric Palliative and Life Limited Nurse and service. The nurse works in RJMH and RBHSC supporting staff and facilitating a move to non-hospital setting (home or hospice) for step down or step up care, and where appropriate, an end of life care service. As well as the specialist nursing role, this service has access to one 24/7 hospice bed or virtual hospice bed with support available for over 300 bed nights per year. Following a recent uplift in funding £204,515 is now available per annum.
As well as the above a further £17,734 per annum was made available to offer administrative support to the Regional Paediatric Palliative Care consultant. There was also a further £4,189 in 2021/22 to Southern Health and Social Care Trust in respect of a palliative medical lead for Paediatrics Strategy.
In 2019, a Regional Paediatric Palliative Care Network (RPPCN) was created and this is chaired by a Paediatric Palliative Clinical Care lead. The network is made up of key clinical and nursing leads from each Trust as well as the NI Children’s Hospice. This network works closely together on two main areas. Firstly, the network identifies the key priorities for delivery in line with the strategy and puts in place measures to deliver same and secondly the network acts as a vehicle for the region to identify areas of best practice and share clinical opinion on specific cases to ensure continuous improvement.
To date the network has developed ante-natal care pathways, rapid discharge plans, advanced care plans and has also agreed pathways regarding pain relief, amongst others. Currently the network is also working on other key issues including the provision of 24/7 end of life care as well as examining how to best develop closer ties with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland.
To assist with the dissemination of clinical best practice a Project Echo scheme is run by the NI Children’s Hospice on behalf of the region. These are monthly clinical sessions where clinicians across NI come together to discuss and disseminate clinical best practice and learn from case studies.
The NICH provides a range of services to children with life limiting conditions and their families, including respite care, short breaks and end of life care. The Department has provided funding of £1.857m to NICH in 2023/24.
The NICH have advised the Department of Health that they are facing financial uncertainty, in light of this DoH official’s have been meeting with NICH the last of which was on the 9th May 2024. At that meeting the NICH discussed their financial situation and the dual challenges with an increase in costs and reduction in revenue. The NICH outlined that they have faced a rise in over 100% of non-salaried costs from £97,451 in 20/21 to £195,976 in 23/24. Alongside this the cost of fundraising has meant that where they would have seen a return on £4 for every £1 spent in 20/21 on fundraising now in 23/24 they achieve only £2 on every £1 spent. This has significantly impacted on income/ revenue available to the NICH who had been drawing down cash reserves to make up shortfalls but they advised there are no longer any cash reserves available to them.
The NICH have asked for equivalent funding to that provided to Adult Hospices which sees a 50/50 funded model. The NICH is currently funded c30%. The cost of funding a 50/50 model would be in the region of 860k. The NICH advised that to maintain financial stability any funding available would also need to be linked to AFC uplifts to enable the NICH to keep pace with changes in NHS terms and conditions.
In NI, much work has been done on the development of improved paediatric palliative care provision and more will be done by the RPPCN to ensure NI can continue to improve. The network works closely together to ensure that irrespective of where a child lives in NI they can access high quality paediatric palliative care. Members of the network alongside colleagues in my department will continue to examine means to improve paediatric palliative care, including building on the funding that has already been made available.
However, it must be noted that due to ongoing financial and budgetary constraints it will be challenging to identify additional funding at this point.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011700%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401069","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401069"}},{"id":"400810","reference":"AQW 11599/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-09","answerBy":"2024-05-24","answered":"2024-05-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether additional provision will be provided to GPs to guarantee aftercare for patients discharged from hospital.","answerText":"There is no additional provision being provided for GPs to provide post procedure aftercare to patients. However primary and secondary care providers continue to work together to provide aftercare services which best suit the clinical requirement of post-operative patients.","answerHtml":"There is no additional provision being provided for GPs to provide post procedure aftercare to patients. However primary and secondary care providers continue to work together to provide aftercare services which best suit the clinical requirement of post-operative patients.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011599%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=400810","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=400810"}},{"id":"400809","reference":"AQW 11598/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-09","answerBy":"2024-05-24","answered":"2024-05-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will consider introducing regulations to ensure NHS dental patients continue to avail of NHS dentistry if their allocated dentist retires or moves practice.","answerText":"The legislation proposed would not be possible under the current General Dental Services Contract. General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are independent contractors and are not contractually obliged to register new Health Service (HS) patients. Individual GDPs will have varying number of HS patients on their lists, and many will have both HS and private patients.\n\nUsually when a GDP retires, moves practice, or ceases provision of HS dental care, their (former) practice will attempt to redistribute the patients on that GDPs list to other GDPs in the practice, or to other practices in the local area.\n\nA key part of the access issues facing patients has been the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. In March, I announced a 6% pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24, alongside a 7.3% uplift to non-staff expenses for 2023/24, with a 3% recurrent award in future years. I have also announced a £9.2m investment package for General Dental Services.","answerHtml":"The legislation proposed would not be possible under the current General Dental Services Contract. General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are independent contractors and are not contractually obliged to register new Health Service (HS) patients. Individual GDPs will have varying number of HS patients on their lists, and many will have both HS and private patients.
Usually when a GDP retires, moves practice, or ceases provision of HS dental care, their (former) practice will attempt to redistribute the patients on that GDPs list to other GDPs in the practice, or to other practices in the local area.
A key part of the access issues facing patients has been the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. In March, I announced a 6% pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24, alongside a 7.3% uplift to non-staff expenses for 2023/24, with a 3% recurrent award in future years. I have also announced a £9.2m investment package for General Dental Services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011598%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=400809","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=400809"}},{"id":"400808","reference":"AQW 11597/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-09","answerBy":"2024-05-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to address neurology waiting times in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011597%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=400808","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=400808"}},{"id":"400901","reference":"AQO 457/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-09","answerBy":"2024-05-20","answered":"2024-05-20","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the completion of the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=400901","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-05-20&docID=401598#AQO%20457/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=400901"}},{"id":"401745","reference":"AQO 437/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-02","answerBy":"2024-05-14","answered":"2024-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the total number of road fatalities in 2024.","answerText":"My assessment is, that the number of road deaths so far in 2024 is a matter of huge concern, and should be\n\nsomething that is shocking to us all as a society.\n\nLast year, in 2023, 71 people sadly lost their lives on our roads – the highest number of road fatalities in eight\n\nyears. As at the end of April, more people had died on our roads this year, than last. So, it is clear that more must\n\nbe done.\n\nAs I’ve already stated, I am bringing the revised Road Safety Strategy to the Executive for their endorsement\n\nafter which we’ll collectively consider the appropriate actions to reduce the numbers killed on our roads.\n\nThose actions need to cover a wide range of factors across engineering, education and enforcement which will\n\ncreate safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people.","answerHtml":"My assessment is, that the number of road deaths so far in 2024 is a matter of huge concern, and should be
something that is shocking to us all as a society.
Last year, in 2023, 71 people sadly lost their lives on our roads – the highest number of road fatalities in eight
years. As at the end of April, more people had died on our roads this year, than last. So, it is clear that more must
be done.
As I’ve already stated, I am bringing the revised Road Safety Strategy to the Executive for their endorsement
after which we’ll collectively consider the appropriate actions to reduce the numbers killed on our roads.
Those actions need to cover a wide range of factors across engineering, education and enforcement which will
create safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20437%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401745"}},{"id":"399355","reference":"AQW 10983/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-29","answerBy":"2024-05-15","answered":"2024-05-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount his Department has spent on (i) planting trees; and (ii) maintaining trees, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"Tree planting is usually carried out by my Department for one of two reasons; as part of a major works scheme, where it will be incorporated into the overall scheme costs; or as a remediation measure where it has been necessary to remove existing trees for safety reasons. The cost of remedial tree planting would be incorporated into general tree maintenance expenditure.\n\nExpenditure specifically incurred on planting trees and maintaining trees is not recorded separately in my Department’s finance system, however I can provide expenditure on Grass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance for the past three completed financial years from 2020-21 to 2022-23 in Table 1 below.\n\nGrass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\n£m\n6.0\t6.6\t6.7\n\nTable 1","answerHtml":"Tree planting is usually carried out by my Department for one of two reasons; as part of a major works scheme, where it will be incorporated into the overall scheme costs; or as a remediation measure where it has been necessary to remove existing trees for safety reasons. The cost of remedial tree planting would be incorporated into general tree maintenance expenditure.
Expenditure specifically incurred on planting trees and maintaining trees is not recorded separately in my Department’s finance system, however I can provide expenditure on Grass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance for the past three completed financial years from 2020-21 to 2022-23 in Table 1 below.
| Grass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
| £m | |||
| 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.7 |
Table 1
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010983%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=399355","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=399355"}},{"id":"398795","reference":"AQW 10755/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-24","answerBy":"2024-05-10","answered":"2024-05-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to develop a pilot scheme for cross pavement charging solutions to enable electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles at home.","answerText":"Over 80% of houses in the North have access to off street parking. In these situations, charging solutions are already available. However, for those who rely on on-street parking at their homes, home charging solutions are more problematic, primarily due to the issue of the charging cable needing to cross the footway.\n\nMy Departmental officials are engaging with colleagues in other jurisdictions to evaluate the benefits of a number of pilot schemes being progressed in relation to cross pavement charging solutions. Engagement is also taking place with key stakeholders and the Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) who have recently announced the availability of grants for on street charging solutions.\n\nGuidance for applicants, local councils and Highway Authorities is currently being prepared by OZEV. Once available this will be used to assess if the arrangements for such installations at particular locations can satisfy the conditions of the grant and legislative arrangements contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 where a street works licence is required to allow works to be carried out to facilitate the safe channelling or suspension of a cable. This legislation is in place to protect public health and safety and to address ownership and liability issues.\n\nCurrently across the North there are around 540 publicly available charge points provided commercially by a range of Charge Point Operators which allow convenient access to charging for EV owners who are unable to charge their vehicles at home.","answerHtml":"Over 80% of houses in the North have access to off street parking. In these situations, charging solutions are already available. However, for those who rely on on-street parking at their homes, home charging solutions are more problematic, primarily due to the issue of the charging cable needing to cross the footway.
My Departmental officials are engaging with colleagues in other jurisdictions to evaluate the benefits of a number of pilot schemes being progressed in relation to cross pavement charging solutions. Engagement is also taking place with key stakeholders and the Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) who have recently announced the availability of grants for on street charging solutions.
Guidance for applicants, local councils and Highway Authorities is currently being prepared by OZEV. Once available this will be used to assess if the arrangements for such installations at particular locations can satisfy the conditions of the grant and legislative arrangements contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 where a street works licence is required to allow works to be carried out to facilitate the safe channelling or suspension of a cable. This legislation is in place to protect public health and safety and to address ownership and liability issues.
Currently across the North there are around 540 publicly available charge points provided commercially by a range of Charge Point Operators which allow convenient access to charging for EV owners who are unable to charge their vehicles at home.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010755%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398795"}},{"id":"398146","reference":"AQW 10481/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-19","answerBy":"2024-05-07","answered":"2024-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to develop a regional Geographic Information System map to show the locations of all (i) Tree Preservation Orders; and (ii) conservation areas.","answerText":"There is a requirement under the 2011 Act for all councils to keep registers containing information in relation to the Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within their council areas. I am encouraged to hear that the majority of Councils have created interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) maps which display the locations of TPOs within their council areas and some also detail conservation areas.\n\nI believe it is important to consider the protection of trees and as part of that seek to encourage greater openness and transparency through increased electronic mapping of TPOs and Conservation Areas and provision of online access to TPO registers.\n\nMy Department will consider this matter and where appropriate seek to engage and work with Councils to ensure that necessary statutory obligations for the protection of trees under relevant planning legislation, environmental directives and regulations are understood and therefore fully met.","answerHtml":"There is a requirement under the 2011 Act for all councils to keep registers containing information in relation to the Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within their council areas. I am encouraged to hear that the majority of Councils have created interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) maps which display the locations of TPOs within their council areas and some also detail conservation areas.
I believe it is important to consider the protection of trees and as part of that seek to encourage greater openness and transparency through increased electronic mapping of TPOs and Conservation Areas and provision of online access to TPO registers.
My Department will consider this matter and where appropriate seek to engage and work with Councils to ensure that necessary statutory obligations for the protection of trees under relevant planning legislation, environmental directives and regulations are understood and therefore fully met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010481%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398146","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398146"}},{"id":"397601","reference":"AQW 10176/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-16","answerBy":"2024-05-01","answered":"2024-05-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) which MOT test centres are equipped to provide an MOT for electric vehicles; (ii) how many MOTs were carried out on electric vehicles in the last 12 months; and, (iii) whether (a) Hydebank; and (b) Mallusk Test Centres have the capability to provide MOTs for electric vehicles.","answerText":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has 15 test centres across the North and all of them are equipped to test electric vehicles. Hydebank, Mallusk and any future test centre constructed by the DVA will also be equipped to test electric vehicles.\n\nFrom 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, the DVA tested 8,065 electric vehicles.","answerHtml":"The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has 15 test centres across the North and all of them are equipped to test electric vehicles. Hydebank, Mallusk and any future test centre constructed by the DVA will also be equipped to test electric vehicles.
From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, the DVA tested 8,065 electric vehicles.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010176%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397601","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397601"}},{"id":"397216","reference":"AQW 9995/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-12","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on plans to adopt the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate during this Assembly mandate.","answerText":"The Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate was laid by the British Government, Scottish Government, and Welsh Senedd as the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes Order (VETS) in England, Scotland, and Wales in October 2023 and came into force in those jurisdictions from 03 January 2024. Due to the absence of the Assembly, it was not legally possible to introduce the legislation here. I am working with my officials to consider the best way forward and once I have made a decision, I will inform my Ministerial colleagues and Departmental Committee members.","answerHtml":"The Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate was laid by the British Government, Scottish Government, and Welsh Senedd as the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes Order (VETS) in England, Scotland, and Wales in October 2023 and came into force in those jurisdictions from 03 January 2024. Due to the absence of the Assembly, it was not legally possible to introduce the legislation here. I am working with my officials to consider the best way forward and once I have made a decision, I will inform my Ministerial colleagues and Departmental Committee members.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209995%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397216","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397216"}},{"id":"397215","reference":"AQW 9994/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-12","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will instigate a review of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015 No. 70) with regard to electric vehicle charge points.","answerText":"The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2020 introduced new permitted development rights for electric vehicle charging points by amending Part 3 (Minor Operations) of the schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.\n\nThese permitted development rights provide for the installation, alteration or replacement of wall mounted electric vehicle charging points in off-street parking areas (Class D), for the installation, alteration or replacement of free-standing electric vehicle charging points in off-street parking areas (Class E) and for the replacement of free-standing electric vehicle charging points in on-street parking areas (Class F), subject to certain conditions and limitations.\n\nI have currently no plans to review these permitted development rights.","answerHtml":"The Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2020 introduced new permitted development rights for electric vehicle charging points by amending Part 3 (Minor Operations) of the schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
These permitted development rights provide for the installation, alteration or replacement of wall mounted electric vehicle charging points in off-street parking areas (Class D), for the installation, alteration or replacement of free-standing electric vehicle charging points in off-street parking areas (Class E) and for the replacement of free-standing electric vehicle charging points in on-street parking areas (Class F), subject to certain conditions and limitations.
I have currently no plans to review these permitted development rights.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209994%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397215","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397215"}},{"id":"397214","reference":"AQW 9993/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-12","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to provide an update on the work of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force.","answerText":"My Department recognises the key role Electric Vehicles play in reducing transport emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives. While the roll out of EV Infrastructure in the North is commercially led, my Department, in chairing the EV Infrastructure Task Force, has a lead role in bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers and industry with a focus on delivering a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.\n\nThe EV Infrastructure Task-Force provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise, exploring options to tackle some of the barriers which exist in providing EV Infrastructure and examining how demand for charging can be met across the Transport Sector. In recognising the complexity and wide range of areas that need addressed over the next five years, the Task-Force agreed six key actions which were to be developed by my Department, the Department of the Economy, Charge Point Operators and other statutory bodies including the Consumer Council and the NI Utility Regulator.\n\nI have been encouraged by the progress made by the members of the Task-Force, in considering the priorities contained in the Action Plan, and the successful collaboration across sectors, which has led to significant interventions, such as the introduction of charging for electricity at publicly available charge points. The most recent available statistics indicate that there are now over 540 publicly available charge points here which represents an increase of 60% since August 2021.\n\nThe Task-Force aims to meet quarterly to allow members to provide updates on the progress of the actions and review priorities, reacting to market developments and to consider the outcomes of formal consultation on key issues including the review of connection costs for Charge Point Operators entering the market. My Officials have also been liaising with key stakeholders outside of this forum and are currently considering how the Task-Force can share the knowledge of the group and take the views of those who have entered the market and are making a significant contribution to the growth of charging infrastructure in the North.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the key role Electric Vehicles play in reducing transport emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives. While the roll out of EV Infrastructure in the North is commercially led, my Department, in chairing the EV Infrastructure Task Force, has a lead role in bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers and industry with a focus on delivering a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.
The EV Infrastructure Task-Force provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise, exploring options to tackle some of the barriers which exist in providing EV Infrastructure and examining how demand for charging can be met across the Transport Sector. In recognising the complexity and wide range of areas that need addressed over the next five years, the Task-Force agreed six key actions which were to be developed by my Department, the Department of the Economy, Charge Point Operators and other statutory bodies including the Consumer Council and the NI Utility Regulator.
I have been encouraged by the progress made by the members of the Task-Force, in considering the priorities contained in the Action Plan, and the successful collaboration across sectors, which has led to significant interventions, such as the introduction of charging for electricity at publicly available charge points. The most recent available statistics indicate that there are now over 540 publicly available charge points here which represents an increase of 60% since August 2021.
