Tackling the cost-of-living crisis remains a priority for me and my Department, and it is important that people can benefit fully from the support available.
In my previous role as Finance Minister, I commissioned research by Ulster University on the cost of doing business in the North. It highlighted the significant pressures facing businesses, which have been exacerbated by British Government decisions, including the increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions from April 2025. These pressures, alongside wider increases in household costs, continue to impact families and businesses across the North.
In terms of direct support being provided by my Department, the Household Electricity Discount Scheme will see households receiving £63 of electricity bill support this year. The discount will be automatically applied through electricity suppliers from 6 October, ensuring support is provided directly to domestic consumers without the need for an application.
I have also called on the British Government to take urgent action on rising fuel costs, including reducing fuel duty and VAT on road fuels to provide direct support to households and businesses.
Ahead of the Autumn Budget, I will continue to advocate for households and businesses across the North by pressing the British Government to bring forward a comprehensive package of measures to help with electricity, heating and transport costs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204046%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=502158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=502158"}},{"id":"500188","reference":"AQW 52868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-23","answerBy":"2026-10-08","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 use the Review of Class C Taxi Licensing to make all taxis and ride-sharing vehicles subject to the same regulated (i) roof signage; (ii) transparent metering; and (iii) maximum fares.","answerText":"I can confirm that the review of Class C taxi licensing has considered all aspects of the Class C licensing system, including regulated roof signage, metering; and maximum fares.\n\nOfficials have provided me with an options paper and I am scheduled to meet with them to discuss potential reforms. Any proposals arising from the review will be subject to public consultation before decisions are taken. Subject to Assembly approval, my intention is to progress any necessary changes before the end of the mandate.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the review of Class C taxi licensing has considered all aspects of the Class C licensing system, including regulated roof signage, metering; and maximum fares.
Officials have provided me with an options paper and I am scheduled to meet with them to discuss potential reforms. Any proposals arising from the review will be subject to public consultation before decisions are taken. Subject to Assembly approval, my intention is to progress any necessary changes before the end of the mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500188","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500188"}},{"id":"501151","reference":"AQO 4021/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Sport NI review of funding for sports performance programmes.","answerText":"Sport NI have confirmed the following:-\n\n“It advised National Governing Bodies that a performance review would take place within the first six months of investment (April–October 2026). As a result, only a six-month funding commitment was provided in April 2026, with indicative allocations to be confirmed following the review.\n\n“The review involved a survey and data collection exercise with National Governing Bodies. Following analysis of the information received, Sport NI presented a proposal to the Sport NI Board, which was approved on 9 September.\n\n“The final information is being completed, and Sport NI will now engage with Governing Bodies, that will include issuing Letters of Offer in the coming\n\nweeks.”","answerHtml":"Sport NI have confirmed the following:-
“It advised National Governing Bodies that a performance review would take place within the first six months of investment (April–October 2026). As a result, only a six-month funding commitment was provided in April 2026, with indicative allocations to be confirmed following the review.
“The review involved a survey and data collection exercise with National Governing Bodies. Following analysis of the information received, Sport NI presented a proposal to the Sport NI Board, which was approved on 9 September.
“The final information is being completed, and Sport NI will now engage with Governing Bodies, that will include issuing Letters of Offer in the coming
weeks.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204021%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501151","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501151"}},{"id":"498989","reference":"AQO 3995/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-09-28","answered":"2026-09-28","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 proposals to enhance bathing waters following the recent consultation on his Department’s policy review.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland's bathing waters framework remains fit for purpose and reflects how people use our rivers, lakes and coastal waters today. Protecting public health and improving water quality remain central to my intent. Northern Ireland continues to enjoy high-quality bathing waters, with the vast majority of identified bathing waters achieving either an \"excellent\" or \"good\" classification in recent years. To build on that success, my Department recently completed a public consultation on the bathing waters policy review."},{"speaker":"","text":"The review has considered a range of proposals designed to modernise the current framework, including improving public information and health messaging, reviewing bathing water identification arrangements, considering a more risk-based approach to monitoring, strengthening arrangements for poorly performing bathing waters, extending the bathing season and ensuring that the framework reflects modern patterns of recreational water use."},{"speaker":"","text":"At the same time, participation in recreational water activities has continued to evolve, and it is important that the policy framework keeps pace with those changes. The consultation closed on 21 August 2026, and my officials are analysing the responses and assessing all relevant implications. This is an opportunity to modernise the bathing water programme for generations to come, safeguarding the health of bathers and those who participate in recreational water activities. That work will complement the wider measures that are being taken by my Department to improve water quality across Northern Ireland. I will make final decisions on the future direction of bathing water policy by the end of November 2026."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. Surfers Against Sewage has long campaigned and advocated for cleaner waters for recreation. Will the Minister meet Surfers Against Sewage with me?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I would be delighted to do that. What is more, I will give you a challenge. I am happy to do that down in your constituency, and, if we can go for a dip as part of that, I would be delighted to take up the offer."},{"speaker":"Mr Martin","text":"I hope that the Minister is not going to offer that to those of us in our constituency. Minister, in your answer to a previous question, you said that your Department is collecting out-of-season data to inform whether bathing waters are safe. In Ards and North Down, as you might be aware, there are 231 storm overflows, of which 94 have event duration monitors (EDMs). How can the public have confidence that those waters are safe to swim in on the basis of a relatively small number of bathing water samples and given the fact that, in some areas, no live EDM data is being collected?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Member will be aware that, in our constituency, we have a number of designated bathing areas, including Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn. I invite him to join me at Helen's Bay on Christmas Eve. I am sure that you will step up to that —"},{"speaker":"Mr Martin","text":"It is not going to happen."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"— and support charity as well. I accept that — [Interruption.]"},{"speaker":"","text":"I am aware that people have a concern about what is in the outfall in those areas. We need to have more EDMs and more real-time monitoring and reporting of those. It is a key part of our waste water regulatory reform programme to see those EDMs rolled out more broadly by NI Water and to have that near-real-time reporting. That is one of the key issues. We hope to make further announcements around that in the time ahead. It is reliant upon NI Water's installing the equipment and working with us on the provision of data. I am very clear that people deserve to have that data so that they know when it is safe to bathe."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203995%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498989","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-28&docID=500209#AQO%203995/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498989"}},{"id":"498505","reference":"AQW 52059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":"2026-09-23","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 installation of a pedestrian crossing outside Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch. [R]","answerText":"Requests for Controlled Crossing facilities are assessed in accordance with the Department's policy RSPPG E005 (Controlled Crossings: Assessment Procedures).\n\nMy officials undertook a pedestrian survey on Belfast Road, Ballynahinch, in March 2026. Based on the outcome of that assessment, the location met the Department's criteria for consideration of a controlled pedestrian crossing and has been added to the list of potential schemes.\n\nWhile the location has met the assessment criteria, identifying a suitable position for a controlled crossing remains challenging. This section of Belfast Road contains a significant number of private accesses and a junction, together with on-street parking activity, all of which restrict the availability of locations that can safely accommodate a crossing while complying with current road safety and accessibility standards. In addition, pedestrian desire lines along this corridor do not necessarily align with those locations where a crossing could most readily be provided, and these factors require careful consideration as part of the design process.\n\nMy officials will therefore undertake further site assessments and engineering investigations during the detailed design stage to identify whether a safe and practical crossing location can be achieved. This work will also take account of any future development proposals in the area that may influence pedestrian movements, traffic patterns and the most appropriate location for crossing facilities.\n\nIn the meantime, officials have assessed the existing signs and road markings in the vicinity of the school and will replace the existing School Warning signs on both approaches to the school and refresh the associated road markings.","answerHtml":"Requests for Controlled Crossing facilities are assessed in accordance with the Department's policy RSPPG E005 (Controlled Crossings: Assessment Procedures).
My officials undertook a pedestrian survey on Belfast Road, Ballynahinch, in March 2026. Based on the outcome of that assessment, the location met the Department's criteria for consideration of a controlled pedestrian crossing and has been added to the list of potential schemes.
While the location has met the assessment criteria, identifying a suitable position for a controlled crossing remains challenging. This section of Belfast Road contains a significant number of private accesses and a junction, together with on-street parking activity, all of which restrict the availability of locations that can safely accommodate a crossing while complying with current road safety and accessibility standards. In addition, pedestrian desire lines along this corridor do not necessarily align with those locations where a crossing could most readily be provided, and these factors require careful consideration as part of the design process.
My officials will therefore undertake further site assessments and engineering investigations during the detailed design stage to identify whether a safe and practical crossing location can be achieved. This work will also take account of any future development proposals in the area that may influence pedestrian movements, traffic patterns and the most appropriate location for crossing facilities.
In the meantime, officials have assessed the existing signs and road markings in the vicinity of the school and will replace the existing School Warning signs on both approaches to the school and refresh the associated road markings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498505"}},{"id":"498504","reference":"AQW 52058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","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, pursuant to the Minister of Finance's response to the supplementary question to AQO 3928/22-27, to detail any indications her Department has received from UK Treasury as to the sum of money the Executive will receive as part of the UK Government’s decision to cut the VAT on household electricity bills.","answerText":"The British Government announced on 21 July that VAT on domestic electricity would be reduced from 5% to 0% in Britain. At the same time, they announced that equivalent cost of living support would be provided here.\n\nTreasury has now approved this approach, providing a £25.7 million in support. Following my announcement on 17 September, my Department will deliver this support through the Household Electricity Discount Scheme. From 6 October, eligible households will receive a single combined payment comprising the £63 NIRO Domestic Electricity Discount and the additional support equivalent to the reduction of VAT on domestic electricity from 5% to 0%, with payments made automatically by electricity suppliers.","answerHtml":"The British Government announced on 21 July that VAT on domestic electricity would be reduced from 5% to 0% in Britain. At the same time, they announced that equivalent cost of living support would be provided here.
Treasury has now approved this approach, providing a £25.7 million in support. Following my announcement on 17 September, my Department will deliver this support through the Household Electricity Discount Scheme. From 6 October, eligible households will receive a single combined payment comprising the £63 NIRO Domestic Electricity Discount and the additional support equivalent to the reduction of VAT on domestic electricity from 5% to 0%, with payments made automatically by electricity suppliers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498504"}},{"id":"498503","reference":"AQW 52057/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the finding within the October 2025 Korn Ferry report Organisational Senior Structures, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland, that responsibilities and accountabilities are heavily subdivided across a number of roles.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052057%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498503"}},{"id":"498240","reference":"AQW 51917/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-17","answered":"2026-09-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following his comments to the media regarding his Department's new School Uniform Guidelines , whether schools will still be able to require girls to request permission before wearing trousers.","answerText":"The amended School Uniform Guidelines make it clear that school uniform policies are to provide the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year. This also includes for PE/Games.\n\nThe requirement for each school’s uniform policy to include the option for girls to wear trousers applies to policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards.\n\nSchools have been advised that while there is not a requirement for the current school year’s policy to be amended, it would seem prudent given this will be a requirement next year, for schools to respond positively to any requests from girls to wear trousers as part of their uniform should they ask in advance of the 2027/28 school year.","answerHtml":"The amended School Uniform Guidelines make it clear that school uniform policies are to provide the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year. This also includes for PE/Games.
The requirement for each school’s uniform policy to include the option for girls to wear trousers applies to policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards.
Schools have been advised that while there is not a requirement for the current school year’s policy to be amended, it would seem prudent given this will be a requirement next year, for schools to respond positively to any requests from girls to wear trousers as part of their uniform should they ask in advance of the 2027/28 school year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051917%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498240","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498240"}},{"id":"498239","reference":"AQW 51916/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether (i) the number, cost and functions of senior management and organisational structures across Health and Social Care NI, including Strategic Planning and Performance Group and arm's-length bodies will be reviewed; (ii) duplication or overlap will be identified; (iii) accountability will be clarified; and (iv) any assessment will be made of whether the current arrangements represent value for money.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051916%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498239","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498239"}},{"id":"498238","reference":"AQW 51915/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of leadership posts at Band 8C and above or equivalent; (ii) the annual cost of salaries for these posts; and (iii) whether these structures have been benchmarked against equivalent health systems elsewhere in the UK, broken down by (a) Health and Social Care Trust; (b) the Strategic Planning and Performance Group; and (c) arm's-length bodies.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051915%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498238","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498238"}},{"id":"498237","reference":"AQW 51914/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made on the (i) morale; (ii) recruitment; and (iii) retention, of Band 5 nurses following the decision not to fund to Band 6 accelerated progression, while increases have been awarded at the most senior levels of Health and Social Care NI.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051914%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498237","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498237"}},{"id":"498236","reference":"AQW 51913/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":null,"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 increases in pay for Health and Social Care NI senior executives have been approved, given his commitment to lower-paid nursing staff remains unfunded.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051913%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498236","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498236"}},{"id":"497853","reference":"AQW 51655/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-25","answered":"2026-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of current media reports on UK Government plans to give England's mayors the power to introduce a tourist tax, to detail any engagement he has had with the UK Government about the scope for similar powers to be given to councils in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The British Government announced plans on 10 September to provide English mayors with the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy from March 2028. This is similar to action being taken in Scotland and Wales, where plans are already in place to implement visitor levies.\n\nThe independent Fiscal Commission’s report noted that the Executive currently has the legislative powers to introduce new taxes, as set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the extent of these powers, and the process through which they could be implemented, lacks clarity. The Commission therefore recommended the Executive and the British Government agree a transparent process for the introduction of new taxes.\n\nIt is my view that a key element of a full Fiscal Framework will be agreeing a clear and transparent process for the introduction of new taxes. I am continuing to press the British Government, including through our ongoing discussions on the Executive’s funding, to live up to its commitment to progress the work of a full Fiscal Framework. In my view that is inclusive of fiscal devolution.","answerHtml":"The British Government announced plans on 10 September to provide English mayors with the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy from March 2028. This is similar to action being taken in Scotland and Wales, where plans are already in place to implement visitor levies.
The independent Fiscal Commission’s report noted that the Executive currently has the legislative powers to introduce new taxes, as set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the extent of these powers, and the process through which they could be implemented, lacks clarity. The Commission therefore recommended the Executive and the British Government agree a transparent process for the introduction of new taxes.
It is my view that a key element of a full Fiscal Framework will be agreeing a clear and transparent process for the introduction of new taxes. I am continuing to press the British Government, including through our ongoing discussions on the Executive’s funding, to live up to its commitment to progress the work of a full Fiscal Framework. In my view that is inclusive of fiscal devolution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051655%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497853","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497853"}},{"id":"497718","reference":"AQO 3965/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-09-22","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the concerns that have prompted the current forensic audit into governance systems in NI Water.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"When I announced the audit, earlier in the month, the Department outlined concerns about governance and control matters in NI Water, and I will require further assurance on the adequacy of NI Water's risk management, governance and systems of internal control. The Department's concerns were intensified recently due to insufficient assurance; several raising a concern investigations; legacy and current breaches of a \"Dear Accounting Officer\" letter about the use of confidentiality agreements; procurement and contract management practices; and observations by the Department's representative on the NI Water board. I also wish to receive an assurance on compliance with 'Managing Public Money NI' and whether key decision makers have clear sight of information to support effective decision-making. It is incumbent on me, as Minister, to satisfy myself that the organisation's internal checks and balances are operating effectively and that its systems and processes are robust, effective and fit for purpose, especially as the company receives approximately half a billion pounds in taxpayers' money from my Department each year. The audit will provide an opportunity to assess governance arrangements thoroughly, support better planning and ensure full transparency for partners, stakeholders and the public."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister, for your answer. In the summer of 2025, we saw the outcome of your Department's forensic review of NI Water and read in the regional press about NI Water's leadership. You have now commissioned a further review, which your permanent secretary characterised as a familiarisation exercise. Judging from your answer, I am not sure whether you share that view. What timelines will have to be met, what targets will have to achieved and what thresholds will have to be reached for further action not to be taken?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I hope that what I have outlined today demonstrates how seriously I am taking the issues that I have identified. The House relentlessly says that I need to give NI Water more money, but I need to ensure that the money that we give it is used properly. I say without prejudice that we have a number of concerns, and it is imperative that I satisfy myself that those concerns can be addressed. That is the rationale behind the investigation. The Member asked about timescales. I will publish the terms of reference once we have finalised them. I expect the audit to take around two to three months. I want it to be efficient but also thorough."},{"speaker":"Mr Boggs","text":"Minister, I welcome the steps that you have taken to ensure that the correct checks and balances are in place for what is a publicly funded organisation. Who will undertake the audit?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I have instructed the group head of NI Civil Service internal audit to progress the forensic audit. As I said, I have asked for it to be done as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. I hope that that answers the Member's question."},{"speaker":"Mr K Buchanan","text":"Minister, you referred to the half a billion pounds that your Department gives NI Water. Do you have total faith in the leadership team at NI Water?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I have no reason to doubt it. The point of the audit is to assure us that everything that is done in the organisation, particularly on governance, meets the standards that we expect. I have outlined my concerns about what has led us to that point. I am pleased that NI Water has said that it is willing to engage and be cooperative as part of the audit. The Member will be aware that I carried out a different forensic audit last year. This audit will further satisfy our concerns, and I hope that we can get a positive outcome to the issues."},{"speaker":"Mr Stewart","text":"Accountability and transparency are essential, Minister, particularly where public funding is involved, as you will know. You touched on the audit's remit. Have any individuals, be they internal or external to NI Water, come to you to raise their concerns about tendering practices and the awarding of contracts by senior officials in NI Water? How deep will the deep dive go in investigating those practices?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"In my initial answer, I said that several raising a concern investigations have been carried out to date. That is on the public record. The concerns that I mentioned have intensified recently owing to insufficient assurance, coupled with the raising a concern investigations; legacy and current breaches of a \"Dear Accounting Officer\" letter about the use of confidentiality agreements; procurement and contract management practices; and observations by the departmental representative on the NI Water board. As I said, I also wish to receive an assurance on NI Water's compliance with 'Managing Public Money NI' and on whether key decision makers have clear sight of information in order to support effective decision-making. That is probably as much as I can say until the audit is complete, but it is my intention to be as transparent as possible in order to ensure that the Assembly is kept updated on what comes out of it."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"I thank the Minister for announcing the investigation, especially given that, in approximately the past year and a half, NI Water has spent £225,000 on investigations, the outcomes of which none of us knows. Minister, can you assure us — the public — that the audit will not be a toothless tiger, that it will not shy away from difficult questions and investigations into accountability and proper governance, in NI Water and at the Department, and that it will look at what appears to have been a very vindictive approach by NI Water to a key whistle-blower?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"The Member referred to one aspect of why we are carrying out the audit. I hope that it has been made clear that that is part of the picture. Both I and my Department have concerns about a number of different areas. That is the focus of the audit. For me, it is about getting a clear insight into the issues and being able to satisfy ourselves. The next steps will be dependent on what comes out of the audit. I hope that it gives confidence to the Assembly that I take the issues very seriously. Sometimes, in isolation, they do not look like massive issues, but, given what I have outlined here today, the severity is clear. I think that it would be remiss of me not to take the action that I am taking. Without going into any detail, I want to ensure that the audit is done without prejudice and that we update the House appropriately on the other side of that. I will make sure that the Member is kept informed at that stage."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203965%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497718","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-22&docID=498922#AQO%203965/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497718"}},{"id":"499435","reference":"AQO 3943/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-21","answered":"2026-09-30","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, given the current call for views on a new Good Relations Framework includes celebrating inclusive cultural expression, to outline any discussions they have had with the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression over the summer on this issue.","answerText":"The Call for Views will help inform the development of a new Good Relations framework, including how we celebrate inclusive cultural expression.\n\nThe Call for Views opened on 24 August and closed on 21 September 2026.\n\nAlongside this, officials have scheduled a number of engagements with key stakeholders, including the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and the Language Commissioners.","answerHtml":"The Call for Views will help inform the development of a new Good Relations framework, including how we celebrate inclusive cultural expression.
The Call for Views opened on 24 August and closed on 21 September 2026.
Alongside this, officials have scheduled a number of engagements with key stakeholders, including the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and the Language Commissioners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203943%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499435","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499435"}},{"id":"496884","reference":"AQW 51020/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-04","answerBy":"2026-09-09","answered":"2026-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on any progress towards agreement on a budget.","answerText":"The Executive met the Secretary of State on Monday 07 September to discuss the budget position, and I will continue to engage with the British Government, clearly setting out the Executive’s needs and press for a fair and sustainable funding settlement.","answerHtml":"The Executive met the Secretary of State on Monday 07 September to discuss the budget position, and I will continue to engage with the British Government, clearly setting out the Executive’s needs and press for a fair and sustainable funding settlement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051020%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496884"}},{"id":"496739","reference":"AQW 50896/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-08","answered":"2026-09-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"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 Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings scheme.","answerText":"Following the publication of the Government Response Report to the Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings on 26th January, my officials have worked with the Energy Saving Trust to develop design proposals for a new domestic energy efficiency and low carbon heat support scheme. The scheme design, including approaches to funding and form of support offered, will be consulted upon in the coming weeks.\n\nOfficials have established a major project in the Department and are now working on the required business case, support scheme regulations and procurement process for the new Domestic Energy Efficiency and Heat Programme (DEEHP).\n\nIt is expected that the support scheme will be launched in latter part of 2027.","answerHtml":"Following the publication of the Government Response Report to the Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings on 26th January, my officials have worked with the Energy Saving Trust to develop design proposals for a new domestic energy efficiency and low carbon heat support scheme. The scheme design, including approaches to funding and form of support offered, will be consulted upon in the coming weeks.
Officials have established a major project in the Department and are now working on the required business case, support scheme regulations and procurement process for the new Domestic Energy Efficiency and Heat Programme (DEEHP).
It is expected that the support scheme will be launched in latter part of 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050896%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496739"}},{"id":"496606","reference":"AQO 3928/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-15","answered":"2026-09-15","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline any engagement he has had with the UK Government to deliver the VAT cut to household electricity bills in Northern Ireland, as recently announced for Great Britain.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 July urging her to progress the necessary steps to secure European Commission agreement to extend the VAT reduction to here from 1 October. In parallel, my officials, working closely with colleagues in the Department for the Economy, have also engaged extensively with Treasury officials to make the case for equivalent VAT treatment here. Treasury advised, however, that the Executive should develop and implement an alternative scheme, as it considered it unlikely that approval from the European Commission to apply the 0% VAT rate here from 1 October would be secured in time. The Department for the Economy has developed and submitted alternative scheme proposals to Treasury. Annually managed expenditure will be provided by Treasury to fund that scheme."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Has your Department sought clarity on how much money the Executive may receive as part of the UK Government's decision to cut VAT on household electricity bills?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"That matter is being dealt with by the Department for the Economy directly."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203928%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496606","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-15&docID=497468#AQO%203928/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496606"}},{"id":"496366","reference":"AQO 3868/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-07","answered":"2026-09-07","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 the benefits that will arise from the establishment of the NI Government Mournes Strategic Group.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I decided to establish the Northern Ireland Government Mournes strategic group to provide a platform for Departments and local government to work collectively to provide strategic leadership and advice on strategic issues impacting on the delivery of a sustainable future for the Mournes. Through the establishment of the group, I am putting in place the leadership and coordination needed to respond effectively. This is about bringing the right people together to deliver real, practical outcomes: protecting the environment; supporting sustainable economic activity; and ensuring the long-term resilience of the Mournes. The purposes of the group include: facilitation and enabling of conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenities of the Mournes; conservation of wildlife, historic objects and natural phenomena within the Mournes; promotion of the enjoyment of the public in the Mournes; provision and maintenance of public access to the Mournes. It is also about understanding, championing and supporting rural communities in the Mournes, alongside sustainable farming and commitments to drinking water supply."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Minister, is your Department undertaking any further work to ensure that my constituents and, in fact, all the people in Northern Ireland, can enjoy that precious landscape for years to come?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The implementation of environmental plans and strategies, such as the environmental improvement plan, the peatland strategy and the draft nature recovery strategy, will all benefit the Mournes. Initiatives to implement the wildfires Northern Ireland strategic action plan will support habitat restoration alongside the development of wildfire management and response plans for the eastern Mournes. Work has commenced on the development of an updated outdoor recreation plan for Northern Ireland, which will offer benefits for the Mournes. Alongside that, we are delivering the Farming with Nature package. The first phase, the Farming with Nature transition scheme, offers support to a wide range of practical actions to improve biodiversity, protect water quality and contribute to climate resilience and farm sustainability. In addition to that, we will roll out further elements of Farming with Nature and will continue to engage with people, including through the strategic forum, which meets for the first time on Wednesday."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"Minister, I live in the Mournes and love the Mourne Mountains area very much. I really care about the issue. There is a bit of a perception among local people that, in forming the group, there was a helicopter view of bringing together people who work for different organisations, whereas there was very little engagement with or participation by local people. Do you have any more detail on how you will develop the group by using the lived experience of those who use the mountains to walk or run in, those who farm the land and the trustees to make sure that that experience is carried forward and that the group is bought into by local people?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Diane. The whole principle is about taking a bottom-up approach. We have the Forever Mournes partnership, and this is an opportunity for it to escalate things for resolution. The Forever Mournes partnership will be at the heart of this. It has done good work, but what was really required was a forum for it to bring things to government for resolution. That is what we are seeking to do, and I am proud to chair the group."},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I thank the Minister for those details. Of course, bringing any number of organisations together is really important in order to deliver on the ground. Sometimes, however, people get strategic oversight group fatigue. They see lots of groups coming together, but tangible outcomes on the ground can be slow to reach them. Can you give some assurance that people will see outcomes that will make a credible difference, allow us to enjoy the Mournes, bring people in and protect the environment?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"That is my desire. The first meeting of the group is on Wednesday. Thus far, the council has not nominated anyone. Hopefully, it will do that before Wednesday, because we have to do this together. It has to be a collective effort. I am happy to lead it, but other parts of government, including local government, have a role. Collectively, we need to take on that leadership role and deliver for the Mournes, as they deserve."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496366","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-07&docID=496564#AQO%203868/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496366"}},{"id":"493978","reference":"AQW 50367/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any engagement his Department has had with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in relation to the possibility of creating two separate clinical specialties, to attract new entrants into the profession.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050367%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493978","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493978"}},{"id":"493756","reference":"AQW 50221/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-01","answerBy":"2026-07-20","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, with reference to the July 2026 Northern Ireland Audit Office report The Health Estate in Northern Ireland, to detail performance against space utilisation targets within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, broken down by site.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050221%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493756","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493756"}},{"id":"493588","reference":"AQW 50070/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-08","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 plans to establish a Flood Forecasting Centre for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is progressing consideration of the creation of Flood Forecasting Services in the North, and officials are in the process of reviewing a draft programme outline business case.\n\nDeveloping such a service will be complex, with several independent work streams. Ongoing work to date and evidence from neighbouring jurisdictions has indicated that it would take a number of years for the full development of a forecasting service.\n\nThe next stage of the process will be for the programme OBC to go through the necessary scrutiny and approval processes, with a view to securing the necessary financial approvals to advance to subsequent stages of development.","answerHtml":"My Department is progressing consideration of the creation of Flood Forecasting Services in the North, and officials are in the process of reviewing a draft programme outline business case.
Developing such a service will be complex, with several independent work streams. Ongoing work to date and evidence from neighbouring jurisdictions has indicated that it would take a number of years for the full development of a forecasting service.
The next stage of the process will be for the programme OBC to go through the necessary scrutiny and approval processes, with a view to securing the necessary financial approvals to advance to subsequent stages of development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050070%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493588","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493588"}},{"id":"493296","reference":"AQW 49915/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will put in place a grant scheme, similar to England's Places of Worship Renewal Fund, to support the repair of historic places of worship in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Decisions regarding financial support for historic places of worship this year are dependent on confirmation and assessment of an Executive agreed Departmental budget. My department’s Historic Environment Division (HED) is developing a business case to consider how the historic environment, including historic places of worship, can be supported, following public consultation on a new Historic Environment Policy.","answerHtml":"Decisions regarding financial support for historic places of worship this year are dependent on confirmation and assessment of an Executive agreed Departmental budget. My department’s Historic Environment Division (HED) is developing a business case to consider how the historic environment, including historic places of worship, can be supported, following public consultation on a new Historic Environment Policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049915%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493296","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493296"}},{"id":"493295","reference":"AQW 49914/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any financial support available to enable repairs to historic places of worship.","answerText":"Historic Places of Worship may be eligible for support through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF).\n\nThe Fund is currently closed to applications, but I have asked officials to develop a Business Case for a new longer term programme and, subject to necessary approvals being secured, I hope to make a further announcement in due course.\n\nOther financial assistance that exists for repairs to churches in Northern Ireland is via National Churches Trust (NCT). At present NCT offers:\n\nLarge grants for urgent structural repair projects costing over £80,000;\n\nMedium grants to support urgent repair and maintenance costing up to £80,000, as well as project development work.\n\nIn previous years, my department has financially supported listed historic churches through NCT grant schemes; however, decisions regarding this financial support this year are dependent on confirmation of Executive agreed Departmental budgets.","answerHtml":"Historic Places of Worship may be eligible for support through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF).
The Fund is currently closed to applications, but I have asked officials to develop a Business Case for a new longer term programme and, subject to necessary approvals being secured, I hope to make a further announcement in due course.
Other financial assistance that exists for repairs to churches in Northern Ireland is via National Churches Trust (NCT). At present NCT offers:
Large grants for urgent structural repair projects costing over £80,000;
Medium grants to support urgent repair and maintenance costing up to £80,000, as well as project development work.
In previous years, my department has financially supported listed historic churches through NCT grant schemes; however, decisions regarding this financial support this year are dependent on confirmation of Executive agreed Departmental budgets.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049914%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493295","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493295"}},{"id":"492792","reference":"AQW 49668/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-25","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the indicative date for when house builders in rural areas will be able to avail of fairer grid connection costs, under her Department's new policy.","answerText":"On 26 November 2025, I published a decision to reform electricity grid connection charging, removing unfair up‑front reinforcement costs for homes and businesses and making it easier to connect to the grid, particularly in rural and weaker network areas.\n\nThe Utility Regulator has progressed the necessary modifications to NIE Networks’ distribution licence, and NIE Networks published its new Statement of Connection Charges on 1 June 2026. The new charging arrangements will take effect from 1 July 2026.","answerHtml":"On 26 November 2025, I published a decision to reform electricity grid connection charging, removing unfair up‑front reinforcement costs for homes and businesses and making it easier to connect to the grid, particularly in rural and weaker network areas.
The Utility Regulator has progressed the necessary modifications to NIE Networks’ distribution licence, and NIE Networks published its new Statement of Connection Charges on 1 June 2026. The new charging arrangements will take effect from 1 July 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049668%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492792","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492792"}},{"id":"491584","reference":"AQW 49192/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any investments in community and neighbourhood services within the South Down constituency that have been made under the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust's strategic priority Delivering Care Closer to Home.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049192%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491584","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491584"}},{"id":"491583","reference":"AQW 49191/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to move additional (i) elective; and (ii) outpatient, services to Downe Hospital.","answerText":"Downe Hospital plays a vital role in our hospital network. It provides a range of outpatient, diagnostics and day procedure services.\n\nThis day procedure centre is recognised as a centre of excellence for cataract surgery, currently delivering seven theatre sessions each week, with in-reach independent sector support at weekends when possible. In addition to cataract, the ophthalmology medical and nursing teams also deliver glaucoma, and oculoplastic theatre lists on site.\n\nRecent Elective Care Framework (ECF) investments in ophthalmology have created additional time-critical capacity in vitreo-retinal and complex glaucoma surgery, and the plan is to decant additional non-complex glaucoma and oculoplastic theatre procedures from Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust acute sites to Downe.\n\nIn addition, the endoscopy service based at the hospital provides investigation for gastro-intestinal disorders to patients in the Downpatrick locality, as well as the broader South Eastern HSC Trust area. The site currently treats over 3,000 endoscopy patients per annum, contributing to the overall reduction in endoscopy waits regionally. As part of the ECF: Implementation and Funding Plan, additional recurrent funding will be provided to further develop endoscopy capacity on the site and full implementation of funding is anticipated by March 2028.","answerHtml":"Downe Hospital plays a vital role in our hospital network. It provides a range of outpatient, diagnostics and day procedure services.
