https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Peter McReynolds, Alliance Party MLA for East Belfast, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:47:06 GMT https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/504775/ 504775-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps her Department has taken to develop a dedicated haulage and freight strategy, including any (i) work undertaken to date; (ii) stakeholders engaged; (iii) key issues being considered; and, (iv) anticipated timetable for publication. Awaiting answer; due by 27 October 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/504774/ 504774-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any consideration she has given to using Apprenticeship Levy revenues, generated in Northern Ireland, to directly support skills shortages in key sectors, including (i) logistics; (ii) transport; (iii) manufacturing; and (iv) warehousing. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/504773/ 504773-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) whether any assessment has been made of the devolution of the Apprenticeship Levy to Northern Ireland; and (ii) to detail any representations she has made to the UK Government to secure greater local control over levy revenues and their investment skills and workforce development. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/504772/ 504772-tabled Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) how freight and logistics requirements are being incorporated into her Department's wider transport planning; and (ii) whether any consideration is being given to the development of a dedicated Northern Ireland freight and logistics strategy to support (a) economic growth; (b) trade; (c) decarbonisation; and (d) supply chain resilience. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/504436/ 504436-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the current industrial dispute which has resulted in action short of strike. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/499716/ 499716-answered Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance 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. Answer (12 October 2026): (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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/499715/ 499715-answered Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance 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. Answer (12 October 2026): (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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/503481/ 503481-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any update on the publication of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Chartered Fire Engineer report regarding Whincroft House; and (ii) any interim fire safety measures that have been introduced. Past due date; due by 19 October 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/501717/ 501717-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the publication of the arts policy consultation. Answer (9 October 2026): I refer the Member to AQW 52977/22-27. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/501475/ 501475-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (8 October 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/499714/ 499714-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (8 October 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/498778/ 498778-answered Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (6 October 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/502162/ 502162-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (5 October 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/501951/ 501951-tabled Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on any steps to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms; and (ii) whether there are any plans to introduce a public health awareness campaign promoting the BEAT symptoms to support earlier diagnosis. Past due date; due by 7 October 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/498776/ 498776-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (29 September 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/498777/ 498777-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (28 September 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/497703/ 497703-answered Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to outline the progress that has been made in reducing waiting times for neurology services. Answer (21 September 2026): Mr Butler: 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.… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/479568/ 479568-answered Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. Answer (16 September 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/470464/ 470464-answered Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice 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. Answer (16 September 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/498301/ 498301-answered Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will introduce shared future proofing as part of the budget setting process. Answer (15 September 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/496387/ 496387-answered Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (8 September 2026): Mr Lyons: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/491141/ 491141-answered Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the new maternity hospital in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust will open. Answer (31 July 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/491140/ 491140-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (8 July 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/491139/ 491139-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why we have not had a maternity strategy since 2018. Answer (8 July 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/491142/ 491142-answered Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (3 July 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/492131/ 492131-answered Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education 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. Answer (2 July 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/489790/ 489790-answered Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of an independent, expert-led infrastructure commission. Answer (22 June 2026): Mrs O'Neill: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/490729/ 490729-answered Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his actions to address sewage pollution. Answer (17 June 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/490284/ 490284-answered Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (15 June 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/488267/ 488267-answered Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office 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. Answer (3 June 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/486010/ 486010-answered Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the Proposed Draft Budget 2026-29/30. Answer (1 June 2026): Mr O'Dowd: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/485385/ 485385-answered Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the implementation of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee Scheme. Answer (19 May 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/478362/ 478362-answered Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office 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. Answer (11 May 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/480235/ 480235-answered Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to review the time limits for planning enforcement. Answer (24 April 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/478051/ 478051-answered Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs when the Climate Action Plan 2023-2027 will be published. Answer (20 April 2026): Mr Muir: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/479286/ 479286-answered Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education 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. Answer (17 April 2026): My Department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/478361/ 478361-answered Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office 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. Answer (16 April 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/479285/ 479285-answered Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education 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. Answer (15 April 2026): My department is in regular contact with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to developing summer scheme provision for 2026. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/477879/ 477879-answered Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (15 April 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/477878/ 477878-answered Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale for pausing the Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Belfast. Answer (15 April 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/478012/ 478012-answered Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (26 March 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/475718/ 475718-answered Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of the independent, expert-led Infrastructure Commission. Answer (26 March 2026): Decisions on the way forward will be a matter for the Executive. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/476632/ 476632-answered Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of parking Penalty Charge Notices issued, each month, over the last 12 months. Answer (24 March 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/476062/ 476062-answered Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will commission a review into the performance and culture of her Department. Answer (23 March 2026): Dr Archibald: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/477334/ 477334-answered Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how he is working to address the threat of invasive species to biodiversity. Answer (23 March 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/472027/ 472027-answered Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (11 March 2026): 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/468670/ 468670-answered Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (11 March 2026): 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. https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/473542/ 473542-answered Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Assembly Commission 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. Answer (10 March 2026): Miss McAllister: 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… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/473529/ 473529-answered Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (10 March 2026): Mr Lyons: 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. Mr… https://askedbypeter.nidata.fyi/questions/472189/ 472189-answered Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any discussions she has had with Translink regarding route optimisation for buses. Answer (5 March 2026): The scheduling and timetabling, and therefore optimisation of services is an operational matter for Translink.