The Task-Force aims to meet quarterly to allow members to provide updates on the progress of the actions and review priorities, reacting to market developments and to consider the outcomes of formal consultation on key issues including the review of connection costs for Charge Point Operators entering the market. My Officials have also been liaising with key stakeholders outside of this forum and are currently considering how the Task-Force can share the knowledge of the group and take the views of those who have entered the market and are making a significant contribution to the growth of charging infrastructure in the North.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209993%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397214","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397214"}},{"id":"397213","reference":"AQW 9992/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-12","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether there are plans to review the (i) role; (ii) progress; and (iii) composition of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force.","answerText":"My Department recognises the key role Electric Vehicles play in reducing transport emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives. While the roll out of EV Infrastructure in the North is commercially led, my Department, in chairing the EV Infrastructure Task Force, has a lead role in bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers and industry with a focus on delivering a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.\n\nThe EV Infrastructure Task-Force provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise, exploring options to tackle some of the barriers which exist in providing EV Infrastructure and examining how demand for charging can be met across the Transport Sector. In recognising the complexity and wide range of areas that need addressed over the next five years, the Task-Force agreed six key actions which were to be developed by my Department, the Department of the Economy, Charge Point Operators and other statutory bodies including the Consumer Council and the NI Utility Regulator.\n\nI have been encouraged by the progress made by the members of the Task-Force, in considering the priorities contained in the Action Plan, and the successful collaboration across sectors, which has led to significant interventions, such as the introduction of charging for electricity at publicly available charge points. The most recent available statistics indicate that there are now over 540 publicly available charge points here which represents an increase of 60% since August 2021.\n\nThe Task-Force aims to meet quarterly to allow members to provide updates on the progress of the actions and review priorities, reacting to market developments and to consider the outcomes of formal consultation on key issues including the review of connection costs for Charge Point Operators entering the market. My Officials have also been liaising with key stakeholders outside of this forum and are currently considering how the Task-Force can share the knowledge of the group and take the views of those who have entered the market and are making a significant contribution to the growth of charging infrastructure in the North.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the key role Electric Vehicles play in reducing transport emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives. While the roll out of EV Infrastructure in the North is commercially led, my Department, in chairing the EV Infrastructure Task Force, has a lead role in bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers and industry with a focus on delivering a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.
The EV Infrastructure Task-Force provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise, exploring options to tackle some of the barriers which exist in providing EV Infrastructure and examining how demand for charging can be met across the Transport Sector. In recognising the complexity and wide range of areas that need addressed over the next five years, the Task-Force agreed six key actions which were to be developed by my Department, the Department of the Economy, Charge Point Operators and other statutory bodies including the Consumer Council and the NI Utility Regulator.
I have been encouraged by the progress made by the members of the Task-Force, in considering the priorities contained in the Action Plan, and the successful collaboration across sectors, which has led to significant interventions, such as the introduction of charging for electricity at publicly available charge points. The most recent available statistics indicate that there are now over 540 publicly available charge points here which represents an increase of 60% since August 2021.
The Task-Force aims to meet quarterly to allow members to provide updates on the progress of the actions and review priorities, reacting to market developments and to consider the outcomes of formal consultation on key issues including the review of connection costs for Charge Point Operators entering the market. My Officials have also been liaising with key stakeholders outside of this forum and are currently considering how the Task-Force can share the knowledge of the group and take the views of those who have entered the market and are making a significant contribution to the growth of charging infrastructure in the North.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209992%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397213","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397213"}},{"id":"397212","reference":"AQW 9991/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-12","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why residents holding a Great Britain provisional license are unable to book a driving test with the Driver and Vehicle Agency.","answerText":"In order to take a practical driving test in the North, it is a legal requirement that the candidate must be normally a resident, which means that a person lives here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.\n\nLearner drivers who hold a GB provisional driving licence are asked to successfully demonstrate residency here, through completion of a residency check, before their practical driving test can be booked. This process is in place to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (NI) 1996 and the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981, both as amended. Once a residency declaration has been approved, a practical driving test can be booked.\n\nThere are currently no plans to change the process for GB provisional driving licence holders living here to apply for a practical driving test.","answerHtml":"In order to take a practical driving test in the North, it is a legal requirement that the candidate must be normally a resident, which means that a person lives here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.
Learner drivers who hold a GB provisional driving licence are asked to successfully demonstrate residency here, through completion of a residency check, before their practical driving test can be booked. This process is in place to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (NI) 1996 and the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981, both as amended. Once a residency declaration has been approved, a practical driving test can be booked.
There are currently no plans to change the process for GB provisional driving licence holders living here to apply for a practical driving test.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209991%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397212","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397212"}},{"id":"396778","reference":"AQW 9777/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-10","answerBy":"2024-04-25","answered":"2024-04-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many illegal taxis have been identified by Driver and Vehicle Agency officials during spot checks in (i) Belfast; and (ii) across Northern Ireland, in the last three years.","answerText":"The number of illegal taxis identified by Driver and Vehicle Agency enforcement officers in the last 3 years where one or more criminal offences were subject to enforcement action is as follows:\n\nCalendar Year\tBelfast\tNorthern Ireland\n(Incl Belfast)\n2022\t26\t56\n2023\t65\t93\n20241\t73\t84\nTotal\t164\t233\n\n1 From 1 January to 31 March 2024.\n\nThe figures in the table are taken from DVA management information and are not within scope of DVA Official Statistics","answerHtml":"The number of illegal taxis identified by Driver and Vehicle Agency enforcement officers in the last 3 years where one or more criminal offences were subject to enforcement action is as follows:
| Calendar Year | Belfast | Northern Ireland (Incl Belfast) |
| 2022 | 26 | 56 |
| 2023 | 65 | 93 |
| 20241 | 73 | 84 |
| Total | 164 | 233 |
1 From 1 January to 31 March 2024.
The figures in the table are taken from DVA management information and are not within scope of DVA Official Statistics
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209777%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396778"}},{"id":"396634","reference":"AQW 9704/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-09","answerBy":"2024-04-12","answered":"2024-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his plans to appoint a chief psychological officer.","answerText":"The creation of a Chief Psychological Professions Officer within the Department is still under consideration as part of the wider Mental Health workforce review. My Department will continue to work closely with psychology professions working in the HSC and with relevant representative bodies.","answerHtml":"The creation of a Chief Psychological Professions Officer within the Department is still under consideration as part of the wider Mental Health workforce review. My Department will continue to work closely with psychology professions working in the HSC and with relevant representative bodies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209704%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396634","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396634"}},{"id":"396385","reference":"AQW 9579/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-08","answerBy":"2024-04-23","answered":"2024-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of private diagnoses for adult ADHD (i) approved by a Health and Social Care Trust prescribing clinician for medication; and (ii) rejected by a Health and Social Care Trust prescribing clinician for medication, in the last 5 years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"There are currently no regionally commissioned services for the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD and no requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts to record if a person has ADHD. The information is therefore not available.","answerHtml":"There are currently no regionally commissioned services for the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD and no requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts to record if a person has ADHD. The information is therefore not available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209579%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396385","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396385"}},{"id":"396384","reference":"AQW 9578/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-08","answerBy":"2024-04-23","answered":"2024-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 6963/22-27, how his officials will assess the level of need for adult ADHD services.","answerText":"Provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and diagnosis has grown organically across Trusts in response to population demand and available expertise within Health & Social Care teams. Whilst a level of provision is available for ADHD referrals, currently there are no specifically commissioned services. The Department is aware that this has led to inconsistencies in provision of services between Trusts and inconsistent pathways and service gaps. The limited capacity available in Trusts in terms of meeting demand and the prevalence of adult ADHD is leading to individuals having to wait longer for assessment and support than described in NICE guidelines.\n\nThe Health and Social Care Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of patients with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.\n\nDepartment of Health officials are regularly reviewing the situation regarding the commissioning of Adult ADHD services, recognising that the demand for ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years. Any decision to commission Adult ADHD services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of budget availability.\n\nDepartment of Health officials are now considering how best to progress the issue, in discussion with relevant stakeholders. Subject to future budget availability, potential next steps include the commissioning of research/analysis of adult ADHD demand to inform options for future commissioning strategies, as well as a regional workshop to explore potential ways forward.","answerHtml":"Provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and diagnosis has grown organically across Trusts in response to population demand and available expertise within Health & Social Care teams. Whilst a level of provision is available for ADHD referrals, currently there are no specifically commissioned services. The Department is aware that this has led to inconsistencies in provision of services between Trusts and inconsistent pathways and service gaps. The limited capacity available in Trusts in terms of meeting demand and the prevalence of adult ADHD is leading to individuals having to wait longer for assessment and support than described in NICE guidelines.
The Health and Social Care Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of patients with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.
Department of Health officials are regularly reviewing the situation regarding the commissioning of Adult ADHD services, recognising that the demand for ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years. Any decision to commission Adult ADHD services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of budget availability.
Department of Health officials are now considering how best to progress the issue, in discussion with relevant stakeholders. Subject to future budget availability, potential next steps include the commissioning of research/analysis of adult ADHD demand to inform options for future commissioning strategies, as well as a regional workshop to explore potential ways forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209578%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396384","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396384"}},{"id":"394873","reference":"AQW 9244/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-20","answerBy":"2024-04-08","answered":"2024-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will consider subsidising advanced driving courses as an avenue for drivers to reduce their insurance premiums, whilst improving overall driving proficiency.","answerText":"My Department has a statutory role in providing a minimum standard of testing for all types of licences and these are met in the current testing regime. Advanced driver schemes sit outside these statutory requirements.\n\nCompletion of an advanced driving course is not a guarantee of lower car insurance premiums, as not all car insurance companies provide a discount for this additional training. If drivers do find a policy that will provide a discount, the original cost to the driver, self-funding the course, could be recouped in lower premiums over approximately 5 years.\n\nI support drivers improving their proficiency and road safety. However, the advanced training scheme sits outside the statutory requirement and I therefore have no plans to subsidise these courses.","answerHtml":"My Department has a statutory role in providing a minimum standard of testing for all types of licences and these are met in the current testing regime. Advanced driver schemes sit outside these statutory requirements.
Completion of an advanced driving course is not a guarantee of lower car insurance premiums, as not all car insurance companies provide a discount for this additional training. If drivers do find a policy that will provide a discount, the original cost to the driver, self-funding the course, could be recouped in lower premiums over approximately 5 years.
I support drivers improving their proficiency and road safety. However, the advanced training scheme sits outside the statutory requirement and I therefore have no plans to subsidise these courses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209244%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394873","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394873"}},{"id":"397336","reference":"AQO 233/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-08","answered":"2024-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline what action he is taking to address the backlog of cases awaiting allocation to an Education Welfare Officer.","answerText":"My officials have been working with Education Authority officials over the past twelve months on the Business Case that is needed to resolve the on-going industrial action within the Education Welfare Service which is having a negative impact on waiting lists. The Business Case will need to be agreed by the Department of Finance and funding will be required to provide an increase in the size of the Education Welfare Service Team and to resolve the associated pay and grading issues.\n\nFollowing a Transformation programme conducted in 2021/22, the Education Welfare Service will be taking a much more proactive approach to the management of pupil attendance and all of the associated issues. Once implemented, a transformed Education Welfare Service will provide a timelier, consistent and more effective approach which will support schools and pupils in meeting their specific needs.","answerHtml":"My officials have been working with Education Authority officials over the past twelve months on the Business Case that is needed to resolve the on-going industrial action within the Education Welfare Service which is having a negative impact on waiting lists. The Business Case will need to be agreed by the Department of Finance and funding will be required to provide an increase in the size of the Education Welfare Service Team and to resolve the associated pay and grading issues.
Following a Transformation programme conducted in 2021/22, the Education Welfare Service will be taking a much more proactive approach to the management of pupil attendance and all of the associated issues. Once implemented, a transformed Education Welfare Service will provide a timelier, consistent and more effective approach which will support schools and pupils in meeting their specific needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20233%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397336","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397336"}},{"id":"393630","reference":"AQW 8713/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-12","answerBy":"2024-03-28","answered":"2024-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of the recommendations made in the 2023 report Independent Review into Children’s Social Care in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The report of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services was published in June 2023 and a public consultation on 49 of 53 recommendations ran for 12 weeks between September and December 2023. Work to analyse consultation responses is underway and it is hoped that this will be completed by mid-late March.","answerHtml":"The report of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services was published in June 2023 and a public consultation on 49 of 53 recommendations ran for 12 weeks between September and December 2023. Work to analyse consultation responses is underway and it is hoped that this will be completed by mid-late March.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208713%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393630"}},{"id":"392897","reference":"AQO 193/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-19","answered":"2024-03-19","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission to provide an update on a security budget for Members.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission takes the security of Members extremely seriously. It was on the agenda of recent meetings before the Assembly Commission was reconstituted. The PSNI has historically taken the lead on personal security and crime prevention advice, providing that on an individual basis to Members on request. It has included carrying out survey visits to constituency offices and providing advice and recommendations relative to personal and physical security measures. On 21 December 2023, the Clerk wrote to the Chief Constable to highlight further concerns raised by some Members regarding their personal security and that of constituency office staff and to enquire about what more might be done by the PSNI by way of advice and guidance and whether the PSNI was in a position to offer further security surveys at constituency offices and Members' private dwellings. The Chief Constable subsequently confirmed that the PSNI would take that forward. Personal security training for Members and their staff will be provided by the PSNI in Parliament Buildings on 30 April 2024. That will include the provision of advice on personal security and lone working and will provide an opportunity for Members only to directly request security surveys of their constituency offices and homes. The PSNI advises that a number of surveys have already been carried out at Members' request. In August 2020, the Assembly Commission published the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) (Amendment) Determination (NI) 2020, which increased the quantum of constituency office establishment expenses from £2,000 to £4,000 specifically to provide additional funding for health and safety and security measures for Members. The determination also specifically permitted Members to recover the cost of security measures from their £7,000 constituency office operating expenses allowance. At its meeting on 29 November 2023, the Assembly Commission discussed initial proposals to further increase constituency office establishment expenses for exclusive use in the provision of additional security measures and intends to consider that further at its next meeting."},{"speaker":"Mr McReynolds","text":"I thank the Member for their response. Will the Assembly Commission update the minimum standard of security to be expected at constituency offices?"},{"speaker":"Ms Ennis","text":"I thank the Member for his supplementary question. As the victim of an attack in my constituency office, the perpetrator of which was recently given a custodial sentence, I assure him that I take the issue seriously, as, I know, do other Commission members. I assure him that we will discuss that today and at further meetings. I will write to the Member to give him an update on those discussions, but I concur with the premise of his question."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20193%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392897","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-03-19&docID=393940#AQO%20193/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392897"}},{"id":"392272","reference":"AQW 8176/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-05","answerBy":"2024-03-21","answered":"2024-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for his assessment of the Allergy Code; and (ii) whether his Department will endorse it.","answerText":"The Schools Allergy Code developed by The Allergy Team highlights the importance of the awareness of allergens, their management and responding to allergic reactions within a school setting.\n\nMy department is currently finalising an update to the ‘Supporting pupils with Medication Needs’ Guidance, which includes a section on Allergic Reactions/Anaphylaxis. I have asked officials to consider the detail of the Schools Allergy Code for inclusion, if appropriate, in any associated resources.","answerHtml":"The Schools Allergy Code developed by The Allergy Team highlights the importance of the awareness of allergens, their management and responding to allergic reactions within a school setting.
My department is currently finalising an update to the ‘Supporting pupils with Medication Needs’ Guidance, which includes a section on Allergic Reactions/Anaphylaxis. I have asked officials to consider the detail of the Schools Allergy Code for inclusion, if appropriate, in any associated resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208176%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392272","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392272"}},{"id":"391998","reference":"AQW 8039/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-20","answered":"2024-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the York Street Interchange project.","answerText":"Error: Attribute and namespace nodes cannot be added to the parent element after a text, comment, pi, or sub-element node has already been added.","answerHtml":"Error: Attribute and namespace nodes cannot be added to the parent element after a text, comment, pi, or sub-element node has already been added.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208039%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391998"}},{"id":"391674","reference":"AQW 7934/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-01","answerBy":"2024-03-11","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will continue to co-fund the active school travel programme for the 2024-25 academic year.","answerText":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 5456/22-27 of 15 February 2024. My officials continue to liaise with the Public Health Agency who co-fund the Active School Travel Programme with my Department and await the outcome of these discussions. Any decision on this programme in the next financial year will be subject to the availability of funding.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 5456/22-27 of 15 February 2024. My officials continue to liaise with the Public Health Agency who co-fund the Active School Travel Programme with my Department and await the outcome of these discussions. Any decision on this programme in the next financial year will be subject to the availability of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207934%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391674"}},{"id":"391673","reference":"AQW 7933/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-01","answerBy":"2024-03-19","answered":"2024-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the Northern Ireland allocation of the 2022 Public Courts Refurbishment Fund.","answerText":"The Executive did not receive a direct allocation for this Fund.\n\nInstead, the Executive’s Spending Review 2021 settlement included Barnett consequentials on the additional allocation provided to Department for Culture, Media and Sport for this Fund.\n\nThe funding received was unhypothecated and formed part of the overall amount available in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Budgets to be allocated in line with local priorities and needs.","answerHtml":"The Executive did not receive a direct allocation for this Fund.
Instead, the Executive’s Spending Review 2021 settlement included Barnett consequentials on the additional allocation provided to Department for Culture, Media and Sport for this Fund.
The funding received was unhypothecated and formed part of the overall amount available in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Budgets to be allocated in line with local priorities and needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207933%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391673","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391673"}},{"id":"391366","reference":"AQW 7834/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many patients are currently awaiting removal of Essure, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Information on the number of patients currently awaiting removal of Essure is not available centrally in the Department. HSC Trusts were asked to provide information and the following responses were submitted.\n\nThere are currently less than five patients awaiting removal of Essure within Belfast Trust waiting lists.\n\nWithin the Western Trust there are no patients waiting on Essure removal.\n\nThe Northern and South Eastern Trusts were unable to provide a response as they advised that the coding for this procedure would not be specific to Essure and could be the reversal of any female sterilisation procedure.\n\nThe Southern Trust ceased the completion of procedures using Essure in August 2017, following guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued its guidance.","answerHtml":"Information on the number of patients currently awaiting removal of Essure is not available centrally in the Department. HSC Trusts were asked to provide information and the following responses were submitted.
There are currently less than five patients awaiting removal of Essure within Belfast Trust waiting lists.
Within the Western Trust there are no patients waiting on Essure removal.
The Northern and South Eastern Trusts were unable to provide a response as they advised that the coding for this procedure would not be specific to Essure and could be the reversal of any female sterilisation procedure.
The Southern Trust ceased the completion of procedures using Essure in August 2017, following guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued its guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207834%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391366"}},{"id":"391365","reference":"AQW 7833/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 6297/22-27, what action is taken when classrooms are found to have poor air movement and quality.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) working with my Department and school leaders, is committed to ensuring that there continues to be appropriate ventilation in schools in line with the latest public health guidance and advice from the Health and Safety Executive. Guidance in relation to ventilation was issued to all schools on 7 December 2021.\n\nShould it be proven that natural ventilation is deficient within a school, this should in the first instance be reported to the EA Maintenance helpdesk. The EA will undertake remedial works to resolve the issue which may include repair or replacement of windows or installation of an air ventilation system.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) working with my Department and school leaders, is committed to ensuring that there continues to be appropriate ventilation in schools in line with the latest public health guidance and advice from the Health and Safety Executive. Guidance in relation to ventilation was issued to all schools on 7 December 2021.