This day procedure centre is recognised as a centre of excellence for cataract surgery, currently delivering seven theatre sessions each week, with in-reach independent sector support at weekends when possible. In addition to cataract, the ophthalmology medical and nursing teams also deliver glaucoma, and oculoplastic theatre lists on site.
Recent Elective Care Framework (ECF) investments in ophthalmology have created additional time-critical capacity in vitreo-retinal and complex glaucoma surgery, and the plan is to decant additional non-complex glaucoma and oculoplastic theatre procedures from Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust acute sites to Downe.
In addition, the endoscopy service based at the hospital provides investigation for gastro-intestinal disorders to patients in the Downpatrick locality, as well as the broader South Eastern HSC Trust area. The site currently treats over 3,000 endoscopy patients per annum, contributing to the overall reduction in endoscopy waits regionally. As part of the ECF: Implementation and Funding Plan, additional recurrent funding will be provided to further develop endoscopy capacity on the site and full implementation of funding is anticipated by March 2028.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049191%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491583"}},{"id":"493430","reference":"AQO 3844/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-06-30","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 her assessment of her Department's resource budget situation.","answerText":"I recognise that the Executive as a whole will not receive sufficient levels of additional funding during the multi-year budget period. I am also very conscious of the significant pressures facing all departments and the difficult decisions that need to be taken by the Executive.\n\nHowever, it is extremely disappointing that the proposed Draft Budget allocations will leave my Department facing day-to-day Stabilisation pressures of £103 million in 2026-27, £155 million in 2027-28, and £242 million in 2028-29. This is before Exceptional pressures for Holiday pay, McCloud and Legacy are taken into account.\n\nThe £242 million pressure in 2028-29 equates to the total budget for NI Prison Service, Courts and Tribunals Service and Probation Board.\n\nThe impact of such shortfalls in funding is catastrophic for the justice system in Northern Ireland. Considering the magnitude of the pressures remaining there is no prospect of my Department living within the proposed Draft Budget allocations.\n\nThe limited funding provided to my Department means that it is now considered inevitable that it will overspend its Resource Budget in each of the next three years.\n\nI will continue to engage with Ministerial colleagues to advocate for additional funding to ensure we have a Justice sector that is funded appropriately now and in future years, which is currently not the case.","answerHtml":"I recognise that the Executive as a whole will not receive sufficient levels of additional funding during the multi-year budget period. I am also very conscious of the significant pressures facing all departments and the difficult decisions that need to be taken by the Executive.
However, it is extremely disappointing that the proposed Draft Budget allocations will leave my Department facing day-to-day Stabilisation pressures of £103 million in 2026-27, £155 million in 2027-28, and £242 million in 2028-29. This is before Exceptional pressures for Holiday pay, McCloud and Legacy are taken into account.
The £242 million pressure in 2028-29 equates to the total budget for NI Prison Service, Courts and Tribunals Service and Probation Board.
The impact of such shortfalls in funding is catastrophic for the justice system in Northern Ireland. Considering the magnitude of the pressures remaining there is no prospect of my Department living within the proposed Draft Budget allocations.
The limited funding provided to my Department means that it is now considered inevitable that it will overspend its Resource Budget in each of the next three years.
I will continue to engage with Ministerial colleagues to advocate for additional funding to ensure we have a Justice sector that is funded appropriately now and in future years, which is currently not the case.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493430","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493430"}},{"id":"489766","reference":"AQW 48515/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timeline for the delivery of a pedestrian crossing on Newry Street, outside Rathfriland High School.","answerText":"Requests or proposals for Controlled Crossing facilities are assessed against the criteria and assessment procedure set out under our current policy RSPPG E005 (Controlled Crossings: Assessment Procedures) which can be viewed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/controlled-crossings-assessment-procedures-rsppg-e005v6.pdf.\n\nMy Officials conducted a pedestrian survey of Newry Street, Rathfriland in October 2025, the location met the required criteria and has been added to the list of pedestrian crossings.\n\nOfficials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.","answerHtml":"Requests or proposals for Controlled Crossing facilities are assessed against the criteria and assessment procedure set out under our current policy RSPPG E005 (Controlled Crossings: Assessment Procedures) which can be viewed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/controlled-crossings-assessment-procedures-rsppg-e005v6.pdf.
My Officials conducted a pedestrian survey of Newry Street, Rathfriland in October 2025, the location met the required criteria and has been added to the list of pedestrian crossings.
Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489766"}},{"id":"489836","reference":"AQO 3798/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-23","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on repairs to the roof of Parliament Buildings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission is progressing a programme of remedial works to address defects identified in the roof of Parliament Buildings and to protect the long-term integrity of this grade A listed building. The works have been structured in two phases. Phase 1 focuses on priority health and safety works, including repairs to the rear parapet and internal courtyards, where scaffolding is currently in place. A contractor has been appointed and works are under way, with completion expected by the end of August 2026. Phase 2 will address wider water ingress issues across the remainder of the roof. That phase will include detailed investigations, the development of options and the appointment of an integrated consultancy team to inform the full scope of works. Subject to the outcome of those investigations, a full programme of works will be developed to address the remaining issues."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Member for the answer. Has any additional damage been identified during the current works?"},{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"The Assembly Commission recognises that the issue has been a long and protracted one. Thankfully, the extent of the deterioration in courtyards 1, 2 and 3 is less significant than initially anticipated. However, early investigations have identified some additional complexities, including localised stone deterioration and issues in courtyard 8. Those are being carefully managed, and, where necessary, interim works may be brought forward to address any emerging risks. We recognise that the issue is long-standing and ongoing, but we are processing it and ensuring that the works are being done as quickly as possible."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203798%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489836","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-23&docID=490800#AQO%203798/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489836"}},{"id":"488775","reference":"AQW 48058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the plans to remove on-street pay and display parking machines will ensure that each parking zone retains at least one machine, to ensure on-street parking remains accessible to all users.","answerText":"My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life.\n\nDecisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.","answerHtml":"My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life.
Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488775","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488775"}},{"id":"488504","reference":"AQW 47941/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to commitments made in the Department of Finance Memorandum on the Twelfth Report from the Public Accounts Committee Mandate 2022-2027: Homelessness in Northern Ireland, whether he has been able to identify and allocate additional resources for the development of a paper outlining options for legislative change to homelessness legislation.","answerText":"Given the importance of this work, the resources will be allocated. My officials are working with urgency to ensure my Department can deliver on the commitment made in the Memorandum of Reply to this Public Accounts Committee recommendation.","answerHtml":"Given the importance of this work, the resources will be allocated. My officials are working with urgency to ensure my Department can deliver on the commitment made in the Memorandum of Reply to this Public Accounts Committee recommendation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047941%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488504"}},{"id":"488503","reference":"AQW 47940/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to commitments made in the Department of Finance Memorandum on the Twelfth Report from the Public Accounts Committee Mandate 2022-2027: Homelessness in Northern Ireland, to detail which of the current powers available to the Housing Executive to support homelessness prevention will be considered in this process.","answerText":"The current powers available to the Housing Executive are set out in the Housing (NI) Order 1988, Part II. The detailed scope of the legislative review will be determined as work progresses, informed by research and stakeholder engagement.","answerHtml":"The current powers available to the Housing Executive are set out in the Housing (NI) Order 1988, Part II. The detailed scope of the legislative review will be determined as work progresses, informed by research and stakeholder engagement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047940%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488503"}},{"id":"488502","reference":"AQW 47939/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-30","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 (a) running; and (b) maintenance costs, incurred through on-street pay and display parking machines; and (ii) the amount of cash payments collected, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.\n\nThe screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.\n\nThe new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.\n\nThe new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.\n\nMy Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.\n\n(AQW 47939/22-27);\n\nThe Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.\n\nFinancial Year\tExpenditure\tIncome\n£m\t£m\n2021-22\t13.3\t10.8\n2022-23\t14.0\t12.4\n2023-24\t14.9\t13.0\n2024-25\t14.2\t11.8\n2025-26*\t14.3\t11.5\n\n* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit","answerHtml":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.
The screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.
The new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.
The new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.
My Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.
(AQW 47939/22-27);
The Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.
| Financial Year | Expenditure | Income |
| £m | £m | |
| 2021-22 | 13.3 | 10.8 |
| 2022-23 | 14.0 | 12.4 |
| 2023-24 | 14.9 | 13.0 |
| 2024-25 | 14.2 | 11.8 |
| 2025-26* | 14.3 | 11.5 |
* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047939%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488502"}},{"id":"488501","reference":"AQW 47938/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any annual savings her Department expects to make as a result of reducing the number of on-street pay and display parking machines.","answerText":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.\n\nThe screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.\n\nThe new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.\n\nThe new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.\n\nMy Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.\n\n(AQW 47939/22-27);\n\nThe Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.\n\nFinancial Year\tExpenditure\tIncome\n£m\t£m\n2021-22\t13.3\t10.8\n2022-23\t14.0\t12.4\n2023-24\t14.9\t13.0\n2024-25\t14.2\t11.8\n2025-26*\t14.3\t11.5\n\n* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit","answerHtml":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.
The screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.
The new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.
The new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.
My Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.
(AQW 47939/22-27);
The Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.
| Financial Year | Expenditure | Income |
| £m | £m | |
| 2021-22 | 13.3 | 10.8 |
| 2022-23 | 14.0 | 12.4 |
| 2023-24 | 14.9 | 13.0 |
| 2024-25 | 14.2 | 11.8 |
| 2025-26* | 14.3 | 11.5 |
* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047938%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488501","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488501"}},{"id":"488500","reference":"AQW 47937/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-30","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 carried out an Equality Impact Assessment in relation to the plans to remove on-street pay and display parking machines.","answerText":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.\n\nThe screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.\n\nThe new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.\n\nThe new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.\n\nMy Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.\n\n(AQW 47939/22-27);\n\nThe Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.\n\nFinancial Year\tExpenditure\tIncome\n£m\t£m\n2021-22\t13.3\t10.8\n2022-23\t14.0\t12.4\n2023-24\t14.9\t13.0\n2024-25\t14.2\t11.8\n2025-26*\t14.3\t11.5\n\n* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit","answerHtml":"A Section 75 Equality Screening exercise was carried out in relation to the Pay and Display Rationalisation Programme and was published on my Department’s website on 21 May 2026 at the following link https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/parking-enforcement-pay-display-pd-rationalisation-programme-screening-form.
The screening exercise considered the potential impact of the programme across all Section 75 categories and concluded that a full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not required.
The new parking Enforcement Contract is expected to deliver approximately £6.3m in savings over its 10-year term through a combination of modern technology, improved equipment specifications, revised service delivery arrangements, and wider operational efficiencies with the Pay and Display programme contributing through the modernisation of parking infrastructure and associated operational processes. My Department’s approach is not to remove machines without careful consideration, but to ensure that on-street parking infrastructure is located where it is most needed whilst replacing equipment that has reached the end of its operational life. Decisions on machine provision have been taken on a location-by-location basis, informed by usage levels, accessibility considerations, footfall, and street layout, to ensure that parking services remain both practical and proportionate.
The new machines will introduce pay-by-plate technology to support modern payment and enforcement processes not available on the existing machines. A 54% reduction in machine numbers is also expected to contribute to maintenance and repair efficiencies alongside lower cash collection activity, and improved enforcement processes.
My Department will continue to monitor the operational and financial benefits realised as the programme is implemented.
(AQW 47939/22-27);
The Department does not hold the information in the format requested. However, details of expenditure and income associated with the delivery of all enforcement and car parking services in each of the last five financial years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as reported in the DfI Annual Report and Accounts is set out in the table below.
| Financial Year | Expenditure | Income |
| £m | £m | |
| 2021-22 | 13.3 | 10.8 |
| 2022-23 | 14.0 | 12.4 |
| 2023-24 | 14.9 | 13.0 |
| 2024-25 | 14.2 | 11.8 |
| 2025-26* | 14.3 | 11.5 |
* Note: Figures for 2025-26 are provisional and subject to external audit
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047937%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488500","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488500"}},{"id":"487960","reference":"AQW 47696/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether it would be within the remit of the Northern Ireland Assembly to legislate for the introduction of a visitor levy.","answerText":"The independent Fiscal Commission’s report noted that the Executive currently has the legislative powers to introduce new taxes, as set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the extent of these powers, and the process through which they could be implemented, lacks clarity.\n\nThe Commission therefore recommended that the Executive and the British Government agree a transparent process for the introduction of any new taxes in the North. This will be progressed as part of my department’s wider work to negotiate a full Fiscal Framework with the Treasury, providing clarity on the range of taxes the Executive could introduce and the process for their introduction.","answerHtml":"The independent Fiscal Commission’s report noted that the Executive currently has the legislative powers to introduce new taxes, as set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the extent of these powers, and the process through which they could be implemented, lacks clarity.
The Commission therefore recommended that the Executive and the British Government agree a transparent process for the introduction of any new taxes in the North. This will be progressed as part of my department’s wider work to negotiate a full Fiscal Framework with the Treasury, providing clarity on the range of taxes the Executive could introduce and the process for their introduction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047696%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487960","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487960"}},{"id":"487959","reference":"AQW 47695/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 42560/22-27, to detail any consideration her Department has given to implementing a visitor levy in Northern Ireland, beyond the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Regardless of the merits of the policy, there is not time remaining in this mandate to implement a tourist levy.","answerHtml":"Regardless of the merits of the policy, there is not time remaining in this mandate to implement a tourist levy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047695%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487959"}},{"id":"487652","reference":"AQW 47577/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to her Oral Statement to the Assembly on 1 June 2026 on the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral Meeting, to detail an update on her Department's plans for a greenway from Warrenpoint to Newcastle, via Kilkeel.","answerText":"My officials have been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to identify and develop a coherent network of cross border greenway schemes. This vision has been supported by the findings of a recent cross-border greenway feasibility study, including the identification of potential linkages between the existing network in both jurisdictions.\n\nIn December 2025, I welcomed an announcement from the Irish Government providing up to €2 million towards a Shared Island Greenways Fund. This Fund builds on the collaborative partnership working between my Department and the Government of Ireland and will support future development and delivery of a number of cross-border greenways, including Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel).\n\nThrough the auspice of the Shared Island Greenway Fund, funding of £40,000 has recently been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support a technical feasibility study of the proposed Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel) greenway, including a £20,000 allocation from my Department. Funding for future project phases will be subject to the findings of this initial feasibility study and future budget availability.","answerHtml":"My officials have been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to identify and develop a coherent network of cross border greenway schemes. This vision has been supported by the findings of a recent cross-border greenway feasibility study, including the identification of potential linkages between the existing network in both jurisdictions.
In December 2025, I welcomed an announcement from the Irish Government providing up to €2 million towards a Shared Island Greenways Fund. This Fund builds on the collaborative partnership working between my Department and the Government of Ireland and will support future development and delivery of a number of cross-border greenways, including Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel).
Through the auspice of the Shared Island Greenway Fund, funding of £40,000 has recently been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support a technical feasibility study of the proposed Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel) greenway, including a £20,000 allocation from my Department. Funding for future project phases will be subject to the findings of this initial feasibility study and future budget availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047577%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487652"}},{"id":"487651","reference":"AQW 47576/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the impact recent funding changes in domiciliary care will have on efforts to improve the flow of patients through hospitals and to reduce ambulance waiting times.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047576%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487651"}},{"id":"487650","reference":"AQW 47575/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-08-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the impact of recent funding changes on the availability of domiciliary care services in rural areas.","answerText":"My Department keeps under review the impact of funding allocations on the provision of homecare services across Northern Ireland, including in rural areas. This includes engagement with Health and Social Care Trusts, which are responsible for commissioning and delivering homecare services locally.\n\nWhile no specific standalone assessment has been undertaken solely in relation to recent funding changes and rural homecare provision, my Department recognises that rural areas can face particular challenges. These include workforce recruitment and retention, travel times for care staff, and the geographic dispersal of service users, all of which can affect service capacity and delivery.\n\nHealth and Social Care Trusts have advised that funding pressures, alongside wider workforce issues, continue to impact the availability and flexibility of homecare services, with these challenges often more acute in rural locations. In response, my Department has sought to prioritise funding allocations to support frontline services, including homecare.\n\nAs part of the 2023/24 Winter Preparedness Plan, Trusts received recurrent funding of approximately £697,000 to establish Early Review Teams, aimed at ensuring homecare packages are regularly reviewed and that available care capacity is used as effectively as possible. Some of the Trusts enhanced capacity for early review teams and discharge co-ordination with the £10 Million repurposed funding in October 2025. This funding was to support Trusts with unscheduled care and improve ambulance turnaround times at Emergency Departments.\n\nOn 6 November 2025, the Executive approved a Ministerial Direction on 2025/26 pay, which enabled the implementation of the HSC pay award, costing up to £209 million. This aims to support workforce stability and service delivery. My Department has also encouraged the development of innovative delivery models to better meet the needs of rural communities.\n\nMy Department will continue to work closely with Trusts to monitor service provision and identify actions to mitigate any adverse impacts, including those arising from funding changes, and to ensure that people living in rural areas can access safe and effective care within their own homes.","answerHtml":"My Department keeps under review the impact of funding allocations on the provision of homecare services across Northern Ireland, including in rural areas. This includes engagement with Health and Social Care Trusts, which are responsible for commissioning and delivering homecare services locally.
While no specific standalone assessment has been undertaken solely in relation to recent funding changes and rural homecare provision, my Department recognises that rural areas can face particular challenges. These include workforce recruitment and retention, travel times for care staff, and the geographic dispersal of service users, all of which can affect service capacity and delivery.
Health and Social Care Trusts have advised that funding pressures, alongside wider workforce issues, continue to impact the availability and flexibility of homecare services, with these challenges often more acute in rural locations. In response, my Department has sought to prioritise funding allocations to support frontline services, including homecare.
As part of the 2023/24 Winter Preparedness Plan, Trusts received recurrent funding of approximately £697,000 to establish Early Review Teams, aimed at ensuring homecare packages are regularly reviewed and that available care capacity is used as effectively as possible. Some of the Trusts enhanced capacity for early review teams and discharge co-ordination with the £10 Million repurposed funding in October 2025. This funding was to support Trusts with unscheduled care and improve ambulance turnaround times at Emergency Departments.
On 6 November 2025, the Executive approved a Ministerial Direction on 2025/26 pay, which enabled the implementation of the HSC pay award, costing up to £209 million. This aims to support workforce stability and service delivery. My Department has also encouraged the development of innovative delivery models to better meet the needs of rural communities.
My Department will continue to work closely with Trusts to monitor service provision and identify actions to mitigate any adverse impacts, including those arising from funding changes, and to ensure that people living in rural areas can access safe and effective care within their own homes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047575%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487650"}},{"id":"487649","reference":"AQW 47574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-07-20","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 domiciliary care staff who were made redundant as a result of recent funding changes.","answerText":"My Department contacted the five HSC Trusts regarding their in-house homecare services, and they have confirmed that no redundancies have been made as a result of recent funding changes.\n\nIn May, one independent homecare provider stated to the press that it “likely will pull out of homecare in some rural areas of Northern Ireland because it can no longer afford to provide it, due to failure of government to properly fund the independent care sector.” To date, my Department is not aware of any withdrawal of services in rural areas by this provider. Nor am I aware of any redundancies among independent sector providers.\n\nAs the Member will be aware, the Department of Health budget for the current financial year has not yet been finalised. However, following engagement with independent sector providers, my Department has written to each of the HSC Trusts to advise of an additional uplift to the 2026/27 rate to help address pressures arising from increases in employer National Insurance contributions.\n\nI remain committed to delivering the Real Living Wage for the independent social care sector in 2026/27 but I cannot confirm when an announcement will be made as I am still awaiting a confirmed budget.","answerHtml":"My Department contacted the five HSC Trusts regarding their in-house homecare services, and they have confirmed that no redundancies have been made as a result of recent funding changes.
In May, one independent homecare provider stated to the press that it “likely will pull out of homecare in some rural areas of Northern Ireland because it can no longer afford to provide it, due to failure of government to properly fund the independent care sector.” To date, my Department is not aware of any withdrawal of services in rural areas by this provider. Nor am I aware of any redundancies among independent sector providers.
As the Member will be aware, the Department of Health budget for the current financial year has not yet been finalised. However, following engagement with independent sector providers, my Department has written to each of the HSC Trusts to advise of an additional uplift to the 2026/27 rate to help address pressures arising from increases in employer National Insurance contributions.
I remain committed to delivering the Real Living Wage for the independent social care sector in 2026/27 but I cannot confirm when an announcement will be made as I am still awaiting a confirmed budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487649"}},{"id":"487399","reference":"AQW 47457/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-15","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 skills gap analysis that her Department has conducted, in anticipation of future offshore renewables development in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"A skills gap analysis for the offshore renewables sector will be undertaken by a sub-group of the employer led Green Skills Delivery Group. The sub-group is currently being established to include local employers from the sector. The findings will be submitted to the Department by the Green Skills Steering Group.","answerHtml":"A skills gap analysis for the offshore renewables sector will be undertaken by a sub-group of the employer led Green Skills Delivery Group. The sub-group is currently being established to include local employers from the sector. The findings will be submitted to the Department by the Green Skills Steering Group.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487399","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487399"}},{"id":"487398","reference":"AQW 47456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-15","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 actions her Department is taking to develop a skilled workforce for the offshore renewables sector.","answerText":"The Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) sets out the policy and processes needed to support offshore renewable energy development, including an Economic Growth objective focused on ensuring the sector has the skilled workforce it needs. This objective is being supported through the Green Skills delivery plan.\n\nA sub-group is being established within the Green Skills team in DfE, to include local employers, to help identify the current and future skills needs as well as any gaps in the current training provision. Other sectors are included in the exercise and once concluded the findings will be considered by the Green Skills Delivery Group.","answerHtml":"The Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) sets out the policy and processes needed to support offshore renewable energy development, including an Economic Growth objective focused on ensuring the sector has the skilled workforce it needs. This objective is being supported through the Green Skills delivery plan.
A sub-group is being established within the Green Skills team in DfE, to include local employers, to help identify the current and future skills needs as well as any gaps in the current training provision. Other sectors are included in the exercise and once concluded the findings will be considered by the Green Skills Delivery Group.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487398","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487398"}},{"id":"487397","reference":"AQW 47455/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-16","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 Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee scheme.","answerText":"At the Executive meeting of 26th March 2026, the Executive agreed the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme policy intent and to progress work on the Primary Bill required to implement the scheme.\n\nMy officials have now concluded work with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft the Primary Bill.\n\nThe newly titled Renewable Electricity Generation Bill has been issued to the Executive for consideration. Subject to Executive approval, the Bill will then be introduced to the Assembly.\n\nOnce the Primary Bill is in place, subordinate regulations will be taken forward to set out operational arrangements for the scheme.","answerHtml":"At the Executive meeting of 26th March 2026, the Executive agreed the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme policy intent and to progress work on the Primary Bill required to implement the scheme.
My officials have now concluded work with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft the Primary Bill.
The newly titled Renewable Electricity Generation Bill has been issued to the Executive for consideration. Subject to Executive approval, the Bill will then be introduced to the Assembly.
Once the Primary Bill is in place, subordinate regulations will be taken forward to set out operational arrangements for the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047455%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487397","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487397"}},{"id":"487396","reference":"AQW 47454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-02","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 an update on the Offshore Renewable Energy Installations Bill.","answerText":"My Department is aiming to introduce the Offshore Renewable Energy Installations Bill in the 2026/27 legislative programme, subject to the formal confirmation of that programme.","answerHtml":"My Department is aiming to introduce the Offshore Renewable Energy Installations Bill in the 2026/27 legislative programme, subject to the formal confirmation of that programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487396","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487396"}},{"id":"487023","reference":"AQO 3690/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill (NIA Bill 26/22-27).","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill was introduced to the Assembly on Tuesday 3 March. Second Stage took place on Monday 16 March. Committee Stage began on 18 March, with the Bill being referred to the Committee for Justice for scrutiny. The Committee launched a call for evidence on 31 March, which concluded on 22 May. The key purpose of the Bill is to improve the effectiveness and transparency of sentencing, and, in so doing, enhance confidence in sentencing decisions and the criminal justice system more widely. The Bill includes clauses to implement many of the recommendations arising from the last sentencing policy review, as well as the introduction of Charlotte's law and a statutory aggravator model for hate crime. Sentencing is one area of public policy that is constantly evolving. Therefore, on 14 January 2026, I launched a review of further sentencing policy issues to identify any legislative proposals that may be taken forward in the next mandate."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. You mentioned that this is an area of work that is constantly evolving. Can you provide an update on criminalising the creation or sharing of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"As Members will be aware, I had hoped to be able to do that at Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill for new offences to criminalise the creation or sharing of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images. Unfortunately, we were unable to do it via an LCM, which would have brought us into line with England and Wales. It would also have left us with a gap, given the structure of our own laws. Therefore, it is better that we do it locally and have the opportunity to scrutinise it here in the Assembly. As we have moved on into the drafting phase, however, it has become apparent that this is an exceptionally complex issue and that more time is needed to ensure a proportionate, robust and comprehensive response to addressing all aspects of that behaviour. Therefore, in the interests of ensuring the effective progression of the Justice Bill, I have decided to look at alternative options in the form of other legislative vehicles that will be available to me in bringing forward those proposals within the current mandate. That includes the potential to use the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill or, indeed, the victims and witnesses Bill."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203690%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487023","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-09&docID=488074#AQO%203690/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487023"}},{"id":"486142","reference":"AQW 46868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any other traffic calming measures her Department is currently considering within Loughbrickland, in addition to the proposed pedestrian crossing.","answerText":"A pedestrian crossing assessment at Main Street, Loughbrickland was carried out in March 2026 and unfortunately the location did not meet the threshold for further consideration.\n\nI can advise that officials are considering possible options to provide a pedestrian island as a safe crossing point on Main Street. If viable the scheme would improve road safety and act as a traffic calming feature.","answerHtml":"A pedestrian crossing assessment at Main Street, Loughbrickland was carried out in March 2026 and unfortunately the location did not meet the threshold for further consideration.
I can advise that officials are considering possible options to provide a pedestrian island as a safe crossing point on Main Street. If viable the scheme would improve road safety and act as a traffic calming feature.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486142"}},{"id":"486141","reference":"AQW 46867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-06-01","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 proposed pedestrian crossing in Loughbrickland.","answerText":"A pedestrian crossing assessment at Main Street, Loughbrickland was carried out in March 2026 and unfortunately the location did not meet the threshold for further consideration.\n\nI can advise that officials are considering possible options to provide a pedestrian island as a safe crossing point on Main Street. If viable the scheme would improve road safety and act as a traffic calming feature.","answerHtml":"A pedestrian crossing assessment at Main Street, Loughbrickland was carried out in March 2026 and unfortunately the location did not meet the threshold for further consideration.
I can advise that officials are considering possible options to provide a pedestrian island as a safe crossing point on Main Street. If viable the scheme would improve road safety and act as a traffic calming feature.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486141"}},{"id":"484577","reference":"AQW 46186/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessment that has been made of the cost of creating a free bus travel scheme for young people, as exists in Scotland.","answerText":"As part of the review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme in 2023, officials explored a number of options prior to launching the public consultation. These included the introduction of free travel for young people under the age of 24. While it was acknowledged that such a scheme could help reduce the financial burden of travel for young people, combat social isolation, and promote long-term sustainable travel habits, the proposal was not progressed further due to existing budgetary pressures on the concessionary fares programme. High level analysis indicates that such a proposal would cost a minimum of £21m p.a.\n\nTranslink currently offers free transport for children below 5 years old and half-fare transport concessions for young people aged 5-16 years. A range of commercially discounted products designed to encourage modal shift to public transport are also available such as the yLink card which currently offers a 50% discount on both bus and rail services throughout the North and on cross-border services for young people aged 16-23 years.\n\nAs of May 2026, it has been just under two years since bus fares last went up in the North.\n\nI took the decision to freeze public transport fares in the context of continuing cost of living pressures and to provide certainty to passengers. With fuel prices remaining high, I did not believe it would be right to increase fares and place further pressure on households who rely on buses and trains every day, including young people\n\nKeeping fares stable helps support people at a challenging time and ensures public transport remains an affordable option for all.\n\nI will continue to engage with Translink as budgets are developed to manage financial pressures responsibly within the funding available.","answerHtml":"As part of the review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme in 2023, officials explored a number of options prior to launching the public consultation. These included the introduction of free travel for young people under the age of 24. While it was acknowledged that such a scheme could help reduce the financial burden of travel for young people, combat social isolation, and promote long-term sustainable travel habits, the proposal was not progressed further due to existing budgetary pressures on the concessionary fares programme. High level analysis indicates that such a proposal would cost a minimum of £21m p.a.
Translink currently offers free transport for children below 5 years old and half-fare transport concessions for young people aged 5-16 years. A range of commercially discounted products designed to encourage modal shift to public transport are also available such as the yLink card which currently offers a 50% discount on both bus and rail services throughout the North and on cross-border services for young people aged 16-23 years.
As of May 2026, it has been just under two years since bus fares last went up in the North.
I took the decision to freeze public transport fares in the context of continuing cost of living pressures and to provide certainty to passengers. With fuel prices remaining high, I did not believe it would be right to increase fares and place further pressure on households who rely on buses and trains every day, including young people
Keeping fares stable helps support people at a challenging time and ensures public transport remains an affordable option for all.
I will continue to engage with Translink as budgets are developed to manage financial pressures responsibly within the funding available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046186%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484577"}},{"id":"484344","reference":"AQW 46087/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-12","answerBy":"2026-05-15","answered":"2026-05-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice (i) for an update on the Review of Sentencing Policy; and (ii) whether it will include a framework for rural arson as a type of environmental crime.","answerText":"(i) Preliminary research is currently underway into the topics within the scope of the Review, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department also met for the first time on 22 April.\n\nAny policy proposals developed by the Review will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate. Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on any such policy proposals will take place in 2027.\n\n(ii) The Review of Sentencing Policy will consider the sentencing framework for environmental crime. This aspect of the Review will be led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which has lead policy responsibility for this issue.\n\nDAERA’s Wildfire Strategic Framework Action Plan sets out 35 actions, including the examination of existing legislation in Northern Ireland that could result in prosecution for starting wildfires and taking forward appropriate legislative changes as required. The work flowing from this Action Plan in relation to rural arson will be taken forward as part of the Sentencing Review.","answerHtml":"(i) Preliminary research is currently underway into the topics within the scope of the Review, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department also met for the first time on 22 April.
Any policy proposals developed by the Review will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate. Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on any such policy proposals will take place in 2027.
(ii) The Review of Sentencing Policy will consider the sentencing framework for environmental crime. This aspect of the Review will be led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which has lead policy responsibility for this issue.