Should it be proven that natural ventilation is deficient within a school, this should in the first instance be reported to the EA Maintenance helpdesk. The EA will undertake remedial works to resolve the issue which may include repair or replacement of windows or installation of an air ventilation system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207833%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391365"}},{"id":"391364","reference":"AQW 7832/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 6297/22-27, how many classrooms do not have a CO2 monitor.","answerText":"My Department does not hold this information.\n\nSince 2011 and 2014 all new build primary schools and post-primary schools respectively include CO2 monitors.\n\nIn 2021, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Authority acquired over 20,000 CO2 monitors and these were allocated to schools on request.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold this information.
Since 2011 and 2014 all new build primary schools and post-primary schools respectively include CO2 monitors.
In 2021, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Authority acquired over 20,000 CO2 monitors and these were allocated to schools on request.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207832%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391364"}},{"id":"393748","reference":"AQO 156/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-11","answered":"2024-03-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline his plans to promote waste recycling.","answerText":"I am committed to the promotion of recycling, but I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that we improve how we manage our resources. We need to put as much material back into the system for reuse and recycling as possible, facilitating a move to a low carbon circular economy.\n\nNew targets have been set in legislation to drive forward these objectives including a requirement to recycle at least 70% of our waste by 2030 as set out in the landmark Climate Change Act. To achieve this, more ambition is needed. In Northern Ireland, we have already increased recycling rates from less than 10% in 2002 to over 50% in 2020.\n\nNow, we need to go further.\n\nWith that in mind, I have approved launch of a consultation, titled “Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI”, which launched on Thursday 7th March and is available for responses on the DAERA website. The consultation sets out 26 proposals for change.\n\nMy department is seeking views from all stakeholders on these proposals, designed to help meet our new targets and I would urge everyone to respond.","answerHtml":"I am committed to the promotion of recycling, but I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that we improve how we manage our resources. We need to put as much material back into the system for reuse and recycling as possible, facilitating a move to a low carbon circular economy.
New targets have been set in legislation to drive forward these objectives including a requirement to recycle at least 70% of our waste by 2030 as set out in the landmark Climate Change Act. To achieve this, more ambition is needed. In Northern Ireland, we have already increased recycling rates from less than 10% in 2002 to over 50% in 2020.
Now, we need to go further.
With that in mind, I have approved launch of a consultation, titled “Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI”, which launched on Thursday 7th March and is available for responses on the DAERA website. The consultation sets out 26 proposals for change.
My department is seeking views from all stakeholders on these proposals, designed to help meet our new targets and I would urge everyone to respond.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20156%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393748"}},{"id":"391102","reference":"AQW 7713/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-28","answerBy":"2024-03-14","answered":"2024-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for his assessment of the introduction of a default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph; and (ii) what plans he has to introduce similar legislation.","answerText":"My Officials have discussed the change of the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph with their counterparts from the Welsh Government. While there are currently no plans to do this here, it is something that I am keeping under review as I recognise that appropriate speed limits are part of the solution to improving road safety and I firmly believe that attitudes to speeding have to change.","answerHtml":"My Officials have discussed the change of the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph with their counterparts from the Welsh Government. While there are currently no plans to do this here, it is something that I am keeping under review as I recognise that appropriate speed limits are part of the solution to improving road safety and I firmly believe that attitudes to speeding have to change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207713%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391102","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391102"}},{"id":"390896","reference":"AQW 7616/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-13","answered":"2024-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for his assessment of introducing 20mph zones in residential areas; (ii) how many of such zones were introduced during 2023-24; and (iii) how many his Department plans to introduce in 2024-25.","answerText":"The Department ran two trials on 20mph speed limits, one using signs only 20mph speed limits, and the other using a new arrangement of signs to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits at schools. The Review Report on the two trials issued in March 2021 and is available: 20mph Speed Limit Trials - Review Report | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nTo date the Department has introduced 20mph zones at over 700 locations, six of which were put in place during 2023-24 financial year. These are mostly in residential areas in conjunction with traffic engineering measures, such as road humps. There are currently no 20 mph zones planned for the 2024-25 financial year. In addition, over the past number of years the Department has introduced part-time 20mph limits at 215 schools and a review of this initiative is underway to determine if a further tranche is justified.","answerHtml":"The Department ran two trials on 20mph speed limits, one using signs only 20mph speed limits, and the other using a new arrangement of signs to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits at schools. The Review Report on the two trials issued in March 2021 and is available: 20mph Speed Limit Trials - Review Report | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
To date the Department has introduced 20mph zones at over 700 locations, six of which were put in place during 2023-24 financial year. These are mostly in residential areas in conjunction with traffic engineering measures, such as road humps. There are currently no 20 mph zones planned for the 2024-25 financial year. In addition, over the past number of years the Department has introduced part-time 20mph limits at 215 schools and a review of this initiative is underway to determine if a further tranche is justified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207616%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390896","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390896"}},{"id":"390071","reference":"AQW 7253/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-22","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for his assessment of the new budget necessary to deliver the aims of the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer; and (ii) whether he has requested additional budget from the UK government for the Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer.","answerText":"My officials carried out a cost analysis in 2022/2023 which suggests around £120million will be required to modernise performance clubs to a similar standard as that enjoyed in neighbouring jurisdictions.\n\nRegarding Grassroots facilities, the ‘DCMS Grassroots Needs Assessment, Full Scoping Report’ published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in June 2022 shows a Northern Ireland deficit on pitch provision at grassroots level which, was at the time of publication, expected to cost in the region of £60million to address. Further work to assess needs at grassroots level is on-going.\n\nThe Irish Football Association are currently developing a business case for a National Training Centre. A final costed figure is not yet available.\n\nIt should be noted that these are cost estimates and do not assume that funding can be made available at this level from any specific source, including central government. This is simply an estimation of overall potential need calculated at a specific point in time.\n\nI expect funding to come from a variety of sources, including match funding sources secured by footballing bodies and clubs themselves. I intend to seek my Executive colleagues’ agreement to allocate additional capital funding to this important Programme. I will also make a strong case for the UK to make a contribution to overall costs to modernise football facilities. I am engaging with the UK Sports Minister in early March.","answerHtml":"My officials carried out a cost analysis in 2022/2023 which suggests around £120million will be required to modernise performance clubs to a similar standard as that enjoyed in neighbouring jurisdictions.
Regarding Grassroots facilities, the ‘DCMS Grassroots Needs Assessment, Full Scoping Report’ published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in June 2022 shows a Northern Ireland deficit on pitch provision at grassroots level which, was at the time of publication, expected to cost in the region of £60million to address. Further work to assess needs at grassroots level is on-going.
The Irish Football Association are currently developing a business case for a National Training Centre. A final costed figure is not yet available.
It should be noted that these are cost estimates and do not assume that funding can be made available at this level from any specific source, including central government. This is simply an estimation of overall potential need calculated at a specific point in time.
I expect funding to come from a variety of sources, including match funding sources secured by footballing bodies and clubs themselves. I intend to seek my Executive colleagues’ agreement to allocate additional capital funding to this important Programme. I will also make a strong case for the UK to make a contribution to overall costs to modernise football facilities. I am engaging with the UK Sports Minister in early March.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207253%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390071","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390071"}},{"id":"392167","reference":"AQO 112/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-22","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Review of Neurology Services.","answerText":"The Review of Neurology services is progressing well and I expect a draft report to be finalised in the coming months. The review has been taken forward by a clinically-led Neurology Review Team. The Review Team has undertaken analysis in key areas of the service including user experience. This analysis, which includes a gap and constraints assessment, detailed data analyses and benchmarking against services elsewhere, is now complete.\n\nThe Review Team has also considered how best to address pressures within the Neurology workforce. This has been across both specialist consultant and Nursing staff as well as the Allied Health Professional and Psychology workforces.\n\nOver the next number of months my Officials will be engaging with stakeholders to inform the final report of the Review. This will include patients, carers, charities and wider expert bodies including the Association of British Neurologists and the Getting It Right First Time Neurology Team.\n\nThe Neurology Review Team will meet in April to review feedback and amendments to the report. Subject to that discussion, it is intended that the final report will be completed later in the spring.","answerHtml":"The Review of Neurology services is progressing well and I expect a draft report to be finalised in the coming months. The review has been taken forward by a clinically-led Neurology Review Team. The Review Team has undertaken analysis in key areas of the service including user experience. This analysis, which includes a gap and constraints assessment, detailed data analyses and benchmarking against services elsewhere, is now complete.
The Review Team has also considered how best to address pressures within the Neurology workforce. This has been across both specialist consultant and Nursing staff as well as the Allied Health Professional and Psychology workforces.
Over the next number of months my Officials will be engaging with stakeholders to inform the final report of the Review. This will include patients, carers, charities and wider expert bodies including the Association of British Neurologists and the Getting It Right First Time Neurology Team.
The Neurology Review Team will meet in April to review feedback and amendments to the report. Subject to that discussion, it is intended that the final report will be completed later in the spring.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20112%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392167","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392167"}},{"id":"389746","reference":"AQW 7122/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-21","answerBy":"2024-03-07","answered":"2024-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the grants for community festivals in the last three years.","answerText":"My Department’s funding to the Community Festivals Fund in the last three years is as follows:\n\n2020/21*\t2021/22\t2022/23\n-\t£369k\t£369k\n\n*No funding was allocated in this financial year due to the pandemic.\n\nFurther DfC funding has been provided directly by the Belfast Regeneration Directorate to the following festivals in the last three years:\n\nName of Event\tDate of Event\tAmount\nOrangefest\t1/4/20 – 31/3/21\t£40,763\nOrangefest\t1/4/21 – 31/3/22\t£40,700\nOrangefest\t1/4/22 – 31/3/23\t£40,700\nNI Science Festival\t18/2/21 – 28/2/21\t£9,000\nYoung at Art’s Belfast Childrens Festival\t5/3/21 – 14/3/21\t£10,000","answerHtml":"My Department’s funding to the Community Festivals Fund in the last three years is as follows:
| 2020/21* | 2021/22 | 2022/23 |
| - | £369k | £369k |
*No funding was allocated in this financial year due to the pandemic.
Further DfC funding has been provided directly by the Belfast Regeneration Directorate to the following festivals in the last three years:
| Name of Event | Date of Event | Amount |
| Orangefest | 1/4/20 – 31/3/21 | £40,763 |
| Orangefest | 1/4/21 – 31/3/22 | £40,700 |
| Orangefest | 1/4/22 – 31/3/23 | £40,700 |
| NI Science Festival | 18/2/21 – 28/2/21 | £9,000 |
| Young at Art’s Belfast Childrens Festival | 5/3/21 – 14/3/21 | £10,000 |
I have no immediate plans to replace the Nutrition Strategy Promoting Good Nutrition: A Strategy for Good Nutritional Care for Adults in all Care Settings in Northern Ireland 2011 - 2015.
The vision of the strategy was to improve the quality of nutritional care of adults in Northern Ireland in health and social care, through the prevention, identification and management of malnutrition in all health and social care settings including in their own homes.
My officials are currently reviewing the care standards for both Nursing and Residential Care Homes, which will consider nutritional standards, following the publication of the Enhancing Clinic Care Framework (ECCF). This framework is to ensure those living in adult care homes have access to the clinical and wellbeing support they want, and need, to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206965%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389476","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389476"}},{"id":"389475","reference":"AQW 6964/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 6020/22-27, how many children are still awaiting access to digital assistance tools.","answerText":"As part of “A Fair Start” Action Plan Key Area 3(x), the most recent delivery of digital devices took place in Autumn 2023 and was the third phase of the rollout of the programme. That particular phase was oversubscribed and consequently, requests for a further 1,907 devices have been placed on hold. The supply and distribution of further digital devices to schools is dependent upon additional capital budget.","answerHtml":"As part of “A Fair Start” Action Plan Key Area 3(x), the most recent delivery of digital devices took place in Autumn 2023 and was the third phase of the rollout of the programme. That particular phase was oversubscribed and consequently, requests for a further 1,907 devices have been placed on hold. The supply and distribution of further digital devices to schools is dependent upon additional capital budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206964%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389475","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389475"}},{"id":"389474","reference":"AQW 6963/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many adults are on a waiting list for a diagnosis of ADHD.","answerText":"There are currently no regionally commissioned services for adult ADHD and therefore no requirement for HSC Trusts to manage a dedicated and comparable ADHD waiting list. The information is therefore not available.","answerHtml":"There are currently no regionally commissioned services for adult ADHD and therefore no requirement for HSC Trusts to manage a dedicated and comparable ADHD waiting list. The information is therefore not available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206963%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389474","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389474"}},{"id":"388428","reference":"AQW 6423/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many data scientists are currently employed in his Department.","answerText":"The Department for Infrastructure does not currently employ any data scientists.","answerHtml":"The Department for Infrastructure does not currently employ any data scientists.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206423%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388428","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388428"}},{"id":"388427","reference":"AQW 6422/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions he is taking to counteract drivers being penalised for lapsed car tax, due to the unavailability of MOT appointments.","answerText":"Vehicle Excise Duty (Motor Tax) is an excepted matter and is administered and enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea on behalf of HM Treasury. The DVA has no authority or influence with the DVLA on these matters.\n\nThe latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/guide-booking-your-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT reminder letter issued to customers. The DVA’s advice to vehicle owners who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before their MOT expires is to:\n\nbook the earliest available appointment;\n\nkeep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.\n\nIf they get to within five days of the expiry date of their vehicle tax and they have been unable to secure an appointment, or their vehicle tax has expired, they should contact the DVA Customer Services team at dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and they will do their best to get an urgent appointment for the vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment.","answerHtml":"Vehicle Excise Duty (Motor Tax) is an excepted matter and is administered and enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea on behalf of HM Treasury. The DVA has no authority or influence with the DVLA on these matters.
The latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/guide-booking-your-mot-vehicle-test and is also included as an advice note with every MOT reminder letter issued to customers. The DVA’s advice to vehicle owners who require an MOT to tax their vehicle and cannot secure a date before their MOT expires is to:
book the earliest available appointment;
keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires.
If they get to within five days of the expiry date of their vehicle tax and they have been unable to secure an appointment, or their vehicle tax has expired, they should contact the DVA Customer Services team at dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and they will do their best to get an urgent appointment for the vehicle. To date, all customers who have contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206422%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388427","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388427"}},{"id":"388256","reference":"AQW 6297/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how his Department measures and monitors air quality in classrooms.","answerText":"Air quality in classrooms is monitored through the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitors. The monitors measure and monitor the air quality in classrooms by identifying the presence of CO2 which indicates poor air movement and quality.","answerHtml":"Air quality in classrooms is monitored through the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitors. The monitors measure and monitor the air quality in classrooms by identifying the presence of CO2 which indicates poor air movement and quality.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206297%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388256","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388256"}},{"id":"388255","reference":"AQW 6296/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what plans he has to improve ventilation in classrooms.","answerText":"The Department of Education and Education Authority (EA) work within the guidelines provided by the Department of Health concerning air quality and ventilation in schools and other public buildings. Guidance on ventilation has been issued to all schools, providing advice on how to identify poorly ventilated areas and the measures that should be taken to improve ventilation if required.\n\n200 HEPA air filtration units were installed across the schools’ estate, and these are still in place. If a school has a specific concern regarding ventilation, they should contact EA to address the matter directly.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education and Education Authority (EA) work within the guidelines provided by the Department of Health concerning air quality and ventilation in schools and other public buildings. Guidance on ventilation has been issued to all schools, providing advice on how to identify poorly ventilated areas and the measures that should be taken to improve ventilation if required.
200 HEPA air filtration units were installed across the schools’ estate, and these are still in place. If a school has a specific concern regarding ventilation, they should contact EA to address the matter directly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388255","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388255"}},{"id":"387998","reference":"AQW 6159/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-12","answerBy":"2024-02-27","answered":"2024-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to refurbish MOT test centres.","answerText":"The DVA is investing in new test centres at Hydebank and Mallusk, which are due to open in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Further investment in new test centres will be subject to further consideration and funding availability.\n\nThe DVA is also planning to replace existing vehicle testing equipment across its network of test centres, which is expected to take approximately two years. This equipment replacement programme will require limited enabling construction works to be carried out at each test centre.","answerHtml":"The DVA is investing in new test centres at Hydebank and Mallusk, which are due to open in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Further investment in new test centres will be subject to further consideration and funding availability.
The DVA is also planning to replace existing vehicle testing equipment across its network of test centres, which is expected to take approximately two years. This equipment replacement programme will require limited enabling construction works to be carried out at each test centre.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206159%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387998"}},{"id":"387997","reference":"AQW 6158/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-12","answerBy":"2024-02-27","answered":"2024-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of staffing levels in MOT test centres.","answerText":"The recruitment and retention of DVA vehicle examiners has become increasingly more difficult for several reasons including higher salaries being offered for qualified mechanics by other public and private sector organisations. The number of applications received for vehicle examiner recruitment competitions has fallen and there has been a marked increase in the number of vehicle examiners who have resigned from the DVA to take up employment elsewhere. As a result, the DVA has a number of vehicle examiner vacancies across its network of test centres.\n\nIn 2023, a grading review for DVA vehicle examiners was conducted, recommending they should be regraded to the next higher grade. A further vehicle examiner recruitment competition will launch on 19 February 2024, advertising the higher regraded salary. In addition, the Executive has agreed to allocate £688million to allow public sector pay deals to be progressed and we are committed to ensuring pay awards are implemented as quickly as possible.\n\nThese measures will hopefully attract more applicants to fill staff vacancies across the DVA’s network of test centres.","answerHtml":"The recruitment and retention of DVA vehicle examiners has become increasingly more difficult for several reasons including higher salaries being offered for qualified mechanics by other public and private sector organisations. The number of applications received for vehicle examiner recruitment competitions has fallen and there has been a marked increase in the number of vehicle examiners who have resigned from the DVA to take up employment elsewhere. As a result, the DVA has a number of vehicle examiner vacancies across its network of test centres.
In 2023, a grading review for DVA vehicle examiners was conducted, recommending they should be regraded to the next higher grade. A further vehicle examiner recruitment competition will launch on 19 February 2024, advertising the higher regraded salary. In addition, the Executive has agreed to allocate £688million to allow public sector pay deals to be progressed and we are committed to ensuring pay awards are implemented as quickly as possible.
These measures will hopefully attract more applicants to fill staff vacancies across the DVA’s network of test centres.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206158%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387997"}},{"id":"387744","reference":"AQW 6021/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will request the Audit Office to conduct a review of the Planning Appeals Commission.","answerText":"I am not requesting the Audit Office to conduct a review of the Planning Appeals Commission, the sponsorship of which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. I want to work with all partners to support and deliver an efficient and effective planning system, although that is subject to all parts of the planning system being properly funded and resourced, including the Planning Appeals Commission.","answerHtml":"I am not requesting the Audit Office to conduct a review of the Planning Appeals Commission, the sponsorship of which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. I want to work with all partners to support and deliver an efficient and effective planning system, although that is subject to all parts of the planning system being properly funded and resourced, including the Planning Appeals Commission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206021%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387744","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387744"}},{"id":"387743","reference":"AQW 6020/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what digital assistance tools, to support home learning, have been (i) requested; and (ii) issued in the last 12 months.","answerText":"Within the last twelve months 5,023 digital devices have been provided to schools to assist with pupil learning across Phases 2 and 3 of the digital devices project. This delivers action key area 3(x) of the report “A Fair Start”. The breakdown by devices is as follows:\n\nPhase\tiPads\tChromebook\tMS Surface SE\tTotal\n2\t1,012\t748\t586\t2,346\n3\t724\t677\t1,276\t2,677\nTotal\t1,736\t1,425\t1,862\t5,023\n\nIt is the responsibility of individual settings to determine whether these devices are used in school, at home or both.","answerHtml":"Within the last twelve months 5,023 digital devices have been provided to schools to assist with pupil learning across Phases 2 and 3 of the digital devices project. This delivers action key area 3(x) of the report “A Fair Start”. The breakdown by devices is as follows:
| Phase | iPads | Chromebook | MS Surface SE | Total |
| 2 | 1,012 | 748 | 586 | 2,346 |
| 3 | 724 | 677 | 1,276 | 2,677 |
| Total | 1,736 | 1,425 | 1,862 | 5,023 |
It is the responsibility of individual settings to determine whether these devices are used in school, at home or both.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206020%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387743","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387743"}},{"id":"387742","reference":"AQW 6019/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what action the Housing Executive is has taking to limit the abandonment of single let properties.","answerText":"In respect of those placed in Single Lets, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised that there is periodic contact with the individual and their respective Housing Advisor.\n\nThe Housing Executive also recently carried out a sample of assurance visits where they visited Single Let property to confirm that the applicant is occupying the accommodation. Where no one was available at the time of the visit a letter was left asking the occupant to make contact and confirm occupancy.\n\nThe outcome of this exercise will be considered by the Housing Executive to ascertain the value of conducting further assurance visits in the future. Providers also carry out periodic visits and would notify the Housing Executive if a property is abandoned.","answerHtml":"In respect of those placed in Single Lets, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised that there is periodic contact with the individual and their respective Housing Advisor.
The Housing Executive also recently carried out a sample of assurance visits where they visited Single Let property to confirm that the applicant is occupying the accommodation. Where no one was available at the time of the visit a letter was left asking the occupant to make contact and confirm occupancy.
The outcome of this exercise will be considered by the Housing Executive to ascertain the value of conducting further assurance visits in the future. Providers also carry out periodic visits and would notify the Housing Executive if a property is abandoned.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206019%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387742"}},{"id":"387526","reference":"AQW 5890/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-08","answerBy":"2024-02-23","answered":"2024-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will appoint Special Commissioners, under the powers of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, as a means of addressing the resourcing challenges within the Planning Appeals Commission.","answerText":"I recognise the resourcing challenges of the Planning Appeals Commission and acknowledge that, under the Planning Act (NI) 2011, the Department of Infrastructure has powers to appoint independent persons to conduct certain matters such as hearings or examinations instead of the Commission. However, this is not necessarily a simple undertaking and I will be considering this issue with my officials in the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"I recognise the resourcing challenges of the Planning Appeals Commission and acknowledge that, under the Planning Act (NI) 2011, the Department of Infrastructure has powers to appoint independent persons to conduct certain matters such as hearings or examinations instead of the Commission. However, this is not necessarily a simple undertaking and I will be considering this issue with my officials in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205890%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387526","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387526"}},{"id":"387525","reference":"AQW 5889/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-08","answerBy":"2024-02-23","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what plans he has to review the policy for vacant listed buildings.","answerText":"I have no current plans to review the exclusion that applies within non-domestic vacant rating (NDVR) for listed buildings, or where a building preservation notice applies. This is a long-standing feature of the non-domestic rating system.","answerHtml":"I have no current plans to review the exclusion that applies within non-domestic vacant rating (NDVR) for listed buildings, or where a building preservation notice applies. This is a long-standing feature of the non-domestic rating system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205889%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387525","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387525"}},{"id":"387294","reference":"AQW 5731/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a breakdown of spend on active travel, broken down by parliamentary constituency, for each of the last 5 financial years.","answerText":"Monitoring of Active Travel spend within the Department is not broken down by parliamentary constituency.\n\nThe Member may wish to note that the active travel spend from financial years 2016/17 to 2020/21 is detailed in AQW 24320 /17-22 ( AIMS Portal (niassembly.gov.uk))\n\nApproximately £12.9m capital and resource spend was recorded in 2021/22 and approximately £12.7million in 2022/23 against specific Departmental active travel projects and grants for councils.","answerHtml":"Monitoring of Active Travel spend within the Department is not broken down by parliamentary constituency.
The Member may wish to note that the active travel spend from financial years 2016/17 to 2020/21 is detailed in AQW 24320 /17-22 ( AIMS Portal (niassembly.gov.uk))
Approximately £12.9m capital and resource spend was recorded in 2021/22 and approximately £12.7million in 2022/23 against specific Departmental active travel projects and grants for councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205731%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387294","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387294"}},{"id":"387293","reference":"AQW 5730/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what funding will be made available for overnight child respite care.","answerText":"The Department would acknowledge that there are currently significant pressures regarding the short break availability and respite care provision for families who have children with disabilities across Northern Ireland. There has been an increase in children reported to have a disability with a corresponding increase in demand. Access to Short Break and Respite Services is assessed by each HSC Trust, and is determined by individually assessed need.\n\nIn terms of improving service provision, the Department of Health has\n\ninvested £750,000 in 2021/22 across the five HSC Trusts (£150,000 to each Trust recurrently) with a specific focus to increase capacity and expand the range of short break options for children with disability.\n\nWith regard to planning for the future, a Task and Finish group has been established by the Department of Health to finalise the Adult Learning Disability Service Model and the Children with Disabilities (CWD) Framework.\n\nFurther, the Department has established a Children’s Services Reform Process to reform Children’s Services. This reform process includes a workstream on Children with a Disability. This workstream will be looking specifically at the regional position in respect of short breaks and respite and will include a focus on demand and capacity. The outcomes of this work will inform future commissioning decisions. Any commissioning of additional respite care provision will require additional funding. Decisions in this regard will be subject to the future budget agreement. As you will know there are many competing demands across health and social care in the context of a very challenging financial position.","answerHtml":"The Department would acknowledge that there are currently significant pressures regarding the short break availability and respite care provision for families who have children with disabilities across Northern Ireland. There has been an increase in children reported to have a disability with a corresponding increase in demand. Access to Short Break and Respite Services is assessed by each HSC Trust, and is determined by individually assessed need.
In terms of improving service provision, the Department of Health has
invested £750,000 in 2021/22 across the five HSC Trusts (£150,000 to each Trust recurrently) with a specific focus to increase capacity and expand the range of short break options for children with disability.
With regard to planning for the future, a Task and Finish group has been established by the Department of Health to finalise the Adult Learning Disability Service Model and the Children with Disabilities (CWD) Framework.
Further, the Department has established a Children’s Services Reform Process to reform Children’s Services. This reform process includes a workstream on Children with a Disability. This workstream will be looking specifically at the regional position in respect of short breaks and respite and will include a focus on demand and capacity. The outcomes of this work will inform future commissioning decisions. Any commissioning of additional respite care provision will require additional funding. Decisions in this regard will be subject to the future budget agreement. As you will know there are many competing demands across health and social care in the context of a very challenging financial position.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205730%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387293","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387293"}},{"id":"387292","reference":"AQW 5729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will amend the housing selection scheme to include domestic violence as a form of intimidation.","answerText":"Work has been ongoing in relation to the Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations. My officials are working with the Housing Executive to consider the way forward for the proposal relating to intimidation points. This includes independent research which is due to complete by the end of March 2024.\n\nOnce options in relation to this proposal have been further developed, I will give them my consideration.","answerHtml":"Work has been ongoing in relation to the Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations. My officials are working with the Housing Executive to consider the way forward for the proposal relating to intimidation points. This includes independent research which is due to complete by the end of March 2024.
Once options in relation to this proposal have been further developed, I will give them my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387292","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387292"}},{"id":"387291","reference":"AQW 5728/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what action is being taken to curtail the abandonment of emergency temporary accommodation.","answerText":"In respect of confirming occupancy of temporary accommodation, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised that for those placed in hotels and B&B’s, accommodation providers send a daily email confirming those who stayed in their respective hotel/B&B for the previous day, and confirming any placements who vacated the previous day.\n\nAdditionally, there is regular contact between the customer placed in a hotel/B&B and their respective Housing Advisor.","answerHtml":"In respect of confirming occupancy of temporary accommodation, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised that for those placed in hotels and B&B’s, accommodation providers send a daily email confirming those who stayed in their respective hotel/B&B for the previous day, and confirming any placements who vacated the previous day.
Additionally, there is regular contact between the customer placed in a hotel/B&B and their respective Housing Advisor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205728%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387291"}},{"id":"387290","reference":"AQW 5727/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of school crossing patrols, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that it does not hold this information on a parliamentary constituency basis, however the number of school crossing patrol officers by EA Locality Area is provided below.\n\nEA Locality Area\tNumber of school crossing patrol officers\n2023\nNorth\t160\nEast\t127\nSouth West\t111\nTOTAL\t398","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that it does not hold this information on a parliamentary constituency basis, however the number of school crossing patrol officers by EA Locality Area is provided below.
| EA Locality Area | Number of school crossing patrol officers |
| 2023 | |
| North | 160 |
| East | 127 |
| South West | 111 |
| TOTAL | 398 |
Action 13 of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 commits to the development of proposals for transitions between Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services. A paper outlining recommendations for reviewing the current transitions process in mental health services was completed in 2021. Since then, there have been a number of more recent developments, including progress to establish a new Regional Mental Health Service, the Review of Children’s Services and the Gender Identity review, all of which will likely impact on the recommendations for future transition arrangements.
Work on the development of a co-designed Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2024 – 2025 is currently underway. Delivery of Action 13 will be considered in the context of this work, as well as the availability of additional funding to support implementation of the Mental Health Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205590%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387092","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387092"}},{"id":"387091","reference":"AQW 5589/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will introduce the recommendations listed in the Stronger from the Start infant mental health campaign.","answerText":"Delivery of the objectives of the Stronger from the Start manifesto will be achieved through delivery of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 which has a clear focus on the promotion of prevention, early intervention, and wellbeing throughout a person’s whole life.\n\nWithin the Strategy, there is recognition that the path to good mental health starts in infancy and it sets out a commitment to ensure the needs of infants are met in mental health services. In particular, Action 11 aims to ensure that the needs of infants are met in these services, and that the needs of vulnerable children and young people are met when developing and improving the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, putting in place a ‘no wrong door’ approach.\n\nA three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Plan has also been developed through the Mental Health Strategy. One of the key actions within this plan is to ensure collective responsibility for promoting and supporting the emotional wellbeing of all our infants, children and young people.","answerHtml":"Delivery of the objectives of the Stronger from the Start manifesto will be achieved through delivery of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 which has a clear focus on the promotion of prevention, early intervention, and wellbeing throughout a person’s whole life.
Within the Strategy, there is recognition that the path to good mental health starts in infancy and it sets out a commitment to ensure the needs of infants are met in mental health services. In particular, Action 11 aims to ensure that the needs of infants are met in these services, and that the needs of vulnerable children and young people are met when developing and improving the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, putting in place a ‘no wrong door’ approach.
A three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Plan has also been developed through the Mental Health Strategy. One of the key actions within this plan is to ensure collective responsibility for promoting and supporting the emotional wellbeing of all our infants, children and young people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205589%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387091","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387091"}},{"id":"387090","reference":"AQW 5588/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what plans he has to introduce a compulsory curriculum for schools and colleges on mental health and wellbeing.","answerText":"The mental health and wellbeing of all our pupils is a high priority for me.\n\nThe Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 sets the curriculum out as Areas of Learning with contributory elements from Foundation Stage to key stage 4 (ages 4-16). The Order also sets out statements of minimum contents which schools must teach. However, a key feature of the curriculum is the flexibility that schools have to provide education over and above the statutory minimum that meets the needs of their pupils.\n\nWithin the statutory Northern Ireland Curriculum, mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing education is already included within the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding and Learning for Life and Work areas of learning. Pupils are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of how to maximise and sustain their mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing, including managing emotions and reactions to ongoing life experiences and enhancing self-awareness and developing coping strategies. There are also a number of qualifications at key stage 4 and post-16 which provide opportunities for students to explore issues relating to self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing.\n\nThe Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment provides curricular guidance and teaching support materials for use in schools on its Wellbeing Hub which contains a range of age-appropriate, up-to-date and relevant resources to support the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils.\n\nAdditionally, the joint Department of Education and Department of Health ‘Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework’ was published in February 2021.\n\nThe main focus of the Framework is to provide overarching guidance to support those working in educational settings to help them promote emotional wellbeing and strengthen self-esteem and resilience in our children and young people. It is designed to help promote wellbeing at a universal level, through a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, and then to provide targeted support when needs are identified.","answerHtml":"The mental health and wellbeing of all our pupils is a high priority for me.
The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 sets the curriculum out as Areas of Learning with contributory elements from Foundation Stage to key stage 4 (ages 4-16). The Order also sets out statements of minimum contents which schools must teach. However, a key feature of the curriculum is the flexibility that schools have to provide education over and above the statutory minimum that meets the needs of their pupils.
Within the statutory Northern Ireland Curriculum, mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing education is already included within the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding and Learning for Life and Work areas of learning. Pupils are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of how to maximise and sustain their mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing, including managing emotions and reactions to ongoing life experiences and enhancing self-awareness and developing coping strategies. There are also a number of qualifications at key stage 4 and post-16 which provide opportunities for students to explore issues relating to self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment provides curricular guidance and teaching support materials for use in schools on its Wellbeing Hub which contains a range of age-appropriate, up-to-date and relevant resources to support the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils.
Additionally, the joint Department of Education and Department of Health ‘Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework’ was published in February 2021.
The main focus of the Framework is to provide overarching guidance to support those working in educational settings to help them promote emotional wellbeing and strengthen self-esteem and resilience in our children and young people. It is designed to help promote wellbeing at a universal level, through a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, and then to provide targeted support when needs are identified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205588%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387090","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387090"}},{"id":"387089","reference":"AQW 5587/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the delivery of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031.","answerText":"Delivery of the Mental Health Strategy has been taking place within an extremely challenging financial context using existing, limited resources to take forward actions. As a result of this, the Strategy is being implemented through Annual Delivery Plans which set year-on-year priorities and actions. Good progress has been made in taking forward a number of actions, including:\n\nImplementation of the community perinatal mental health service across the region, with teams now in place in all Trusts.\n\nCo-design of a three-year implementation plan for the establishment of the Regional Mental Health Service (RMHS).\n\nCompletion of a three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan, with progress made on implementation of actions.\n\nCompletion and publication of an independent Mental Health workforce review, with work underway to begin planning implementation of key recommendations.\n\nAdditional investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to enhance existing provision and alleviate pressures.\n\nRoll-out of the emotional health and wellbeing teams in schools, with initial cohort of schools identified and engaged.\n\nEstablishment of the Digital Mental Health Board and appointment of project leads to develop a digital mental health service action plan.\n\nCompletion of a review exploring the optimal approach to engaging the community and voluntary sector in the development of mental health policy and provision.\n\nThe Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 is currently in development and will be co-produced through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. This Plan will set out an agreed set of actions which will be taken forward in 2024/25.","answerHtml":"Delivery of the Mental Health Strategy has been taking place within an extremely challenging financial context using existing, limited resources to take forward actions. As a result of this, the Strategy is being implemented through Annual Delivery Plans which set year-on-year priorities and actions. Good progress has been made in taking forward a number of actions, including:
Implementation of the community perinatal mental health service across the region, with teams now in place in all Trusts.
Co-design of a three-year implementation plan for the establishment of the Regional Mental Health Service (RMHS).
Completion of a three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan, with progress made on implementation of actions.
Completion and publication of an independent Mental Health workforce review, with work underway to begin planning implementation of key recommendations.
Additional investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to enhance existing provision and alleviate pressures.
Roll-out of the emotional health and wellbeing teams in schools, with initial cohort of schools identified and engaged.
Establishment of the Digital Mental Health Board and appointment of project leads to develop a digital mental health service action plan.
Completion of a review exploring the optimal approach to engaging the community and voluntary sector in the development of mental health policy and provision.
The Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 is currently in development and will be co-produced through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. This Plan will set out an agreed set of actions which will be taken forward in 2024/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205587%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387089","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387089"}},{"id":"387088","reference":"AQW 5586/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how much has been spent on youth services in East Belfast over the last 5 years.","answerText":"A breakdown of funding for youth services in East Belfast over the last five years is detailed below:\n\nResource\n\nYouth Centre\t2019-20\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24 Forecast\n2ND EAST BELFAST RANGER GUIDE UNIT\t£850\t£850\t£1,000\t£0\n4TH BELFAST SCOUTS\t£6,850\t£1,405\t£6,660\t£2,200\t£2,200\n6.30 CLUB\t£0\t£0\t£0\t£0\n7TH SYDENHAM METHODIST GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£850\t£1,200\t£1,200\t£1,400\n9TH BELFAST SCOUTS & SYDENHAM EXPLORERS\t£850\t£1,000\t£0\t£0\n10TH BELFAST SCOUT GROUP\t£2,050\t£2,605\t£4,000\t£2,800\t£2,000\n11TH BELFAST SCOUT GROUP SCOUTING IRELAND\t£6,850\t£8,405\t£11,514\t£0\t£2,800\n11TH BELFAST VENTURE SCOUTS SCOUTING IRELAND\t£6,850\t£850\t£0\t£0\n15TH CREGAGH METHODIST GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£850\t£1,600\t£1,800\t£1,200\n24TH BELFAST COMPANY BOYS' BRIGADE\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,800\t£2,400\t£2,000\n25TH BELFAST COMPANY BOYS' BRIGADE\t£850\t£1,405\t£2,000\t£1,200\t£1,400\n26TH SCOUT GROUP\t£1,850\t£2,405\t£2,960\t£1,800\t£1,800\n27TH SCOUT GROUP BELFAST\t£1,090\t£2,090\t£0\t£0\t£2,400\n29TH NI GIRLS' BRIGADE COMPANY\t£850\t£850\t£2,000\t£1,800\n30TH BELFAST BOYS' BRIGADE\t£0\t£850\t£2,800\t£2,200\n37TH BELFAST SCOUTS\t£1,795\t£2,350\t£8,740\t£2,200\t£2,000\n63RD BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY\t£495\t£900\t£0\t£0\n66TH SCOUT GROUP\t£850\t£850\t£0\t£0\n69TH \"B\" BELFAST GUIDES\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,400\t£0\t£1,200\n76TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE\t£850\t£555\t£1,800\t£1,800\t£1,400\n79TH BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY\t£850\t£1,955\t£2,000\t£0\n82ND BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE\t£6,850\t£150\t£8,500\t£0\n83RD NI GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£1,000\t£2,200\t£2,400\t£2,000\n93RD BELFAST BROWNIES\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,200\t£800\t£1,000\n93RD GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£0\t£1,800\t£2,200\n94TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE\t£0\t£0\t£0\t£0\n95TH GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,600\t£1,200\t£1,200\n104th Belfast Scout Group\t\t\t\t\t£1,800\n109TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY\t£820\t£970\t£1,200\t£1,000\n111TH ORANGEFIELD BROWNIES\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,000\t£1,200\t£800\n114TH BELFAST GUIDES\t£850\t£1,000\t£0\t£1,000\t£800\n119TH BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY\t£850\t£850\t£0\t£0\n137TH ST BRENDAN'S RAINBOW, BROWNIES & GUIDES\t£0\t£0\t£0\t£0\n148TH GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,800\t£1,200\t£1,400\n216TH CHURCH OF GOD GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£0\t£0\t£0\n233RD GROVE BAPTIST GIRLS BRIGADE\t£850\t£850\t£0\t£0\n333RD CASTLEREAGH PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS BRIGADE\t£495\n342ND GB & 50TH BB TULLYCARNET\t£820\t£540\n69TH BLOOMFIELD BROWNIES\t£638\t£638\t£1,200\t£1,200\t£1,200\n89TH BELFAST BROWNIES, KNOCK METHODIST\t£850\t£850\t£0\t£0\n107th Girls Brigade Company\t\t\t£1,400\t£1,400\t£1,200\n110th Belfast Brownies\t\t\t£1,600\t£1,200\t£1,200\n110th Belfast Rainbows\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,000\t£1,000\n111th Belfast Rainbow Unit\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,000\t£1,000\n114th Belfast Brownies\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,000\t£800\n167th Girls' Brigade\t\t\t£1,400\t£0\n19th BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE\t\t\t\t\t£1,200\n20th Belfast Rainbow Guides\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,000\t£1,000\n33rd Stormont Scout Group\t\t\t£1,600\t£1,400\t£1,400\n51ST BELFAST SCOUT GROUP\t\t\t£1,947\t£3,000\t£2,600\n68th Belfast Brownies\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,000\t£800\n68th Belfast Guides\t\t\t£1,000\t£1,000\t£800\n68TH BELFAST RAINBOWS\t\t\t£2,250\t£800\t£800\n74TH BELFAST COMPANY \"THE BOYS' BRIGADE\t\t\t£1,600\t£3,000\nACTION DEAF YOUTH (NIDYA)\t£22,080\t£22,080\t£11,056\t£0\n69th Belfast Rainbows Unit\t\t\t\t\t£1,200\n67th Belfast Boys Brigade\t\t\t\t\t£2,200\nBALLYMAC FRIENDSHIP TRUST\t£21,258\t£3,477\t£6,000\t£1,800\nBELFAST COMMUNITY CIRCUS SCHOOL\t£1,600\t£1,600\t£0\t£0\nBRANIEL YOUTH CLUB\t£495\t£495\t£0\t£0\nBRIGHT LIGHTS YOUTH DRAMA\t£1,090\t£1,090\t£1,800\t£2,600\t£2,000\nBelfast City Mission (Island Street)\t\t\t£2,000\t£0\nBLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN\t\t\t£5,250\nCASTLEREAGH FELLOWSHIP BELFAST\t£0\t£0\t£0\t£0\nCOLMCILLE YOUTH\t£6,850\t£1,000\t£0\t£0\nDUNDONALD SEA CADETS\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,800\t£3,000\t£2,200\nGILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH COUNCIL\t£1,370\t£1,520\t£10,600\t£3,000\t£3,000\nGILNAHIRK BAPTIST CHURCH\t\t\t£5,500\nHELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP BELFAST\t£0\t£970\t\t£0\nKNOCK DROP-IN/KNOCK JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB/KPC YOUTH\t£19,778\t£8,255\t£77,222\t£52,544\t£52,600\nLEDLEY HALL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB\t£200,737\t£175,508\t£112,721\t£85,714\t£93,829\nORANGEFIELD PRESB CHURCH\t\t\t£52,347\t£36,166\t£51,421\nSt Matthew's Football Club\t\t\t\t\t£12,275\nST COLMCILLES GUIDE UNIT\t£850\t£1,000\t£1,800\t£2,200\t£1,400\nSHORT STRAND COMMUNITY FORUM\t£14,409\t£5,852\t£6,000\t£0\t£5,995\nST ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH CLUB\t£820\t£820\t£0\t£0\nST BERNADETTES SCOUT & GUIDE COMPANY BELFAST (110th)\t£820\t£820\t£2,000\t£0\nST BERNADETTE'S YOUTH CLUB BELFAST\t£4,737\t£4,737\t£0\t£0\nST FINNIANS YOUTH COUNCIL\t£495\t£2,050\t£1,600\t£1,800\t£1,800\nST JOHNS YOUTH COUNCIL ORANGEFIELD\t£820\t£1,225\t£1,200\t£1,000\nSTORMONT PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH\t£0\t£0\t£0\t£0\nSYDENHAM METHODIST YOUTH\t£850\t£850\t£1,800\t£1,000\t£1,200\nSt John Ambulance YMCA / ASHFIELD\t\t\t£1,600\t£1,000\t£1,200\nTULLYCARNET YOUTH PROJECT\t£0\nWALKWAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION\t£24,664\t£24,052\t£18,226\t£47,009\t£50,013\nWANDSWORTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION\t£27,532\t£1,255\t£2,000\t£3,000\t£1,000\nYOUTH INITIATIVES EAST BELFAST\t£850\t£22,626\t£114,621\t£88,080\t£103,288\n110TH BELFAST GUIDES\t\t\t\t£1,200\t£1,200\n144th Belfast Rainbow Unit\t\t\t\t£1,000\t£1,000\n144th St Dorothea's Brownies\t\t\t\t£1,000\t£1,000\n1ST CASTLEREAGH RANGERS\t\t\t\t£800\t£800\n42nd Belfast BB\t\t\t\t£1,800\t£1,600\n95th Belfast Brownies\t\t\t\t£800\t£800\n95th Belfast Guide unit\t\t\t\t£800\t£800\n95th Belfast Rainbow Unit\t\t\t\t£800\t£800\n22nd Belfast Brownies\t\t\t\t£1,000\n22nd Belfast Guide Unit\t\t\t\t£1,000\t£1,200\nThe Gathering Youth\t\t\t\t£2,000\nCHARTER FOR NI\t£5,206\nHANWOOD TRUST\t£7,422\nArchway YC\t£66,806\t£56,162\t£64,215\t£65,721\t£75,293\nArdcarnet YC\t£108,058\t£108,402\t£78,044\t£95,433\t£106,397\nKnocknagoney YC\t£11,733\t£14,384\t£18,499\t£16,167\t£13,587\nClarawood YC\t£34,591\t£27,368\t£36,133\t£37,597\t£39,342\nCregagh YC\t£119,615\t£97,859\t£124,029\t£112,237\t£122,121\nDoyle YC\t£123,697\t£117,155\t£129,749\t£138,635\t£175,777\nEast Belfast Area Project\t£316,751\t£315,832\t£388,715\t£318,537\t£339,717\nTotal\t£1,202,986\t£1,063,316\t£1,367,300\t£1,176,839\t£1,313,853\n\nCapital\n\nYouth Centre\t2019-20\t2020-21\t2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24 Forecast\nChristchurch Youth Council\t\t\t£6,023\t£900\t£755.89\nArchway Youth Club Belfast\t£41,810\t\t\t£1,571\nDoyle Youth Club Belfast\t£45,460\t\t£1,610\t£281\nCregagh Youth Centre Belfast\t\t£40,788\t\t£626\nEast Belfast YC - NEW\t\t£9,304\t£20,308\t£22,379\nTotal\t£87,269\t£50,092\t£27,941\t£25,756\t£755.89","answerHtml":"A breakdown of funding for youth services in East Belfast over the last five years is detailed below:
Resource
| Youth Centre | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 Forecast |
| 2ND EAST BELFAST RANGER GUIDE UNIT | £850 | £850 | £1,000 | £0 | |
| 4TH BELFAST SCOUTS | £6,850 | £1,405 | £6,660 | £2,200 | £2,200 |
| 6.30 CLUB | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| 7TH SYDENHAM METHODIST GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £850 | £1,200 | £1,200 | £1,400 |
| 9TH BELFAST SCOUTS & SYDENHAM EXPLORERS | £850 | £1,000 | £0 | £0 | |
| 10TH BELFAST SCOUT GROUP | £2,050 | £2,605 | £4,000 | £2,800 | £2,000 |
| 11TH BELFAST SCOUT GROUP SCOUTING IRELAND | £6,850 | £8,405 | £11,514 | £0 | £2,800 |
| 11TH BELFAST VENTURE SCOUTS SCOUTING IRELAND | £6,850 | £850 | £0 | £0 | |
| 15TH CREGAGH METHODIST GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £850 | £1,600 | £1,800 | £1,200 |
| 24TH BELFAST COMPANY BOYS' BRIGADE | £850 | £1,000 | £1,800 | £2,400 | £2,000 |
| 25TH BELFAST COMPANY BOYS' BRIGADE | £850 | £1,405 | £2,000 | £1,200 | £1,400 |
| 26TH SCOUT GROUP | £1,850 | £2,405 | £2,960 | £1,800 | £1,800 |
| 27TH SCOUT GROUP BELFAST | £1,090 | £2,090 | £0 | £0 | £2,400 |
| 29TH NI GIRLS' BRIGADE COMPANY | £850 | £850 | £2,000 | £1,800 | |
| 30TH BELFAST BOYS' BRIGADE | £0 | £850 | £2,800 | £2,200 | |
| 37TH BELFAST SCOUTS | £1,795 | £2,350 | £8,740 | £2,200 | £2,000 |
| 63RD BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY | £495 | £900 | £0 | £0 | |
| 66TH SCOUT GROUP | £850 | £850 | £0 | £0 | |
| 69TH "B" BELFAST GUIDES | £850 | £1,000 | £1,400 | £0 | £1,200 |
| 76TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE | £850 | £555 | £1,800 | £1,800 | £1,400 |
| 79TH BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY | £850 | £1,955 | £2,000 | £0 | |
| 82ND BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE | £6,850 | £150 | £8,500 | £0 | |
| 83RD NI GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £1,000 | £2,200 | £2,400 | £2,000 |
| 93RD BELFAST BROWNIES | £850 | £1,000 | £1,200 | £800 | £1,000 |
| 93RD GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £0 | £1,800 | £2,200 | |
| 94TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| 95TH GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £1,000 | £1,600 | £1,200 | £1,200 |
| 104th Belfast Scout Group | £1,800 | ||||
| 109TH BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY | £820 | £970 | £1,200 | £1,000 | |
| 111TH ORANGEFIELD BROWNIES | £850 | £1,000 | £1,000 | £1,200 | £800 |
| 114TH BELFAST GUIDES | £850 | £1,000 | £0 | £1,000 | £800 |
| 119TH BOYS BRIGADE COMPANY | £850 | £850 | £0 | £0 | |
| 137TH ST BRENDAN'S RAINBOW, BROWNIES & GUIDES | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| 148TH GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £1,000 | £1,800 | £1,200 | £1,400 |
| 216TH CHURCH OF GOD GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| 233RD GROVE BAPTIST GIRLS BRIGADE | £850 | £850 | £0 | £0 | |
| 333RD CASTLEREAGH PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS BRIGADE | £495 | ||||
| 342ND GB & 50TH BB TULLYCARNET | £820 | £540 | |||
| 69TH BLOOMFIELD BROWNIES | £638 | £638 | £1,200 | £1,200 | £1,200 |
| 89TH BELFAST BROWNIES, KNOCK METHODIST | £850 | £850 | £0 | £0 | |
| 107th Girls Brigade Company | £1,400 | £1,400 | £1,200 | ||
| 110th Belfast Brownies | £1,600 | £1,200 | £1,200 | ||
| 110th Belfast Rainbows | £1,200 | £1,000 | £1,000 | ||
| 111th Belfast Rainbow Unit | £1,200 | £1,000 | £1,000 | ||
| 114th Belfast Brownies | £1,200 | £1,000 | £800 | ||
| 167th Girls' Brigade | £1,400 | £0 | |||
| 19th BELFAST BOYS BRIGADE | £1,200 | ||||
| 20th Belfast Rainbow Guides | £1,200 | £1,000 | £1,000 | ||
| 33rd Stormont Scout Group | £1,600 | £1,400 | £1,400 | ||
| 51ST BELFAST SCOUT GROUP | £1,947 | £3,000 | £2,600 | ||
| 68th Belfast Brownies | £1,200 | £1,000 | £800 | ||
| 68th Belfast Guides | £1,000 | £1,000 | £800 | ||
| 68TH BELFAST RAINBOWS | £2,250 | £800 | £800 | ||
| 74TH BELFAST COMPANY "THE BOYS' BRIGADE | £1,600 | £3,000 | |||
| ACTION DEAF YOUTH (NIDYA) | £22,080 | £22,080 | £11,056 | £0 | |
| 69th Belfast Rainbows Unit | £1,200 | ||||
| 67th Belfast Boys Brigade | £2,200 | ||||
| BALLYMAC FRIENDSHIP TRUST | £21,258 | £3,477 | £6,000 | £1,800 | |
| BELFAST COMMUNITY CIRCUS SCHOOL | £1,600 | £1,600 | £0 | £0 | |
| BRANIEL YOUTH CLUB | £495 | £495 | £0 | £0 | |
| BRIGHT LIGHTS YOUTH DRAMA | £1,090 | £1,090 | £1,800 | £2,600 | £2,000 |
| Belfast City Mission (Island Street) | £2,000 | £0 | |||
| BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN | £5,250 | ||||
| CASTLEREAGH FELLOWSHIP BELFAST | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| COLMCILLE YOUTH | £6,850 | £1,000 | £0 | £0 | |
| DUNDONALD SEA CADETS | £850 | £1,000 | £1,800 | £3,000 | £2,200 |
| GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH COUNCIL | £1,370 | £1,520 | £10,600 | £3,000 | £3,000 |
| GILNAHIRK BAPTIST CHURCH | £5,500 | ||||
| HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP BELFAST | £0 | £970 | £0 | ||
| KNOCK DROP-IN/KNOCK JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB/KPC YOUTH | £19,778 | £8,255 | £77,222 | £52,544 | £52,600 |
| LEDLEY HALL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | £200,737 | £175,508 | £112,721 | £85,714 | £93,829 |
| ORANGEFIELD PRESB CHURCH | £52,347 | £36,166 | £51,421 | ||
| St Matthew's Football Club | £12,275 | ||||
| ST COLMCILLES GUIDE UNIT | £850 | £1,000 | £1,800 | £2,200 | £1,400 |
| SHORT STRAND COMMUNITY FORUM | £14,409 | £5,852 | £6,000 | £0 | £5,995 |
| ST ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH CLUB | £820 | £820 | £0 | £0 | |
| ST BERNADETTES SCOUT & GUIDE COMPANY BELFAST (110th) | £820 | £820 | £2,000 | £0 | |
| ST BERNADETTE'S YOUTH CLUB BELFAST | £4,737 | £4,737 | £0 | £0 | |
| ST FINNIANS YOUTH COUNCIL | £495 | £2,050 | £1,600 | £1,800 | £1,800 |
| ST JOHNS YOUTH COUNCIL ORANGEFIELD | £820 | £1,225 | £1,200 | £1,000 | |
| STORMONT PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| SYDENHAM METHODIST YOUTH | £850 | £850 | £1,800 | £1,000 | £1,200 |
| St John Ambulance YMCA / ASHFIELD | £1,600 | £1,000 | £1,200 | ||
| TULLYCARNET YOUTH PROJECT | £0 | ||||
| WALKWAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION | £24,664 | £24,052 | £18,226 | £47,009 | £50,013 |
| WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION | £27,532 | £1,255 | £2,000 | £3,000 | £1,000 |
| YOUTH INITIATIVES EAST BELFAST | £850 | £22,626 | £114,621 | £88,080 | £103,288 |
| 110TH BELFAST GUIDES | £1,200 | £1,200 | |||
| 144th Belfast Rainbow Unit | £1,000 | £1,000 | |||
| 144th St Dorothea's Brownies | £1,000 | £1,000 | |||
| 1ST CASTLEREAGH RANGERS | £800 | £800 | |||
| 42nd Belfast BB | £1,800 | £1,600 | |||
| 95th Belfast Brownies | £800 | £800 | |||
| 95th Belfast Guide unit | £800 | £800 | |||
| 95th Belfast Rainbow Unit | £800 | £800 | |||
| 22nd Belfast Brownies | £1,000 | ||||
| 22nd Belfast Guide Unit | £1,000 | £1,200 | |||
| The Gathering Youth | £2,000 | ||||
| CHARTER FOR NI | £5,206 | ||||
| HANWOOD TRUST | £7,422 | ||||
| Archway YC | £66,806 | £56,162 | £64,215 | £65,721 | £75,293 |
| Ardcarnet YC | £108,058 | £108,402 | £78,044 | £95,433 | £106,397 |
| Knocknagoney YC | £11,733 | £14,384 | £18,499 | £16,167 | £13,587 |
| Clarawood YC | £34,591 | £27,368 | £36,133 | £37,597 | £39,342 |
| Cregagh YC | £119,615 | £97,859 | £124,029 | £112,237 | £122,121 |
| Doyle YC | £123,697 | £117,155 | £129,749 | £138,635 | £175,777 |
| East Belfast Area Project | £316,751 | £315,832 | £388,715 | £318,537 | £339,717 |
| Total | £1,202,986 | £1,063,316 | £1,367,300 | £1,176,839 | £1,313,853 |
Capital
| Youth Centre | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 Forecast |
| Christchurch Youth Council | £6,023 | £900 | £755.89 | ||
| Archway Youth Club Belfast | £41,810 | £1,571 | |||
| Doyle Youth Club Belfast | £45,460 | £1,610 | £281 | ||
| Cregagh Youth Centre Belfast | £40,788 | £626 | |||
| East Belfast YC - NEW | £9,304 | £20,308 | £22,379 | ||
| Total | £87,269 | £50,092 | £27,941 | £25,756 | £755.89 |
Officers within the Department and its SPPG remain committed to the introduction of a local service to provide Palforzia to patients within Northern Ireland. Work is ongoing to agree the most appropriate service delivery model for Northern Ireland. In the interim the regime is available on case by case basis for eligible patients in line with the Department’s endorsed guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205458%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386921"}},{"id":"386920","reference":"AQW 5457/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to introduce an enhanced flood warning system in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The need to provide information around possible flood warnings is becoming more important given the impacts of climate change. Whilst my Department believes that the North would benefit from an enhanced flood forecasting system, it is at present not currently funded to provide this service. Whilst there would be finance required to establish and maintain such a system, there are other factors to be considered to ensure that any flood forecasting system here reflects our unique river catchment status whilst building on the already well-established strong network of community resilience groups.\n\nMy officials have already had initial discussions with other organisations who have flood risk management responsibilities in Britain, and who have already developed their own forecasting systems, to ascertain if a similar approach could be developed for the North. This is at an early stage and is estimated that the costs would be approximately £2m per year with around three years to develop.\n\nIn the meantime, my Department will continue to work with multi-agency partners, including Local Government, to provide support to communities at risk of flooding and to help them prepare for, and to respond to all weather related emergencies.","answerHtml":"The need to provide information around possible flood warnings is becoming more important given the impacts of climate change. Whilst my Department believes that the North would benefit from an enhanced flood forecasting system, it is at present not currently funded to provide this service. Whilst there would be finance required to establish and maintain such a system, there are other factors to be considered to ensure that any flood forecasting system here reflects our unique river catchment status whilst building on the already well-established strong network of community resilience groups.