DAERA’s Wildfire Strategic Framework Action Plan sets out 35 actions, including the examination of existing legislation in Northern Ireland that could result in prosecution for starting wildfires and taking forward appropriate legislative changes as required. The work flowing from this Action Plan in relation to rural arson will be taken forward as part of the Sentencing Review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046087%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484344"}},{"id":"483646","reference":"AQO 3558/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-18","answered":"2026-05-18","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 assessment of the environmental damage caused by recent wildfires in the Mournes.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"It was absolutely devastating to witness the recent spate of wildfires across our landscapes, including the Mournes. Using satellite imagery, we can estimate the extent of the area in the Mournes that was impacted on by the wildfires. Initial estimates are that the fire to the north of Bloody Bridge extended to approximately 93 hectares; the fire to the south of Bloody Bridge extended to approximately 726 hectares; and the fire in the western Mournes extended to approximately 1,339 hectares. We will have to wait for a period to see how badly the habitat itself has been impacted on. There is likely to be a regrowth of vegetation in most places over the next year or two, but we will have to see whether species composition is adversely affected in relation to the expected condition of the site and whether intervention measures will be needed. Over that period, we will also be able to get an indication of whether any areas have been severely damaged and seed bank lost. In such areas, additional measures may be needed to ensure that the vegetation recovers."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. What work is ongoing to prevent future fires in our natural environment? What actions is the Minister taking to promote the recovery of nature and the environment? Will the Minister meet stakeholders in the Mournes in order to see at first hand some of the effects of the fires?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I have been really clear that the work to prevent wildfires in the Mournes and elsewhere has to be a collective endeavour. That is why I recently launched the wildfire action plan, which will run to 2030, as part of the strategic framework that we launched last year to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires. The action plan focuses on five main objectives: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement. Those strategic objectives are supported by 35 areas of development as part of the action plan, which should ensure regional capability to better address wildfires in Northern Ireland. As part of the implementation, DAERA recently appointed a consortium of international wildfire experts to deliver a range of wildfire mitigation and management work across Northern Ireland, including wildfire management and response plans in the Mournes. It is important that I thank the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for its work in extremely challenging circumstances alongside many other agencies, including my officials, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and relevant organisations in the Mournes, particularly the Mourne Heritage Trust and the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team. The most important action that we can all take is that, if we know anyone who is deliberately lighting malicious fires, to report that information to the police or Crimestoppers. I would be delighted to accept the Member's invitation to come down to the area."},{"speaker":"Mr McAleer","text":"Given that the areas in question are areas of natural constraint (ANCs), has the Minister given any further consideration to the implementation of an ANC scheme to support grazing livestock as a land management tool in those areas to prevent the risk of wildfires in the future?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"In the action plan, we set out a number of actions related to how we can better support our farming community. Farming with Nature is our key intervention in that regard. I note that the Bill that the Member proposed does not have any conditionality associated with the issues that he seeks to address, and the Committee will want to explore that to ensure that the Bill also drives forward those public goods."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"Minister, discussion of the issues often leads to discussions about wildfires, but it is important to make the point that cases such as the recent fires in the Mournes are rural arson and are a crime. We need to continue to use that language. We are also keen to hear what steps have been taken by you and the Justice Minister to tackle that issue, make an example of people and get justice, because, until we see some repercussions, the fires will continue and areas will be devastated. This is only May; it is only the start of the summer season in the Mournes."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Member is right: we should not normalise that behaviour. It is rural arson, and that is why I have been consistent in encouraging people who are aware of anyone who is deliberately lighting malicious fires to report that to the police or Crimestoppers. They are not only damaging our environment but putting lives and livelihoods at risk, and it is important that we bring people to justice for that. In the action plan, there is a review of enforcement. We already have legislation in place, and we need to look at sentencing. That is one of the measures that will be considered, but, most fundamentally, here and now, people need to come forward with information. It is really concerning to me, particularly the risk to life."},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I concur with the previous remarks about them not being wildfires and how we really should stop calling them that. Every time they occur — they have been occurring for many years — Minister after Minister trots down to Newcastle, points up at the fires, promises everything and stands alongside the firefighters, but, obviously, nothing is helping: year after year, the fires keep happening. Minister, what material decisions have been taken that will make a difference next year?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I mentioned in my answers the strategic framework and the action plan, but we have to do this together, Colin. It has to be a collective effort. As the Member rightly says, it is rural arson, but, that being the case, why are people not coming forward with information so that we can get people into court? We need to change attitudes to the acceptability of such behaviour, because it is not acceptable. People could lose their lives, homes are at risk and people are living in fear. I have had significant engagement with people and have put a lot of effort into that. Earlier today, I had questions about planning performance. We have limited resources and are trying to balance those. We have put resources into tackling the fires, but it has to be a collective effort: the Fire and Rescue Service, the police and other bodies have a role to play."},{"speaker":"","text":"We will therefore continue to implement the action plan. If we get additional resources, we will look at what more we can do to move at a faster pace. As I said, we have also appointed international wildfire experts to deliver wildfire management plans. I am trying my best. It could be argued that a lot of the stuff that I am getting involved in is often the responsibility of another Department, but that is not what I am seeking to say. Instead, I am fronting up and trying to show leadership on what is a real issue. I know the concerns of local residents, particularly in the Mournes. Wildfires should not be occurring. People have been on the phone to me in tears, worried about their home, and that is not right. When good weather comes along, I say to anyone who intends going down there to light a fire to wise up. Do not do it. I also ask people, when there are fires, not to engage in wildfire tourism, because we then have a situation in which many people come to the area. It is very difficult for the agencies that are trying to fight wildfires to do so when people are on the mountains."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We will move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203558%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483646","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-05-18&docID=484601#AQO%203558/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483646"}},{"id":"483054","reference":"AQW 45531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-28","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 the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have taken to develop its response to upland fires, in the last 10 years.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is a key member of the National Fire Chiefs Councils Strategic Wildfire Group. The group’s aim is to provide best and innovative practice towards the preparedness, collaborative working, and response ability of UKFRS response to wildfires.\n\nNIFRS monitor emerging wildfire risks through professional engagement, environmental awareness and shared learning, supporting forward planning and readiness, including its contribution to the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Framework and Action Plan 2025–2030.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is a key member of the National Fire Chiefs Councils Strategic Wildfire Group. The group’s aim is to provide best and innovative practice towards the preparedness, collaborative working, and response ability of UKFRS response to wildfires.
NIFRS monitor emerging wildfire risks through professional engagement, environmental awareness and shared learning, supporting forward planning and readiness, including its contribution to the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Framework and Action Plan 2025–2030.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483054","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483054"}},{"id":"483053","reference":"AQW 45530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration has been given to establishing schemes that involve partnership working with farmers and landowners to support practical responses to upland fires.","answerText":"Partnership working between the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and farmers and landowners is longstanding.\n\nThe Environmental Farming Scheme, Forest Expansion Grant Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme support land management practices that can help reduce wildfire risk. In addition, the Wildfires in Northern Ireland Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2025–2030 emphasise the importance of collaboration between landowners, farmers, statutory agencies, and local communities.","answerHtml":"Partnership working between the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and farmers and landowners is longstanding.
The Environmental Farming Scheme, Forest Expansion Grant Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme support land management practices that can help reduce wildfire risk. In addition, the Wildfires in Northern Ireland Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2025–2030 emphasise the importance of collaboration between landowners, farmers, statutory agencies, and local communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483053","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483053"}},{"id":"483052","reference":"AQW 45529/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-05","answerBy":"2026-05-20","answered":"2026-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQO 3502/22-27, whether any assessment has been made of the scale of challenge to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service that upland fires, such as those in the Mournes, represent.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has assessed upland wildfires as a significant and growing operational challenge.\n\nThese incidents are often seasonal, prolonged, and resourceintensive, taking place in remote terrain and requiring specialist skills and equipment. NIFRS keeps this risk under review and continues to enhance its capability through training, equipment, planning, multiagency working and a focus on prevention.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has assessed upland wildfires as a significant and growing operational challenge.
These incidents are often seasonal, prolonged, and resourceintensive, taking place in remote terrain and requiring specialist skills and equipment. NIFRS keeps this risk under review and continues to enhance its capability through training, equipment, planning, multiagency working and a focus on prevention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045529%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483052","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483052"}},{"id":"482778","reference":"AQW 45399/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-13","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 undertake a review of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service response to the recent landscape fires in the Mournes.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded effectively and professionally to the recent landscape fires demonstrating commitment, skill and resilience in protecting life, property and the environment.\n\nAs with all significant operational events, NIFRS conduct structured post-incident debriefs and lessons-learned processes to ensure that any learning is identified and applied. As NIFRS sponsor, my Department engages with NIFRS to ensure capability, resilience and value for money continue to be optimised.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded effectively and professionally to the recent landscape fires demonstrating commitment, skill and resilience in protecting life, property and the environment.
As with all significant operational events, NIFRS conduct structured post-incident debriefs and lessons-learned processes to ensure that any learning is identified and applied. As NIFRS sponsor, my Department engages with NIFRS to ensure capability, resilience and value for money continue to be optimised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045399%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482778"}},{"id":"482777","reference":"AQW 45398/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any actions his Department is taking to help revitalise Rathfriland.","answerText":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more. As Rathfriland has a population of less than 5,000, it can not avail of those schemes.\n\nHowever, my Department worked in partnership with DAERA and DFI to deliver additional funding to Councils under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. As part of this programme, Rathfriland is benefitting from a £572k Environmental Improvement Scheme which will enhance the streetscape by upgrading the public realm in the town centre. Construction works commenced in March 2026 and are currently ongoing.","answerHtml":"My Department works collaboratively with Councils to deliver Urban Regeneration projects with a policy focus on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more. As Rathfriland has a population of less than 5,000, it can not avail of those schemes.
However, my Department worked in partnership with DAERA and DFI to deliver additional funding to Councils under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. As part of this programme, Rathfriland is benefitting from a £572k Environmental Improvement Scheme which will enhance the streetscape by upgrading the public realm in the town centre. Construction works commenced in March 2026 and are currently ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045398%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482777","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482777"}},{"id":"482776","reference":"AQW 45397/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether all Tenancy Starter Packs ordered for Housing Executive tenants are being delivered within five working days.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 44229/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 44229/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045397%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482776"}},{"id":"482775","reference":"AQW 45396/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","answered":"2026-05-19","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 Tenancy Starter Packs delivered to Housing Executive tenants through their Tenancy Starter Packs Service, since 1 July 2025, broken down by local council area.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 44228/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 44228/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045396%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482775","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482775"}},{"id":"484268","reference":"AQO 3545/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-30","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-12","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 Review of Sentencing Policy.","answerText":"AQO 3545-22-27\n\nI launched a further Review of Sentencing Policy on 14 January, to complement the introduction of the Sentencing Bill, and to consider the need to develop future legislation in respect of emerging sentencing issues.\n\nThe Review will consider the sentencing framework for a range of offences, sentencing guideline mechanisms and developments in other jurisdictions. Preliminary research is currently underway into these topics, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. Policy leads will also engage with operational partners and key stakeholders as part of the policy development process. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department met for the first time on 22 April.\n\nAny proposals will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate.\n\nSubject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on policy proposals arising from the Review will take place in 2027.","answerHtml":"AQO 3545-22-27
I launched a further Review of Sentencing Policy on 14 January, to complement the introduction of the Sentencing Bill, and to consider the need to develop future legislation in respect of emerging sentencing issues.
The Review will consider the sentencing framework for a range of offences, sentencing guideline mechanisms and developments in other jurisdictions. Preliminary research is currently underway into these topics, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. Policy leads will also engage with operational partners and key stakeholders as part of the policy development process. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department met for the first time on 22 April.
Any proposals will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate.
Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on policy proposals arising from the Review will take place in 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203545%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484268","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484268"}},{"id":"482537","reference":"AQO 3511/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-30","answerBy":"2026-05-11","answered":"2026-05-11","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 reviewing and updating the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)","text":"As an Executive, we are committed to delivering what matters most to communities, including tackling racial inequality, eradicating racism and promoting good race relations. As part of that, a comprehensive review of the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 has been completed, alongside a public consultation. The resulting policy proposals, which are substantial and, in some cases, complex, are under consideration. In parallel, a 12-week public consultation on a draft framework for race relations and associated delivery plan commenced in March of this year. All of that work reinforces our commitment to building a better future where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, can thrive and contribute meaningfully with a genuine sense of belonging."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Have all of the Ministers in the Executive Office now agreed on what form that update will take?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. Yes, that has been circulated to all Ministers, who have scrutinised it. It is complex, and there are a significant number of technical amendments to it. The idea behind it was to make sure that we were not going to continue to fall behind some of the legislative changes elsewhere across the United Kingdom. That has been examined in detail. Some of them, as I have said, are very technical, and we are working through those at the moment. There has been, as the Member will be aware, a very firm commitment to doing everything that we can to support eliminating racism and to support people, no matter what background they are from and what they are. This is only one part of a number of different initiatives that we have been driving forward from the Executive Office."},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"Deputy First Minister, we have witnessed racism and sectarian attacks, whether they have been in Derry, north Belfast, Larne or Ballymena. Can you, as deputy First Minister, ensure that a refreshed approach to race relations will be effective in building a society free from racism, sectarianism and, indeed, xenophobia?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Thank you. It is really important that this House stands together and sends that clear message against all of those things. We know that racism, sectarianism and that type of prejudice blight lives and ruin communities. There are social cohesion issues. Communities need support, and we must be there to support them in trying to make sure that everyone in that community can have that brighter future. There are significant opportunities with the drafting of the revised Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) good relations strategy — T:BUC 2. We are looking at that, not only to extend it across the traditional communities here in Northern Ireland but to ensure that it is in the mainstream and that good race relations are embedded in the strategy and delivery framework."},{"speaker":"Mr Frew","text":"On the topic of race relations and, indeed, the concentration of immigration, can the deputy First Minister update the House on her recent engagement with communities in Ballymena that were affected by last year's summer disorder and advise what practical support TEO is considering?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his important question. We saw significant disruption last summer in his constituency, in the Ballymena area. It is incredibly important that we get out and speak to people who live and work in those communities about their issues and concerns. I believe that people are sick, sick, sick of not being listened to by their elected representatives, not just in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom. It is important that all of us get out. I thank the Member for bringing me out on the ground in Ballymena, speaking to organisations, including women's groups and community organisations, and young people, and listening to the issues that really matter to them. We need to wake up and listen to the fact that people have genuine concerns about social cohesion. People are absolutely sick, not only of not being listened to but of being called racist or being dismissed when they are articulating genuinely held concerns. We need to listen to people and step up to that challenge, and, working with my colleague, I am determined to do so."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203511%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482537","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-05-11&docID=483368#AQO%203511/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482537"}},{"id":"482290","reference":"AQW 45150/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-29","answerBy":"2026-05-15","answered":"2026-05-18","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 his Department is taking to improve access to children's autism services in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The Department is working closely with Health and Social Care Trusts across the region, including the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who are implementing a range of coordinated and localised strategies across children and young people’s and adult’s services to address increasing demand for autism assessments and thereby reduce waiting times. These actions include:\n\nReviewing and refining assessment pathways to reduce clinical time per case while maintaining quality, aligned to NICE guidelines.\n\nUsing non-recurring funding identified via Trust waiting list initiatives to commission additional assessments, including through independent sector providers where possible.\n\nApplying the Emotional Health and Wellbeing referral form across Children’s Services to support appropriate referrals and early triage.\n\nUndertaking local quality improvement projects to streamline processes and optimise clinical capacity.\n\nParticipating in regional forums to address demand-capacity challenges and help standardise pathways.","answerHtml":"The Department is working closely with Health and Social Care Trusts across the region, including the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who are implementing a range of coordinated and localised strategies across children and young people’s and adult’s services to address increasing demand for autism assessments and thereby reduce waiting times. These actions include:
Reviewing and refining assessment pathways to reduce clinical time per case while maintaining quality, aligned to NICE guidelines.
Using non-recurring funding identified via Trust waiting list initiatives to commission additional assessments, including through independent sector providers where possible.
Applying the Emotional Health and Wellbeing referral form across Children’s Services to support appropriate referrals and early triage.
Undertaking local quality improvement projects to streamline processes and optimise clinical capacity.
Participating in regional forums to address demand-capacity challenges and help standardise pathways.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045150%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482290"}},{"id":"481805","reference":"AQW 44921/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service investigate and ascertain the cause of a landscape fire.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service investigate the cause of landscape fires through the collection and analysis of evidence available at the scene. This includes consideration of various elements, such as fire spread patterns, witness information, land use, the presence of ignition sources and any indications of deliberate or antisocial behaviour.\n\nBased on all evidence collated, the Officer in Charge will assess the information available and will form an opinion as to the most probable cause of the fire. Any such assessment is not definitive, and the decision may be revised, should any further evidence pertaining to the event become available.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service investigate the cause of landscape fires through the collection and analysis of evidence available at the scene. This includes consideration of various elements, such as fire spread patterns, witness information, land use, the presence of ignition sources and any indications of deliberate or antisocial behaviour.
Based on all evidence collated, the Officer in Charge will assess the information available and will form an opinion as to the most probable cause of the fire. Any such assessment is not definitive, and the decision may be revised, should any further evidence pertaining to the event become available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044921%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481805","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481805"}},{"id":"481804","reference":"AQW 44920/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any resources deployed by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in response to landscape fires in the Mournes in April 2026.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service resources deployed in direct response to relation to gorse and grassland major and secondary fire incidents in the Mournes in the month of April 2026 are set out in the table below.\n\nFire Fighters\t981\nAttending Officers\t128\nManual Technicians\t2\nEmergency Support Personnel\t6\nPumping Appliances\t180\n*Specialist Resources\t379\n\n* Includes: off road vehicles, mobile command support units, water tankers, specialist tactical advisors, specialist Burn Teams, command and control officers.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service resources deployed in direct response to relation to gorse and grassland major and secondary fire incidents in the Mournes in the month of April 2026 are set out in the table below.
| Fire Fighters | 981 |
| Attending Officers | 128 |
| Manual Technicians | 2 |
| Emergency Support Personnel | 6 |
| Pumping Appliances | 180 |
| *Specialist Resources | 379 |
* Includes: off road vehicles, mobile command support units, water tankers, specialist tactical advisors, specialist Burn Teams, command and control officers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044920%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481804","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481804"}},{"id":"479739","reference":"AQW 43881/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-14","answerBy":"2026-04-29","answered":"2026-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the total amount spent as a result of employment disputes involving employees of Sport NI between 2013 and 2026.","answerText":"The interim Chief Operating Officer of Sport NI has advised me that;\n\n“All payments made as a result of employment disputes are reported in the organisation’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, which are audited each year by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.\n\nOver the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2024, the total amount of payments made as a result of employment disputes was £32,000, being a payment to settle a Fair Employment Tribunal claim as disclosed in the Audited Accounts for the 2014-15 year.\n\nThe Audited Accounts for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 years will be published in due course.”","answerHtml":"The interim Chief Operating Officer of Sport NI has advised me that;
“All payments made as a result of employment disputes are reported in the organisation’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, which are audited each year by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Over the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2024, the total amount of payments made as a result of employment disputes was £32,000, being a payment to settle a Fair Employment Tribunal claim as disclosed in the Audited Accounts for the 2014-15 year.
The Audited Accounts for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 years will be published in due course.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043881%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479739"}},{"id":"479738","reference":"AQW 43880/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-14","answerBy":"2026-04-29","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department is planning a review of elective care in Downe Hospital.","answerText":"There are currently no plans to undertake a review of elective care at Downe Hospital.\n\nDowne Hospital plays a vital role in our hospital network. It provides a range of outpatient, diagnostics and day procedure services, including cataract surgery, some general surgery procedures and some Electroconvulsive Therapy related procedures.\n\nThe Day Procedure Centre for cataract surgery at Downe Hospital has had a hugely positive impact on waiting times. This Day Procedure Centre is recognised as a centre of excellence, currently delivering seven theatre sessions each week, with in-reach independent sector support at weekends when possible. We can expect upwards of 2,350 cataract surgeries to be delivered from Downe theatres in 2026/27. In addition to cataract, the ophthalmology medical and nursing teams also deliver glaucoma, and oculoplastic theatre lists on site.\n\nThe wider strategic framework for elective care is set out in the Elective Care Framework (ECF), which lays out the roadmap for tackling waiting lists on a sustainable basis, subject to the necessary funding. My Department continues to scrutinise activity and efficiency at all Health and Social Care sites.","answerHtml":"There are currently no plans to undertake a review of elective care at Downe Hospital.
Downe Hospital plays a vital role in our hospital network. It provides a range of outpatient, diagnostics and day procedure services, including cataract surgery, some general surgery procedures and some Electroconvulsive Therapy related procedures.
The Day Procedure Centre for cataract surgery at Downe Hospital has had a hugely positive impact on waiting times. This Day Procedure Centre is recognised as a centre of excellence, currently delivering seven theatre sessions each week, with in-reach independent sector support at weekends when possible. We can expect upwards of 2,350 cataract surgeries to be delivered from Downe theatres in 2026/27. In addition to cataract, the ophthalmology medical and nursing teams also deliver glaucoma, and oculoplastic theatre lists on site.
The wider strategic framework for elective care is set out in the Elective Care Framework (ECF), which lays out the roadmap for tackling waiting lists on a sustainable basis, subject to the necessary funding. My Department continues to scrutinise activity and efficiency at all Health and Social Care sites.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043880%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479738","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479738"}},{"id":"479364","reference":"AQW 43744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-28","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 interim measures to address the risk of flooding in Downpatrick.","answerText":"Work is ongoing to successfully establish a RCRG group for Downpatrick. Senior DfI officials met the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group in 2025 and provided an update on the Downpatrick Feasibility Study, as well as outlining how the Department continues to manage flood risk in Downpatrick through its inspection and maintenance regimes and storm preparedness arrangements.\n\nDuring periods of severe weather, my Department implements well established procedures to monitor conditions in the Downpatrick area, including the Quoile River and its associated drainage systems. Engineers are routinely monitoring river levels, rainfall forecasts and catchment response, with operational staff deployed locally as required to support the management of water levels. These arrangements help ensure that emerging issues can be identified promptly and that appropriate actions can be taken in line with established flood response plans.\n\nMy Department maintains a 24hour Duty Officer and Flooding Officer rota, providing yearround resilience and ensuring that staff are available at all times to coordinate any necessary response. In addition, routine inspection of drainage infrastructure across the Downpatrick area continues to be undertaken to help ensure that the river drainage network remains clear and capable of conveying flows effectively. Where inspections identify a blockage that significantly impedes the free flow of water, or drainage infrastructure is in unsatisfactory condition, the necessary works will be programmed and undertaken as resources and conditions permit.","answerHtml":"Work is ongoing to successfully establish a RCRG group for Downpatrick. Senior DfI officials met the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group in 2025 and provided an update on the Downpatrick Feasibility Study, as well as outlining how the Department continues to manage flood risk in Downpatrick through its inspection and maintenance regimes and storm preparedness arrangements.
During periods of severe weather, my Department implements well established procedures to monitor conditions in the Downpatrick area, including the Quoile River and its associated drainage systems. Engineers are routinely monitoring river levels, rainfall forecasts and catchment response, with operational staff deployed locally as required to support the management of water levels. These arrangements help ensure that emerging issues can be identified promptly and that appropriate actions can be taken in line with established flood response plans.
My Department maintains a 24hour Duty Officer and Flooding Officer rota, providing yearround resilience and ensuring that staff are available at all times to coordinate any necessary response. In addition, routine inspection of drainage infrastructure across the Downpatrick area continues to be undertaken to help ensure that the river drainage network remains clear and capable of conveying flows effectively. Where inspections identify a blockage that significantly impedes the free flow of water, or drainage infrastructure is in unsatisfactory condition, the necessary works will be programmed and undertaken as resources and conditions permit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479364"}},{"id":"479363","reference":"AQW 43743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-13","answerBy":"2026-04-28","answered":"2026-04-28","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 flood alleviation scheme for Downpatrick.","answerText":"Work is currently progressing on the business case for the proposed Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Scheme. This includes detailed cost analysis to help support the assessment of the project’s effectiveness and value for money. The findings will be incorporated into the business case, which we aim to have a draft complete for consideration in early May 2026.","answerHtml":"Work is currently progressing on the business case for the proposed Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Scheme. This includes detailed cost analysis to help support the assessment of the project’s effectiveness and value for money. The findings will be incorporated into the business case, which we aim to have a draft complete for consideration in early May 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=479363","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=479363"}},{"id":"480847","reference":"AQO 3449/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-26","answerBy":"2026-04-21","answered":"2026-04-21","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 her Department’s efforts to develop citizen energy communities, which contribute to renewable energy production, as referenced in her Ministerial Statement on 2 March 2026.","answerText":"The development of citizen energy communities is an important part of my Department’s Energy Strategy and our commitment to putting people at the heart of the energy transition.\n\nAs I set out in my Ministerial Statement on 2 March 2026, here in the North we have taken a leadership role in the BritishIrish Council Energy Work Sector on the theme of Public Acceptance. This includes supporting opportunities for citizens and communities to participate directly in local energy generation and consumption, increasing renewable energy use while delivering social and economic benefits at a local level.\n\nFollowing the BritishIrish Council Energy Ministerial meeting in February, my officials are actively working with colleagues across the member administrations to share learning and best practice on community and citizenled energy initiatives, and to explore how barriers to delivery can be addressed.\n\nMy Department is considering how citizen energy communities can support the wider delivery of the Energy Strategy, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels, tackling energy poverty and supporting a just transition.","answerHtml":"The development of citizen energy communities is an important part of my Department’s Energy Strategy and our commitment to putting people at the heart of the energy transition.
As I set out in my Ministerial Statement on 2 March 2026, here in the North we have taken a leadership role in the BritishIrish Council Energy Work Sector on the theme of Public Acceptance. This includes supporting opportunities for citizens and communities to participate directly in local energy generation and consumption, increasing renewable energy use while delivering social and economic benefits at a local level.
Following the BritishIrish Council Energy Ministerial meeting in February, my officials are actively working with colleagues across the member administrations to share learning and best practice on community and citizenled energy initiatives, and to explore how barriers to delivery can be addressed.
My Department is considering how citizen energy communities can support the wider delivery of the Energy Strategy, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels, tackling energy poverty and supporting a just transition.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203449%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480847","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480847"}},{"id":"478048","reference":"AQO 3410/22-27","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 to outline any action he is taking to improve land management in the Mournes to prevent wildfires.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"On 2 April, I launched the wildfire action plan to accompany 'Wildfires in Northern Ireland: Strategic Framework 2025-2030'. The action plan contains time-bound actions for each of the 35 key areas of development identified in the strategic framework, covering strategic objectives of wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement. The actions will be delivered collectively across a range of wildfire stakeholders. Key actions in the plan that will assist with land management in the Mournes include developing wildfire management and response plans for the eastern Mournes area of special scientific interest (ASSI) and special area of conservation (SAC); developing guidance about land management practices that would reduce the likelihood and impact of wildfires; and ensuring that wildfire awareness and management courses are available. Some of that work has already been initiated. For example, my Department recently appointed a consortium of international wildfire experts to deliver a range of wildfire mitigation and management work across Northern Ireland, including wildfire management and response plans for the eastern Mournes. The project will involve engagement with local landowners and a range of stakeholders, including the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Northern Ireland Water, Forest Service and other stakeholders and NGOs. To further assist the landscapes of the Mournes, my Department is supporting a range of projects to restore its peatlands, control erosion, repair paths and assist with wildfire recovery from previous fires. Alongside land management, I am very keen to enhance enforcement for rural arson, and I advise and urge that if anyone sees someone lighting such fires in the countryside, they should report it immediately to the police."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister for his answer. What difference will the wildfire recovery project, led by the Pau Costa Foundation, make to the Mournes?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Andy. The project will produce plans that will lead to increased resilience to wildfires in the Mournes and reduce the risk of significant wildfire spread. That will provide benefits for the biodiversity, landscape, land managers and recreational users of the Mournes. Specific outcomes will include detailed wildfire management plans for the eastern Mournes ASSI and SAC, based on the ecology of the Mournes, the wildfire risk assessment and wildfire spread modelling, which will inform interventions. That will be combined with a complementary emergency response plan to assist with wildfire response should such incidents occur. Similar work will be undertaken in the Western Mournes and Kilfeaghan Upper ASSI to advise on interventions. An investigation will also be undertaken to gain insights into the drivers and causes of wildfires across the Mournes."},{"speaker":"Mrs Mason","text":"I thank the Minister for that information, and I acknowledge the work that is being done in such an important area. Does he agree that the introduction of an areas with natural constraints scheme could support improved land management in the Mournes and help to reduce the risk of wildfires through better grazing practices and sustainable upland maintenance?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I am conscious that a private Member's Bill is going through its scrutiny process, and I know that the AERA Committee will actively engage in that regard. There is a case for conditionality to be associated with those payments in order to drive towards the desired outcomes. The key intervention that will assist with the issues that the Member outlined is the Farming with Nature package. We are continuing to roll that out in Northern Ireland, and it is important that we do that."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"I thank the Minister for his update. Hardly a year goes past without a serious wildfire incident in the Mournes, and those are devastating. I want to ask the Minister about the response plan that he mentioned. Quite often, when wildfires start, we see them in the distance, and they do not appear to be that big, but the rate at which they progress is fast and difficult to contain. The Minister talked about the response plan and other emergency services. When I have seen fires as I have been driving along, I have called 999, but the response from the call handler and the police is to ask where the incident is, what road it is on, where they will connect to water and how the fire engine will get to the location. However, members of the public do not know that. Is there something in the response plan that will feed that information back down, so that, when members of the public see a fire, someone can explain it, get connected to water and deal with the incident earlier?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Diane. That is a constructive comment, which I will take back to my colleagues and to the Fire and Rescue Service. A key element of the wider action plan is a community response, because the community will know the situation on the ground, and, collectively, we can be much stronger in how we turn a situation around. I will take that back. The weather is starting to improve, and that is when worries arise about the risk of wildfires in Northern Ireland. We are all united in our message today, which is to urge people to be cautious in the countryside. If anyone is aware of someone deliberately setting malicious fires, I urge them to report that to the police. That behaviour harms our environment but also puts people, their houses and their businesses at risk."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Minister, you published the wildfire action plan earlier this month, and there is a pledge to look at existing legislation to deal with those who start wildfires. You touched on enforcement: what measures are you considering, and are you going to be harsher on those who are found guilty of engaging in and starting wildfires? Secondly, do you have a timescale for the overall work?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Patsy. The action plan, which is on the Department's website, sets out the various actions that we are going to take forward. We can take those forward at a faster pace if we have the resources to do so; that links to budget and resourcing. There are two fundamental actions that can be taken on enforcement. First, where people are aware of cases that could result in enforcement action, it is about them reporting those promptly and being prepared to give witness statements. Secondly, we have committed to looking at the relevant legislation, and we will review its effectiveness. We need to ascertain whether the legislation needs to be changed or whether we need to do more to encourage people to come forward to give evidence, so that we can bring cases to trial."},{"speaker":"Mr Carroll","text":"The Minister will be aware that there have been wildfires in the Black Mountain area in my constituency over the past few years. How will his strategy and action plan take that area and other mountainous locations into consideration?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Good work is being done in the Belfast hills by environmental organisations, and I thank them for that, because that helps us with the management of those areas. It is important to say that a number of the actions in the wildfire action plan cut across the whole of Northern Ireland. I am very conscious of the impact that wildfires have had. They have been in the news, they have affected local communities, and we need to build resilience. The issues that are associated with wildfires in Northern Ireland are not unconnected with the issue of climate change. Weather patterns are changing, and places are more susceptible to wildfires. That is why we also want to take action in relation to climate change, and it is why we have published a climate adaptation plan for Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"","text":"It is the first one in the UK that involves non-governmental organisations working with government. It is a collective approach. We also need to take action through the climate action plan for Northern Ireland. It is important that we recognise that."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203410%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478048","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-20&docID=480111#AQO%203410/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478048"}},{"id":"476855","reference":"AQO 3381/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any actions she is taking to support homeowners in unadopted developments that were constructed before January 2024, where the developer has gone out of business and existing bonds are insufficient to bring the development up to adoptable standard.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203381%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476855","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-13&docID=477835#AQO%203381/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476855"}},{"id":"492257","reference":"AQO 3370/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-06-23","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 the reasons why it has taken two years, from the restoration of the Executive in February 2024, to begin consultation on a draft Framework for Race Relations.","answerText":"We are pleased to have commenced a public consultation on the draft Framework for Race Relations and associated two-year Delivery Plan.\n\nIn doing so, it was important that we took into account the progress and learning from the delivery of the previous Racial Equality Strategy to inform our approach, and an independent review was completed.\n\nIt was equally important that the strategy was informed by stakeholders and those with lived experience.\n\nWork has therefore been ongoing over the past two years including:\n\nA public Call for Views;\n\nA visioning day with the Racial Equality Subgroup;\n\nWorkshops with the Traveller and Roma Thematic Groups;\n\nExtensive engagement with departments, counterparts in other jurisdictions and statutory bodies; and\n\nthe commissioning of a wider society research piece to determine the drivers of racism.\n\nCollectively, these were important foundations in setting strategic direction before public consultation could commence.","answerHtml":"We are pleased to have commenced a public consultation on the draft Framework for Race Relations and associated two-year Delivery Plan.