My officials have already had initial discussions with other organisations who have flood risk management responsibilities in Britain, and who have already developed their own forecasting systems, to ascertain if a similar approach could be developed for the North. This is at an early stage and is estimated that the costs would be approximately £2m per year with around three years to develop.
In the meantime, my Department will continue to work with multi-agency partners, including Local Government, to provide support to communities at risk of flooding and to help them prepare for, and to respond to all weather related emergencies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386920"}},{"id":"386919","reference":"AQW 5456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will ensure that the Active Schools Travel Programme will continue to be funded by his department in 2024-25.","answerText":"The Active School Travel programme is jointly funded by my Department and the Public Health Agency. The programme is currently being delivered under contract with Sustrans which is due to expire on 31 July 2024. My officials are engaging with the Public Health Agency on the way forward, and any decision on these programmes in the next financial year will be subject to the availability of funding.","answerHtml":"The Active School Travel programme is jointly funded by my Department and the Public Health Agency. The programme is currently being delivered under contract with Sustrans which is due to expire on 31 July 2024. My officials are engaging with the Public Health Agency on the way forward, and any decision on these programmes in the next financial year will be subject to the availability of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386919"}},{"id":"386918","reference":"AQW 5455/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how much of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan has been completed in the last 3 years, broken down by year.","answerText":"The Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan (BCN) was published in March 2022. The typical design period for a scheme of the nature within the plan is around two years, and often involves engagement with the public on emerging options. This is generally followed by statutory processes to legislate a cycle route before the scheme can proceed to construction.\n\nIn 2023 sections of the Forth Meadow Community Greenway were delivered in partnership with Belfast City Council and an innovative, environmentally friendly, street lighting scheme along the urban section of the Comber Greenway was also completed.\n\nMy officials are currently developing the majority of the projects on the BCN short-term scheme list, covering the period 2022 – 2025 and aim to bring a number of these projects forward for public consultation and then construction in 2024.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan (BCN) was published in March 2022. The typical design period for a scheme of the nature within the plan is around two years, and often involves engagement with the public on emerging options. This is generally followed by statutory processes to legislate a cycle route before the scheme can proceed to construction.
In 2023 sections of the Forth Meadow Community Greenway were delivered in partnership with Belfast City Council and an innovative, environmentally friendly, street lighting scheme along the urban section of the Comber Greenway was also completed.
My officials are currently developing the majority of the projects on the BCN short-term scheme list, covering the period 2022 – 2025 and aim to bring a number of these projects forward for public consultation and then construction in 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205455%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386918","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386918"}},{"id":"386917","reference":"AQW 5454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the potential closure of the Belfast Metropolitan College, Castlereagh East Campus, and (ii) when he will meet with management to discuss the current consultation.","answerText":"I understand that Belfast Metropolitan College is currently running a public consultation on the potential closure of its Castlereagh campus. This consultation exercise enables stakeholders to have their voices heard and contribute valuable insights and evidence to the decision-making process.When the consultation concludes, it will be a matter for the College to consider all representations made and decide on next steps. I will be seeking an update on the position in relation to the decision when the consultation concludes; it would be inappropriate for me to comment further while that consultation is ongoing.","answerHtml":"I understand that Belfast Metropolitan College is currently running a public consultation on the potential closure of its Castlereagh campus. This consultation exercise enables stakeholders to have their voices heard and contribute valuable insights and evidence to the decision-making process.When the consultation concludes, it will be a matter for the College to consider all representations made and decide on next steps. I will be seeking an update on the position in relation to the decision when the consultation concludes; it would be inappropriate for me to comment further while that consultation is ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386917","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386917"}},{"id":"383956","reference":"AQW 4511/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what funding opportunities are currently available for tennis clubs in East Belfast.","answerText":"Information on this scheme can be found on Sport NI’s website at: http://www.sportni.net/funding/supporting-sport-to-build-back-better/project-re-boot-activate/\n\nSport NI regularly publish on its website www.sportni.net/funding/","answerHtml":"Information on this scheme can be found on Sport NI’s website at: http://www.sportni.net/funding/supporting-sport-to-build-back-better/project-re-boot-activate/
Sport NI regularly publish on its website www.sportni.net/funding/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204511%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383956","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383956"}},{"id":"383710","reference":"AQW 4419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-26","answered":"2022-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what plans she has to review, or increase, the Education Maintenance Allowance payment.","answerText":"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a joint Department for the Economy and Department of Education Scheme. There are no plans to increase the current allowance.","answerHtml":"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a joint Department for the Economy and Department of Education Scheme. There are no plans to increase the current allowance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383710","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383710"}},{"id":"383448","reference":"AQW 4291/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on Blue Green Infrastructure projects in East Belfast.","answerText":"I am keen to support sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives. A number of blue green infrastructure projects have been completed in East Belfast with several others currently planned.\n\nEarlier this year my Department widened a portion of the Comber Greenway from Billy Neil Playing Fields to the Enler River Bridge. As part of this project, maintenance work adjacent to the Enler River Bridge was also completed.\n\nMy Department has also completed tree and shrub planting at the following locations:\n\n•Comber Greenway (additional sites to those already completed in 2021);\n\n•Armitage Close, Sydenham; and\n\n•Carncaver Road, Lisnasharragh.\n\nA number of small-scale accessible dropped kerb schemes have been identified in the East Belfast area including; Belmont Road and Dundela Area, Euston Street, Inverary Avenue, Tamery Pass and Montrose Street South. These are due to be installed during the 2022/23 financial year.\n\nProposals for a Sydenham Greenway have undergone public consultation and my officials are currently finalising the Consultation report.\n\nInformal consultation on the proposed improvements to the Cycle route on Island Street is now complete. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.\n\nSimilarly, my officials have completed informal consultation on the proposed Cycle route on Montgomery Road. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.\n\nIt is also planned to provide a link from Millars Lane to the Comber Greenway in the 2023/24 financial year.\n\nMy Department is currently preparing a feasibility study to enhance the Ravenhill Road section of the Belfast Cycling Network from the Albertbridge Road to the junction with the Ormeau Road.","answerHtml":"I am keen to support sustainable transport options that connect communities, tackle the impact of climate change and improve lives. A number of blue green infrastructure projects have been completed in East Belfast with several others currently planned.
Earlier this year my Department widened a portion of the Comber Greenway from Billy Neil Playing Fields to the Enler River Bridge. As part of this project, maintenance work adjacent to the Enler River Bridge was also completed.
My Department has also completed tree and shrub planting at the following locations:
•Comber Greenway (additional sites to those already completed in 2021);
•Armitage Close, Sydenham; and
•Carncaver Road, Lisnasharragh.
A number of small-scale accessible dropped kerb schemes have been identified in the East Belfast area including; Belmont Road and Dundela Area, Euston Street, Inverary Avenue, Tamery Pass and Montrose Street South. These are due to be installed during the 2022/23 financial year.
Proposals for a Sydenham Greenway have undergone public consultation and my officials are currently finalising the Consultation report.
Informal consultation on the proposed improvements to the Cycle route on Island Street is now complete. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.
Similarly, my officials have completed informal consultation on the proposed Cycle route on Montgomery Road. Work on finalising the design is underway and officials plan to formally consult on proposals in early 2023.
It is also planned to provide a link from Millars Lane to the Comber Greenway in the 2023/24 financial year.
My Department is currently preparing a feasibility study to enhance the Ravenhill Road section of the Belfast Cycling Network from the Albertbridge Road to the junction with the Ormeau Road.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204291%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383448","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383448"}},{"id":"383447","reference":"AQW 4290/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans there are to improve cycling infrastructure on the route between the Castlereagh Road and the Cregagh Road.","answerText":"The Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan (BCNDP) contains a large number of schemes that are intended to encourage cycling in the city and reduce the dependency on the use of the private car. My officials are currently developing a number of schemes within the BCNDP for inclusion in a short term plan for delivery between 2022 and 2025.\n\nThis includes a scheme on Montgomery Road and officials have recently carried out an informal consultation to allow designs to be finalised with a view to formal consultation taking place early in 2023.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Cycle Network Delivery Plan (BCNDP) contains a large number of schemes that are intended to encourage cycling in the city and reduce the dependency on the use of the private car. My officials are currently developing a number of schemes within the BCNDP for inclusion in a short term plan for delivery between 2022 and 2025.
This includes a scheme on Montgomery Road and officials have recently carried out an informal consultation to allow designs to be finalised with a view to formal consultation taking place early in 2023.
Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204290%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383447","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383447"}},{"id":"383446","reference":"AQW 4289/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his officials have explored adding the Comber Greenway to the winter gritting schedule for (i) 2022; and (ii) 2023.","answerText":"I have confirmed my commitment to connecting communities and encouraging more active travel and have also indicated that developing a safer, cleaner travel culture is central to my key priorities. I want to carefully consider how best to deliver on my active and sustainable travel ambitions and part of that consideration should involve how we improve conditions for walking, cycling and using public transport in the winter months.\n\nThe Comber Greenway is a real asset and I am delighted that its popularity with walkers, wheelers and cyclists continues to grow. However coming up with a solution that would allow it and other greenways and footways to be treated in icy weather does present some significant logistical, financial and resource challenges which, with so many other competing pressures, my Department is unable to take forward at this time.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I have confirmed my commitment to connecting communities and encouraging more active travel and have also indicated that developing a safer, cleaner travel culture is central to my key priorities. I want to carefully consider how best to deliver on my active and sustainable travel ambitions and part of that consideration should involve how we improve conditions for walking, cycling and using public transport in the winter months.
The Comber Greenway is a real asset and I am delighted that its popularity with walkers, wheelers and cyclists continues to grow. However coming up with a solution that would allow it and other greenways and footways to be treated in icy weather does present some significant logistical, financial and resource challenges which, with so many other competing pressures, my Department is unable to take forward at this time.
Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204289%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383446","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383446"}},{"id":"383444","reference":"AQW 4287/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the Comber Greenway user numbers in (i) 2021; and (ii) 2022.","answerText":"Abbey Road, Belfast\nWalking\tCycling\tTotal\n2020/21\t188,700\t183,200\t371,900\n2021/22\t130,625\t127,525\t258,150\nBelfast Road, Comber\nWalking\tCycling\tTotal\n2020/21\t87,600\t165,300\t252,900\n2021/22\t65,143\t104,300\t169,496\n\nCounter data is estimated for the period 1st April – 31st March for each twelve month period.","answerHtml":"| Abbey Road, Belfast | |||
| Walking | Cycling | Total | |
| 2020/21 | 188,700 | 183,200 | 371,900 |
| 2021/22 | 130,625 | 127,525 | 258,150 |
| Belfast Road, Comber | |||
| Walking | Cycling | Total | |
| 2020/21 | 87,600 | 165,300 | 252,900 |
| 2021/22 | 65,143 | 104,300 | 169,496 |
Counter data is estimated for the period 1st April – 31st March for each twelve month period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204287%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383444","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383444"}},{"id":"383420","reference":"AQW 4263/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-12","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) to outline what measures his Department is taking to replace European Social Funding and protect vital services; and (ii) for his assessment of the impact that the loss of this funding will have on health service provision.","answerText":"It is not within the remit of the Department of Health or Trusts to commission services that solely pursue employment or training outcomes. Therefore, the Department does not have the power to replace funding lost from the cessation of the European Social Fund.\n\nHealth and Social Trusts do commission Day Opportunities for people with disabilities, which may include educational and employability activities to pursue health outcomes. The Department fully recognises the importance of employment and meaningful day opportunities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, both in reducing poverty and providing the opportunity for people to reach their full potential.\n\nI am aware that the European Social Fund (ESF) concludes in March 2023 with several projects receiving match funding from Health & Social Care Trusts. While details of the Shared Prosperity Fund are yet to be shared with NI Executive Departments, there is likely to be a significant shortfall in funding, which may impact the level of provision and sustainability of projects.\n\nMy officials are liaising with Health and Social Care Trusts to fully assess the potential impact on health service provision. Further engagement with HSC Trusts is required to identify vulnerable service users and develop individual contingency plans if ESF funded projects become unsustainable.\n\nThe outputs of this exercise will form part of an Impact Assessment, to be shared with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to influence the scope of the Shared Prosperity Fund and future commissioning. Departmental officials engaged in a cross-departmental meeting with DLUHC on 14 October 2022, to raise the profile of ESF projects in Northern Ireland and to re-iterate concerns on the Shared Prosperity Fund.\n\nOfficials continue to liaise with the Departments for Economy, Finance and Communities to identify potential solutions, cognisant that government is operating in a challenging financial context and in the absence of an Executive. In addition, my officials engage directly with independent sector provides to explore sustainability challenges and provide updates on departmental actions.\n\nI can assure you that Ministers across departments are committed to ensuring that work continues at an official level to maximise the benefit of the Shared Prosperity Fund.","answerHtml":"It is not within the remit of the Department of Health or Trusts to commission services that solely pursue employment or training outcomes. Therefore, the Department does not have the power to replace funding lost from the cessation of the European Social Fund.
Health and Social Trusts do commission Day Opportunities for people with disabilities, which may include educational and employability activities to pursue health outcomes. The Department fully recognises the importance of employment and meaningful day opportunities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, both in reducing poverty and providing the opportunity for people to reach their full potential.
I am aware that the European Social Fund (ESF) concludes in March 2023 with several projects receiving match funding from Health & Social Care Trusts. While details of the Shared Prosperity Fund are yet to be shared with NI Executive Departments, there is likely to be a significant shortfall in funding, which may impact the level of provision and sustainability of projects.
My officials are liaising with Health and Social Care Trusts to fully assess the potential impact on health service provision. Further engagement with HSC Trusts is required to identify vulnerable service users and develop individual contingency plans if ESF funded projects become unsustainable.
The outputs of this exercise will form part of an Impact Assessment, to be shared with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to influence the scope of the Shared Prosperity Fund and future commissioning. Departmental officials engaged in a cross-departmental meeting with DLUHC on 14 October 2022, to raise the profile of ESF projects in Northern Ireland and to re-iterate concerns on the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Officials continue to liaise with the Departments for Economy, Finance and Communities to identify potential solutions, cognisant that government is operating in a challenging financial context and in the absence of an Executive. In addition, my officials engage directly with independent sector provides to explore sustainability challenges and provide updates on departmental actions.
I can assure you that Ministers across departments are committed to ensuring that work continues at an official level to maximise the benefit of the Shared Prosperity Fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204263%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383420","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383420"}},{"id":"383214","reference":"AQW 4179/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-11","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he and the Permanent Secretary of his Department will be attending the meeting, on 14 October 2022, with representatives from programmes currently funded by the European Social Fund and officials from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Permanent Secretary and I have not received an invitation to attend the meeting on the 14 October 2022.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Permanent Secretary and I have not received an invitation to attend the meeting on the 14 October 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204179%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383214","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383214"}},{"id":"382969","reference":"AQW 4045/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-07","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he and the Permanent Secretary of his Department will be attending the meeting, on 14 October 2022, with Belfast Works regarding programmes currently funded by the European Social Fund.","answerText":"The Department does not publish the future details of either my diary engagements or that of my Permanent Secretary. My diary engagements are published quarterly and are available on https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/search, with the most recent being up to 30/09/2022.","answerHtml":"The Department does not publish the future details of either my diary engagements or that of my Permanent Secretary. My diary engagements are published quarterly and are available on https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/search, with the most recent being up to 30/09/2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204045%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382969"}},{"id":"381328","reference":"AQW 3533/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-26","answerBy":"2022-10-11","answered":"2022-10-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what support is available for those living with long COVID.","answerText":"The following services to support and assist people who are living with this condition have been established in all 5 HSC Trusts.\n\nStrand 1 - Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients referred by primary or secondary care to a one-stop-shop MDT assessment service\n\nPatients can be referred to the MDT assessment clinic from primary and secondary care. Patients receive an holistic assessment to include:\n\nidentifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation; and,\n\nthose who may need onward referral to secondary or community services and/or signposting to self-management resources.\n\nStrand 2: - Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19\n\nThe purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for outpatient rehabilitation following COVID-19 resulting in significant respiratory symptoms.\n\nStrand 3 - Patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19)\n\nThe purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for the follow-up and assessment of people discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19), reflecting the known risk of long-term sequelae following a long stay in critical care.\n\nStrand 4 - Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts\n\nThe psychological impact of COVID-19 (depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, traumatic bereavement, psychosis, risk to self and/or others) is recognised in extant national guidance. Each Trust has been supported to recruit an additional senior psychologist, with their main role supporting strand 3, but also providing advice to staff working in strands 1 and 2.\n\nStrand 5 - Regional MDT clinical physiology, SLT and dietetic support\n\nSelected patients may need diagnostic tests by respiratory clinical physiologists, onward referral for dietetic and speech and language therapy (SLT) from the one-stop-shop MDT assessment service, the critical care follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation strands.\n\nStrand 6 - Signposting and access to self-management resources\n\nPatients in NI can access self-management resources which include the NHS App Your Covid Recovery (Managing The Effects | Your COVID Recovery)","answerHtml":"The following services to support and assist people who are living with this condition have been established in all 5 HSC Trusts.