In doing so, it was important that we took into account the progress and learning from the delivery of the previous Racial Equality Strategy to inform our approach, and an independent review was completed.
It was equally important that the strategy was informed by stakeholders and those with lived experience.
Work has therefore been ongoing over the past two years including:
A public Call for Views;
A visioning day with the Racial Equality Subgroup;
Workshops with the Traveller and Roma Thematic Groups;
Extensive engagement with departments, counterparts in other jurisdictions and statutory bodies; and
the commissioning of a wider society research piece to determine the drivers of racism.
Collectively, these were important foundations in setting strategic direction before public consultation could commence.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203370%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492257","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492257"}},{"id":"476466","reference":"AQW 42621/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any actions taken by his Department regarding the potential implementation of the principles of Benedict’s Law and strengthening current guidance; and (ii) an indicative date for a decision on this matter.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 41034/22-27 published in the Weekly Answer Booklet for week ending 6th March 2026.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 41034/22-27 published in the Weekly Answer Booklet for week ending 6th March 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042621%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476466","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476466"}},{"id":"478006","reference":"AQO 3357/22-27","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 whether the recent reduction in the inpatient and day case waiting list reflects increased treatment activity or patient removal following waiting list validation.","answerText":"While Health and Social Care Trusts continue to undertake validation of their waiting lists to ensure they reflect those patients who are clinically fit and who still require their procedure, my Department is working in parallel to deliver additional HSC activity.\n\nFrom April 2025 to January 2026 there has been an additional 118,000 consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments delivered by our Trusts. Funding has also been provided to support the ongoing delivery of Primary Care Elective Services. This investment has enabled the provision of approximately 15,300 facetoface and remote consultations across the routine elective pathways.\n\nThe expansion of HSC capacity has been complemented with the new waiting list reimbursement scheme and the continued use of inhouse and independent sector initiatives. This capacity has enabled the delivery of a further 119,000 consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments. These initiatives have helped reduce the waiting times for a range of common conditions including primary hip and primary knee replacements where approximately 1,000 patients have either had their joint surgery or have a confirmed date for their joint surgery.\n\nWorking with Professor Mark Taylor, my Department has made significant progress to reduce waiting times. Between March 2025 and February 2026, there has been a 50% reduction in the number of patients projected to be waiting over four years for an outpatient appointment by 31 March 2026 and there has been a 62% reduction in patients waiting for inpatient and day case treatment. In terms of the named procedures detailed in the Elective Care Framework there has been an 89% reduction in patients waiting over four years.\n\nTo ensure that the progress which has been made against the PfG target this year is not reversed, I need the Executive to deliver on the commitment within the 2026/27 allocation.","answerHtml":"While Health and Social Care Trusts continue to undertake validation of their waiting lists to ensure they reflect those patients who are clinically fit and who still require their procedure, my Department is working in parallel to deliver additional HSC activity.
From April 2025 to January 2026 there has been an additional 118,000 consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments delivered by our Trusts. Funding has also been provided to support the ongoing delivery of Primary Care Elective Services. This investment has enabled the provision of approximately 15,300 facetoface and remote consultations across the routine elective pathways.
The expansion of HSC capacity has been complemented with the new waiting list reimbursement scheme and the continued use of inhouse and independent sector initiatives. This capacity has enabled the delivery of a further 119,000 consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments. These initiatives have helped reduce the waiting times for a range of common conditions including primary hip and primary knee replacements where approximately 1,000 patients have either had their joint surgery or have a confirmed date for their joint surgery.
Working with Professor Mark Taylor, my Department has made significant progress to reduce waiting times. Between March 2025 and February 2026, there has been a 50% reduction in the number of patients projected to be waiting over four years for an outpatient appointment by 31 March 2026 and there has been a 62% reduction in patients waiting for inpatient and day case treatment. In terms of the named procedures detailed in the Elective Care Framework there has been an 89% reduction in patients waiting over four years.
To ensure that the progress which has been made against the PfG target this year is not reversed, I need the Executive to deliver on the commitment within the 2026/27 allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203357%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478006","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478006"}},{"id":"475500","reference":"AQW 42218/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-19","answered":"2026-03-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any consideration given to updating Circular 1993/31 regarding Teachers' Leave of Absence Exceeding Three Working Days, to allow teachers to take paid leave to attend mandatory Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service training, as an on-call firefighter.","answerText":"Teachers’ Pay and Conditions of Service are negotiated and agreed through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) which is made up of employing authorities, employer representatives, representatives of the five main teaching unions as well as Departmental representatives.\n\nThere is no proposal to provide paid leave for teachers who are also part-time fire fighters to attend mandatory Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service training.\n\nI am fully supportive of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service but my first priority is the education of pupils in schools.","answerHtml":"Teachers’ Pay and Conditions of Service are negotiated and agreed through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) which is made up of employing authorities, employer representatives, representatives of the five main teaching unions as well as Departmental representatives.
There is no proposal to provide paid leave for teachers who are also part-time fire fighters to attend mandatory Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service training.
I am fully supportive of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service but my first priority is the education of pupils in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042218%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475500","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475500"}},{"id":"475499","reference":"AQW 42217/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, given the importance of retained fire fighters to the functioning of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), to detail any engagement he has had with the Minister for Education in relation to changing Department of Education guidance to allow teachers to take paid leave to attend mandatory NIFRS training as an on-call firefighter, since the start of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"My department remains committed to supporting the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in maintaining a sustainable and resilient retained workforce. Whilst NIFRS has no restrictions on teachers serving as retained officers, they do not normally apply for oncall duties that would conflict with their primary employment.\n\nI understand the ability to attend mandatory training is important for retention and operational readiness. NIFRS seeks to be as flexible as possible in training retained firefighters whilst balancing their primary jobs.","answerHtml":"My department remains committed to supporting the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in maintaining a sustainable and resilient retained workforce. Whilst NIFRS has no restrictions on teachers serving as retained officers, they do not normally apply for oncall duties that would conflict with their primary employment.
I understand the ability to attend mandatory training is important for retention and operational readiness. NIFRS seeks to be as flexible as possible in training retained firefighters whilst balancing their primary jobs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042217%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475499","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475499"}},{"id":"473771","reference":"AQW 41602/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-27","answerBy":"2026-03-16","answered":"2026-03-06","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 tendering process for the School Enhancement Project for St. Mary's Primary School, Barr.","answerText":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.\n\nFollowing successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor.","answerHtml":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.
Following successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041602%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473771","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473771"}},{"id":"473770","reference":"AQW 41601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-27","answerBy":"2026-03-16","answered":"2026-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether a contractor has been appointed to deliver the School Enhancement Project for St. Mary's Primary School, Barr.","answerText":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.\n\nFollowing successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor.","answerHtml":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.
Following successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473770","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473770"}},{"id":"473769","reference":"AQW 41600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-27","answerBy":"2026-03-16","answered":"2026-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail a timeline for the delivery of the School Enhancement Project for St. Mary's Primary School, Barr.","answerText":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.\n\nFollowing successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor. Once a contractor is appointed, they will develop a programme including a project timeline.","answerHtml":"The tender evaluation process for the construction of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at St. Mary’s Primary School, Barr, has been completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) and a tender report has been sent to my department for review.
Following successful completion of this review my department will proceed with the appointment of a contractor. Once a contractor is appointed, they will develop a programme including a project timeline.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473769","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473769"}},{"id":"473528","reference":"AQO 3263/22-27","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 for an update on the Strategic Review of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, including any associated timelines for action.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Sport NI has appointed Fathom Consultancy Solutions, which is engaging with a range of stakeholders to take their views, including the national governing bodies of sport in the outdoor sector, partner organisations and commercial operators. The preferred options for a future operating model are expected to be presented to Sport NI for consideration before the end of March 2026. Following that, Sport NI will deliver a wider public consultation to ensure that local communities, stakeholders and centre users can share their views on the proposed options for the future of the centre. The consultation is planned to start in May and run for 12 weeks. I am not in a position to provide an update on the plans and associated timelines to deliver the future operating model, as those will not become apparent until a preferred option is selected."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. National outdoor centres contribute a huge amount to society, not least through safety, health and economics. Will the Minister meet me and representatives from the national governing bodies to hear at first hand the positive role that national outdoor centres play?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am happy to do that. I hope that we will also hear directly from the Member during the consultation period, because it is a sincere attempt to hear from a wide range of stakeholders and make sure that we put something in place that works for the future."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"I thank the Minister for his ongoing engagement with me on the key concerns about Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in the Mournes. I know that the Minister appreciates the important role that it plays, but many people have become concerned as the consultation has progressed. Is there a possibility that the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre could be permanently closed?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"There are no plans to permanently close the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. I fully recognise that Tollymore has facilities that are unique to Northern Ireland, and it is an important part of our outdoor activity offering. I am also aware that Sport NI has a duty to ensure value for money for the public purse and the sports sector. However, the centre's temporary closure has continued to facilitate the review, which will allow Sport NI to reimagine the role and function of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in a financially sustainable way, while ensuring that it continues to develop our outdoor sector. I hope that that provides some reassurance to the Member's constituents and others who use the centre."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203263%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473528","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-10&docID=474548#AQO%203263/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473528"}},{"id":"473512","reference":"AQO 3247/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-09","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 any work his Department is undertaking to prepare for outbreaks of wildfires in the Mournes.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The work being undertaken to prepare for future wildfire seasons includes a range of actions. A wildfire action plan is being developed to accompany the 'Wildfires in Northern Ireland: Strategic Framework 2025-2030'. The action plan is being developed through the strategic wildfire group and the Northern Ireland wildfire stakeholders forum. It will contain time-bound actions for each of the 35 key areas of development identified in the strategic framework. The actions will be delivered collectively across a range of wildfire stakeholders. The action plan should be finalised in the next period of weeks, with some of its actions already being progressed. For example, my Department has awarded a multi-year contract to develop wildfire management plans and response plans for designated sites in the Mournes, Antrim hills and Carn/Glenshane. Through funding streams such as PEACE PLUS, several other wildfire management plans are also in development, including one at Slieve Beagh. Northern Ireland Water is reviewing mitigations and restoration measures for the Silent Valley catchment. In preparation for the current wildfire season, the following works have been undertaken: Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) held a stakeholder familiarisation event during November 2025; the Fire and Rescue Service and Forest Service had a pre-wildfire season meeting on Friday 6 March 2026; the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) all-terrain vehicles have been repaired or scheduled for service in the period ahead to ensure that they are available for wildfire incidents in 2026; pre-fire season communications are in development; and restoration works such as those in the Mournes continue to be supported."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. Will you provide more detail on the wildfire management plan for the Mournes?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"My Department has appointed a consortium of international wildfire experts, led by the Pau Costa Foundation, to deliver a suite of wildfire mitigation work across Northern Ireland. The multi-year project primarily seeks to identify the wildfire risk and develop wildfire management recommendations and response plans for three designated landscapes: the eastern Mourne area of special scientific interest (ASSI) and special area of conservation (SAC); the Antrim Hills special protection area (SPA); and the Carn/Glenshane SAC. The project will engage local landowners and wildfire stakeholders to help gather evidence on the mitigation measures that need to be developed. I encourage all those who are approached by the project team to participate. In addition to that, it is important that I emphasise the messages that my Department has previously communicated about what is and is not appropriate in the countryside. I continue to urge those who have been maliciously and deliberately lighting wildfires to stop. No one should start a fire in the countryside unless it is part of a specific, planned and properly managed land management practice."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"Does the Minister agree that sheep and cattle can play a key role in helping manage vegetation, particularly in upland areas, to prevent the outbreak of wildfires?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Yes, I do. Our farming community can play a fantastic role in that through better upland management. That is why we continue to roll out Farming with Nature. This year, we will expand the current transition scheme and provide additional measures that will be based on priority habitats and species. We will also issue a call for projects to deliver improved environmental outcomes through landscape-scale collaboration. Farming with Nature is a key component of our wildfire management, and it is important that, as a Department, we work with stakeholders to see that rolled out."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"Having grown up in the Mournes, I have seen such fires a lot more often than I would like. In response to last year's fires, the deputy First Minister was down with me, and we had a lot of engagement with those on the ground who were responding to the fires. One of the key respondents was Sky Watch Northern Ireland, which has fantastic off-road equipment and drones that it can use to view thermal imaging from the skies to assist the response. Minister, have you had engagement with Sky Watch NI or been able to support it in the work that it does as it plays a valuable role in responding to the wildfires?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you. The issue that the Member has outlined properly sits with the Department of Health, because the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service sits in that Department. However, I say, \"Thank you\" to the range of stakeholders that work with us on the issue. Their contributions are invaluable. Stakeholder engagement is the basis of our wildfire interventions. The weather has improved in recent days. That is good to see, particularly after the wet weather that our farmers have had to endure. My concerns now turn to wildfires. It is important that I reiterate the messages on appropriate behaviour in the countryside so that we do not see the scenes occurring this year that we saw last year."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Ms Mulholland is not in her place, and Miss McAllister is not in her place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203247%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473512","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-09&docID=474547#AQO%203247/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473512"}},{"id":"472251","reference":"AQW 41038/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-02-24","answered":"2026-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education Authority will agree to an emergency meeting with representatives of St Francis' Primary School, Drumaroad, to discuss the urgent need for solutions to the recent loss of its canteen and the continuing damage to its mobile classroom.","answerText":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Head of Maintenance has agreed to meet representatives of St Francis’ Primary School, alongside officials from my Department.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority’s (EA) Head of Maintenance has agreed to meet representatives of St Francis’ Primary School, alongside officials from my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041038%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472251"}},{"id":"472280","reference":"AQO 3191/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-02","answered":"2026-03-02","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 actions arising from the research into Historical Clerical Child Abuse.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"First, we acknowledge the significant and long-term impact that clerical child abuse has had on victims and survivors and express our sincere sympathy with all those who have been impacted on. We have been carefully considering the research reports. As the Member will appreciate, it is an important, complex and sensitive issue. We are working with officials to explore a number of possible ways forward. That includes support for victims and survivors, improvements to current safeguarding mechanisms and any further action."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, deputy First Minister. You will be aware that there have been calls to publish the research reports and for an explanation as to why they cannot currently be published. Are you able to advise on a summary of the findings and recommendations contained in the reports and whether those can be published?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"The reports are significant and lengthy, and they contain a range of observations rather than conclusions, at times. However, they are all very useful in our consideration of the way forward. We decided some time back to commission the research reports because there was a lot that was not known about the issues. The reports definitely give us a better understanding of the complexity of the framework and context. I do not have any particular principled objection to the publication of the reports. However, I advise the Member that they were commissioned not necessarily for publication but to inform the process. We are actively considering that at the moment, because I know that people want to see what is in the reports. That is why we have not published to date, but we are making sure that the issue of publication is part of our consideration."},{"speaker":"Mrs Mason","text":"Will the deputy First Minister detail what meetings and engagements have taken place on historical clerical child abuse since the completion of the three research reports and on the independent working group's recommendations?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Yes, of course. We meet officials regularly, and we will do so this week to discuss further the scoping out of a potential way forward. We met on 23 September 2025 to discuss the three research reports. We also met the independent chair on 10 November 2025, and it was a very useful meeting with lots of detail and lots of questions about that important piece of work. We also discussed the issue with the Chief Constable in a meeting in early December 2025. I can assure the Member that there is constant discussion about it. Indeed, the First Minister and I discussed it again just this morning. We are very conscious that there is an expectation and desire out there, and we want to find a way through that best gives victims and survivors the opportunity for truth and justice."},{"speaker":"Mr Harvey","text":"As with HIA and truth recovery, it is vital that victims and survivors are at the core of our work on historical clerical child abuse. What has been the contribution of victims and survivors to the process to date?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his important question. At the heart of all that we do must be those most impacted on: the victims and survivors. We acknowledge and put on record that it is incredibly difficult for those who have suffered at times horrendous abuse to come forward and share their story and their reflections to help inform the work and a way forward. I say a huge \"Thank you\" to all who have done so. There has been participation with the independent chair to inform some of that work, and I know that the junior Ministers have met victims and survivors through the forum on a number of occasions. In addition, many hundreds of victims and survivors came forward to contribute to the research reports. We genuinely thank all of them for that. Their contribution has been invaluable to our considerations. Victims and survivors have absolutely been at the heart of everything that we have done so far."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203191%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472280","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-02&docID=473424#AQO%203191/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472280"}},{"id":"472099","reference":"AQW 40944/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-18","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any immediate actions the Education Authority plan to take to restore safe conditions for learning and dining at St Francis' Primary School, Drumaroad, following the recent environmental health inspection that resulted in the condemnation of the school's canteen.","answerText":"The Education Authority has scoped the works required to the dining mobile unit\n\nand these works are expected to be delivered within the next 10–14 days as urgent maintenance business. In the interim, packed lunches are being provided to the school.\n\nPlanning approval has been received for a scheme to provide a purpose-built multi-purpose hall at the school. This will include school meals accommodation and would replace the current dining mobile unit. The design team is currently preparing a scope for archaeological works, which must be undertaken prior to construction. A decision to release the project to construction tender will be taken based on the prioritisation and the budget available at that time.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority has scoped the works required to the dining mobile unit
and these works are expected to be delivered within the next 10–14 days as urgent maintenance business. In the interim, packed lunches are being provided to the school.
Planning approval has been received for a scheme to provide a purpose-built multi-purpose hall at the school. This will include school meals accommodation and would replace the current dining mobile unit. The design team is currently preparing a scope for archaeological works, which must be undertaken prior to construction. A decision to release the project to construction tender will be taken based on the prioritisation and the budget available at that time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040944%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472099","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472099"}},{"id":"472098","reference":"AQW 40943/22-27","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 to detail (i) any consultation that was carried out before cutting down trees along Dundrum Road, Dundrum; and (ii) any alternative solutions that were considered.","answerText":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.\n\nFollowing completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.\n\nSurface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.","answerHtml":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.
Following completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.
Surface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040943%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472098","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472098"}},{"id":"472097","reference":"AQW 40942/22-27","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 to detail the reasons why trees along Dundrum Road, Dundrum, have been cut down.","answerText":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.\n\nFollowing completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.\n\nSurface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.","answerHtml":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.
Following completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.
Surface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040942%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472097","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472097"}},{"id":"472096","reference":"AQW 40941/22-27","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 to detail any actions her Department is considering to address surface water flooding in the vicinity of Dundrum Road, Dundrum.","answerText":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.\n\nFollowing completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.\n\nSurface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.","answerHtml":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.
Following completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.
Surface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040941%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472096","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472096"}},{"id":"472095","reference":"AQW 40940/22-27","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 to detail any plans her Department has to replace the trees that have been cut down along the Dundrum Road, Dundrum.","answerText":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.\n\nFollowing completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.\n\nSurface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.","answerHtml":"Improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Clough and Dundrum have been delivered to enhance safety and accessibility along the Dundrum Road. As part of these works, approximately 45 trees were unavoidably removed. My Department recognises the importance of trees within the local environment. While it is not always feasible to provide replacement planting within the boundaries of every scheme, funding was previously provided to Newry Mourne and Down District Council to support tree planting in alternative locations.
Following completion of the first phase of the Clough to Dundrum Active Travel Route, a feasibility study examined a range of options to complete the route. The preferred option was selected on the basis of deliverability and value for money, enabling the provision of a highquality active travel facility along the A2. Engagement with stakeholders, landowners and local elected representatives commenced in 2023 and continued through to November 2025, including further engagement associated with a redesign of a short section adjacent to Dundrum GAC.
Surface water drainage along the A2 is managed through road gullies that connect into the NI Water drainage network, which discharges to the sea at three locations. During construction, an NI Water manhole was identified and cleared, which is expected to improve drainage performance along this section of the route.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040940%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472095","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472095"}},{"id":"470093","reference":"AQW 40048/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the amount she has allocated to (i) structural road maintenance; and (ii) essential routine road maintenance activities, in 2024-25.","answerText":"My Department’s spend on structural road maintenance and essential routine road maintenance activities in 2024-25 are detailed in the table below.\n\nCategory of spend\t£m\nCapital Structural Maintenance\t107.4\nResource Structural Maintenance\t28.4\nRoutine Maintenance\t24.1\n\nCapital Structural Maintenance includes resurfacing and reconstruction, asphalt patching, surface dressing, capital investment in both drainage infrastructure and in the structural stability of embankments.\n\nResource Structural Maintenance includes patching of the carriageway and footways. Routine Maintenance includes activities such grass cutting, tree maintenance and gully emptying.","answerHtml":"My Department’s spend on structural road maintenance and essential routine road maintenance activities in 2024-25 are detailed in the table below.
| Category of spend | £m |
| Capital Structural Maintenance | 107.4 |
| Resource Structural Maintenance | 28.4 |
| Routine Maintenance | 24.1 |
Capital Structural Maintenance includes resurfacing and reconstruction, asphalt patching, surface dressing, capital investment in both drainage infrastructure and in the structural stability of embankments.
Resource Structural Maintenance includes patching of the carriageway and footways. Routine Maintenance includes activities such grass cutting, tree maintenance and gully emptying.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040048%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470093","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470093"}},{"id":"469904","reference":"AQW 39935/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-20","answered":"2026-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) percentage spend; and (ii) absolute spend, on road defect repairs carried out by her Department versus external contractors, in 2025.","answerText":"My Department’s spend in delivering road structural maintenance, which it carried out, was £20.4m in 2024-25. This accounted for 15% of the total structural maintenance spend of £135.8m in 2024-25, with the remaining delivery through external contractors.\n\nStructural Maintenance is the collective term for expenditure on resurfacing, surface dressing, patching on both carriageway and footways, structural drainage and structural stability of the road network.","answerHtml":"My Department’s spend in delivering road structural maintenance, which it carried out, was £20.4m in 2024-25. This accounted for 15% of the total structural maintenance spend of £135.8m in 2024-25, with the remaining delivery through external contractors.
Structural Maintenance is the collective term for expenditure on resurfacing, surface dressing, patching on both carriageway and footways, structural drainage and structural stability of the road network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039935%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469904","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469904"}},{"id":"469903","reference":"AQW 39934/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-20","answered":"2026-02-25","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 mile of road maintenance works carried out by (i) by her Department; and (ii) external contractors, in 2025.","answerText":"My Department carries out a range of road maintenance works which are categorised by activity such as patching or environmental maintenance and funding is recorded by this means.\n\nWe also maintain a large and varied road network of both rural and urban roads, ranging from low trafficked routes to high speed ‘A’ Class roads and Dual Carriageways. There are differing requirements which are dependent on the types of roads, particularly between rural and urban and it is also the case that high-speed roads require additional signage, with increased costs. Therefore, a cost per mile of road maintenance works cannot be derived in a meaningful way.\n\nMy Department recorded approximately 80,000 defect repairs in 2024/25 of which 61.8% were repaired by my Department’s internal contractor and 38.2% by an externally appointed contractor.","answerHtml":"My Department carries out a range of road maintenance works which are categorised by activity such as patching or environmental maintenance and funding is recorded by this means.
We also maintain a large and varied road network of both rural and urban roads, ranging from low trafficked routes to high speed ‘A’ Class roads and Dual Carriageways. There are differing requirements which are dependent on the types of roads, particularly between rural and urban and it is also the case that high-speed roads require additional signage, with increased costs. Therefore, a cost per mile of road maintenance works cannot be derived in a meaningful way.
My Department recorded approximately 80,000 defect repairs in 2024/25 of which 61.8% were repaired by my Department’s internal contractor and 38.2% by an externally appointed contractor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039934%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469903","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469903"}},{"id":"469902","reference":"AQW 39933/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-20","answered":"2026-02-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the percentage of road defects repaired by (i) her Department; and (ii) external contractors, in 2025.","answerText":"My Department carries out a range of road maintenance works which are categorised by activity such as patching or environmental maintenance and funding is recorded by this means.\n\nWe also maintain a large and varied road network of both rural and urban roads, ranging from low trafficked routes to high speed ‘A’ Class roads and Dual Carriageways. There are differing requirements which are dependent on the types of roads, particularly between rural and urban and it is also the case that high-speed roads require additional signage, with increased costs. Therefore, a cost per mile of road maintenance works cannot be derived in a meaningful way.\n\nMy Department recorded approximately 80,000 defect repairs in 2024/25 of which 61.8% were repaired by my Department’s internal contractor and 38.2% by an externally appointed contractor.","answerHtml":"My Department carries out a range of road maintenance works which are categorised by activity such as patching or environmental maintenance and funding is recorded by this means.
We also maintain a large and varied road network of both rural and urban roads, ranging from low trafficked routes to high speed ‘A’ Class roads and Dual Carriageways. There are differing requirements which are dependent on the types of roads, particularly between rural and urban and it is also the case that high-speed roads require additional signage, with increased costs. Therefore, a cost per mile of road maintenance works cannot be derived in a meaningful way.
My Department recorded approximately 80,000 defect repairs in 2024/25 of which 61.8% were repaired by my Department’s internal contractor and 38.2% by an externally appointed contractor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039933%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469902","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469902"}},{"id":"469625","reference":"AQW 39818/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-03-04","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 spent by her Department on temporary road repairs, in each of the last five years, broken down by local council area.","answerText":"My Department always seeks to undertake a first time permanent repair within the target repair times, however it may occasionally be necessary to carry out an initial repair in temporary material in advance of planning a separate visit for a permanent repair, for example on a busy junction. In addition, out of hours responses may require an initial repair in temporary material in advance of a permanent repair. The cost for repairing potholes falls within the Department’s budget for patching. This term is applied to small scale works necessary to keep roads in a satisfactory state of repair, including infilling potholes but also the repair of small areas affected by cracking or settlement, as such it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the cost attributable solely to pothole repairs, including those of a temporary nature.\n\nI have recently allocated an additional £7.85 million funding to help mitigate the impacts that recent winter weather conditions have had on our road network. This will be used to deliver an enhanced structural maintenance programme including large scale patching and resurfacing targeted at those areas of greatest need across the north. This work will commence without delay.","answerHtml":"My Department always seeks to undertake a first time permanent repair within the target repair times, however it may occasionally be necessary to carry out an initial repair in temporary material in advance of planning a separate visit for a permanent repair, for example on a busy junction. In addition, out of hours responses may require an initial repair in temporary material in advance of a permanent repair. The cost for repairing potholes falls within the Department’s budget for patching. This term is applied to small scale works necessary to keep roads in a satisfactory state of repair, including infilling potholes but also the repair of small areas affected by cracking or settlement, as such it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the cost attributable solely to pothole repairs, including those of a temporary nature.
I have recently allocated an additional £7.85 million funding to help mitigate the impacts that recent winter weather conditions have had on our road network. This will be used to deliver an enhanced structural maintenance programme including large scale patching and resurfacing targeted at those areas of greatest need across the north. This work will commence without delay.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039818%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469625"}},{"id":"469624","reference":"AQW 39817/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-04","answerBy":"2026-02-19","answered":"2026-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether traffic cones, that are often found placed in potholes on roads across Northern Ireland, are being placed there by DFI staff; and (ii) for her assessment of the road safety implications of such objects being placed on roads, for the purpose of highlighting potholes.","answerText":"When my Department becomes aware of a severe pothole needing urgent attention, arrangements are made to deliver a permanent repair within the timescales set out in DEM 160 – Road Maintenance Standards for Safety.\n\nWhere a permanent repair cannot be achieved within an acceptable timescale, a temporary repair may be delivered and followed up with a permanent repair.\n\nIn exceptional cases, the usage of signage and cones to ensure the safety of road users may be deployed, however this would be in line with our signage policy and would not take the form of a single cone within the pothole.\n\nWhile I understand that there is a desire by members of the public to highlight potholes to other road users, the placing of cones in potholes other than in line with our signage policy may cause a hazard in itself and pose a greater risk to safety than the original defect, especially in unlit areas.","answerHtml":"When my Department becomes aware of a severe pothole needing urgent attention, arrangements are made to deliver a permanent repair within the timescales set out in DEM 160 – Road Maintenance Standards for Safety.
Where a permanent repair cannot be achieved within an acceptable timescale, a temporary repair may be delivered and followed up with a permanent repair.
In exceptional cases, the usage of signage and cones to ensure the safety of road users may be deployed, however this would be in line with our signage policy and would not take the form of a single cone within the pothole.
While I understand that there is a desire by members of the public to highlight potholes to other road users, the placing of cones in potholes other than in line with our signage policy may cause a hazard in itself and pose a greater risk to safety than the original defect, especially in unlit areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039817%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469624"}},{"id":"469381","reference":"AQW 39733/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the reason why the evidence-based rates reductions applied to draft NI Reval2026 outcomes, for businesses affected by flooding, will not be carried over into the revised rates bill for these businesses.","answerText":"As the Member will be aware, I announced on 29 January that I was stopping the Reval 2026 process.\n\nThe Net Annual Values shown in the draft Reval2026 list cannot be carried over because Reval2026 has been stopped.\n\nI would direct the Member to my oral statement to the Assembly:\n\nFinance Minister Oral Statement - Reval 2026 | Department of Finance","answerHtml":"As the Member will be aware, I announced on 29 January that I was stopping the Reval 2026 process.
The Net Annual Values shown in the draft Reval2026 list cannot be carried over because Reval2026 has been stopped.
I would direct the Member to my oral statement to the Assembly:
Finance Minister Oral Statement - Reval 2026 | Department of Finance
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039733%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469381","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469381"}},{"id":"469380","reference":"AQW 39732/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any alternative relief mechanisms that will apply to businesses whose draft NI Reval2026 outcomes included relief for proven flood-damage.","answerText":"A revaluation is a statutory process that resets rateable values to a fixed valuation date. Reval2026 was estimating rental values as at 1 April 2024, rather than the current statutory tone date of 1 October 2021. The draft figures simply reflected the rental evidence of property gathered during the exercise.\n\nAs the Member will be aware, I announced on 29 January that I was stopping the Reval 2026 process.\n\nI would direct the Member to my oral statement to the Assembly:\n\nFinance Minister Oral Statement - Reval 2026 | Department of Finance","answerHtml":"A revaluation is a statutory process that resets rateable values to a fixed valuation date. Reval2026 was estimating rental values as at 1 April 2024, rather than the current statutory tone date of 1 October 2021. The draft figures simply reflected the rental evidence of property gathered during the exercise.
As the Member will be aware, I announced on 29 January that I was stopping the Reval 2026 process.
I would direct the Member to my oral statement to the Assembly:
Finance Minister Oral Statement - Reval 2026 | Department of Finance
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039732%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469380","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469380"}},{"id":"468743","reference":"AQW 39432/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 38541/22-27 and AQW 38542/22-27, whether the fresh assessment will involve an opportunity for land owners and residents to provide input.","answerText":"Officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.\n\nIf the scheme is prioritised for progression within a current works programme, officials would then undertake engagement with landowners and residents.","answerHtml":"Officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.
If the scheme is prioritised for progression within a current works programme, officials would then undertake engagement with landowners and residents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039432%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468743","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468743"}},{"id":"468742","reference":"AQW 39431/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-09","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 actions her Department is considering to strengthen consumer protections in relation to gift vouchers, in particular with regards to expiry dates.","answerText":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.\n\nA small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.\n\nTo introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.\n\nConsumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.\n\nConcerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice\n\nIt is generally good advice for consumers to check the terms written on the voucher, particularly expiry dates, inactivity fees and restrictions on whether you can spend in store or online.","answerHtml":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.
A small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.
To introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.
Consumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.
Concerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice
It is generally good advice for consumers to check the terms written on the voucher, particularly expiry dates, inactivity fees and restrictions on whether you can spend in store or online.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039431%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468742"}},{"id":"468741","reference":"AQW 39430/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-29","answerBy":"2026-02-13","answered":"2026-02-09","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 enforceable safeguards in place, to protect consumers from gift vouchers with unreasonably short expiry dates.","answerText":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.\n\nA small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.\n\nTo introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.\n\nConsumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.\n\nConcerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice\n\nIt is generally good advice for consumers to check the terms written on the voucher, particularly expiry dates, inactivity fees and restrictions on whether you can spend in store or online.","answerHtml":"I have no plans at this time to bring forward legislation to regulate the issuance of gift cards.
A small proportion of gift vouchers and cards are already regulated, and consumers purchasing these benefit from greater protection than when purchasing gift cards issued by individual retailers or service providers. These are “open loop” electronic cards, which can be used in a wide range of retailers. These gift cards and vouchers are subject to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and require the issuer to safeguard all funds received in exchange for the electronic card issued.
To introduce further statutory protection of gift cards would require complex consideration. Gift cards are frequently purchased as gifts and in this circumstance it is likely that the purchaser would benefit from any protection, rather than the gift card recipient.
Consumers who purchase gift cards exceeding £100 can currently seek redress on retailer insolvency by pursuing a refund from their credit card provider, who is jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the gift card value is below £100, consumers may be able to make a claim under chargeback rules of certain credit or debit card providers.
Concerned consumers can seek free advice on gift card and voucher purchases from my Department’s Trading Standards Service consumer helpline on 0300 123 62 62 or by email to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/contact-consumerline-make-complaint-or-ask-advice
It is generally good advice for consumers to check the terms written on the voucher, particularly expiry dates, inactivity fees and restrictions on whether you can spend in store or online.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039430%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468741","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468741"}},{"id":"470461","reference":"AQO 3091/22-27","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 to outline the key findings from the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy third annual report 2024-25.","answerText":"ANSWER to AQO 3091 22-27\n\nThe third annual progress report under the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy was published on 9 January 2026, covering the 2024/25 financial year. Significant progress has been made, including engaging stakeholders to inform the creation of a new Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework. This launched on 17 October 2025, alongside a new accreditation application process. This sets out the level of training and experience required by organisations and individuals to become accredited.\n\nThe Adult Restorative Justice Strategy is committed to delivering restorative justice at every stage of the criminal justice system and this will directly contribute to that commitment. Much of the emphasis has been on the new Adult Restorative Justice arrangements that will first focus on diversionary cases that can be more appropriately dealt with as an out-of-court disposal. A multi-agency Restorative Justice Working Group, with statutory and voluntary partners, was heavily involved in the development of the Framework and continues to be engaged in progression of the Year 4 Action Plan and the phased expansion of adult restorative justice services locally.\n\nLegislative provision is being brought forward through the Justice Bill to provide for a transfer of accreditation functions from NIO to my Department. Several pieces of promotional material have also been developed, such as restorative justice information and preparation leaflets, in conjunction with Working Group members and experts by lived experience. A short, animated video has also been developed, that explains what restorative justice is and the potential benefits that it brings, as well as training videos for the new accreditation process.","answerHtml":"ANSWER to AQO 3091 22-27
The third annual progress report under the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy was published on 9 January 2026, covering the 2024/25 financial year. Significant progress has been made, including engaging stakeholders to inform the creation of a new Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework. This launched on 17 October 2025, alongside a new accreditation application process. This sets out the level of training and experience required by organisations and individuals to become accredited.
The Adult Restorative Justice Strategy is committed to delivering restorative justice at every stage of the criminal justice system and this will directly contribute to that commitment. Much of the emphasis has been on the new Adult Restorative Justice arrangements that will first focus on diversionary cases that can be more appropriately dealt with as an out-of-court disposal. A multi-agency Restorative Justice Working Group, with statutory and voluntary partners, was heavily involved in the development of the Framework and continues to be engaged in progression of the Year 4 Action Plan and the phased expansion of adult restorative justice services locally.
Legislative provision is being brought forward through the Justice Bill to provide for a transfer of accreditation functions from NIO to my Department. Several pieces of promotional material have also been developed, such as restorative justice information and preparation leaflets, in conjunction with Working Group members and experts by lived experience. A short, animated video has also been developed, that explains what restorative justice is and the potential benefits that it brings, as well as training videos for the new accreditation process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203091%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470461","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470461"}},{"id":"468230","reference":"AQW 39212/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any measures her Department is taking to ensure that emails from constituents and local councillors are processed in a timely manner.","answerText":"My Department is committed to responding to all queries submitted to it in a timely manner and my officials process emails from constituents and local councillors in line with The DfI Customer Charter. This can be found here:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/dfi-customer-charter\n\nThe Customer Charter outlines the different ways to contact my Department and sets service standards the public can expect when making contact.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to responding to all queries submitted to it in a timely manner and my officials process emails from constituents and local councillors in line with The DfI Customer Charter. This can be found here:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/dfi-customer-charter
The Customer Charter outlines the different ways to contact my Department and sets service standards the public can expect when making contact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039212%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468230","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468230"}},{"id":"468229","reference":"AQW 39211/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any contractual obligations in place, in relation to the quality and durability of (i) temporary; and) ii) long-term, repairs carried out by road maintenance contractors on her Department's behalf.","answerText":"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.\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\nThe forthcoming Road Maintenance Strategy is expected to improve how the condition and durability of repairs across the network are monitored.","answerHtml":"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.
The forthcoming Road Maintenance Strategy is expected to improve how the condition and durability of repairs across the network are monitored.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039211%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468229","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468229"}},{"id":"468228","reference":"AQW 39210/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department monitors the lifespan of pothole repairs, carried out by road maintenance contractors on its behalf.","answerText":"I recently launched our new Road Maintenance Strategy, which is now open for public consultation. While the main objectives of the strategy are to improve the overall condition of the road network and enhance safety and quality, the provision of a ground-breaking full digital survey of the North’s entire road network will provide a level of detail that will allow my officials to take data-driven, efficient decisions and interventions.\n\nWhile the quality of repairs is monitored as part of routine highway inspections, the new Road Maintenance Strategy will be a major advance in the assessment of the condition and durability of repairs on the network as well as the performance of reinstatements associated with utility openings.","answerHtml":"I recently launched our new Road Maintenance Strategy, which is now open for public consultation. While the main objectives of the strategy are to improve the overall condition of the road network and enhance safety and quality, the provision of a ground-breaking full digital survey of the North’s entire road network will provide a level of detail that will allow my officials to take data-driven, efficient decisions and interventions.
While the quality of repairs is monitored as part of routine highway inspections, the new Road Maintenance Strategy will be a major advance in the assessment of the condition and durability of repairs on the network as well as the performance of reinstatements associated with utility openings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039210%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468228","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468228"}},{"id":"467730","reference":"AQW 38985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-23","answerBy":"2026-01-28","answered":"2026-01-27","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 works to replace the special educational needs classroom at St Francis' Primary School, Drumaroad, which was destroyed one year ago, during Storm Eowyn.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is delivering the project at St Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad. The EA has confirmed that the construction tender seeking contractor submissions for the proposed work issued in January 2026. The tender return date is currently scheduled for early February 2026, subject to any received clarifications.\n\nFollowing tender assessment and contract award, the EA has estimated a period of 12 weeks for the works on site.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is delivering the project at St Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad. The EA has confirmed that the construction tender seeking contractor submissions for the proposed work issued in January 2026. The tender return date is currently scheduled for early February 2026, subject to any received clarifications.
Following tender assessment and contract award, the EA has estimated a period of 12 weeks for the works on site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467730","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467730"}},{"id":"467729","reference":"AQW 38984/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-23","answerBy":"2026-02-09","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any support he can provide to Ardmore Special School, given the school's increase in numbers.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nThe support team within the Special Schools’ Service has developed strong links with Ardmore school via a Designated Support Officer. This continued support relates to issues such as accommodation, resourcing, training and specific pupil provision. The support officer works closely with colleagues in the Education Authority’s Education Directorate to provide ongoing support to Ardmore’s senior management team.\n\nThe Special Schools’ Service has and will continue to support Ardmore House School to ensure that it has an adequate staffing and management complement that meets the needs of a growing school. For the current academic year, the EA has funded an additional 3.4 teachers, 2 classroom assistants and a new Social Behaviour and Emotional Well Being Intervention Officer. Furthermore, the school’s management structure has been bolstered with additional non-teaching vice principal allocation and 3 additional management allowances. The school has a designated budgetary support officer who offers continuous support and training to the principal on the various financial reporting responsibilities.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
The support team within the Special Schools’ Service has developed strong links with Ardmore school via a Designated Support Officer. This continued support relates to issues such as accommodation, resourcing, training and specific pupil provision. The support officer works closely with colleagues in the Education Authority’s Education Directorate to provide ongoing support to Ardmore’s senior management team.
The Special Schools’ Service has and will continue to support Ardmore House School to ensure that it has an adequate staffing and management complement that meets the needs of a growing school. For the current academic year, the EA has funded an additional 3.4 teachers, 2 classroom assistants and a new Social Behaviour and Emotional Well Being Intervention Officer. Furthermore, the school’s management structure has been bolstered with additional non-teaching vice principal allocation and 3 additional management allowances. The school has a designated budgetary support officer who offers continuous support and training to the principal on the various financial reporting responsibilities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038984%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467729"}},{"id":"467540","reference":"AQW 38878/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-06","answered":"2026-02-02","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 an update on her Department's consultation on support for low carbon heat in the residential sector, including a timeline for the publication of a consultation report.","answerText":"My Department published the Government Response to Support for Low Carbon Heat in the Residential Sector Consultation on 26th January 2026 and can be found on the Departments website.\n\nThe report presents the findings of the public consultation, which will inform the design of a support scheme for low carbon heat and energy efficiency in residential buildings.","answerHtml":"My Department published the Government Response to Support for Low Carbon Heat in the Residential Sector Consultation on 26th January 2026 and can be found on the Departments website.
The report presents the findings of the public consultation, which will inform the design of a support scheme for low carbon heat and energy efficiency in residential buildings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038878%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467540","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467540"}},{"id":"467539","reference":"AQW 38877/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-06","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of a recent road traffic incident involving a child outside Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch and concerns around road safety in the town, for an update on the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass, including a timeline for its completion.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users and we are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.\n\nI am aware of the recent incident and would like to send my well wishes to the young girl and her family and to wish her a speedy recovery. I have asked my officials to review the existing signage and road markings to ensure they are appropriate for the area, and we will work with the PSNI with regard to any associated investigation into the incident.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour can also be reported to the PSNI using their non-emergency 101 number.\n\nOn 12 March 2025, I announced the progression of the Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme which would be delivered sequentially to the A1 Junctions project.\n\nSince the judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor project and the Department’s appeal, I have taken time to carefully consider the potential impact on other projects as they move through the next stages of their delivery.\n\nWhile we await the ruling from the Court Appeal, my officials continue to work on the next steps in relation to the project and I remain committed to the delivery of this vitally important infrastructure scheme.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users and we are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.
I am aware of the recent incident and would like to send my well wishes to the young girl and her family and to wish her a speedy recovery. I have asked my officials to review the existing signage and road markings to ensure they are appropriate for the area, and we will work with the PSNI with regard to any associated investigation into the incident.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour can also be reported to the PSNI using their non-emergency 101 number.
On 12 March 2025, I announced the progression of the Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme which would be delivered sequentially to the A1 Junctions project.
Since the judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor project and the Department’s appeal, I have taken time to carefully consider the potential impact on other projects as they move through the next stages of their delivery.
While we await the ruling from the Court Appeal, my officials continue to work on the next steps in relation to the project and I remain committed to the delivery of this vitally important infrastructure scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038877%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467539"}},{"id":"467421","reference":"AQO 3026/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill was recently passed by the Scottish Government and is awaiting Royal Assent before becoming law. The Bill mandates a minimum of four nights and five days of residential education for every pupil across the period of their school career. That may be fulfilled by way of one five-day-long school trip or through several shorter trips that add up to four nights and five days of residential education. Detailed costs have not yet been calculated, but the cost estimate for year 1 runs from £21 million to £35 million, which is to be met by the Scottish Executive. Whilst I am supportive of the important work of outdoor education providers, given the contribution that outdoor education makes to the school life of our children, I have no intention of introducing a similar Bill in Northern Ireland at this time."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. You will be aware that the Assembly legislated for a licensing authority for outdoor activity providers nearly 20 years ago but that that has never been implemented. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, which provided training for many who look after children and young people in the outdoor environment, has been closed for a year. Do you agree that the benefits of outdoor residential education have been treated as an afterthought and that legislation similar to the Scottish Bill is required to ensure that all children can access such transformative experiences?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I do not disagree with the Member. Outdoor residential activity is very beneficial. Some schools are in a position to provide that, but — he is right — there is no universal provision in order for every child to avail themselves of such an opportunity. My family and I were in Tollymore yesterday, enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors. I certainly encourage schools to make that provision, but it comes with a financial resource pressure. Whilst I have every sympathy and wish that there was greater access that was paid for by the taxpayer, I cannot introduce a Bill that would add to the financial pressures that the Department of Education faces. However, I absolutely support outdoor education and encourage schools to provide it where they can."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"Will the Minister outline the cost of introducing in Northern Ireland residential education provision similar to the Scottish model?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"Having looked at the Scottish Bill to try to identify what it would mean for Northern Ireland, we believe that such provision would cost between £11 million and £18 million per year. I repeat: whist I support outdoor education, I have to be cognisant of the financial pressures that face the education system, and I am not able to bring forward provision in that area in the current climate."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203026%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467421","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-02&docID=468375#AQO%203026/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467421"}},{"id":"467308","reference":"AQW 38770/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, in the absence of a full reopening, to detail any consideration his Department has given to allowing access to Tollymore National Outdoor Centre's assets, such as the climbing wall and swimming pool, for use by qualified private individuals and group operators.","answerText":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.\n\n“Sport NI have been considering interim arrangements in respect of some elements of TNOC. However, the current priority is engaging with the sector during the consultation phase. Sport NI will revisit this matter once the consultation exercise is complete.”","answerHtml":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.
“Sport NI have been considering interim arrangements in respect of some elements of TNOC. However, the current priority is engaging with the sector during the consultation phase. Sport NI will revisit this matter once the consultation exercise is complete.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038770%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467308","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467308"}},{"id":"467307","reference":"AQW 38769/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail a timeline for the reopening of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.","answerText":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.\n\n“Stakeholders are currently being contacted by the Fathom team and invited to participate in Stakeholder Consultation sessions taking place during the course of February 2026.\n\nIt is expected that preferred options for a target operating model will be presented to Sport NI for consideration before the end of the financial year (March 2026).”","answerHtml":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.
“Stakeholders are currently being contacted by the Fathom team and invited to participate in Stakeholder Consultation sessions taking place during the course of February 2026.
It is expected that preferred options for a target operating model will be presented to Sport NI for consideration before the end of the financial year (March 2026).”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038769%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467307","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467307"}},{"id":"467306","reference":"AQW 38768/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-21","answerBy":"2026-02-05","answered":"2026-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the systems review regarding Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.","answerText":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.\n\n“Sport NI has appointed a specialist advisory firm, Fathom Consultancy Solutions (Fathom), to support the Strategic Review of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre (TNOC). The project commenced in December 2025.\n\nThe Strategic Review is aimed at finding a more financially sustainable operating model for the publicly owned centre. In the last financial year of its operation, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre cost over £1.3million to run, versus an income of around £250,000.\n\nThe Strategic Review will examine how the specialist needs of the region’s outdoor sector could be balanced with improved utilisation of the centre’s outdoor recreation facilities by the wider community and visitors; and will examine a range of possible operating models.”","answerHtml":"Sport NI has primary responsibility for the management of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, making this an operational matter for the organisation.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive of Sport NI who has provided me with the following response.
“Sport NI has appointed a specialist advisory firm, Fathom Consultancy Solutions (Fathom), to support the Strategic Review of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre (TNOC). The project commenced in December 2025.
The Strategic Review is aimed at finding a more financially sustainable operating model for the publicly owned centre. In the last financial year of its operation, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre cost over £1.3million to run, versus an income of around £250,000.
The Strategic Review will examine how the specialist needs of the region’s outdoor sector could be balanced with improved utilisation of the centre’s outdoor recreation facilities by the wider community and visitors; and will examine a range of possible operating models.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038768%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467306","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467306"}},{"id":"467095","reference":"AQW 38658/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-20","answerBy":"2026-02-04","answered":"2026-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the (i) average; (ii) maximum; and (iii) minimum, ambulance response times, for each category of call, in each month of 2025, broken down by (a) District Electoral Area in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area; and (a) local council area.","answerText":"Ambulance call categorisation for emergency calls is standardised across the UK. For your information, ambulance call category definitions and response time standards are set out in Table 1 below.\n\nTable 1\n\nCall Type\tCategory\tMean Standard\nImmediately life threatening\tCat 1\t8 Mins\n999 Emergency – potentially serious incidents\tCat 2\t18 Mins\nUrgent problem\tCat 3\t*120 Mins\nNon- emergency ED visits\tCat 4\t*180 Mins\n\n*This is the 90th centile standard for category 3 and category 4 calls as there is not a mean standard\n\nTable 2 shows the average ambulance response times for each category of call in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral Area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local Council area.\n\nTable 2\n\nDEA\tMonth\n(2025)\tAverage of Response Times\nCategory 1\tCategory 2\tCategory 3\tCategory 4\nCROTLIEVE\tJan\t0:13:42\t1:11:02\t1:16:04\nFeb\t0:20:12\t0:58:48\t2:04:45\nMar\t0:13:25\t1:13:50\t2:56:52\nApr\t0:14:03\t1:09:29\t1:39:46\nMay\t0:16:58\t1:09:48\t2:29:46\nJun\t0:15:29\t1:20:03\t3:16:31\nJul\t0:15:19\t1:09:31\t2:05:17\nAug\t0:17:04\t1:24:55\t2:52:33\nSep\t0:14:03\t1:03:28\t1:54:32\nOct\t0:17:45\t1:20:47\t1:41:16\nNov\t0:17:33\t1:25:12\t2:11:30\nDec\t0:13:59\t1:48:04\t4:05:28\n\nDOWNPATRICK\tJan\t0:20:32\t1:35:21\t4:24:11\nFeb\t0:14:14\t0:55:39\t2:17:19\nMar\t0:14:59\t0:53:57\t2:15:15\nApr\t0:18:46\t1:19:36\t2:41:36\nMay\t0:17:31\t1:42:21\t8:38:09\nJun\t0:17:48\t1:42:33\t2:09:30\nJul\t0:19:10\t1:27:05\t3:42:12\nAug\t0:21:52\t2:16:29\t5:55:53\nSep\t0:19:20\t1:56:15\t2:03:59\nOct\t0:21:35\t1:49:04\t2:26:44\t0:49:03\nNov\t0:21:15\t1:58:14\t4:24:43\nDec\t0:20:27\t2:09:14\t6:59:35\n\nNEWRY\tJan\t0:10:10\t1:11:44\t1:46:48\nFeb\t0:11:06\t0:58:05\t1:56:56\nMar\t0:09:53\t1:04:45\t2:38:30\t1:43:07\nApr\t0:12:18\t0:56:08\t2:15:43\nMay\t0:12:41\t1:04:41\t2:08:21\nJun\t0:13:39\t1:04:57\t1:53:18\nJul\t0:08:35\t1:03:44\t1:35:41\nAug\t0:13:01\t1:15:34\t1:34:52\nSep\t0:08:12\t0:59:14\t1:50:44\nOct\t0:09:51\t1:08:07\t3:13:46\nNov\t0:13:10\t1:26:29\t4:33:14\nDec\t0:13:12\t1:42:08\t4:07:39\n\nROWALLANE\tJan\t0:14:41\t1:10:21\t7:45:01\nFeb\t0:14:31\t0:54:41\t1:42:21\nMar\t0:16:00\t0:51:08\t1:15:39\nApr\t0:15:58\t1:07:04\t1:51:17\nMay\t0:15:17\t1:16:36\t3:57:17\nJun\t0:15:41\t1:31:04\t2:50:40\nJul\t0:19:42\t1:33:56\t3:12:37\nAug\t0:19:37\t1:43:08\t4:07:11\nSep\t0:18:28\t2:03:36\t2:42:46\nOct\t0:26:37\t1:38:16\t8:39:25\nNov\t0:12:40\t2:00:59\t4:53:43\nDec\t0:20:45\t2:19:30\t10:40:31\n\nSLIEVE CROOB\tJan\t0:22:53\t1:43:07\t2:36:23\nFeb\t0:20:02\t0:57:32\t2:05:21\nMar\t0:19:48\t0:53:44\t1:55:16\t0:42:56\nApr\t0:13:21\t1:11:21\t1:41:05\t0:47:34\nMay\t0:14:39\t1:39:12\t3:35:43\nJun\t0:24:25\t1:38:55\t4:39:24\nJul\t0:25:09\t1:24:28\t2:37:59\nAug\t0:41:40\t1:48:30\t4:24:56\nSep\t0:22:16\t1:57:54\t2:29:41\nOct\t0:23:35\t1:58:11\t1:54:33\nNov\t0:25:05\t1:28:14\t4:02:10\nDec\t0:22:10\t2:16:37\t5:55:20\n\nSLIEVE GULLION\tJan\t0:12:07\t1:24:10\t3:06:24\nFeb\t0:14:49\t0:48:35\t1:31:28\nMar\t0:19:20\t1:24:16\t1:38:09\nApr\t0:13:20\t0:58:14\t0:35:20\nMay\t0:20:50\t1:14:11\t4:17:06\nJun\t0:16:11\t1:18:54\t1:43:52\nJul\t0:14:59\t1:20:52\t1:36:00\nAug\t0:16:46\t1:34:11\t3:57:13\nSep\t0:16:01\t1:02:55\t1:41:54\nOct\t0:17:39\t1:12:06\t3:25:59\t1:49:04\nNov\t0:19:39\t1:22:21\t2:46:30\nDec\t0:16:59\t2:24:43\t3:45:31\n\nTHE MOURNES\tJan\t0:21:05\t1:21:49\t3:05:10\nFeb\t0:23:55\t1:08:04\t2:04:15\nMar\t0:19:14\t1:05:28\t2:04:03\nApr\t0:21:11\t1:13:46\t2:25:52\nMay\t0:22:46\t1:20:51\t2:45:04\nJun\t0:19:00\t1:35:01\t3:16:48\nJul\t0:26:46\t1:40:18\t2:44:31\nAug\t0:27:24\t1:44:11\t3:25:43\nSep\t0:31:24\t1:38:06\t2:25:56\nOct\t0:24:12\t1:31:29\t3:09:31\nNov\t0:20:13\t1:48:29\t2:55:29\nDec\t0:32:35\t1:50:57\t5:54:21\n\nOverall Local Council Area\t\t0:17:26\t1:25:09\t2:55:04\t1:16:48\n\nTable 3 shows the maximum ambulance response times for each category of call in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local council area.\n\nTable 3\n\nDEA\tMonth\n(2025)\tMaximum of Response Times\nCategory 1\tCategory 2\tCategory 3\tCategory 4\nCROTLIEVE\tJan\t0:27:56\t7:04:41\t4:23:20\nFeb\t1:26:25\t4:45:27\t20:38:05\nMar\t0:24:30\t5:09:18\t13:35:14\nApr\t0:25:48\t3:56:00\t7:19:48\nMay\t0:31:41\t10:29:58\t15:32:41\nJun\t0:20:24\t5:31:51\t23:48:11\nJul\t0:32:12\t4:55:29\t17:11:48\nAug\t0:41:01\t5:39:19\t11:37:00\nSep\t0:27:49\t3:14:01\t9:42:45\nOct\t0:29:34\t5:37:07\t7:15:54\nNov\t0:36:59\t5:40:37\t11:27:31\nDec\t0:31:26\t10:06:14\t21:53:35\n\nDOWNPATRICK\tJan\t0:34:51\t7:32:54\t13:40:43\nFeb\t0:37:38\t8:00:41\t8:32:56\nMar\t0:49:43\t3:28:58\t12:20:00\nApr\t0:30:47\t4:45:45\t9:49:29\nMay\t0:47:09\t12:01:03\t20:16:06\nJun\t1:01:18\t6:03:34\t11:29:00\nJul\t0:40:01\t6:04:01\t29:57:27\nAug\t0:46:44\t8:51:19\t16:44:08\nSep\t0:46:41\t10:37:07\t11:28:11\nOct\t0:44:30\t8:04:25\t19:52:27\t0:49:03\nNov\t0:42:31\t13:03:50\t14:16:30\nDec\t0:54:35\t11:24:40\t27:11:15\n\nNEWRY\tJan\t0:38:13\t5:27:48\t15:01:43\nFeb\t0:30:50\t6:38:50\t12:03:23\nMar\t0:30:39\t3:59:17\t13:09:25\t1:43:07\nApr\t0:46:32\t3:32:05\t15:01:45\nMay\t0:41:10\t5:35:33\t9:42:38\nJun\t0:41:20\t5:13:01\t12:00:17\nJul\t0:24:32\t4:50:03\t11:37:31\nAug\t0:47:21\t5:08:18\t5:57:39\nSep\t0:25:36\t4:57:04\t23:44:36\nOct\t0:29:40\t4:38:13\t20:30:43\nNov\t0:52:06\t9:26:50\t32:34:58\nDec\t1:17:22\t12:26:07\t24:08:27\n\nROWALLANE\tJan\t0:25:32\t3:28:18\t45:39:49\nFeb\t0:22:32\t3:49:21\t8:15:40\nMar\t0:39:25\t2:38:21\t7:13:39\nApr\t0:26:14\t3:50:30\t12:55:18\nMay\t0:25:37\t4:51:40\t15:41:46\nJun\t0:38:11\t9:03:56\t12:37:33\nJul\t0:40:37\t8:42:35\t16:31:33\nAug\t0:38:56\t5:50:20\t20:19:07\nSep\t0:32:13\t8:52:17\t14:00:41\nOct\t1:21:55\t8:33:50\t27:33:13\nNov\t0:21:02\t9:07:31\t28:58:19\nDec\t1:39:17\t12:40:21\t29:46:29\n\nSLIEVE CROOB\tJan\t0:38:59\t7:13:27\t14:39:08\nFeb\t0:31:33\t3:27:32\t8:28:08\nMar\t0:29:23\t2:28:12\t9:55:23\t0:42:56\nApr\t0:29:40\t4:07:01\t3:43:17\t0:47:34\nMay\t0:30:33\t6:18:34\t15:03:59\nJun\t0:38:47\t9:52:24\t12:34:02\nJul\t0:41:11\t4:39:25\t8:58:40\nAug\t4:38:10\t6:09:25\t20:01:43\nSep\t0:34:16\t17:23:49\t10:35:57\nOct\t0:51:25\t8:04:13\t5:35:41\nNov\t0:38:01\t4:11:07\t12:38:32\nDec\t0:39:17\t12:31:24\t16:57:23\n\nSLIEVE GULLION\tJan\t0:21:34\t7:02:29\t20:24:27\nFeb\t0:32:25\t5:09:46\t10:58:07\nMar\t0:34:17\t14:54:13\t4:35:35\nApr\t0:35:21\t3:20:01\t2:19:36\nMay\t0:32:53\t4:25:07\t15:57:00\nJun\t0:33:31\t4:23:57\t7:53:53\nJul\t0:28:57\t6:16:31\t8:07:21\nAug\t0:38:43\t11:32:50\t15:58:11\nSep\t0:36:39\t5:25:27\t8:03:24\nOct\t0:43:26\t4:25:22\t13:15:14\t1:51:57\nNov\t0:50:28\t4:16:18\t13:49:26\nDec\t0:36:08\t9:33:07\t13:36:21\n\nTHE MOURNES\tJan\t1:00:40\t6:59:09\t20:39:33\nFeb\t1:09:18\t3:52:38\t9:59:26\nMar\t0:46:53\t7:58:53\t11:57:19\nApr\t0:36:57\t4:07:49\t8:57:27\nMay\t0:53:15\t6:29:00\t16:05:04\nJun\t0:30:23\t6:06:14\t20:32:43\nJul\t0:51:13\t10:23:09\t15:39:41\nAug\t0:53:50\t6:16:43\t11:00:00\nSep\t2:34:24\t8:03:28\t16:46:03\nOct\t0:41:01\t6:41:10\t17:21:13\nNov\t0:43:30\t12:40:53\t16:10:15\nDec\t3:51:32\t8:48:16\t40:01:19\n\nOverall Local Council Area\t\t4:38:10\t17:23:49\t45:39:49\t1:51:57\n\nTable 4 shows the minimum ambulance response times, for each category of call, in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local council area.\n\nTable 4\n\nDEA\tMonth\n(2025)\tMinimum of Response Times\nCategory 1\tCategory 2\tCategory 3\tCategory 4\nCROTLIEVE\tJan\t0:02:27\t0:00:07\t0:08:09\nFeb\t0:05:43\t0:01:31\t0:05:09\nMar\t0:01:47\t0:11:17\t0:09:17\nApr\t0:04:18\t0:06:39\t0:12:29\nMay\t0:07:43\t0:04:23\t0:08:59\nJun\t0:10:26\t0:03:07\t0:07:29\nJul\t0:07:23\t0:04:49\t0:05:43\nAug\t0:05:24\t0:00:00\t0:15:39\nSep\t0:02:27\t0:01:34\t0:07:55\nOct\t0:06:43\t0:04:12\t0:08:38\nNov\t0:06:42\t0:05:58\t0:12:20\nDec\t0:00:20\t0:13:53\t0:23:46\n\nDOWNPATRICK\tJan\t0:05:13\t0:04:09\t0:15:54\nFeb\t0:01:52\t0:07:59\t0:07:21\nMar\t0:03:35\t0:02:09\t0:07:35\nApr\t0:07:43\t0:01:46\t0:04:41\nMay\t0:01:18\t0:04:19\t1:11:04\nJun\t0:04:10\t0:08:26\t0:11:28\nJul\t0:03:17\t0:00:00\t0:05:09\nAug\t0:05:49\t0:04:05\t0:20:56\nSep\t0:00:30\t0:06:15\t0:04:55\nOct\t0:03:20\t0:06:02\t0:06:17\t0:49:03\nNov\t0:02:35\t0:06:49\t0:13:27\nDec\t0:01:16\t0:05:38\t0:20:44\n\nNEWRY\tJan\t0:01:09\t0:02:28\t0:02:11\nFeb\t0:00:25\t0:00:57\t0:02:48\nMar\t0:01:24\t0:00:45\t0:00:19\t1:43:07\nApr\t0:01:51\t0:03:06\t0:04:05\nMay\t0:01:20\t0:00:23\t0:04:08\nJun\t0:03:38\t0:02:28\t0:01:50\nJul\t0:02:52\t0:02:43\t0:07:30\nAug\t0:02:04\t0:02:44\t0:04:37\nSep\t0:02:04\t0:00:35\t0:05:47\nOct\t0:01:05\t0:00:23\t0:02:27\nNov\t0:01:10\t0:00:24\t0:06:42\nDec\t0:00:50\t0:01:32\t0:04:10\n\nROWALLANE\tJan\t0:07:34\t0:02:16\t0:09:04\nFeb\t0:05:24\t0:07:02\t0:04:58\nMar\t0:05:28\t0:04:02\t0:04:34\nApr\t0:03:39\t0:00:00\t0:06:47\nMay\t0:08:20\t0:00:55\t0:12:36\nJun\t0:02:39\t0:00:00\t0:04:38\nJul\t0:09:00\t0:03:03\t0:17:42\nAug\t0:04:19\t0:04:42\t0:17:43\nSep\t0:00:08\t0:13:45\t0:17:28\nOct\t0:00:50\t0:07:32\t0:25:48\nNov\t0:00:28\t0:06:48\t0:20:56\nDec\t0:00:57\t0:03:05\t0:11:11\n\nSLIEVE CROOB\tJan\t0:08:02\t0:09:43\t0:16:47\nFeb\t0:02:43\t0:07:41\t0:24:26\nMar\t0:12:05\t0:01:58\t0:10:32\t0:42:56\nApr\t0:00:59\t0:12:50\t0:09:57\t0:47:34\nMay\t0:01:25\t0:08:51\t0:11:45\nJun\t0:07:44\t0:09:48\t0:04:22\nJul\t0:14:02\t0:09:10\t0:19:51\nAug\t0:03:09\t0:12:16\t0:01:51\nSep\t0:09:32\t0:11:27\t0:14:14\nOct\t0:03:20\t0:12:21\t0:07:26\nNov\t0:14:34\t0:03:50\t0:30:50\nDec\t0:07:20\t0:00:06\t0:51:38\n\nSLIEVE GULLION\tJan\t0:04:53\t0:04:05\t0:04:55\nFeb\t0:03:58\t0:04:14\t0:08:10\nMar\t0:02:34\t0:04:17\t0:06:56\nApr\t0:04:33\t0:06:16\t0:03:03\nMay\t0:02:32\t0:04:59\t0:09:34\nJun\t0:04:40\t0:07:34\t0:14:46\nJul\t0:03:50\t0:08:42\t0:07:51\nAug\t0:05:24\t0:01:17\t0:09:41\nSep\t0:01:58\t0:05:19\t0:08:48\nOct\t0:03:41\t0:03:43\t0:05:00\t1:46:12\nNov\t0:05:12\t0:05:31\t0:06:37\nDec\t0:04:32\t0:06:49\t0:19:25\n\nTHE MOURNES\tJan\t0:01:51\t0:07:20\t0:12:05\nFeb\t0:05:03\t0:08:16\t0:05:24\nMar\t0:01:07\t0:00:23\t0:06:40\nApr\t0:01:15\t0:03:02\t0:08:36\nMay\t0:04:20\t0:05:08\t0:05:02\nJun\t0:02:07\t0:01:59\t0:08:47\nJul\t0:01:42\t0:03:38\t0:09:30\nAug\t0:01:19\t0:03:32\t0:15:17\nSep\t0:03:57\t0:03:04\t0:03:17\nOct\t0:08:09\t0:08:59\t0:04:23\nNov\t0:01:52\t0:03:34\t0:05:05\nDec\t0:00:00\t0:00:06\t0:21:25\n\nOverall Local Council Area\t\t0:00:00\t0:00:00\t0:00:19\t0:42:56\n\nI recognise that ambulance response times remain a significant challenge for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). These difficulties are driven by a range of factors, including delays in hospital handovers and the impact of ongoing industrial action.\n\nThe importance of timely and appropriate ambulance responses was recognised in the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Review of Emergency Medicine. I am particularly concerned about the impact of ambulance handover delays at emergency departments (EDs), which directly affect NIAS’ ability to respond to emergency calls in the community. Improving handover times is therefore a key priority for my Department.\n\nEarlier this year, Departmental officials, alongside clinicians from Trusts and NIAS, visited a hospital in London to learn from their successful approach to releasing ambulances more quickly. Following this visit, I asked Trusts and NIAS to adopt a similar model.\n\nAt a regional workshop in August 2025, the Permanent Secretary, supported by the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, endorsed the implementation of regional ambulance handover guidance. This guidance sets out a clear ambition to eliminate handovers exceeding two hours by 1 December 2025, with the longer-term goal of achieving the 15-minute handover standard.\n\nThis is a system-wide challenge, and I am committed to leading the co-ordinated action required to deliver meaningful and sustained improvements.\n\nIn addition, my Department is working with NIAS to ensure sufficient ambulance and staffing capacity to meet Category 1 and Category 2 response time standards. This includes the development of a comprehensive 10-year workforce and financial plan to support long-term service resilience and patient care.\n\nMy Department is working closely with NIAS to address these issues through a number of targeted initiatives. NIAS is actively increasing its front-line workforce and has launched an ambitious recruitment programme. In parallel, the service continues to develop alternative care pathways, enabling more patients to be treated in the community and reducing reliance on EDs.\n\nIn 2025, NIAS introduced the first tier of the Advanced Paramedics Urgent Care model. This important development enhances the paramedic workforce, allowing a higher level of care to be delivered directly to patients and supporting treatment in community settings.\n\nSpecifically, in relation to rural parts of the Newry and Armagh constituency, I am mindful of the particular challenges faced by rural communities, where geography and resource pressures can result in longer waits for emergency care. My Department and NIAS are taking a range of actions to address these challenges, including investment in workforce and resources and reducing hospital handover delays. We remain committed to ensuring that all communities, including those in rural Newry and Armagh, receive timely and effective emergency care. Improving ambulance response times in these areas remains a key priority for my Department.","answerHtml":"Ambulance call categorisation for emergency calls is standardised across the UK. For your information, ambulance call category definitions and response time standards are set out in Table 1 below.