Strand 1 - Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients referred by primary or secondary care to a one-stop-shop MDT assessment service
Patients can be referred to the MDT assessment clinic from primary and secondary care. Patients receive an holistic assessment to include:
identifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation; and,
those who may need onward referral to secondary or community services and/or signposting to self-management resources.
Strand 2: - Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19
The purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for outpatient rehabilitation following COVID-19 resulting in significant respiratory symptoms.
Strand 3 - Patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19)
The purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for the follow-up and assessment of people discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19), reflecting the known risk of long-term sequelae following a long stay in critical care.
Strand 4 - Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts
The psychological impact of COVID-19 (depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, traumatic bereavement, psychosis, risk to self and/or others) is recognised in extant national guidance. Each Trust has been supported to recruit an additional senior psychologist, with their main role supporting strand 3, but also providing advice to staff working in strands 1 and 2.
Strand 5 - Regional MDT clinical physiology, SLT and dietetic support
Selected patients may need diagnostic tests by respiratory clinical physiologists, onward referral for dietetic and speech and language therapy (SLT) from the one-stop-shop MDT assessment service, the critical care follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation strands.
Strand 6 - Signposting and access to self-management resources
Patients in NI can access self-management resources which include the NHS App Your Covid Recovery (Managing The Effects | Your COVID Recovery)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203533%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381328","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381328"}},{"id":"381327","reference":"AQW 3532/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-26","answerBy":"2022-10-11","answered":"2022-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what support her Department provides for artists seeking studio space in Belfast.","answerText":"The Department’s principal avenue of support to the arts is delivered via Arts Council. Arts Council run a number of funding schemes with the potential to support organisations and individuals with the costs associated with studio space. This includes but is not limited to its Annual Funding Programme which can support organisations with core running costs, including rental of studio space.","answerHtml":"The Department’s principal avenue of support to the arts is delivered via Arts Council. Arts Council run a number of funding schemes with the potential to support organisations and individuals with the costs associated with studio space. This includes but is not limited to its Annual Funding Programme which can support organisations with core running costs, including rental of studio space.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381327","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381327"}},{"id":"380171","reference":"AQW 2783/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-05","answerBy":"2022-09-21","answered":"2022-09-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many and what percentage of (i) children; and (ii) adults with cystic fibrosis saw (a) a clinical psychologist; and (b) a social worker during the last 12 months and in each year since 2015.","answerText":"This information is not held centrally so the information was requested from Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust as Belfast Trust provides a Regional Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Service.\n\nBelfast HSC Trust advised that most of the information requested can only be obtained through a manual trawl through hundreds of files and could therefore only be supplied at disproportionate cost. The total number of individuals with cystic fibrosis was only available for children seen by a social worker for two years, therefore percentages could only be provided for these years.\n\nThe information available is provided in the table below.\n\nTable 1. The number of (i) children; and (ii) adults with cystic fibrosis saw (a) a clinical psychologist; and (b) a social worker from 2014/15 - August 2022, in Northern Ireland (Belfast HSC Trust regional service).\n\nYear\tia) Number of children with cystic fibrosis seen by a clinical psychologist\tib) Number of children with cystic fibrosis seen by a social worker\tic) Number of adults with cystic fibrosis seen by a clinical psychologist\tid) Number of adults with cystic fibrosis seen by a social worker\n2014/15 to 2019/20\t-\t-\t-\t-\n2020/21\t-\t71 (33%)\t-\t-\n2021/22\t-\t106 (53%)\t18*\t-\n1 Sept 2021 – 31 August 2022\t-\t-\t101^\t-\n\nSource: Belfast Health & Social Care Trust\n\n‘-‘ indicates data not available\n\n* This figure represents individuals in the Psychology Transition Service between the Paediatric cystic fibrosis Unit and the Adult cystic fibrosis Unit.\n\n^ Includes 15 individuals in the Psychology Transition Service. Information was only available from October 2021-August 2022.","answerHtml":"This information is not held centrally so the information was requested from Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust as Belfast Trust provides a Regional Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Service.
Belfast HSC Trust advised that most of the information requested can only be obtained through a manual trawl through hundreds of files and could therefore only be supplied at disproportionate cost. The total number of individuals with cystic fibrosis was only available for children seen by a social worker for two years, therefore percentages could only be provided for these years.
The information available is provided in the table below.
Table 1. The number of (i) children; and (ii) adults with cystic fibrosis saw (a) a clinical psychologist; and (b) a social worker from 2014/15 - August 2022, in Northern Ireland (Belfast HSC Trust regional service).
| Year | ia) Number of children with cystic fibrosis seen by a clinical psychologist | ib) Number of children with cystic fibrosis seen by a social worker | ic) Number of adults with cystic fibrosis seen by a clinical psychologist | id) Number of adults with cystic fibrosis seen by a social worker |
| 2014/15 to 2019/20 | - | - | - | - |
| 2020/21 | - | 71 (33%) | - | - |
| 2021/22 | - | 106 (53%) | 18* | - |
| 1 Sept 2021 – 31 August 2022 | - | - | 101^ | - |
Source: Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
‘-‘ indicates data not available
* This figure represents individuals in the Psychology Transition Service between the Paediatric cystic fibrosis Unit and the Adult cystic fibrosis Unit.
^ Includes 15 individuals in the Psychology Transition Service. Information was only available from October 2021-August 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202783%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380171"}},{"id":"379797","reference":"AQW 2715/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for the number of planning applications (i) received; and (ii) approved in the last five years, broken down by (a) regionally significant applications; (b) major applications; and (c) local applications.","answerText":"The information as requested is set out in the table below.\n\nPlanning Applications received, decided and approved in Northern Ireland1 2017/18 to 2021/22\n\nLocal Applications\nYear\tReceived2\tDecided3\tApproved4\n2017/18\t12,770\t12,137\t11,384\n2018/19\t12,404\t12,019\t11,203\n2019/20\t12,058\t11,616\t10,924\n2020/21\t12,709\t10,357\t9,911\n2021/22\t13,454\t12,787\t12,133\nMajor Applications\nYear\tReceived2\tDecided3\tApproved4\n2017/18\t161\t176\t163\n2018/19\t137\t137\t127\n2019/20\t149\t129\t118\n2020/21\t123\t123\t116\n2021/22\t145\t127\t122\nRegionally Significant Applications\nYear\tReceived2\tDecided3\tApproved4\n2017/18\t2\t1\t1\n2018/19\t0\t0\t0\n2019/20\t0\t2\t2\n2020/21\t1\t3\t2\n2021/22\t1\t0\t0\nSource: NI Planning Portal\n\nPlease Note that:\n\n1 Numbers of applications refer to all of Northern Ireland, including Departmental applications.\n\n2 All applications received may not have had a decision issued within the same time period and applications decided may not have been received in the same time period. Applications received also include applications which may be subsequently withdrawn.\n\n3 Applications decided do not include withdrawn applications.\n\n4 The number of applications approved is based on the number decided in the same time period.\n\nThis information is published routinely at:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/planning-activity-statistics","answerHtml":"The information as requested is set out in the table below.
Planning Applications received, decided and approved in Northern Ireland1 2017/18 to 2021/22
| Local Applications | |||
| Year | Received2 | Decided3 | Approved4 |
| 2017/18 | 12,770 | 12,137 | 11,384 |
| 2018/19 | 12,404 | 12,019 | 11,203 |
| 2019/20 | 12,058 | 11,616 | 10,924 |
| 2020/21 | 12,709 | 10,357 | 9,911 |
| 2021/22 | 13,454 | 12,787 | 12,133 |
| Major Applications | |||
| Year | Received2 | Decided3 | Approved4 |
| 2017/18 | 161 | 176 | 163 |
| 2018/19 | 137 | 137 | 127 |
| 2019/20 | 149 | 129 | 118 |
| 2020/21 | 123 | 123 | 116 |
| 2021/22 | 145 | 127 | 122 |
| Regionally Significant Applications | |||
| Year | Received2 | Decided3 | Approved4 |
| 2017/18 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018/19 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Source: NI Planning Portal |
Please Note that:
1 Numbers of applications refer to all of Northern Ireland, including Departmental applications.
2 All applications received may not have had a decision issued within the same time period and applications decided may not have been received in the same time period. Applications received also include applications which may be subsequently withdrawn.
3 Applications decided do not include withdrawn applications.
4 The number of applications approved is based on the number decided in the same time period.
This information is published routinely at:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/planning-activity-statistics
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202715%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379797"}},{"id":"379796","reference":"AQW 2714/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department plans to extend the current rates holiday for small businesses.","answerText":"There are no plans to extend the rates holiday for small businesses given that it is not possible to bring forward any additional or extended rates support in the absence of an Executive.\n\nHowever, I have extended the Small Business Rate Relief scheme into the 2022/23 rating year, which will directly benefit 29,000 small businesses, and I have frozen the regional rate for business ratepayers for the second year in a row. This is in addition to the £50 million of support delivered through the rates holiday period for this year.","answerHtml":"There are no plans to extend the rates holiday for small businesses given that it is not possible to bring forward any additional or extended rates support in the absence of an Executive.
However, I have extended the Small Business Rate Relief scheme into the 2022/23 rating year, which will directly benefit 29,000 small businesses, and I have frozen the regional rate for business ratepayers for the second year in a row. This is in addition to the £50 million of support delivered through the rates holiday period for this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202714%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379796"}},{"id":"376210","reference":"AQW 1745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-17","answerBy":"2022-07-04","answered":"2022-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she has met with the Minister of Health to discuss how her Department and the Department of Health could work together to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in schools.","answerText":"My Department and the Department of Health continue to work together to ensure the effects of the pandemic are minimised for our children and school staff. The ongoing co-operation between our two Departments has allowed various strategies to be implemented to combat COVID-19.\n\nThe most effective mitigating measure in relation to Covid-19 is natural ventilation and my Department and the Education Authority will support schools in prioritising the effective implementation of this measure.\n\nMy Departmental officials, along with their counterparts in the Education Authority (EA), have engaged with colleagues in the Department of Health to establish a Ventilation Working Group and a Ventilation Remedial Works Team is in place to identify deficiencies and take appropriate remedial action.\n\nMy officials will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Health to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in schools.","answerHtml":"My Department and the Department of Health continue to work together to ensure the effects of the pandemic are minimised for our children and school staff. The ongoing co-operation between our two Departments has allowed various strategies to be implemented to combat COVID-19.
The most effective mitigating measure in relation to Covid-19 is natural ventilation and my Department and the Education Authority will support schools in prioritising the effective implementation of this measure.
My Departmental officials, along with their counterparts in the Education Authority (EA), have engaged with colleagues in the Department of Health to establish a Ventilation Working Group and a Ventilation Remedial Works Team is in place to identify deficiencies and take appropriate remedial action.
My officials will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Health to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376210","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376210"}},{"id":"376209","reference":"AQW 1744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-17","answerBy":"2022-07-04","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) how many people have long Covid; and (ii) what plans his Department has to support and assist people who are living with the condition.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376209","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376209"}},{"id":"376208","reference":"AQW 1743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-17","answerBy":"2022-07-04","answered":"2022-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how her Department is measuring and monitoring (i) air quality; and (ii) air COVID-19 safety in schools.","answerText":"CO2 monitors have been provided to all schools in Northern Ireland. The CO2 monitors measure the efficacy of ventilation in a classroom and provide feedback to the school as to how effective the ventilation is within that classroom. This will allow schools to identify any areas where ventilation may need to be improved, and highlight these to the Education Authority (EA). CO2 monitors do not provide evidence on the presence of COVID-19 in the air.\n\nIf a school has concerns regarding ventilation the EA Maintenance Service has established a Ventilation Remedial Team which will prioritise site visits to those schools where ventilation concerns have been reported to the EA Maintenance Helpdesk. If natural ventilation is proven to be deficient within a school, remedial works will be undertaken to rectify the situation which may include repairs or replacement of windows or the installation of an air ventilation system.\n\nExpert advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland continues to be that air filtration units should not be used as a substitute for ventilation. In line with this advice, air filtration units will only be supplied to schools by EA Maintenance as an interim measure, where immediate remedial works cannot improve the efficacy of ventilation in certain rooms or there is a lead in time for the completion of the works.","answerHtml":"CO2 monitors have been provided to all schools in Northern Ireland. The CO2 monitors measure the efficacy of ventilation in a classroom and provide feedback to the school as to how effective the ventilation is within that classroom. This will allow schools to identify any areas where ventilation may need to be improved, and highlight these to the Education Authority (EA). CO2 monitors do not provide evidence on the presence of COVID-19 in the air.
If a school has concerns regarding ventilation the EA Maintenance Service has established a Ventilation Remedial Team which will prioritise site visits to those schools where ventilation concerns have been reported to the EA Maintenance Helpdesk. If natural ventilation is proven to be deficient within a school, remedial works will be undertaken to rectify the situation which may include repairs or replacement of windows or the installation of an air ventilation system.
Expert advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland continues to be that air filtration units should not be used as a substitute for ventilation. In line with this advice, air filtration units will only be supplied to schools by EA Maintenance as an interim measure, where immediate remedial works cannot improve the efficacy of ventilation in certain rooms or there is a lead in time for the completion of the works.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376208","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376208"}},{"id":"376075","reference":"AQW 1629/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-16","answerBy":"2022-07-01","answered":"2022-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department plans to transfer control of pavements to local councils.","answerText":"My Department does not currently have any plans to transfer the management and operation of pavements to local councils.","answerHtml":"My Department does not currently have any plans to transfer the management and operation of pavements to local councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201629%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376075","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376075"}},{"id":"376074","reference":"AQW 1628/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-16","answerBy":"2022-07-01","answered":"2022-08-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether her Department plans to transfer regeneration powers to local councils.","answerText":"Previous attempts to transfer further regeneration and community development powers to local locals have not succeeded.\n\nDue to the significant period of time, which has passed since the introduction of the last Regeneration Bill (2014), and the experience of recent initiatives in response to Covid-19 e.g. the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation and Small Settlements Programmes in partnership with DfI and DAERA, the cross-departmental nature of regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated.\n\nThis confirms the need for Executive consideration of this matter.","answerHtml":"Previous attempts to transfer further regeneration and community development powers to local locals have not succeeded.
Due to the significant period of time, which has passed since the introduction of the last Regeneration Bill (2014), and the experience of recent initiatives in response to Covid-19 e.g. the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation and Small Settlements Programmes in partnership with DfI and DAERA, the cross-departmental nature of regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated.
This confirms the need for Executive consideration of this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201628%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376074","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376074"}},{"id":"376073","reference":"AQW 1627/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-16","answerBy":"2022-07-01","answered":"2022-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department encourages active travel for staff within his Department.","answerText":"Staff are regularly encouraged to participate in active travel initiatives through my Department’s internal communications channels. This includes the ‘Leading the Way’ initiative which is supported by the Public Health Agency and delivered by Sustrans. This encourages DfI staff to attend walks, cycling events and workshops to support their active travel choices. My Department is also committed to the annual 4-week Active Travel Challenge (ATC), to encourage people to leave the car at home and choose more active modes of travel.\n\nThere are various bikes available, folding and standard, at the Department’s headquarters in Clarence Court for staff use for attendance at meetings and leisure use at lunchtime as well as changing rooms, showering facilities and up to 70 secure bike parking spaces available.\n\nAs well as being taking part in the employer Cycle to Work scheme that allows staff to purchase bikes through salary sacrifice, my Department also has received Silver accreditation from Cycling UK, an international recognition as a cycle friendly employer, showing a commitment to enhancing cycling opportunities for staff and visitors.","answerHtml":"Staff are regularly encouraged to participate in active travel initiatives through my Department’s internal communications channels. This includes the ‘Leading the Way’ initiative which is supported by the Public Health Agency and delivered by Sustrans. This encourages DfI staff to attend walks, cycling events and workshops to support their active travel choices. My Department is also committed to the annual 4-week Active Travel Challenge (ATC), to encourage people to leave the car at home and choose more active modes of travel.
There are various bikes available, folding and standard, at the Department’s headquarters in Clarence Court for staff use for attendance at meetings and leisure use at lunchtime as well as changing rooms, showering facilities and up to 70 secure bike parking spaces available.
As well as being taking part in the employer Cycle to Work scheme that allows staff to purchase bikes through salary sacrifice, my Department also has received Silver accreditation from Cycling UK, an international recognition as a cycle friendly employer, showing a commitment to enhancing cycling opportunities for staff and visitors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201627%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376073","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376073"}},{"id":"376072","reference":"AQW 1626/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-16","answerBy":"2022-07-01","answered":"2022-06-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what research his Department has undertaken into the potential of Car Club vehicles in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is currently considering how cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel can transform how people, goods and services move, as part of our work in developing options for inclusion in our new suite of Transport Plans.\n\nI believe that the greater use of more efficient, on-demand transport schemes, such as Car Clubs, would help enable better integrated services, helping to reduce emissions and congestion in our towns and cities.\n\nVirtually all Car Clubs in other jurisdictions operate as commercial businesses, and as such my Department has no plans to actively establish or operate them.\n\nMembers of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across the North. Additionally, in consultation with my Department, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently considering how cleaner transport, new business models and new modes of travel can transform how people, goods and services move, as part of our work in developing options for inclusion in our new suite of Transport Plans.
I believe that the greater use of more efficient, on-demand transport schemes, such as Car Clubs, would help enable better integrated services, helping to reduce emissions and congestion in our towns and cities.
Virtually all Car Clubs in other jurisdictions operate as commercial businesses, and as such my Department has no plans to actively establish or operate them.
Members of the public already have access to Car Club vehicles in several urban areas across the North. Additionally, in consultation with my Department, a number of developers have recently included Car Clubs in their Travel Plans for residential developments in Belfast.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201626%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376072","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376072"}},{"id":"375796","reference":"AQW 1454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-14","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 1264-22/27, how many people live with COPD in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the COPD register contains the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.\n\nAs at 31st March 2022, the most recent data available, there were 41,283 people on the COPD register. QOF data is not broken down by Health and Social Care Trust, but can be broken down by Local Commissioning Group (LCG); this data is shown in Table 1 overleaf.\n\nFurther information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.\n\nTable 1 Number of people on the COPD register, by LCG, at 31st March 2022.\n\nLCG\tNumber of people on the QOF COPD Register, 31st March 2022\nBelfast\t10,417\nSouth Eastern\t5,892\nNorthern\t9,856\nSouthern\t7,621\nWestern\t7,497\nNorthern Ireland\t41,283\n\nSource: Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)","answerHtml":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the COPD register contains the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
As at 31st March 2022, the most recent data available, there were 41,283 people on the COPD register. QOF data is not broken down by Health and Social Care Trust, but can be broken down by Local Commissioning Group (LCG); this data is shown in Table 1 overleaf.