Table 1
| Call Type | Category | Mean Standard |
| Immediately life threatening | Cat 1 | 8 Mins |
| 999 Emergency – potentially serious incidents | Cat 2 | 18 Mins |
| Urgent problem | Cat 3 | *120 Mins |
| Non- emergency ED visits | Cat 4 | *180 Mins |
*This is the 90th centile standard for category 3 and category 4 calls as there is not a mean standard
Table 2 shows the average ambulance response times for each category of call in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral Area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local Council area.
Table 2
| DEA | Month (2025) | Average of Response Times | |||
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | ||
| CROTLIEVE | Jan | 0:13:42 | 1:11:02 | 1:16:04 | |
| Feb | 0:20:12 | 0:58:48 | 2:04:45 | ||
| Mar | 0:13:25 | 1:13:50 | 2:56:52 | ||
| Apr | 0:14:03 | 1:09:29 | 1:39:46 | ||
| May | 0:16:58 | 1:09:48 | 2:29:46 | ||
| Jun | 0:15:29 | 1:20:03 | 3:16:31 | ||
| Jul | 0:15:19 | 1:09:31 | 2:05:17 | ||
| Aug | 0:17:04 | 1:24:55 | 2:52:33 | ||
| Sep | 0:14:03 | 1:03:28 | 1:54:32 | ||
| Oct | 0:17:45 | 1:20:47 | 1:41:16 | ||
| Nov | 0:17:33 | 1:25:12 | 2:11:30 | ||
| Dec | 0:13:59 | 1:48:04 | 4:05:28 | ||
| DOWNPATRICK | Jan | 0:20:32 | 1:35:21 | 4:24:11 | |
| Feb | 0:14:14 | 0:55:39 | 2:17:19 | ||
| Mar | 0:14:59 | 0:53:57 | 2:15:15 | ||
| Apr | 0:18:46 | 1:19:36 | 2:41:36 | ||
| May | 0:17:31 | 1:42:21 | 8:38:09 | ||
| Jun | 0:17:48 | 1:42:33 | 2:09:30 | ||
| Jul | 0:19:10 | 1:27:05 | 3:42:12 | ||
| Aug | 0:21:52 | 2:16:29 | 5:55:53 | ||
| Sep | 0:19:20 | 1:56:15 | 2:03:59 | ||
| Oct | 0:21:35 | 1:49:04 | 2:26:44 | 0:49:03 | |
| Nov | 0:21:15 | 1:58:14 | 4:24:43 | ||
| Dec | 0:20:27 | 2:09:14 | 6:59:35 | ||
| NEWRY | Jan | 0:10:10 | 1:11:44 | 1:46:48 | |
| Feb | 0:11:06 | 0:58:05 | 1:56:56 | ||
| Mar | 0:09:53 | 1:04:45 | 2:38:30 | 1:43:07 | |
| Apr | 0:12:18 | 0:56:08 | 2:15:43 | ||
| May | 0:12:41 | 1:04:41 | 2:08:21 | ||
| Jun | 0:13:39 | 1:04:57 | 1:53:18 | ||
| Jul | 0:08:35 | 1:03:44 | 1:35:41 | ||
| Aug | 0:13:01 | 1:15:34 | 1:34:52 | ||
| Sep | 0:08:12 | 0:59:14 | 1:50:44 | ||
| Oct | 0:09:51 | 1:08:07 | 3:13:46 | ||
| Nov | 0:13:10 | 1:26:29 | 4:33:14 | ||
| Dec | 0:13:12 | 1:42:08 | 4:07:39 | ||
| ROWALLANE | Jan | 0:14:41 | 1:10:21 | 7:45:01 | |
| Feb | 0:14:31 | 0:54:41 | 1:42:21 | ||
| Mar | 0:16:00 | 0:51:08 | 1:15:39 | ||
| Apr | 0:15:58 | 1:07:04 | 1:51:17 | ||
| May | 0:15:17 | 1:16:36 | 3:57:17 | ||
| Jun | 0:15:41 | 1:31:04 | 2:50:40 | ||
| Jul | 0:19:42 | 1:33:56 | 3:12:37 | ||
| Aug | 0:19:37 | 1:43:08 | 4:07:11 | ||
| Sep | 0:18:28 | 2:03:36 | 2:42:46 | ||
| Oct | 0:26:37 | 1:38:16 | 8:39:25 | ||
| Nov | 0:12:40 | 2:00:59 | 4:53:43 | ||
| Dec | 0:20:45 | 2:19:30 | 10:40:31 | ||
| SLIEVE CROOB | Jan | 0:22:53 | 1:43:07 | 2:36:23 | |
| Feb | 0:20:02 | 0:57:32 | 2:05:21 | ||
| Mar | 0:19:48 | 0:53:44 | 1:55:16 | 0:42:56 | |
| Apr | 0:13:21 | 1:11:21 | 1:41:05 | 0:47:34 | |
| May | 0:14:39 | 1:39:12 | 3:35:43 | ||
| Jun | 0:24:25 | 1:38:55 | 4:39:24 | ||
| Jul | 0:25:09 | 1:24:28 | 2:37:59 | ||
| Aug | 0:41:40 | 1:48:30 | 4:24:56 | ||
| Sep | 0:22:16 | 1:57:54 | 2:29:41 | ||
| Oct | 0:23:35 | 1:58:11 | 1:54:33 | ||
| Nov | 0:25:05 | 1:28:14 | 4:02:10 | ||
| Dec | 0:22:10 | 2:16:37 | 5:55:20 | ||
| SLIEVE GULLION | Jan | 0:12:07 | 1:24:10 | 3:06:24 | |
| Feb | 0:14:49 | 0:48:35 | 1:31:28 | ||
| Mar | 0:19:20 | 1:24:16 | 1:38:09 | ||
| Apr | 0:13:20 | 0:58:14 | 0:35:20 | ||
| May | 0:20:50 | 1:14:11 | 4:17:06 | ||
| Jun | 0:16:11 | 1:18:54 | 1:43:52 | ||
| Jul | 0:14:59 | 1:20:52 | 1:36:00 | ||
| Aug | 0:16:46 | 1:34:11 | 3:57:13 | ||
| Sep | 0:16:01 | 1:02:55 | 1:41:54 | ||
| Oct | 0:17:39 | 1:12:06 | 3:25:59 | 1:49:04 | |
| Nov | 0:19:39 | 1:22:21 | 2:46:30 | ||
| Dec | 0:16:59 | 2:24:43 | 3:45:31 | ||
| THE MOURNES | Jan | 0:21:05 | 1:21:49 | 3:05:10 | |
| Feb | 0:23:55 | 1:08:04 | 2:04:15 | ||
| Mar | 0:19:14 | 1:05:28 | 2:04:03 | ||
| Apr | 0:21:11 | 1:13:46 | 2:25:52 | ||
| May | 0:22:46 | 1:20:51 | 2:45:04 | ||
| Jun | 0:19:00 | 1:35:01 | 3:16:48 | ||
| Jul | 0:26:46 | 1:40:18 | 2:44:31 | ||
| Aug | 0:27:24 | 1:44:11 | 3:25:43 | ||
| Sep | 0:31:24 | 1:38:06 | 2:25:56 | ||
| Oct | 0:24:12 | 1:31:29 | 3:09:31 | ||
| Nov | 0:20:13 | 1:48:29 | 2:55:29 | ||
| Dec | 0:32:35 | 1:50:57 | 5:54:21 | ||
| Overall Local Council Area | 0:17:26 | 1:25:09 | 2:55:04 | 1:16:48 |
Table 3 shows the maximum ambulance response times for each category of call in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local council area.
Table 3
| DEA | Month (2025) | Maximum of Response Times | |||
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | ||
| CROTLIEVE | Jan | 0:27:56 | 7:04:41 | 4:23:20 | |
| Feb | 1:26:25 | 4:45:27 | 20:38:05 | ||
| Mar | 0:24:30 | 5:09:18 | 13:35:14 | ||
| Apr | 0:25:48 | 3:56:00 | 7:19:48 | ||
| May | 0:31:41 | 10:29:58 | 15:32:41 | ||
| Jun | 0:20:24 | 5:31:51 | 23:48:11 | ||
| Jul | 0:32:12 | 4:55:29 | 17:11:48 | ||
| Aug | 0:41:01 | 5:39:19 | 11:37:00 | ||
| Sep | 0:27:49 | 3:14:01 | 9:42:45 | ||
| Oct | 0:29:34 | 5:37:07 | 7:15:54 | ||
| Nov | 0:36:59 | 5:40:37 | 11:27:31 | ||
| Dec | 0:31:26 | 10:06:14 | 21:53:35 | ||
| DOWNPATRICK | Jan | 0:34:51 | 7:32:54 | 13:40:43 | |
| Feb | 0:37:38 | 8:00:41 | 8:32:56 | ||
| Mar | 0:49:43 | 3:28:58 | 12:20:00 | ||
| Apr | 0:30:47 | 4:45:45 | 9:49:29 | ||
| May | 0:47:09 | 12:01:03 | 20:16:06 | ||
| Jun | 1:01:18 | 6:03:34 | 11:29:00 | ||
| Jul | 0:40:01 | 6:04:01 | 29:57:27 | ||
| Aug | 0:46:44 | 8:51:19 | 16:44:08 | ||
| Sep | 0:46:41 | 10:37:07 | 11:28:11 | ||
| Oct | 0:44:30 | 8:04:25 | 19:52:27 | 0:49:03 | |
| Nov | 0:42:31 | 13:03:50 | 14:16:30 | ||
| Dec | 0:54:35 | 11:24:40 | 27:11:15 | ||
| NEWRY | Jan | 0:38:13 | 5:27:48 | 15:01:43 | |
| Feb | 0:30:50 | 6:38:50 | 12:03:23 | ||
| Mar | 0:30:39 | 3:59:17 | 13:09:25 | 1:43:07 | |
| Apr | 0:46:32 | 3:32:05 | 15:01:45 | ||
| May | 0:41:10 | 5:35:33 | 9:42:38 | ||
| Jun | 0:41:20 | 5:13:01 | 12:00:17 | ||
| Jul | 0:24:32 | 4:50:03 | 11:37:31 | ||
| Aug | 0:47:21 | 5:08:18 | 5:57:39 | ||
| Sep | 0:25:36 | 4:57:04 | 23:44:36 | ||
| Oct | 0:29:40 | 4:38:13 | 20:30:43 | ||
| Nov | 0:52:06 | 9:26:50 | 32:34:58 | ||
| Dec | 1:17:22 | 12:26:07 | 24:08:27 | ||
| ROWALLANE | Jan | 0:25:32 | 3:28:18 | 45:39:49 | |
| Feb | 0:22:32 | 3:49:21 | 8:15:40 | ||
| Mar | 0:39:25 | 2:38:21 | 7:13:39 | ||
| Apr | 0:26:14 | 3:50:30 | 12:55:18 | ||
| May | 0:25:37 | 4:51:40 | 15:41:46 | ||
| Jun | 0:38:11 | 9:03:56 | 12:37:33 | ||
| Jul | 0:40:37 | 8:42:35 | 16:31:33 | ||
| Aug | 0:38:56 | 5:50:20 | 20:19:07 | ||
| Sep | 0:32:13 | 8:52:17 | 14:00:41 | ||
| Oct | 1:21:55 | 8:33:50 | 27:33:13 | ||
| Nov | 0:21:02 | 9:07:31 | 28:58:19 | ||
| Dec | 1:39:17 | 12:40:21 | 29:46:29 | ||
| SLIEVE CROOB | Jan | 0:38:59 | 7:13:27 | 14:39:08 | |
| Feb | 0:31:33 | 3:27:32 | 8:28:08 | ||
| Mar | 0:29:23 | 2:28:12 | 9:55:23 | 0:42:56 | |
| Apr | 0:29:40 | 4:07:01 | 3:43:17 | 0:47:34 | |
| May | 0:30:33 | 6:18:34 | 15:03:59 | ||
| Jun | 0:38:47 | 9:52:24 | 12:34:02 | ||
| Jul | 0:41:11 | 4:39:25 | 8:58:40 | ||
| Aug | 4:38:10 | 6:09:25 | 20:01:43 | ||
| Sep | 0:34:16 | 17:23:49 | 10:35:57 | ||
| Oct | 0:51:25 | 8:04:13 | 5:35:41 | ||
| Nov | 0:38:01 | 4:11:07 | 12:38:32 | ||
| Dec | 0:39:17 | 12:31:24 | 16:57:23 | ||
| SLIEVE GULLION | Jan | 0:21:34 | 7:02:29 | 20:24:27 | |
| Feb | 0:32:25 | 5:09:46 | 10:58:07 | ||
| Mar | 0:34:17 | 14:54:13 | 4:35:35 | ||
| Apr | 0:35:21 | 3:20:01 | 2:19:36 | ||
| May | 0:32:53 | 4:25:07 | 15:57:00 | ||
| Jun | 0:33:31 | 4:23:57 | 7:53:53 | ||
| Jul | 0:28:57 | 6:16:31 | 8:07:21 | ||
| Aug | 0:38:43 | 11:32:50 | 15:58:11 | ||
| Sep | 0:36:39 | 5:25:27 | 8:03:24 | ||
| Oct | 0:43:26 | 4:25:22 | 13:15:14 | 1:51:57 | |
| Nov | 0:50:28 | 4:16:18 | 13:49:26 | ||
| Dec | 0:36:08 | 9:33:07 | 13:36:21 | ||
| THE MOURNES | Jan | 1:00:40 | 6:59:09 | 20:39:33 | |
| Feb | 1:09:18 | 3:52:38 | 9:59:26 | ||
| Mar | 0:46:53 | 7:58:53 | 11:57:19 | ||
| Apr | 0:36:57 | 4:07:49 | 8:57:27 | ||
| May | 0:53:15 | 6:29:00 | 16:05:04 | ||
| Jun | 0:30:23 | 6:06:14 | 20:32:43 | ||
| Jul | 0:51:13 | 10:23:09 | 15:39:41 | ||
| Aug | 0:53:50 | 6:16:43 | 11:00:00 | ||
| Sep | 2:34:24 | 8:03:28 | 16:46:03 | ||
| Oct | 0:41:01 | 6:41:10 | 17:21:13 | ||
| Nov | 0:43:30 | 12:40:53 | 16:10:15 | ||
| Dec | 3:51:32 | 8:48:16 | 40:01:19 | ||
| Overall Local Council Area | 4:38:10 | 17:23:49 | 45:39:49 | 1:51:57 |
Table 4 shows the minimum ambulance response times, for each category of call, in each month of 2025, broken down by district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, District Council Area and Local council area.
Table 4
| DEA | Month (2025) | Minimum of Response Times | |||
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | ||
| CROTLIEVE | Jan | 0:02:27 | 0:00:07 | 0:08:09 | |
| Feb | 0:05:43 | 0:01:31 | 0:05:09 | ||
| Mar | 0:01:47 | 0:11:17 | 0:09:17 | ||
| Apr | 0:04:18 | 0:06:39 | 0:12:29 | ||
| May | 0:07:43 | 0:04:23 | 0:08:59 | ||
| Jun | 0:10:26 | 0:03:07 | 0:07:29 | ||
| Jul | 0:07:23 | 0:04:49 | 0:05:43 | ||
| Aug | 0:05:24 | 0:00:00 | 0:15:39 | ||
| Sep | 0:02:27 | 0:01:34 | 0:07:55 | ||
| Oct | 0:06:43 | 0:04:12 | 0:08:38 | ||
| Nov | 0:06:42 | 0:05:58 | 0:12:20 | ||
| Dec | 0:00:20 | 0:13:53 | 0:23:46 | ||
| DOWNPATRICK | Jan | 0:05:13 | 0:04:09 | 0:15:54 | |
| Feb | 0:01:52 | 0:07:59 | 0:07:21 | ||
| Mar | 0:03:35 | 0:02:09 | 0:07:35 | ||
| Apr | 0:07:43 | 0:01:46 | 0:04:41 | ||
| May | 0:01:18 | 0:04:19 | 1:11:04 | ||
| Jun | 0:04:10 | 0:08:26 | 0:11:28 | ||
| Jul | 0:03:17 | 0:00:00 | 0:05:09 | ||
| Aug | 0:05:49 | 0:04:05 | 0:20:56 | ||
| Sep | 0:00:30 | 0:06:15 | 0:04:55 | ||
| Oct | 0:03:20 | 0:06:02 | 0:06:17 | 0:49:03 | |
| Nov | 0:02:35 | 0:06:49 | 0:13:27 | ||
| Dec | 0:01:16 | 0:05:38 | 0:20:44 | ||
| NEWRY | Jan | 0:01:09 | 0:02:28 | 0:02:11 | |
| Feb | 0:00:25 | 0:00:57 | 0:02:48 | ||
| Mar | 0:01:24 | 0:00:45 | 0:00:19 | 1:43:07 | |
| Apr | 0:01:51 | 0:03:06 | 0:04:05 | ||
| May | 0:01:20 | 0:00:23 | 0:04:08 | ||
| Jun | 0:03:38 | 0:02:28 | 0:01:50 | ||
| Jul | 0:02:52 | 0:02:43 | 0:07:30 | ||
| Aug | 0:02:04 | 0:02:44 | 0:04:37 | ||
| Sep | 0:02:04 | 0:00:35 | 0:05:47 | ||
| Oct | 0:01:05 | 0:00:23 | 0:02:27 | ||
| Nov | 0:01:10 | 0:00:24 | 0:06:42 | ||
| Dec | 0:00:50 | 0:01:32 | 0:04:10 | ||
| ROWALLANE | Jan | 0:07:34 | 0:02:16 | 0:09:04 | |
| Feb | 0:05:24 | 0:07:02 | 0:04:58 | ||
| Mar | 0:05:28 | 0:04:02 | 0:04:34 | ||
| Apr | 0:03:39 | 0:00:00 | 0:06:47 | ||
| May | 0:08:20 | 0:00:55 | 0:12:36 | ||
| Jun | 0:02:39 | 0:00:00 | 0:04:38 | ||
| Jul | 0:09:00 | 0:03:03 | 0:17:42 | ||
| Aug | 0:04:19 | 0:04:42 | 0:17:43 | ||
| Sep | 0:00:08 | 0:13:45 | 0:17:28 | ||
| Oct | 0:00:50 | 0:07:32 | 0:25:48 | ||
| Nov | 0:00:28 | 0:06:48 | 0:20:56 | ||
| Dec | 0:00:57 | 0:03:05 | 0:11:11 | ||
| SLIEVE CROOB | Jan | 0:08:02 | 0:09:43 | 0:16:47 | |
| Feb | 0:02:43 | 0:07:41 | 0:24:26 | ||
| Mar | 0:12:05 | 0:01:58 | 0:10:32 | 0:42:56 | |
| Apr | 0:00:59 | 0:12:50 | 0:09:57 | 0:47:34 | |
| May | 0:01:25 | 0:08:51 | 0:11:45 | ||
| Jun | 0:07:44 | 0:09:48 | 0:04:22 | ||
| Jul | 0:14:02 | 0:09:10 | 0:19:51 | ||
| Aug | 0:03:09 | 0:12:16 | 0:01:51 | ||
| Sep | 0:09:32 | 0:11:27 | 0:14:14 | ||
| Oct | 0:03:20 | 0:12:21 | 0:07:26 | ||
| Nov | 0:14:34 | 0:03:50 | 0:30:50 | ||
| Dec | 0:07:20 | 0:00:06 | 0:51:38 | ||
| SLIEVE GULLION | Jan | 0:04:53 | 0:04:05 | 0:04:55 | |
| Feb | 0:03:58 | 0:04:14 | 0:08:10 | ||
| Mar | 0:02:34 | 0:04:17 | 0:06:56 | ||
| Apr | 0:04:33 | 0:06:16 | 0:03:03 | ||
| May | 0:02:32 | 0:04:59 | 0:09:34 | ||
| Jun | 0:04:40 | 0:07:34 | 0:14:46 | ||
| Jul | 0:03:50 | 0:08:42 | 0:07:51 | ||
| Aug | 0:05:24 | 0:01:17 | 0:09:41 | ||
| Sep | 0:01:58 | 0:05:19 | 0:08:48 | ||
| Oct | 0:03:41 | 0:03:43 | 0:05:00 | 1:46:12 | |
| Nov | 0:05:12 | 0:05:31 | 0:06:37 | ||
| Dec | 0:04:32 | 0:06:49 | 0:19:25 | ||
| THE MOURNES | Jan | 0:01:51 | 0:07:20 | 0:12:05 | |
| Feb | 0:05:03 | 0:08:16 | 0:05:24 | ||
| Mar | 0:01:07 | 0:00:23 | 0:06:40 | ||
| Apr | 0:01:15 | 0:03:02 | 0:08:36 | ||
| May | 0:04:20 | 0:05:08 | 0:05:02 | ||
| Jun | 0:02:07 | 0:01:59 | 0:08:47 | ||
| Jul | 0:01:42 | 0:03:38 | 0:09:30 | ||
| Aug | 0:01:19 | 0:03:32 | 0:15:17 | ||
| Sep | 0:03:57 | 0:03:04 | 0:03:17 | ||
| Oct | 0:08:09 | 0:08:59 | 0:04:23 | ||
| Nov | 0:01:52 | 0:03:34 | 0:05:05 | ||
| Dec | 0:00:00 | 0:00:06 | 0:21:25 | ||
| Overall Local Council Area | 0:00:00 | 0:00:00 | 0:00:19 | 0:42:56 |
I recognise that ambulance response times remain a significant challenge for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). These difficulties are driven by a range of factors, including delays in hospital handovers and the impact of ongoing industrial action.
The importance of timely and appropriate ambulance responses was recognised in the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Review of Emergency Medicine. I am particularly concerned about the impact of ambulance handover delays at emergency departments (EDs), which directly affect NIAS’ ability to respond to emergency calls in the community. Improving handover times is therefore a key priority for my Department.
Earlier this year, Departmental officials, alongside clinicians from Trusts and NIAS, visited a hospital in London to learn from their successful approach to releasing ambulances more quickly. Following this visit, I asked Trusts and NIAS to adopt a similar model.
At a regional workshop in August 2025, the Permanent Secretary, supported by the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, endorsed the implementation of regional ambulance handover guidance. This guidance sets out a clear ambition to eliminate handovers exceeding two hours by 1 December 2025, with the longer-term goal of achieving the 15-minute handover standard.
This is a system-wide challenge, and I am committed to leading the co-ordinated action required to deliver meaningful and sustained improvements.
In addition, my Department is working with NIAS to ensure sufficient ambulance and staffing capacity to meet Category 1 and Category 2 response time standards. This includes the development of a comprehensive 10-year workforce and financial plan to support long-term service resilience and patient care.
My Department is working closely with NIAS to address these issues through a number of targeted initiatives. NIAS is actively increasing its front-line workforce and has launched an ambitious recruitment programme. In parallel, the service continues to develop alternative care pathways, enabling more patients to be treated in the community and reducing reliance on EDs.
In 2025, NIAS introduced the first tier of the Advanced Paramedics Urgent Care model. This important development enhances the paramedic workforce, allowing a higher level of care to be delivered directly to patients and supporting treatment in community settings.
Specifically, in relation to rural parts of the Newry and Armagh constituency, I am mindful of the particular challenges faced by rural communities, where geography and resource pressures can result in longer waits for emergency care. My Department and NIAS are taking a range of actions to address these challenges, including investment in workforce and resources and reducing hospital handover delays. We remain committed to ensuring that all communities, including those in rural Newry and Armagh, receive timely and effective emergency care. Improving ambulance response times in these areas remains a key priority for my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038658%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467095","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467095"}},{"id":"466884","reference":"AQW 38543/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-01-22","answered":"2026-01-26","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 her planning decision on the Hightown Incinerator.","answerText":"The applicant has informed my officials of their intention to submitted further information to address issues raised by statutory consultees following a consultation exercise which was completed in autumn 2025. Once this information is received, further re-consultation and re-advertisement will be undertaken by my planning officials as part of the statutory process.","answerHtml":"The applicant has informed my officials of their intention to submitted further information to address issues raised by statutory consultees following a consultation exercise which was completed in autumn 2025. Once this information is received, further re-consultation and re-advertisement will be undertaken by my planning officials as part of the statutory process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038543%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466884"}},{"id":"466883","reference":"AQW 38542/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department will engage with the landowners along Loughinisland Road, Loughinisland, with a view to extending footpaths in the village.","answerText":"Regrettably, a previous assessment against the competing priorities in the Newry Mourne and Down area did not rank the proposal for the extension of the footways at this location highly enough for inclusion in a works programme. My officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.\n\nEngagement with landowners would only take place if the scheme was to be prioritised within my Department’s current work programme.\n\nMy Department’s policy for setting speed limits is designed to promote consistency for motorists, ensuring that similar roads are subject to similar speed restrictions. In determining the appropriate limit, we take into account a range of factors, including the nature and characteristics of the road, prevailing traffic speeds, the extent of frontage development, and road traffic collision statistics, which are routinely monitored using data from the PSNI.\n\nA previous assessment of the current 30mph speed limit considered it appropriate, and there are no plans for its extension at this time.","answerHtml":"Regrettably, a previous assessment against the competing priorities in the Newry Mourne and Down area did not rank the proposal for the extension of the footways at this location highly enough for inclusion in a works programme. My officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.
Engagement with landowners would only take place if the scheme was to be prioritised within my Department’s current work programme.
My Department’s policy for setting speed limits is designed to promote consistency for motorists, ensuring that similar roads are subject to similar speed restrictions. In determining the appropriate limit, we take into account a range of factors, including the nature and characteristics of the road, prevailing traffic speeds, the extent of frontage development, and road traffic collision statistics, which are routinely monitored using data from the PSNI.
A previous assessment of the current 30mph speed limit considered it appropriate, and there are no plans for its extension at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038542%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466883"}},{"id":"466882","reference":"AQW 38541/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any speed reduction measures her Department will consider along Loughinisland Road, Loughinisland.","answerText":"Regrettably, a previous assessment against the competing priorities in the Newry Mourne and Down area did not rank the proposal for the extension of the footways at this location highly enough for inclusion in a works programme. My officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.\n\nEngagement with landowners would only take place if the scheme was to be prioritised within my Department’s current work programme.\n\nMy Department’s policy for setting speed limits is designed to promote consistency for motorists, ensuring that similar roads are subject to similar speed restrictions. In determining the appropriate limit, we take into account a range of factors, including the nature and characteristics of the road, prevailing traffic speeds, the extent of frontage development, and road traffic collision statistics, which are routinely monitored using data from the PSNI.\n\nA previous assessment of the current 30mph speed limit considered it appropriate, and there are no plans for its extension at this time.","answerHtml":"Regrettably, a previous assessment against the competing priorities in the Newry Mourne and Down area did not rank the proposal for the extension of the footways at this location highly enough for inclusion in a works programme. My officials will undertake a fresh assessment of the location to determine if any new factors need to be taken into consideration.
Engagement with landowners would only take place if the scheme was to be prioritised within my Department’s current work programme.
My Department’s policy for setting speed limits is designed to promote consistency for motorists, ensuring that similar roads are subject to similar speed restrictions. In determining the appropriate limit, we take into account a range of factors, including the nature and characteristics of the road, prevailing traffic speeds, the extent of frontage development, and road traffic collision statistics, which are routinely monitored using data from the PSNI.
A previous assessment of the current 30mph speed limit considered it appropriate, and there are no plans for its extension at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038541%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466882"}},{"id":"466881","reference":"AQW 38540/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-02-20","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 her Department has in relation to footpaths in rural areas, given her active travel commitments.","answerText":"Active travel improvements taken forward by my Department are for road safety reasons, and to encourage modal shift.\n\nImprovements which are prioritised on the basis of road safety are undertaken in line with the Roads Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) EO32. Pedestrian enhancement measures provided under this policy include the installation of pedestrian crossings, missing link footways and provision of dropped kerbs.\n\nActive travel improvements are typically prioritised in line with delivery plans developed with the aim of creating well connected pedestrian and cycling networks.\n\nSince the introduction of the Climate Change Act, the main focus of my Department, with respect to encouraging more people to walk, wheel or cycle, has concentrated on developing the Active Travel Delivery Plan and enhancing my department’s design guidance for the delivery of active travel schemes.\n\nConsultation on the Active Travel Delivery Plan demonstrated the need to take a different approach when prioritising high-quality active travel infrastructure in rural areas to that applied in an urban context. Once work on the Active Trave Delivery Plan is complete, officials will consider how best to prioritise active travel investment to maximise benefits in rural areas.","answerHtml":"Active travel improvements taken forward by my Department are for road safety reasons, and to encourage modal shift.
Improvements which are prioritised on the basis of road safety are undertaken in line with the Roads Policy and Procedure Guide (RSPPG) EO32. Pedestrian enhancement measures provided under this policy include the installation of pedestrian crossings, missing link footways and provision of dropped kerbs.
Active travel improvements are typically prioritised in line with delivery plans developed with the aim of creating well connected pedestrian and cycling networks.
Since the introduction of the Climate Change Act, the main focus of my Department, with respect to encouraging more people to walk, wheel or cycle, has concentrated on developing the Active Travel Delivery Plan and enhancing my department’s design guidance for the delivery of active travel schemes.
Consultation on the Active Travel Delivery Plan demonstrated the need to take a different approach when prioritising high-quality active travel infrastructure in rural areas to that applied in an urban context. Once work on the Active Trave Delivery Plan is complete, officials will consider how best to prioritise active travel investment to maximise benefits in rural areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038540%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466881","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466881"}},{"id":"466880","reference":"AQW 38539/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-19","answerBy":"2026-02-03","answered":"2026-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given that active travel spending can be used to fund street lighting under her Department's new accounting policy, whether she will consider extending street lighting in areas where an interest is shown.","answerText":"My Department’s current policy for the provision of street lighting in rural locations considers:\n\nThe density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant nighttime use; and,\n\nRoad safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time collisions.\n\nI am conscious that street lighting can contribute significantly to feelings of personal security and safety, particularly for women travelling at night. This is an important consideration when officials are developing proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to key destinations that have greatest potential for modal shift, such as routes to train stations or Park & Ride sites on the edge of towns.\n\nHowever, requests for lighting must be balanced against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside, the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and flora, and our desire to reduce the carbon footprint and electricity costs associated with our infrastructure.\n\nWhile there are no plans to change the street lighting policy at this time, my Department will consider the merit of providing lighting as part of the design process for prioritised active travel schemes.","answerHtml":"My Department’s current policy for the provision of street lighting in rural locations considers:
The density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant nighttime use; and,
Road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time collisions.
I am conscious that street lighting can contribute significantly to feelings of personal security and safety, particularly for women travelling at night. This is an important consideration when officials are developing proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to key destinations that have greatest potential for modal shift, such as routes to train stations or Park & Ride sites on the edge of towns.
However, requests for lighting must be balanced against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside, the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and flora, and our desire to reduce the carbon footprint and electricity costs associated with our infrastructure.
While there are no plans to change the street lighting policy at this time, my Department will consider the merit of providing lighting as part of the design process for prioritised active travel schemes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2038539%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466880","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466880"}},{"id":"466499","reference":"AQO 2969/22-27","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 for his assessment of the benefits of changes made to land eligibility under the Farm Sustainability Payment for nature, the environment and farm businesses.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The land eligibility rules for the farm sustainability payment, which came into effect on 1 January 2026, have been simplified, to the benefit of farm businesses. That has made them easier to understand and reduced the associated bureaucracy and potential for error. The new rules make previously ineligible features, such as rush, scrub, bracken, heather and bogs, eligible. That is to the benefit of the environment. Specifically, it will help to address soil and water quality issues and challenges to biodiversity, as well as to mitigate climate change. Farmers no longer need to be concerned about receiving over-declaration penalties for areas of rush or scrub on their land that they have inadvertently failed to remove from the claim. Importantly, the simplifications will reduce the risk of environmental damage and the impact on biodiversity or water quality through activities undertaken to maintain eligibility, such as burning heather, the removal of scrub by mechanical means or controlling rush by spraying. Full details of that are in the 'Guide to Land Eligibility', which is available on the Department’s website."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. How will the roll-out of Farming with Nature support farmers to look after nature and our environment?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The roll-out of Farming with Nature is critical to supporting farmers, as the custodians of the countryside. I am conscious that agri-environment support reduced post the EU exit, and I am seeking to restore that. Last year, we launched the Farming with Nature transition scheme. A number of actions were available then, and there will be a further roll-out this year. I want to see the pace quicken, because it is important that we support farmers, and Farming with Nature is a key support scheme from the Department under the sustainable agriculture programme."},{"speaker":"Mr McAleer","text":"Minister, I welcome the simplifications and recognise the value of the changes for biodiversity. However, the inclusion of additional land in the rules for the farm sustainability payment and the closure of the regional reserve, with no new entitlements being issued, will mean that there is a shortage of entitlements to cover the new eligible land. Will you look again at the decision to close the regional reserve?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"There was significant debate about that issue at the Committee and in the Assembly. After leaving the EU, we had to set up our own farm support scheme. Change is difficult, and it requires decisions to be made. There are also actions under way on that through the historical years exercise. It is important that we proceed with the changes. There is overall environmental benefit for Northern Ireland from the changes to land eligibility. I note that the changes have been warmly welcomed by organisations such as Ulster Wildlife, and I was glad to see that."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202969%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=466499","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-01-26&docID=467176#AQO%202969/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=466499"}},{"id":"465591","reference":"AQW 37927/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-09","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail which body currently holds responsibility for coordinating support for a vulnerable young person unable to attend education settings due to mental health and trauma-related needs.","answerText":"Article 86(1) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 places a statutory duty on the Education Authority to make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who by reason of illness, expulsion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.","answerHtml":"Article 86(1) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 places a statutory duty on the Education Authority to make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who by reason of illness, expulsion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037927%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465591","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465591"}},{"id":"465590","reference":"AQW 37926/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-09","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail which body holds responsibility for coordinating support for a vulnerable young person unable to attend education due to mental health and trauma-related needs.","answerText":"The Department of Education (DE) is the responsible authority for coordinating support for any young person who is unable to attend education due to mental health or trauma related needs.\n\nMy Department offers support to colleagues working in the education setting through the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools (EWTS) project, a health-led initiative delivered within the joint DE/Department of Health, Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education framework. EWTS is offered to all post primary and EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) settings on a cohort basis and promotes an integrated health-informed approach, to include strengthening the emotional readiness of pupils whose mental health impacts their ability to engage in learning.\n\nThis health‑led contribution supports DE’s statutory responsibilities by helping to equip school staff to support vulnerable young people to access education in a way and at a pace that aligns with their individual wellbeing needs.\n\nMy Department also offers support directly to young people through the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provision, which is available in all five HSC Trusts. CAMHS adhere to the Regional CAMHS Integrated Care Pathway - Working together: A pathway for Children and Young People through CAMHS (which encompasses the stepped care model) and aims to ensure the delivery of health care services for children by prioritising the least intensive yet most effective treatment first.\n\nEWTS works directly with school staff to build their understanding of thresholds and pathways to specialist support, including CAMHS and when referrals may be appropriate. As such children or young people referred for specialist/targeted intervention to CAMHS may have and will continue to have significant support being provided through multi-agency involvement whilst waiting to access CAMHS or indeed following and during care and treatment with CAMHS.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education (DE) is the responsible authority for coordinating support for any young person who is unable to attend education due to mental health or trauma related needs.
My Department offers support to colleagues working in the education setting through the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools (EWTS) project, a health-led initiative delivered within the joint DE/Department of Health, Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education framework. EWTS is offered to all post primary and EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) settings on a cohort basis and promotes an integrated health-informed approach, to include strengthening the emotional readiness of pupils whose mental health impacts their ability to engage in learning.
This health‑led contribution supports DE’s statutory responsibilities by helping to equip school staff to support vulnerable young people to access education in a way and at a pace that aligns with their individual wellbeing needs.
My Department also offers support directly to young people through the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provision, which is available in all five HSC Trusts. CAMHS adhere to the Regional CAMHS Integrated Care Pathway - Working together: A pathway for Children and Young People through CAMHS (which encompasses the stepped care model) and aims to ensure the delivery of health care services for children by prioritising the least intensive yet most effective treatment first.
EWTS works directly with school staff to build their understanding of thresholds and pathways to specialist support, including CAMHS and when referrals may be appropriate. As such children or young people referred for specialist/targeted intervention to CAMHS may have and will continue to have significant support being provided through multi-agency involvement whilst waiting to access CAMHS or indeed following and during care and treatment with CAMHS.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037926%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465590","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465590"}},{"id":"465589","reference":"AQW 37925/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-09","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"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 introduce grants for solar panels on domestic properties.","answerText":"Financial support is not currently available for homeowners who wish to install solar panels. The Windsor Framework enables the extension to the North of the VAT relief for energy saving materials that was previously available only in Britain. This means that people here can apply zero rates of VAT to the installation of energy-saving materials such as solar panels.\n\nFeedback from the low carbon heat consultation in 2025 suggested that combining solar panels with a heat pump could reduce overall operating costs. This option is being considered as we take forward the development of the low carbon heat and energy efficiency support scheme in 2026.\n\nIn the meantime, households may still find solar panels or solar with battery storage, a worthwhile investment offering long-term savings, even in the absence of grant support.","answerHtml":"Financial support is not currently available for homeowners who wish to install solar panels. The Windsor Framework enables the extension to the North of the VAT relief for energy saving materials that was previously available only in Britain. This means that people here can apply zero rates of VAT to the installation of energy-saving materials such as solar panels.
Feedback from the low carbon heat consultation in 2025 suggested that combining solar panels with a heat pump could reduce overall operating costs. This option is being considered as we take forward the development of the low carbon heat and energy efficiency support scheme in 2026.
In the meantime, households may still find solar panels or solar with battery storage, a worthwhile investment offering long-term savings, even in the absence of grant support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037925%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465589","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465589"}},{"id":"465588","reference":"AQW 37924/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-09","answerBy":"2026-01-26","answered":"2026-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will introduce grants for electric vehicle charge points for homeowners, other than those living in flats.","answerText":"While DfI does not have any grants available for the installation of EV charging, the UK Government offers a range of grants (available in Northern Ireland) towards EV Infrastructure, including:\n\nElectric vehicle charge point grant for renters and flat owners;\n\nElectric vehicle charge point grant for households with on-street parking;\n\nWorkplace Charging Scheme;\n\nElectric vehicle charge points and infrastructure grant for landlords;\n\nElectric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets; and\n\nWorkplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions.\n\nFurther detail on available grants can be found online at: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK.","answerHtml":"While DfI does not have any grants available for the installation of EV charging, the UK Government offers a range of grants (available in Northern Ireland) towards EV Infrastructure, including:
Electric vehicle charge point grant for renters and flat owners;
Electric vehicle charge point grant for households with on-street parking;
Workplace Charging Scheme;
Electric vehicle charge points and infrastructure grant for landlords;
Electric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets; and
Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions.
Further detail on available grants can be found online at: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037924%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465588","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465588"}},{"id":"465286","reference":"AQO 2955/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-08","answerBy":"2026-01-20","answered":"2026-01-20","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline any action she will take to ban pornography portraying strangulation and suffocation.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The UK Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently making its way through Westminster, contains provision to criminalise the possession and publication of pornography portraying strangulation and suffocation. I have been engaging with the UK Government and intend, subject to Members' agreement, to extend that provision to Northern Ireland to ensure that similar protections are afforded here. The provision aims to strengthen existing protections provided under section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which extends to Northern Ireland as well as England and Wales and criminalises the possession of extreme pornographic images. Under the existing provision, an image falls within the scope of the offence where it portrays an act that threatens a person's life. However, the independent review of pornography commissioned by the previous UK Government and carried out by Baroness Bertin was concerned that images of non-fatal strangulation or suffocation may not be caught by the offence, having found no evidence of anyone being prosecuted for content on the basis of such images. Worryingly, the review also highlighted that strangulation and suffocation pornographic content is rife on mainstream platforms and is having real-world impacts on how people are having sex, particularly amongst young people. The provision proposed in the Crime and Policing Bill implements the recommendations of that review that depictions of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation should be clearly and explicitly captured in illegal pornography offences. Non-fatal strangulation and asphyxiation or suffocation is already illegal across the UK. As Members know, I provided for that offence in the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. However, its depiction in pornography normalises the behaviour and, as the review found, is having a malign influence on men and boys' perceptions of its real-world impact."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. How does that fit into the wider package of measures that you have brought and will bring forward to combat abusive behaviours online and in the digital sphere?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Members will know that I am passionate about that. Where possible, I want to address serious sexual offending. In the previous mandate, I introduced a new domestic abuse offence that marked a step change in capturing controlling and coercive behaviour. I introduced new offences of stalking, upskirting, downblousing and cyberflashing and four new offences to tackle adults who pretend to be a child with a view to sexual grooming that bolstered the child grooming offences and are unique to Northern Ireland. I also created a stand-alone offence of non-fatal strangulation and enhanced protections around offences of the abuse of a position of trust and the disclosing of private sexual images. Those measures have added real, tangible and valuable protections, and the extension of the Bill will add to the cadre of offences that we are dealing with. It is important that people recognise just how serious the issue is, particularly for young people. The study that was done and the evidence that was presented to it showed that a significant number of young women around the age of 14 had already been subjected to suffocation and strangulation. Young men as young as 10 had asked teachers how they could safely choke girls during sex, and 13% of sexually active girls aged 14 to 17 had already been choked. If we do not get to grips with the issue now, we will see an epidemic of that kind of behaviour. It is putting young people's lives at risk: young women's lives, when they get involved with partners, and young men's lives, because they will end up in prison for serious offences."},{"speaker":"Ms Ferguson","text":"According to that research report, at the end of October 2025, there were 97 ongoing non-fatal strangulation cases in the Crown Court and 263 in the Youth Court and the Magistrates' Court. What engagement, if any, have you, Minister, had to date with the Minister of Education about the development of a targeted educational piece for young people on non-consensual strangulation?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I have engaged with the Education Minister on child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation but not specifically on targeted advertising around non-fatal strangulation. Part of the issue is about the differing views that people have of how explicit our relationships and sexuality education should be."},{"speaker":"","text":"If we have boys as young as 10 who are asking such questions of teachers, and if we have girls as young as 14 who are experiencing such behaviours, we need to intervene much sooner and have the conversations with them, not to strip them of their innocence but to protect them from those who are already being corrupted by what they see online on those quite extreme pornographic websites."},{"speaker":"","text":"Young people need to be equipped with information so that they know that it is not normal behaviour. It is not expected behaviour but abusive and dangerous behaviour, and that message needs to be communicated clearly to young people in an age-appropriate way, recognising that such sites are increasingly available and visible to children as young as 10."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"That concludes the time for listed questions. We move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202955%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465286","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-01-20&docID=466142#AQO%202955/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465286"}},{"id":"465266","reference":"AQO 2935/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-08","answerBy":"2026-01-19","answered":null,"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 how their Department assess and manage any strategic or reputational risk arising from geopolitical developments relevant to Northern Ireland’s overseas bureaux.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202935%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465266"}},{"id":"465121","reference":"AQW 37726/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-07","answerBy":"2026-01-12","answered":"2026-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 37250/22-27, to detail any engagement she has had with the Utility Regulator, either in advance of or following her policy decision to deliver fairer grid connection charges, in relation to the Utility Regulator's willingness to consider additional charges for electricity consumers in future price controls.","answerText":"My Department and the Utility Regulator collaborated significantly in the development of the Fairer Grid Connection costs policy. My Department continues to work with the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to bring this change through as quickly as possible, with change expected to take effect in the first half of 2026.\n\nConnections made during the price control period will be funded through the RP7 Price Control Determination. Considerations in respect of future price controls will be for the Utility Regulator to determine at that time.","answerHtml":"My Department and the Utility Regulator collaborated significantly in the development of the Fairer Grid Connection costs policy. My Department continues to work with the Utility Regulator and NIE Networks to bring this change through as quickly as possible, with change expected to take effect in the first half of 2026.
Connections made during the price control period will be funded through the RP7 Price Control Determination. Considerations in respect of future price controls will be for the Utility Regulator to determine at that time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037726%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465121","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465121"}},{"id":"464798","reference":"AQW 37620/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-09","answered":"2026-01-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 37250/22-27, whether her response means that the policy change to deliver fairer grid connection charges, will not be implemented within NIE Networks’ RP7 price control.","answerText":"Connections made during the price control period will be funded through the RP7 Price Control Determination.","answerHtml":"Connections made during the price control period will be funded through the RP7 Price Control Determination.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037620%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464798","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464798"}},{"id":"464797","reference":"AQW 37619/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-06","answerBy":"2026-01-21","answered":"2026-01-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure with reference to her plans to introduce legislation to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking, to detail any additional actions she is taking to tackle situations where cars are parked in such a way that other road users' sightlines are blocked and roads are left too narrow for delivery vans and bin lorries to pass.","answerText":"The proposed ban on parking a vehicle wholly on the footway, parking across dropped kerbs, and double parking represents the most practical and effective way to address inconsiderate pavement parking at this stage, considering feasibility, enforcement considerations and legislative vires. My intention is to introduce these changes in the latter part of 2026, subject to the legislative process.\n\nMy Department works collaboratively with others to address particular problem areas that are brought to our attention. For example, my Department has worked with Belfast City Council and the PSNI on the “Park with us in mind” initiative which targeted hotspots where council waste collection vehicles were often unable to gain access to areas due to poor, inconsiderate or illegal parking. While this joint approach has helped alleviate issues in the short term, the new legislation will provide a more consistent and robust framework for tackling inconsiderate pavement parking across the North.\n\nThese measures together with the already‑introduced Article 8 of the Footpaths (Prohibition of Parking) Order 2023, will further support efforts to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across the North, making streets safer and more accessible, particularly for disabled people, older citizens and those with prams.\n\nMy Department currently has the authority to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where a vehicle is observed parked on a legislated restriction, such as double yellow lines. Enforcement schedules remain flexible and, where resources permit, can be adjusted. If additional enforcement is required, my parking enforcement team can be contacted at Parking.Request@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.\n\nHowever, my Department cannot take enforcement action where a vehicle is parked on a pavement causing an obstruction, but no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway. In such cases, responsibility lies with the PSNI.","answerHtml":"The proposed ban on parking a vehicle wholly on the footway, parking across dropped kerbs, and double parking represents the most practical and effective way to address inconsiderate pavement parking at this stage, considering feasibility, enforcement considerations and legislative vires. My intention is to introduce these changes in the latter part of 2026, subject to the legislative process.
My Department works collaboratively with others to address particular problem areas that are brought to our attention. For example, my Department has worked with Belfast City Council and the PSNI on the “Park with us in mind” initiative which targeted hotspots where council waste collection vehicles were often unable to gain access to areas due to poor, inconsiderate or illegal parking. While this joint approach has helped alleviate issues in the short term, the new legislation will provide a more consistent and robust framework for tackling inconsiderate pavement parking across the North.
These measures together with the already‑introduced Article 8 of the Footpaths (Prohibition of Parking) Order 2023, will further support efforts to tackle inconsiderate pavement parking across the North, making streets safer and more accessible, particularly for disabled people, older citizens and those with prams.
My Department currently has the authority to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where a vehicle is observed parked on a legislated restriction, such as double yellow lines. Enforcement schedules remain flexible and, where resources permit, can be adjusted. If additional enforcement is required, my parking enforcement team can be contacted at Parking.Request@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
However, my Department cannot take enforcement action where a vehicle is parked on a pavement causing an obstruction, but no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway. In such cases, responsibility lies with the PSNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037619%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=464797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=464797"}},{"id":"463348","reference":"AQW 37250/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":"2026-01-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for her assessment of the amount NIE Networks will be able to raise per annum, from additional charges added to (i) domestic; and (ii) commercial customers' electricity bills, as a result of her decision to socialise grid connection costs.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator has confirmed that the policy change to deliver fairer grid connection charges, does not constitute a reopening of NIE Networks’ RP7 price control determinisation and therefore there will be no additional NIE Networks’ charges for electricity consumers.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator has confirmed that the policy change to deliver fairer grid connection charges, does not constitute a reopening of NIE Networks’ RP7 price control determinisation and therefore there will be no additional NIE Networks’ charges for electricity consumers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037250%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463348","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463348"}},{"id":"463134","reference":"AQW 37150/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2025-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, with reference to findings from a recent study of untreated water samples from five waterways in Northern Ireland, conducted by the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute and Imperial College London, to detail any treatment that is carried out to remove traces of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs from water supplied as drinking water.","answerText":"The treatment of the drinking water supply is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the information requested.\n\nNI Water has advised that it applies the drinking water safety planning approach in assessing the risks for contaminants in the raw water sources used for the abstraction at water treatment works. NI Water has multibarrier treatment processes in place at water treatment works to remove contaminants and reduce the risk to the treated drinking water supply to consumers. NI Water has advised that studies on drinking water treatment for the removal of pharmaceuticals show that water treatment processes such as ozonation and activated carbon, which are treatment processes undertaken by NI Water, are effective for the removal of pharmaceuticals.","answerHtml":"The treatment of the drinking water supply is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the information requested.
NI Water has advised that it applies the drinking water safety planning approach in assessing the risks for contaminants in the raw water sources used for the abstraction at water treatment works. NI Water has multibarrier treatment processes in place at water treatment works to remove contaminants and reduce the risk to the treated drinking water supply to consumers. NI Water has advised that studies on drinking water treatment for the removal of pharmaceuticals show that water treatment processes such as ozonation and activated carbon, which are treatment processes undertaken by NI Water, are effective for the removal of pharmaceuticals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037150%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463134","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463134"}},{"id":"462930","reference":"AQW 37053/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-12","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of incidents where other emergency services, such as the PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Mourne Mountain Rescue Service, or the Coastguard, have responded to an emergency because an ambulance was unavailable, in each of the last five years, broken down by the responding emergency service.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) does not collect data in a format that would allow my Department to quantify occasions where another emergency service responded because an ambulance was unavailable. To clarify, all incidents requiring clinical support from NIAS do receive an ambulance response, although system pressures can occasionally result in delays.\n\nOther emergency services such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the Coastguard, and specialist voluntary organisations like Mourne Mountain Rescue, often attend incidents because the nature of the situation necessitates a multi-agency approach. Examples include road traffic collisions, rescues, hazardous environments, and water-related incidents.\n\nIn some circumstances, the PSNI has transported patients to hospital, particularly during mental health crises or when immediate safety concerns arise. This reflects broader system pressures and the need for collaborative responses, rather than a formal substitution for ambulance services.\n\nNIFRS currently only records instances in which they mobilise to provide support to NIAS at an incident. NIFRS does not maintain records of mobilisations that occur when NIAS has declared they are unavailable to attend.\n\nNIAS continues to work with health and social care partners to improve response times and resilience. This includes investment in additional staff, enhanced triage systems, and collaborative initiatives with other emergency services to ensure patient safety during periods of high demand.\n\nI remain committed to strengthening emergency care provision and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate support. While multi-agency responses are sometimes necessary, my Department’s focus is on improving ambulance availability and reducing delays across the system.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) does not collect data in a format that would allow my Department to quantify occasions where another emergency service responded because an ambulance was unavailable. To clarify, all incidents requiring clinical support from NIAS do receive an ambulance response, although system pressures can occasionally result in delays.
Other emergency services such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the Coastguard, and specialist voluntary organisations like Mourne Mountain Rescue, often attend incidents because the nature of the situation necessitates a multi-agency approach. Examples include road traffic collisions, rescues, hazardous environments, and water-related incidents.
In some circumstances, the PSNI has transported patients to hospital, particularly during mental health crises or when immediate safety concerns arise. This reflects broader system pressures and the need for collaborative responses, rather than a formal substitution for ambulance services.
NIFRS currently only records instances in which they mobilise to provide support to NIAS at an incident. NIFRS does not maintain records of mobilisations that occur when NIAS has declared they are unavailable to attend.
NIAS continues to work with health and social care partners to improve response times and resilience. This includes investment in additional staff, enhanced triage systems, and collaborative initiatives with other emergency services to ensure patient safety during periods of high demand.
I remain committed to strengthening emergency care provision and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate support. While multi-agency responses are sometimes necessary, my Department’s focus is on improving ambulance availability and reducing delays across the system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037053%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462930","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462930"}},{"id":"462312","reference":"AQW 36766/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-03","answerBy":"2025-12-18","answered":"2025-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when she will answer (i) AQW 35579/22-27; and (ii) AQW 36437/22-27.","answerText":"I answered AQW 35579/22-27 on 11 December 2025 and AQW 36437/22-27 on 3 December 2025.","answerHtml":"I answered AQW 35579/22-27 on 11 December 2025 and AQW 36437/22-27 on 3 December 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036766%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462312"}},{"id":"461572","reference":"AQW 36437/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) her Department's new, permanent solution to the surface water flooding in the Marguerite area of Newcastle; and (ii) when it will be enacted.","answerText":"The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water has undertaken additional targeted survey work and detailed analysis in the Marguerite Park area of the Newcastle catchment. This has included reviews of sewer network telemetry and rainfall data. These investigations, in tandem with NI Water’s supply chain consultants, have been important to ensure the hydraulic model accurately reflects current network performance such that a robust, long-term solution, which reduces the risk of out of sewer flooding, can be developed.\n\nNI Water anticipates that it will be able to share the findings of this work, together with any proposed solution(s) in Spring 2026.\n\nNI Water has implemented a temporary protocol in advance of the outcome of the modelling and the identification/delivery of any long-term solution. Any works identified as part of a solution will be subject to consideration in the next price control\n\nIn addition, the gullies in this area are cleaned once a year and are on a priority list to be checked when the Department is notified of a weather warning.","answerHtml":"The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information and have been advised as follows:
NI Water has undertaken additional targeted survey work and detailed analysis in the Marguerite Park area of the Newcastle catchment. This has included reviews of sewer network telemetry and rainfall data. These investigations, in tandem with NI Water’s supply chain consultants, have been important to ensure the hydraulic model accurately reflects current network performance such that a robust, long-term solution, which reduces the risk of out of sewer flooding, can be developed.
NI Water anticipates that it will be able to share the findings of this work, together with any proposed solution(s) in Spring 2026.
NI Water has implemented a temporary protocol in advance of the outcome of the modelling and the identification/delivery of any long-term solution. Any works identified as part of a solution will be subject to consideration in the next price control
In addition, the gullies in this area are cleaned once a year and are on a priority list to be checked when the Department is notified of a weather warning.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036437%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461572","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461572"}},{"id":"461366","reference":"AQW 36361/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-26","answerBy":"2025-12-11","answered":"2026-01-08","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 the average added annual cost of the proposed socialised grid connection charge to (i) domestic; and (ii) commercial, customers.","answerText":"The Utility Regulator has confirmed that the policy change to deliver fairer grid connection charges, does not constitute a reopening of NIE Networks’ RP7 price control determinisation and therefore there will be no additional NIE Networks’ charges for electricity consumers.","answerHtml":"The Utility Regulator has confirmed that the policy change to deliver fairer grid connection charges, does not constitute a reopening of NIE Networks’ RP7 price control determinisation and therefore there will be no additional NIE Networks’ charges for electricity consumers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036361%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461366"}},{"id":"461365","reference":"AQW 36360/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-26","answerBy":"2025-12-11","answered":"2026-03-13","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 the amount she expects to raise, per annum, as a result of the proposed socialised grid connection charge.","answerText":"The decision on Fairer Grid Connection Costs remove unfairness and enable homes and businesses to connect to the grid at a fair price. There will be no direct revenue raised by my department by this measure.\n\nThis decision will deliver fairness and balance regardless of your location across the region, it will help to encourage new investment in low carbon technologies and renewables, and it will place us on a more level playing field with our neighbours when it comes to attracting new business opportunities and renewable investment.","answerHtml":"The decision on Fairer Grid Connection Costs remove unfairness and enable homes and businesses to connect to the grid at a fair price. There will be no direct revenue raised by my department by this measure.
This decision will deliver fairness and balance regardless of your location across the region, it will help to encourage new investment in low carbon technologies and renewables, and it will place us on a more level playing field with our neighbours when it comes to attracting new business opportunities and renewable investment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036360%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461365"}},{"id":"461364","reference":"AQW 36359/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-26","answerBy":"2025-12-11","answered":"2025-12-09","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 the average reinforcement charge required under existing policy, to connect to the electricity grid where the local network is at capacity, for (i) residential properties; and (ii) for commercial premises.","answerText":"Prior to the decision on Fairer Grid Connection Costs, any consumer requesting a new connection to the electricity grid, where the local network is at capacity, is responsible for paying the full cost of any reinforcement works required. These costs vary significantly depending on location, network condition, and scale of the upgrade.\n\nFor domestic customers, reinforcement costs can range from a few thousand pounds for minor upgrades to tens of thousands in rural areas where the network is weaker.\n\nUnder that system, domestic customers could face reinforcement costs that are prohibitively high, often exceeding £10,000 in cases requiring substantial line or transformer upgrades.\n\n(ii) For commercial connections, reinforcement costs can vary more widely potentially, running from tens of thousands to several million pounds for large industrial sites requiring significant capacity increases.\n\nThese figures reflect the ‘first mover disadvantage’ inherent in the that system, where the first customer triggering reinforcement bore the full cost, allowing subsequent customers to benefit without contributing.","answerHtml":"Prior to the decision on Fairer Grid Connection Costs, any consumer requesting a new connection to the electricity grid, where the local network is at capacity, is responsible for paying the full cost of any reinforcement works required. These costs vary significantly depending on location, network condition, and scale of the upgrade.
For domestic customers, reinforcement costs can range from a few thousand pounds for minor upgrades to tens of thousands in rural areas where the network is weaker.
Under that system, domestic customers could face reinforcement costs that are prohibitively high, often exceeding £10,000 in cases requiring substantial line or transformer upgrades.
(ii) For commercial connections, reinforcement costs can vary more widely potentially, running from tens of thousands to several million pounds for large industrial sites requiring significant capacity increases.
These figures reflect the ‘first mover disadvantage’ inherent in the that system, where the first customer triggering reinforcement bore the full cost, allowing subsequent customers to benefit without contributing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036359%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461364","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461364"}},{"id":"460166","reference":"AQW 35898/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2026-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for mandatory reconsiderations.","answerText":"My Department’s Disability and Carers Service is committed to improving the current timescales of mandatory reconsideration completion while also balancing the resources needed for new claim processing. Mindful of current delays, additional resources have recently been allocated to the mandatory reconsideration team to reduce customer waiting times in this area.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Disability and Carers Service is committed to improving the current timescales of mandatory reconsideration completion while also balancing the resources needed for new claim processing. Mindful of current delays, additional resources have recently been allocated to the mandatory reconsideration team to reduce customer waiting times in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035898%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460166","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460166"}},{"id":"460165","reference":"AQW 35897/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2026-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any guidance issued to decision makers when assessing functional limitations in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.","answerText":"My Department uses the Department for Work and Pensions’ Child Medical Guidance which provides guidance on the most common medical conditions relevant to Disability Living Allowance claims for children. This resource includes extensive guidance in relation to autism spectrum disorder and is available to read using the link below:\n\nhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-guidance-for-dla-decision-makers-child-cases-staff-guide. Disability Living Allowance decision makers use the guidance when determining eligibility to ensure that the potential impact of autism spectrum disorder on an individual is recognised. In addition, further information is available from the Department’s Health Professionals to supplement guidance where this is required.","answerHtml":"My Department uses the Department for Work and Pensions’ Child Medical Guidance which provides guidance on the most common medical conditions relevant to Disability Living Allowance claims for children. This resource includes extensive guidance in relation to autism spectrum disorder and is available to read using the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-guidance-for-dla-decision-makers-child-cases-staff-guide. Disability Living Allowance decision makers use the guidance when determining eligibility to ensure that the potential impact of autism spectrum disorder on an individual is recognised. In addition, further information is available from the Department’s Health Professionals to supplement guidance where this is required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035897%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460165","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460165"}},{"id":"460164","reference":"AQW 35896/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2026-01-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage, of Disability Living Allowance claims for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, that have been rejected at first decision, in the last 12 months.","answerText":"My Department does not hold this information in the format requested.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold this information in the format requested.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035896%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460164","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460164"}},{"id":"460163","reference":"AQW 35895/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-19","answerBy":"2025-12-04","answered":"2026-01-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the current average processing time for mandatory reconsiderations of Disability Living Allowance claims for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.","answerText":"My Department does not hold this information in the format requested.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold this information in the format requested.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035895%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460163","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460163"}},{"id":"459455","reference":"AQW 35677/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-11-20","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, given the recent surface flooding in the Market Place carpark, Downpatrick, and in the vicinity of Downpatrick and County Down Railway, to detail any interim emergency solutions in place to prevent more extensive flooding of the town centre, this winter.","answerText":"Aligned with the approach taken in Newcastle following the South East Flooding Review, the Department recognises the interaction between surface water drainage and high river levels in Downpatrick. Work is ongoing to establish a Downpatrick Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) to ensure a coordinated approach to all flooding risks. Ahead of the next RCRG meeting it is proposed to convene drainage partners from across agencies to review the ongoing surface water flooding issues within Downpatrick Town Centre and consider whether any practical measures might be achievable.\n\nIn preparation for this period of adverse weather, Rivers operational staff undertook proactive maintenance of drainage infrastructure and continued this work throughout the weekend, while actively monitoring river levels in real time, through our network of hydrometric stations, across the Downpatrick catchment. The Quoile barrier was operated to maximise discharge during tidal windows, and temporary pumping was deployed as required. These combined efforts helped keep designated watercourses and drainage infrastructure flowing freely and prevented flooding in many areas.","answerHtml":"Aligned with the approach taken in Newcastle following the South East Flooding Review, the Department recognises the interaction between surface water drainage and high river levels in Downpatrick. Work is ongoing to establish a Downpatrick Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) to ensure a coordinated approach to all flooding risks. Ahead of the next RCRG meeting it is proposed to convene drainage partners from across agencies to review the ongoing surface water flooding issues within Downpatrick Town Centre and consider whether any practical measures might be achievable.