Further information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.
Table 1 Number of people on the COPD register, by LCG, at 31st March 2022.
| LCG | Number of people on the QOF COPD Register, 31st March 2022 |
| Belfast | 10,417 |
| South Eastern | 5,892 |
| Northern | 9,856 |
| Southern | 7,621 |
| Western | 7,497 |
| Northern Ireland | 41,283 |
Source: Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375796","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375796"}},{"id":"375795","reference":"AQW 1453/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-14","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-07-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 889/22-27, to outline how she is unable to progress the Sub-Regional Stadia funding in the absence of an Executive.","answerText":"I have received legal advice in respect to the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer and this confirms that I have a responsibility to bring my proposals to the Executive for the necessary approval.","answerHtml":"I have received legal advice in respect to the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer and this confirms that I have a responsibility to bring my proposals to the Executive for the necessary approval.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201453%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375795"}},{"id":"375583","reference":"AQW 1354/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how long, on average, it takes an adult to receive their autism diagnosis assessment, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The average length of time it takes an adult to receive an autism diagnosis assessment is not collected by my Department; however, the number of adults waiting for an autism assessment following a referral by wait time for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust is presented in Table 1.\n\nTable 1: Number of adults waiting for an autism assessment following referral by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and time waiting at 31 March 2022\n\nHSC Trust\tNumber of adults waiting for an autism assessment by wait time\tTotal\n0-13 weeks\t>13-26 weeks\t>26-39 weeks\t>39-52 weeks\t>52 weeks\nBelfast\t0\t32\t21\t31\t446\t520\nSouth Eastern\t61\t53\t45\t44\t85\t288\nSouthern\t37\t28\t9\t12\t192\t278\nWestern\t27\t27\t21\t24\t89\t188\nNorthern Ireland\t125\t130\t96\t111\t812\t1,274\n\nSource: Monthly Adult’s Autism Waiting Times Trust Returns, SPPG.\n\nNote: Information from the Northern HSC Trust for 2021/22 is currently unavailable due to ongoing issues with their IT system migration.","answerHtml":"The average length of time it takes an adult to receive an autism diagnosis assessment is not collected by my Department; however, the number of adults waiting for an autism assessment following a referral by wait time for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust is presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Number of adults waiting for an autism assessment following referral by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and time waiting at 31 March 2022
| HSC Trust | Number of adults waiting for an autism assessment by wait time | Total | ||||
| 0-13 weeks | >13-26 weeks | >26-39 weeks | >39-52 weeks | >52 weeks | ||
| Belfast | 0 | 32 | 21 | 31 | 446 | 520 |
| South Eastern | 61 | 53 | 45 | 44 | 85 | 288 |
| Southern | 37 | 28 | 9 | 12 | 192 | 278 |
| Western | 27 | 27 | 21 | 24 | 89 | 188 |
| Northern Ireland | 125 | 130 | 96 | 111 | 812 | 1,274 |
Source: Monthly Adult’s Autism Waiting Times Trust Returns, SPPG.
Note: Information from the Northern HSC Trust for 2021/22 is currently unavailable due to ongoing issues with their IT system migration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201354%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375583"}},{"id":"375582","reference":"AQW 1353/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how long, on average, it takes a child to receive their autism diagnosis assessment, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The average length of time it takes a child to receive an autism diagnosis assessment is not collected by my Department; however, the number of children waiting for an autism assessment following a referral by wait time for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust is presented in Table 1.\n\nTable 1: Number of children waiting for an autism assessment following referral by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and time waiting at 31 March 2022\n\nHSC Trust\tNumber of children waiting for an autism assessment by wait time\tTotal\n0-13 weeks\t>13-26 weeks\t>26-39 weeks\t>39-52 weeks\t>52 weeks\nBelfast\t306\t276\t226\t235\t1,237\t2,280\nNorthern\t532\t533\t362\t487\t844\t2,758\nSouth Eastern\t106a\t-\t0\t0\t0\t106\nSouthern\t221\t0\t0\t0\t0\t221\nWestern\t220\t167\t173\t186\t549\t1,295\nNorthern Ireland\t1,385a\t976b\t761\t908\t2,630\t6,660\n\nSource: Monthly Children’s Autism Waiting Times Trust Returns, SPPG.\n\na To avoid personal disclosure because of low numbers, this figure includes a small number of children waiting up to 26 weeks.\n\nb To avoid personal disclosure because of low numbers, this figure excludes a small number of children waiting up to 26 weeks.","answerHtml":"The average length of time it takes a child to receive an autism diagnosis assessment is not collected by my Department; however, the number of children waiting for an autism assessment following a referral by wait time for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust is presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Number of children waiting for an autism assessment following referral by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and time waiting at 31 March 2022
| HSC Trust | Number of children waiting for an autism assessment by wait time | Total | ||||
| 0-13 weeks | >13-26 weeks | >26-39 weeks | >39-52 weeks | >52 weeks | ||
| Belfast | 306 | 276 | 226 | 235 | 1,237 | 2,280 |
| Northern | 532 | 533 | 362 | 487 | 844 | 2,758 |
| South Eastern | 106a | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 106 |
| Southern | 221 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 221 |
| Western | 220 | 167 | 173 | 186 | 549 | 1,295 |
| Northern Ireland | 1,385a | 976b | 761 | 908 | 2,630 | 6,660 |
Source: Monthly Children’s Autism Waiting Times Trust Returns, SPPG.
a To avoid personal disclosure because of low numbers, this figure includes a small number of children waiting up to 26 weeks.
b To avoid personal disclosure because of low numbers, this figure excludes a small number of children waiting up to 26 weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201353%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375582","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375582"}},{"id":"375408","reference":"AQW 1265/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people living with asthma in (i) Northern Ireland; and, (ii) East Belfast.","answerText":"Asthma is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the Asthma register contains the number of patients with asthma, excluding those who have had no prescription for asthma-related drugs in the last 12 months. As at 31st March 2022, there were 126,442 people on the Asthma register for Northern Ireland. QOF disease prevalence data is also available and published at GP Federation level; at 31st March 2022, there were 7,237 people on the Asthma register for the East Belfast GP Federation.\n\nFurther information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.","answerHtml":"Asthma is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the Asthma register contains the number of patients with asthma, excluding those who have had no prescription for asthma-related drugs in the last 12 months. As at 31st March 2022, there were 126,442 people on the Asthma register for Northern Ireland. QOF disease prevalence data is also available and published at GP Federation level; at 31st March 2022, there were 7,237 people on the Asthma register for the East Belfast GP Federation.
Further information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201265%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375408","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375408"}},{"id":"375407","reference":"AQW 1264/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-27","answered":"2022-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people living with COPD in (i) Northern Ireland; and, (ii) East Belfast.","answerText":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the COPD register contains the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As at 31st March 2022, there were 41,283 people on the COPD register for Northern Ireland. QOF disease prevalence data is also available and published at GP Federation level; at 31st March 2022, there were 2,513 people on the COPD register for the East Belfast GP Federation.\n\nFurther information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.","answerHtml":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the disease registers in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); QOF disease prevalence data is published annually and the COPD register contains the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As at 31st March 2022, there were 41,283 people on the COPD register for Northern Ireland. QOF disease prevalence data is also available and published at GP Federation level; at 31st March 2022, there were 2,513 people on the COPD register for the East Belfast GP Federation.
Further information on QOF disease prevalence data is available at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/prevalence-statistics.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201264%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375407","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375407"}},{"id":"374841","reference":"AQW 998/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-06","answerBy":"2022-06-21","answered":"2022-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) when the Review of Neurology Services will be published; and, (ii) what resources and staffing have been allocated to the completion and production of the review.","answerText":"The Regional Review of Neurology Services is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years.\n\nA Neurology Review Team was established to take the Review forward, with membership from the Medical, Nursing and AHP workforces, the NI Neurological Charities Alliance, Primary Care and Commissioning.\n\nCompletion of the review is subject to available clinical capacity. In recognition of this pressure, the Department recently secured protected time for a number of members of the Review Team. It is envisaged that this protected time will enable the development of emerging recommendations for improvement by early autumn.","answerHtml":"The Regional Review of Neurology Services is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years.
A Neurology Review Team was established to take the Review forward, with membership from the Medical, Nursing and AHP workforces, the NI Neurological Charities Alliance, Primary Care and Commissioning.
Completion of the review is subject to available clinical capacity. In recognition of this pressure, the Department recently secured protected time for a number of members of the Review Team. It is envisaged that this protected time will enable the development of emerging recommendations for improvement by early autumn.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374841","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374841"}},{"id":"374840","reference":"AQW 997/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-06","answerBy":"2022-06-21","answered":"2022-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","departmentId":"76","minister":"Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs","question":"To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what function Section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 performs within his Department; and (ii) with whom enforcement of the provision currently lies.","answerText":"i) Section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 places a statutory duty on all Departments and Councils to promote the achievement of sustainable development in Northern Ireland. In performing this requirement my Department undertakes a wide range of actions including policy development, programme/project delivery and funding support for those areas which fall under my Department’s remit and in doing so seeks to further the delivery of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.\n\nDue to the breadth and depth of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and vast range of work DAERA undertakes I will provide a few high level examples of how my Department performs this function. Areas of delivery include the introduction of new NI Climate Change legislation, the protection of natural habitats and species (terrestrial, freshwater and marine) through nature\n\nconservation designations and funding support, support to rural communities, promotion and support for sustainable agriculture, provision of education and monitoring drinking water quality amongst many other areas.\n\nMy Department has also worked to integrate the delivery of the SDGs into high level Government policy/strategy. In particular the recent draft NI Programme for Government and the draft Green Growth Strategy.\n\nii) There are no provisions in the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 to allow for enforcement by any NI Department.","answerHtml":"i) Section 25 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 places a statutory duty on all Departments and Councils to promote the achievement of sustainable development in Northern Ireland. In performing this requirement my Department undertakes a wide range of actions including policy development, programme/project delivery and funding support for those areas which fall under my Department’s remit and in doing so seeks to further the delivery of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Due to the breadth and depth of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and vast range of work DAERA undertakes I will provide a few high level examples of how my Department performs this function. Areas of delivery include the introduction of new NI Climate Change legislation, the protection of natural habitats and species (terrestrial, freshwater and marine) through nature
conservation designations and funding support, support to rural communities, promotion and support for sustainable agriculture, provision of education and monitoring drinking water quality amongst many other areas.
My Department has also worked to integrate the delivery of the SDGs into high level Government policy/strategy. In particular the recent draft NI Programme for Government and the draft Green Growth Strategy.
ii) There are no provisions in the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 to allow for enforcement by any NI Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20997%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374840","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374840"}},{"id":"374689","reference":"AQW 891/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-01","answerBy":"2022-06-20","answered":"2022-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many neurology patients are waiting beyond their clinically suggested review appointment.","answerText":"Information on waiting times for review appointments is not available centrally. The following information has been provided by Health and Social Care Trusts.\n\nPatients currently waiting beyond their clinically suggested review appointment for Neurology by HSC Trust\n\nHSC Trust\tNumber of Patients Waiting\nBelfast\t6,064\nNorthern\t431\nSouth Eastern1\t2,298\nSouthern2\t1,905\n\nSource: HSC Trusts\n\n1As at 30th April 2022\n\n2As at 1st April 2022\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted for input but were unable to provide a response within the required timeframe.","answerHtml":"Information on waiting times for review appointments is not available centrally. The following information has been provided by Health and Social Care Trusts.
Patients currently waiting beyond their clinically suggested review appointment for Neurology by HSC Trust
| HSC Trust | Number of Patients Waiting |
| Belfast | 6,064 |
| Northern | 431 |
| South Eastern1 | 2,298 |
| Southern2 | 1,905 |
Source: HSC Trusts
1As at 30th April 2022
2As at 1st April 2022
Western Health and Social Care Trust were contacted for input but were unable to provide a response within the required timeframe.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20891%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374689","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374689"}},{"id":"374688","reference":"AQW 890/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-01","answerBy":"2022-06-20","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what the expected waiting times are for (i) urgent; and (ii) routine referrals to neurology, for a patient being referred from 1 June 2022.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20890%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374688","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374688"}},{"id":"374687","reference":"AQW 889/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-01","answerBy":"2022-06-20","answered":"2022-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer; (ii) to detail the expected costs to deliver the programme in full; and, (iii) what steps her Department is taking to address any possible capital shortfalls.","answerText":"The challenges created by not having a functioning Executive means I cannot bring new proposals for endorsement and agreement as is required.\n\nI met with representatives from IFA and NIFL, and have agreed to work with them, and other stakeholders, to progress.\n\nI remain committed to moving this Programme forward","answerHtml":"The challenges created by not having a functioning Executive means I cannot bring new proposals for endorsement and agreement as is required.
I met with representatives from IFA and NIFL, and have agreed to work with them, and other stakeholders, to progress.
I remain committed to moving this Programme forward
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20889%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374687","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374687"}},{"id":"374686","reference":"AQW 888/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-01","answerBy":"2022-06-20","answered":"2022-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of applicants on the housing waiting list in East Belfast, broken down by their preferred area of choice.","answerText":"The Housing Executive has provided the following table detailing the number of applicants on the housing waiting list in East Belfast, broken down by their preferred area of choice, as at 31st March 2022.\n\nCommon Landlord Area’s within Belfast East Parliamentary Constituency\tTotal No. of Applicants\nAlbertbridge Road\t116\nArdcarn\t25\nAshmount\t23\nBallybeen\t240\nBallyhackamore\t123\nBloomfield/Ravenscroft\t132\nBraniel\t133\nBrooklands\t41\nCastlereagh\t195\nCherryvalley\t11\nClarawood\t45\nCoronation Park\t10\nDownshire Park\t10\nDundela\t47\nEdenvale\t13\nGalway Drive/Mews\t<10\nGarnerville\t16\nInverary\t28\nKnocknagoney\t34\nLwr Beersbridge/The Mount\t150\nMoatview Park\t<10\nNewtownards Road\t317\nOrchard Court\t<10\nRosewood Park\t<10\nShort Strand\t78\nSummerhill\t16\nSunderland\t<10\nSydenham/Sandbrook/Lisavon\t199\nTullycarnet\t73\nVionville Rural\t<10\nWandsworth\t14\nBelfast East Total\t2118\n\nCLA’s within Belfast East/South Parliamentary Constituency\nBridge End, Rotherdam Court\t<10\nCregagh Castlereagh\t265\nWillowfield/Upper Castlereagh Road\t132\nBelfast East/South Total\t-\n\nPlease note that where there are less than 10 applicants, applicants in housing stress or allocations, they have been listed as <10 in compliance with Data Protection requirements.\n\nThe following Common Landlord Areas (CLAs) cross Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries:\n\nNIHE CLA Parliamentary Constituency\n\nCregagh Castlereagh Belfast East/South\n\nWillowfield/Upper Castlereagh Road Belfast East/South\n\nBridge End / Rotterdam Court Belfast East/South","answerHtml":"The Housing Executive has provided the following table detailing the number of applicants on the housing waiting list in East Belfast, broken down by their preferred area of choice, as at 31st March 2022.
| Common Landlord Area’s within Belfast East Parliamentary Constituency | Total No. of Applicants |
| Albertbridge Road | 116 |
| Ardcarn | 25 |
| Ashmount | 23 |
| Ballybeen | 240 |
| Ballyhackamore | 123 |
| Bloomfield/Ravenscroft | 132 |
| Braniel | 133 |
| Brooklands | 41 |
| Castlereagh | 195 |
| Cherryvalley | 11 |
| Clarawood | 45 |
| Coronation Park | 10 |
| Downshire Park | 10 |
| Dundela | 47 |
| Edenvale | 13 |
| Galway Drive/Mews | <10 |
| Garnerville | 16 |
| Inverary | 28 |
| Knocknagoney | 34 |
| Lwr Beersbridge/The Mount | 150 |
| Moatview Park | <10 |
| Newtownards Road | 317 |
| Orchard Court | <10 |
| Rosewood Park | <10 |
| Short Strand | 78 |
| Summerhill | 16 |
| Sunderland | <10 |
| Sydenham/Sandbrook/Lisavon | 199 |
| Tullycarnet | 73 |
| Vionville Rural | <10 |
| Wandsworth | 14 |
| Belfast East Total | 2118 |
| CLA’s within Belfast East/South Parliamentary Constituency | |
| Bridge End, Rotherdam Court | <10 |
| Cregagh Castlereagh | 265 |
| Willowfield/Upper Castlereagh Road | 132 |
| Belfast East/South Total | - |
Please note that where there are less than 10 applicants, applicants in housing stress or allocations, they have been listed as <10 in compliance with Data Protection requirements.
The following Common Landlord Areas (CLAs) cross Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries:
NIHE CLA Parliamentary Constituency
Cregagh Castlereagh Belfast East/South
Willowfield/Upper Castlereagh Road Belfast East/South
Bridge End / Rotterdam Court Belfast East/South
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20888%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374686","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374686"}},{"id":"373850","reference":"AQW 381/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-23","answerBy":"2022-06-09","answered":"2022-08-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether proposals to assist buildings affected by unsafe non-ACM cladding can be progressed in the absence of an Executive.","answerText":"As detailed in my response to your related question (AQW 380/22-27) work is ongoing to progress proposals for a remediation scheme for unsafe non-ACM cladding in buildings over 18 metres.","answerHtml":"As detailed in my response to your related question (AQW 380/22-27) work is ongoing to progress proposals for a remediation scheme for unsafe non-ACM cladding in buildings over 18 metres.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20381%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373850","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373850"}},{"id":"373849","reference":"AQW 380/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-23","answerBy":"2022-06-09","answered":"2022-08-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when proposals to assist buildings affected by unsafe non-ACM cladding will be finalised and published.","answerText":"My Department is continuing to scope a non-ACM scheme with support from the Department of Finance.\n\nDfC are engaging with officials in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on this.\n\nIn the meantime, details of all of the properties that were the subject of submissions to the DoF call for evidence have been shared by DoF with the Fire and Rescue Service, who have asked for additional information on buildings names and confirmed heights. They will consider buildings within scope and work to adapt response plans for the intention of mitigating associated risk.","answerHtml":"My Department is continuing to scope a non-ACM scheme with support from the Department of Finance.
DfC are engaging with officials in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on this.
In the meantime, details of all of the properties that were the subject of submissions to the DoF call for evidence have been shared by DoF with the Fire and Rescue Service, who have asked for additional information on buildings names and confirmed heights. They will consider buildings within scope and work to adapt response plans for the intention of mitigating associated risk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20380%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=373849","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=373849"}}]}