In preparation for this period of adverse weather, Rivers operational staff undertook proactive maintenance of drainage infrastructure and continued this work throughout the weekend, while actively monitoring river levels in real time, through our network of hydrometric stations, across the Downpatrick catchment. The Quoile barrier was operated to maximise discharge during tidal windows, and temporary pumping was deployed as required. These combined efforts helped keep designated watercourses and drainage infrastructure flowing freely and prevented flooding in many areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035677%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459455","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459455"}},{"id":"459454","reference":"AQW 35676/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-17","answerBy":"2025-12-02","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 formal protocols in place to control the level of the River Quoile, in anticipation of heavy rain over the winter.","answerText":"The water level in the Quoile River varies naturally with rainfall and tidal conditions. There are no formal protocols or infrastructure to actively control river levels in advance of heavy rainfall, given that the Quoile Barrier at Hare Island operates automatically via gravity-hinged flap gates that close under water pressure during high tides to prevent tidal inflow and reopen as tides fall to allow fluvial discharge. Whilst it is critical for preventing tidal flooding in Downpatrick and surrounding areas, the barrier is not designed to significantly reduce river levels proactively.\n\nTo help reduce the impact of flooding during periods of adverse weather, Rivers operational staff undertake proactive maintenance of drainage infrastructure while actively monitoring river levels in real time through our network of hydrometric stations across the Downpatrick catchment. The Quoile Barrier is regularly checked to ensure maximum discharge during tidal windows, and temporary pumping is deployed as required. These combined efforts help keep designated watercourses and drainage infrastructure flowing freely and prevent flooding in many areas.","answerHtml":"The water level in the Quoile River varies naturally with rainfall and tidal conditions. There are no formal protocols or infrastructure to actively control river levels in advance of heavy rainfall, given that the Quoile Barrier at Hare Island operates automatically via gravity-hinged flap gates that close under water pressure during high tides to prevent tidal inflow and reopen as tides fall to allow fluvial discharge. Whilst it is critical for preventing tidal flooding in Downpatrick and surrounding areas, the barrier is not designed to significantly reduce river levels proactively.
To help reduce the impact of flooding during periods of adverse weather, Rivers operational staff undertake proactive maintenance of drainage infrastructure while actively monitoring river levels in real time through our network of hydrometric stations across the Downpatrick catchment. The Quoile Barrier is regularly checked to ensure maximum discharge during tidal windows, and temporary pumping is deployed as required. These combined efforts help keep designated watercourses and drainage infrastructure flowing freely and prevent flooding in many areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035676%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459454","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459454"}},{"id":"459046","reference":"AQW 35580/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-14","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether a funding call was issued to all councils before allocating £135,000 towards festive lighting, in the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council area.","answerText":"It is for individual Councils, working in partnership with Development Offices, to identify their priorities for town centre regeneration funding and submit applications. Therefore, no funding call was made or was necessary as Councils can make applications at any point of the year.","answerHtml":"It is for individual Councils, working in partnership with Development Offices, to identify their priorities for town centre regeneration funding and submit applications. Therefore, no funding call was made or was necessary as Councils can make applications at any point of the year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035580%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459046","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459046"}},{"id":"459045","reference":"AQW 35579/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-14","answerBy":"2025-12-01","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 action her Department is taking to address the repeated flooding on the A2, between Newcastle and Annalong, during heavy rain.","answerText":"My Department has a responsibility to manage surface water which falls onto a road. The owner or occupier of land adjoining a road is responsible for ensuring that surface water from their land does not flow onto or over the road. Similarly, landowners have a responsibility to ensure that drainage from a road is not impeded by a lack of maintenance of ‘drains’ within their property.\n\nThe Department is actively investigating the drainage issues and will develop a programme of works to repair any affected systems. Officials will liaise with all relevant landowners to ensure that their drainage systems do not allow water to flow onto the road or restrict the flow of water from the public road.","answerHtml":"My Department has a responsibility to manage surface water which falls onto a road. The owner or occupier of land adjoining a road is responsible for ensuring that surface water from their land does not flow onto or over the road. Similarly, landowners have a responsibility to ensure that drainage from a road is not impeded by a lack of maintenance of ‘drains’ within their property.
The Department is actively investigating the drainage issues and will develop a programme of works to repair any affected systems. Officials will liaise with all relevant landowners to ensure that their drainage systems do not allow water to flow onto the road or restrict the flow of water from the public road.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035579%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459045","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459045"}},{"id":"458760","reference":"AQW 35369/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-17","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 road gully maintenance machines her Department (i) owns; and (ii) contracts in.","answerText":"There are a total of 57 vehicles available to the Department for the purposes of gully cleaning. The Department does not contract-in gully-emptiers, rather the contract provides a gully emptying service and therefore the number of vehicles provided indicates those that are both owned by the Department or available through the contract.\n\nIt should be noted that due to required servicing and maintenance of the vehicles, not all units may be available at any given time.","answerHtml":"There are a total of 57 vehicles available to the Department for the purposes of gully cleaning. The Department does not contract-in gully-emptiers, rather the contract provides a gully emptying service and therefore the number of vehicles provided indicates those that are both owned by the Department or available through the contract.
It should be noted that due to required servicing and maintenance of the vehicles, not all units may be available at any given time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035369%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458760","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458760"}},{"id":"458759","reference":"AQW 35368/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","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 the annual costs her Department has incurred for contracting in road gully maintenance machines, over each of the last ten years.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information separately for road gully maintenance. However the table below sets out the annual cost of external contractors in providing delivery of services relating to gully emptying, sweeping and cleaning of roads, since the inception of the Department in 2016-17:\n\nFinancial Year\t£m\n2016-17\t1.2\n2017-18\t0.9\n2018-19\t1.0\n2019-20\t1.2\n2020-21\t1.9\n2021-22\t1.9\n2022-23\t3.1\n2023-24\t3.4\n2024-25\t5.0","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information separately for road gully maintenance. However the table below sets out the annual cost of external contractors in providing delivery of services relating to gully emptying, sweeping and cleaning of roads, since the inception of the Department in 2016-17:
| Financial Year | £m |
| 2016-17 | 1.2 |
| 2017-18 | 0.9 |
| 2018-19 | 1.0 |
| 2019-20 | 1.2 |
| 2020-21 | 1.9 |
| 2021-22 | 1.9 |
| 2022-23 | 3.1 |
| 2023-24 | 3.4 |
| 2024-25 | 5.0 |
Under legislation, my Department is responsible for the management and enforcement of on-street parking.
There are a number of privately owned car parks, operating on private land, across the North, which are open to the public. The management and enforcement of these sites is a matter for the owner. The Department has no role in the design or provision of accessible parking bays in privately-owned car parks.
The Department for Transport has, however, published the ‘Inclusive Mobility’ A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61d32bb7d3bf7f1f72b5ffd2/inclusive-mobility-a-guide-to-best-practice-on-access-to-pedestrian-and-transport-infrastructure.pdf
Section 8 of this publication refers to accessible parking.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035019%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458050","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458050"}},{"id":"457511","reference":"AQW 34657/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department holds any records of private estate management companies currently operating in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department does not hold such records. Official records of such companies may, if they are registered, be found in Companies House.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold such records. Official records of such companies may, if they are registered, be found in Companies House.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034657%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457511","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457511"}},{"id":"457510","reference":"AQW 34656/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-14","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 received any complaints from residents or elected representatives regarding the operation or conduct of private estate management companies in the last ten years.","answerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034656%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457510","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457510"}},{"id":"457509","reference":"AQW 34655/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her Department has had with private estate management companies, or their representative bodies, in relation to standards, accountability and charges in the last ten years.","answerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034655%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457509","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457509"}},{"id":"457508","reference":"AQW 34654/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether private estate management companies are required to operate within any departmental or statutory guidelines.","answerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the answer given to AQW 34653/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034654%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457508","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457508"}},{"id":"457507","reference":"AQW 34653/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any powers her Department has in relation to private estate management companies that charge annual fees for the maintenance of grassed and communal areas in residential developments.","answerText":"My Department does not have any specific powers in relation to private estate management companies. Such companies are not subject to sector-specific guidelines or statutory requirements, other than if they fall within general company law provisions.\n\nOn foot of concerns raised by both individual residents and locally elected representatives in relation to the actions of property management companies and agents, my Department commissioned a scoping study to examine issues relating to the management of shared property.\n\nI have considered the report produced and have directed that a small team be set up to begin work on this in the next financial year, with a view to developing proposals for potential legislative reform. My Department will engage with stakeholders including home-owners and any bodies responsible for shared property management as part of that work.","answerHtml":"My Department does not have any specific powers in relation to private estate management companies. Such companies are not subject to sector-specific guidelines or statutory requirements, other than if they fall within general company law provisions.
On foot of concerns raised by both individual residents and locally elected representatives in relation to the actions of property management companies and agents, my Department commissioned a scoping study to examine issues relating to the management of shared property.
I have considered the report produced and have directed that a small team be set up to begin work on this in the next financial year, with a view to developing proposals for potential legislative reform. My Department will engage with stakeholders including home-owners and any bodies responsible for shared property management as part of that work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034653%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457507","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457507"}},{"id":"456511","reference":"AQO 2667/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-10","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the new Adult Restorative Justice Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"With your permission, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I will answer questions 4 and 13 together. Restorative justice is a well-established practice in Northern Ireland, both in the formal youth justice system and through community-based initiatives. It aims to address the harm and/or trauma caused by crime by involving victim, perpetrator and community and supporting dialogue to repair the harm caused and promote healing. It also emphasises the importance of supported rehabilitation in order to reduce the risk of further offending. Restorative justice has been at the core of the youth justice system here for over two decades, and a range of independent reports and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspections have recognised those benefits.? Learning from the youth conferencing process is being used to develop and extend the use of restorative approaches in the adult justice system."},{"speaker":"","text":"The two currently accredited community organisations have played an important role in promoting community safety, repairing relationships and reducing antisocial behaviour. They work in partnership with justice partners to deliver restorative approaches to harm that does not meet the criminal threshold. They have also played a key role in the development of the new accreditation arrangements as part of the restorative justice working group."},{"speaker":"","text":"My Department has been delivering on the commitments in the adult restorative justice strategy since its launch in 2022, including through the publication of the revised restorative justice protocol in 2023, a key aspect of which is the development of new practice standards and an accreditation framework to govern the delivery of future restorative work. That framework developed by my Department in the interim protocol lead was published on 17 October 2025 and aligned with the launch of the application process for those wishing to become accredited. That application window will be open for six weeks, closing on Friday 28 November. Once the applications close, the protocol lead and an independent suitability panel will assess and make recommendations on the appropriate level of accreditation. A register of accredited organisations and practitioners will be published on the departmental website early in 2026."},{"speaker":"Mr Brett","text":"I thank the Minister for that. We are blessed to have Northern Ireland Alternatives headquarters in our constituency of North Belfast. Under the leadership of Debbie Watters OBE, its work right across Northern Ireland has been vital. Will the Minister commit to continuing to work with Northern Ireland Alternatives and Community Restorative Justice (CRJ) to ensure that we can continue to deliver that important role throughout Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"We intend to create, essentially, a pyramid of access for all restorative justice. At the top of that, the highest-qualified and most experienced providers will deal the most sensitive cases where restorative justice may be appropriate. At the bottom of that, there will be a much wider group, with much higher numbers, that will deal with more community-based restorative interventions rather than justice referrals. In between, there will be stages of accreditation for people to be able to develop themselves personally in their chosen way. I am committed to continuing to work with all those who go through the accreditation process, who engage with the formal justice system, and who do so with integrity but also with connections in the community and the ability to engage people on the ground in a way in which, perhaps, the formal justice system is not always fully able to do. Crucial for me is the ability to engage with the PSNI, the courts, probation and others to ensure that the decisions that are made around restorative justice bring about changes in behaviour but also leave victims feeling that they have got the outcome that they wish and deserve."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Will the Minister explain how the work will be supported by the new restorative hub that her Department is establishing with the Probation Board?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The new restorative hub will be integral to the delivery of adult restorative justice services. The benefits of the hub are that practitioners can co-facilitate their referrals to gather experience, participate in group training and professional supervision, and contribute to a monthly community of practice. It is about allowing all those who work in the sector to share their experience and skills and, hopefully, to find some economies of scale when it comes to training and development. All that is critical to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of restorative justice. The hub is going to be managed by the independent referrals body — it will sit within the Probation Board's victim unit, because the hub has to be victim-centred — as a well-established and neutral statutory organisation with expertise that can deliver those services. The Probation Board works in perpetrator-victim conferencing, and it is really important that it brings that to bear and work with others in the community who may be able to become more engaged in the formal justice process as a result."},{"speaker":"Mr Beattie","text":"Restorative justice is one of those areas that I am really glad that we are talking about. It is incredibly important. Will the Minister look at adult restorative justice forming part of the sentencing framework in the new sentencing Bill?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Adult restorative justice is already allowed for in the policy and the statement that we have already made. We have already launched the strategy and an action plan. It is already being dealt with. It is hard to put it on a statutory footing, because restorative practice can take a multiplicity of forms. To try to prescribe that in legislation would be difficult. However, it is part of our overall strategy for the delivery of justice, engaging particularly with the levels of satisfaction of victims within the justice system and also in our overall reoffending and desistance strategy. From my perspective, it is well covered in the strategy that we already have in place and in the considerable work that has been done through the working group to deliver the new structures that will, hopefully, allow it now to take on a new level and have more momentum and dynamism than it had in the past."},{"speaker":"Miss Hargey","text":"Minister, you spoke about the new pyramid system of accreditation. The Committee heard the concerns of Community Restorative Justice Ireland and NI Alternatives about level 1, the ethos of adhering to the peace process, working with the PSNI etc and the fact that there may be gaps. Can you assure us that that will not be the case?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Given the work that has been done, which both Community Restorative Justice Ireland and Alternatives were involved in as part of the working group, we are fairly confident that those areas are covered. When I talk about the different levels, to be clear, some of the people whom we are talking about at the top of that pyramid where you will have very few practitioners will be in cases, for example, of rape or murder — so very serious offences — and some restorative practice may be necessary there. For example, we have been approached by and have examples of victims who want to sit down with the perpetrator and have a conversation with them, and restorative justice can allow them to do that in a way that is meaningful, respectful and victim centred. That would be at the very apex, if you like, of difficulty. Then there would be stuff that is not justice but is more about restorative practice, such as community dispute resolution and other things, so it would not have reached that. Between that, there will be a whole scale from diversionary conferencing with young people to the work that the Probation Board does with offenders post the point where they have been convicted and so on. There will be opportunities for organisations to upskill and to go through those layers of accreditation. Some of the practitioners that we have in Northern Ireland are amongst the most skilled that you will find anywhere on these islands. I believe that we should use that resource to best effect."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Question 5 has been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202667%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456511","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-11-10&docID=457575#AQO%202667/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456511"}},{"id":"456491","reference":"AQO 2647/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":null,"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, in light of the Lost Boys: State of the Nation report by the Centre for Social Justice, to outline any actions they are taking to address its impact on community relations and social cohesion.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202647%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456491","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456491"}},{"id":"455719","reference":"AQW 33938/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-07","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 whether the new flood alleviation schemes in Newcastle were a contributing factor in the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle.","answerText":"The source of the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle remains under investigation, but initial findings suggest it may have been caused by extensive run-off from the Mourne Mountains after heavy overnight rain.\n\nI can advise that the previously completed flood alleviation schemes on the Shimna and Burren Rivers situated within another area of the town were not a contributing factor.","answerHtml":"The source of the recent flooding in the Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle remains under investigation, but initial findings suggest it may have been caused by extensive run-off from the Mourne Mountains after heavy overnight rain.
I can advise that the previously completed flood alleviation schemes on the Shimna and Burren Rivers situated within another area of the town were not a contributing factor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033938%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455719","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455719"}},{"id":"455718","reference":"AQW 33937/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether she is aware of difficulties accessing the sandbag store at Islands Park, Newcastle, during recent flooding; and (ii) to detail the maintenance regime in place, to ensure that locks are in good working order.","answerText":"The sandbag store at Islands Park, Newcastle, is under the ownership of NI Water, who accessed the store today with no issues.\n\nConsequently, no issues with the lock maintenance regime have been identified.","answerHtml":"The sandbag store at Islands Park, Newcastle, is under the ownership of NI Water, who accessed the store today with no issues.
Consequently, no issues with the lock maintenance regime have been identified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033937%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455718","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455718"}},{"id":"455717","reference":"AQW 33936/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any consideration her Department has given to providing lightweight sandbag alternatives to residents of properties at risk of flooding, who cannot carry heavy sandbags.","answerText":"As the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to severe weather, my Department has well established plans to facilitate the response to flooding. This includes stores of sandbags at operational depots which are available for deployment by my staff, along with other resources, to assist when responding to flooding incidents.\n\nThrough the work of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) there are also many publicly accessible sandbag stores located in communities where there is a history of flooding and where a local resilience group has been formed. As part of the ongoing work of the RCRG, communities are encouraged to develop their own community plan so that vulnerable members who may be unable to deploy sandbags are assisted by others from the local community, before the arrival of any responding government agencies.","answerHtml":"As the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to severe weather, my Department has well established plans to facilitate the response to flooding. This includes stores of sandbags at operational depots which are available for deployment by my staff, along with other resources, to assist when responding to flooding incidents.
Through the work of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) there are also many publicly accessible sandbag stores located in communities where there is a history of flooding and where a local resilience group has been formed. As part of the ongoing work of the RCRG, communities are encouraged to develop their own community plan so that vulnerable members who may be unable to deploy sandbags are assisted by others from the local community, before the arrival of any responding government agencies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033936%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455717","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455717"}},{"id":"455284","reference":"AQW 33745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-10-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, with reference to the ongoing Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' consultation on its review of water efficiency standards in building regulations, to detail any consideration his Department has given to amending building regulations, to require water-saving features in new build housing.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nMy Department consulted on reviewing energy efficiency requirements and related areas of Building Regulations in 2023. Consideration was given in that consultation to the introduction of guidance that would provide designers with an option to demonstrate reduced water consumption (125 or fewer litres per person per day) for the purposes of compliance with Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations.\n\nIntroducing water efficiency guidance to Part F in this way would allow designers here to utilise the full benefits of the latest energy assessment software currently used in England, Wales and Scotland.\n\nA paper seeking agreement to publish the response to that consultation is currently with the Executive.\n\nMy officials will continue to keep a watching brief on developments elsewhere in this area for potential impacts on the energy efficiency of buildings.\n\nWater efficiency policy and legislation is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure and the introduction of regulations specifically for water efficiency would be for other departments to consider.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
My Department consulted on reviewing energy efficiency requirements and related areas of Building Regulations in 2023. Consideration was given in that consultation to the introduction of guidance that would provide designers with an option to demonstrate reduced water consumption (125 or fewer litres per person per day) for the purposes of compliance with Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations.
Introducing water efficiency guidance to Part F in this way would allow designers here to utilise the full benefits of the latest energy assessment software currently used in England, Wales and Scotland.
A paper seeking agreement to publish the response to that consultation is currently with the Executive.
My officials will continue to keep a watching brief on developments elsewhere in this area for potential impacts on the energy efficiency of buildings.
Water efficiency policy and legislation is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure and the introduction of regulations specifically for water efficiency would be for other departments to consider.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455284"}},{"id":"455283","reference":"AQW 33744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given the existing pressures on the wastewater system and the impact on housing, to detail any engagement she has had with the Minister of Finance in relation to amending building regulations to require water-saving features in new build housing.","answerText":"I have not had any engagement with the Minister of Finance in relation to amending building regulations to require water-saving features in new build housing.","answerHtml":"I have not had any engagement with the Minister of Finance in relation to amending building regulations to require water-saving features in new build housing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455283"}},{"id":"455321","reference":"AQO 2617/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-11-03","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline the number of special schools that have had Community Children’s Nursing services withdrawn.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"All special education needs schools across Northern Ireland have community children’s nurses (CCNs) available to them in order to manage the identifiable healthcare needs of their pupils. For historical reasons, of the 40 SEN schools in Northern Ireland, only eight have on-site CCNs in place, who are split across the Belfast Trust and the South Eastern Trust. In the 2023-24 financial year, the delivery model in Knockevin School changed to an in-reach model, with CCNs providing assessment and care planning for children with complex healthcare needs. The nurses provided knowledge and skills-based training to key staff in the school and were available for queries and guidance as necessary. After engagement and discussion with the Department and the South Eastern Trust, the presence of an on-site nurse in Knockevin School was stepped up again in mid-2025, and, currently, a CCN is on site two mornings a week in addition to the presence of allied health professional colleagues. Following last month's publication of the Public Health Agency's review of the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools, officials in my Department have commenced work alongside colleagues from Education in order to ensure that all children in SEN schools have access to necessary healthcare."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you very much, Minister, for the reference to Knockevin School. When will the full review of nursing provision in special schools be completed so that it can provide the necessary certainty?"},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I thank the Member for his question. We have looked at the provision of CCNs, but it is imperative that we ensure that all children have safe access to education that is supported by the necessary therapeutic support. The Public Health Agency is leading a comprehensive analysis in order to identify what the assessed therapeutic needs are for children and young people who attend special schools. We need to know that the development of an effective model of therapy provision is being planned and that we have the associated workforce in development and planning. That will include a comprehensive scoping exercise to capture the assessed needs of children and young people in respect of occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. To answer the Member's question, I expect to receive the completed review with recommendations by March 2026, with the usual proviso that, sometimes, our deadlines are not met."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455321","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-11-03&docID=456024#AQO%202617/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455321"}},{"id":"456993","reference":"AQO 2617/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-11-03","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 number of special schools that have had Community Children’s Nursing services withdrawn.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456993","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456993"}},{"id":"455110","reference":"AQW 33645/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-15","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail when she will publish the report on her Department's consultation on Developer Contributions for Wastewater Infrastructure.","answerText":"On 21 March I launched a consultation on developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure. The consultation ran for 14 weeks and sought views on options for a possible pathway to introduce developer contributions – either on a voluntary basis or in the form of a compulsory levy – which may help to fund wastewater upgrades to unlock the capacity of our sewerage network.\n\n293 responses to the consultation were received. These responses are currently being considered with a view to publishing a Consultation Responses Report in the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"On 21 March I launched a consultation on developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure. The consultation ran for 14 weeks and sought views on options for a possible pathway to introduce developer contributions – either on a voluntary basis or in the form of a compulsory levy – which may help to fund wastewater upgrades to unlock the capacity of our sewerage network.
293 responses to the consultation were received. These responses are currently being considered with a view to publishing a Consultation Responses Report in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033645%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455110"}},{"id":"455109","reference":"AQW 33644/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-15","answerBy":"2025-10-30","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33341/22-27, to detail any written guidance, or policy, that is now available for youth settings, on how to best support transgender young people.","answerText":"Support and advice remain available to Education Authority (EA) Youth Service settings from the usual EA support services in line with departmental policy.","answerHtml":"Support and advice remain available to Education Authority (EA) Youth Service settings from the usual EA support services in line with departmental policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033644%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455109"}},{"id":"454871","reference":"AQW 33545/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-17","answered":"2025-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme will continue to approve all applications that meet the current eligibility criteria throughout the remainder of this financial year.","answerText":"An initial £10m will be invested in the Scheme for this financial year, allowing people to claim back the costs of overdue treatments arranged outside Northern Ireland. It is estimated that approximately 1,400 patients could benefit from this investment.","answerHtml":"An initial £10m will be invested in the Scheme for this financial year, allowing people to claim back the costs of overdue treatments arranged outside Northern Ireland. It is estimated that approximately 1,400 patients could benefit from this investment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033545%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454871","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454871"}},{"id":"454620","reference":"AQW 33442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-13","answerBy":"2025-10-17","answered":"2025-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail all instances, within the last five years, where storm-related damage has led to the closure of (i) a road; (ii) a section of active travel infrastructure; and (ii) the suspension of a public transport service, including the duration of each closure or suspension.","answerText":"During any significant weather event, the priority of my department is to ensure the safety of both my staff and the public.\n\nEvery event causes damage to parts of the road network within the North on both main arterial routes and smaller minor and rural roads. Due to the volume of reports during such events, my department prioritises informing the public of significant road closures via Traffic Watch NI, but does not hold records of each individual closure or the duration of such a closure.\n\nDue to the widespread nature of rail and bus services across the region, the impact of storms will vary depending on the location.\n\nThe most recent Storm Amy led to severe disruption across the network on 3rd October 2025 from 5pm onwards with bus services in the North West cancelled from 6pm onwards. All services were fully restored the next day. Rail services were also impacted with a suspension of all services from 5pm on 3rd October, and partial suspensions on 4th.\n\nStorms Eowyn, Darragh, Bert and Ciaran all led to severe and widespread disruption to the bus and rail network.\n\nAs a result of a power outage caused by Storm Eowyn, the Strangford Lough Ferry service was unable to operation from 5pm on 24 January until 9am on 25th January 2025.","answerHtml":"During any significant weather event, the priority of my department is to ensure the safety of both my staff and the public.
Every event causes damage to parts of the road network within the North on both main arterial routes and smaller minor and rural roads. Due to the volume of reports during such events, my department prioritises informing the public of significant road closures via Traffic Watch NI, but does not hold records of each individual closure or the duration of such a closure.
Due to the widespread nature of rail and bus services across the region, the impact of storms will vary depending on the location.
The most recent Storm Amy led to severe disruption across the network on 3rd October 2025 from 5pm onwards with bus services in the North West cancelled from 6pm onwards. All services were fully restored the next day. Rail services were also impacted with a suspension of all services from 5pm on 3rd October, and partial suspensions on 4th.
Storms Eowyn, Darragh, Bert and Ciaran all led to severe and widespread disruption to the bus and rail network.
As a result of a power outage caused by Storm Eowyn, the Strangford Lough Ferry service was unable to operation from 5pm on 24 January until 9am on 25th January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454620","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454620"}},{"id":"454352","reference":"AQW 33341/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-10","answerBy":"2025-10-15","answered":"2025-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the 2019 guidance on Supporting Transgender Young People, applied in youth service settings.","answerText":"The 2019 guidance applied to pre-schools, primary schools, post-primary and special schools, as well as other educational settings under the control of the Education Authority, including the EA Youth Service and EOTAS centres.\n\nThis guidance has been withdrawn as of 8th September 2025.","answerHtml":"The 2019 guidance applied to pre-schools, primary schools, post-primary and special schools, as well as other educational settings under the control of the Education Authority, including the EA Youth Service and EOTAS centres.
This guidance has been withdrawn as of 8th September 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033341%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454352","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454352"}},{"id":"454118","reference":"AQW 33226/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following her Department's launch of the electric vehicle cross pavement charging trial, to detail the engagement she has had with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, in relation to altering the eligibility criteria for the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for those who rent or own a flat, to include homes without access to off-street parking.","answerText":"Officials from my Department attend quarterly and monthly meetings with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These meetings are an opportunity to update each other on developments, including the development of our cross pavement charging solutions, and seek clarification on issues such as eligibility on the various grants made available by OZEV.\n\nFurther information, including eligibility criteria, on the grants available from OZEV can be found at the following link: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK. The ‘Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking’ is not restricted to house owners and includes options for those who own or rent a flat.","answerHtml":"Officials from my Department attend quarterly and monthly meetings with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These meetings are an opportunity to update each other on developments, including the development of our cross pavement charging solutions, and seek clarification on issues such as eligibility on the various grants made available by OZEV.
Further information, including eligibility criteria, on the grants available from OZEV can be found at the following link: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK. The ‘Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking’ is not restricted to house owners and includes options for those who own or rent a flat.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033226%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454118","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454118"}},{"id":"454117","reference":"AQW 33225/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-24","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following her Department's launch of the electric vehicle cross pavement charging trial, to detail the engagement she has had with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, in relation to introducing Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grants for house owners, without access to off-street parking.","answerText":"Officials from my Department attend quarterly and monthly meetings with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These meetings are an opportunity to update each other on developments, including the development of our cross pavement charging solutions, and seek clarification on issues such as eligibility on the various grants made available by OZEV.\n\nFurther information, including eligibility criteria, on the grants available from OZEV can be found at the following link: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK. The ‘Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking’ is not restricted to house owners and includes options for those who own or rent a flat.","answerHtml":"Officials from my Department attend quarterly and monthly meetings with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These meetings are an opportunity to update each other on developments, including the development of our cross pavement charging solutions, and seek clarification on issues such as eligibility on the various grants made available by OZEV.
Further information, including eligibility criteria, on the grants available from OZEV can be found at the following link: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK. The ‘Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking’ is not restricted to house owners and includes options for those who own or rent a flat.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033225%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454117","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454117"}},{"id":"459679","reference":"AQO 2559/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","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 drafting of a new Racial Equality Strategy for 2026 and beyond.","answerText":"Work is actively underway to develop a new Framework for Race Relations beyond 2025, building on the foundations laid by the current Racial Equality Strategy.\n\nDevelopment of the draft Framework has been informed by engagement with a range of stakeholders from the Minority Ethnic sector to ensure it reflects lived experiences.\n\nEngagement is also ongoing with wider society, through a research project. We want to ensure the views and experiences of all in our communities shape the key priorities and interventions in order to achieve the draft Framework’s vision and outcomes.\n\nWe hope to consult on the Framework in the coming months when we will welcome feedback on identifying preventative and effective interventions to tackle inequalities and create a more prosperous society for all.","answerHtml":"Work is actively underway to develop a new Framework for Race Relations beyond 2025, building on the foundations laid by the current Racial Equality Strategy.
Development of the draft Framework has been informed by engagement with a range of stakeholders from the Minority Ethnic sector to ensure it reflects lived experiences.
Engagement is also ongoing with wider society, through a research project. We want to ensure the views and experiences of all in our communities shape the key priorities and interventions in order to achieve the draft Framework’s vision and outcomes.
We hope to consult on the Framework in the coming months when we will welcome feedback on identifying preventative and effective interventions to tackle inequalities and create a more prosperous society for all.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202559%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459679","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459679"}},{"id":"453649","reference":"AQW 33010/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) average number of applications for (a) non-material changes; and (b) discharge of conditions, that are made to local councils each year.","answerText":"Figures from the Northern Ireland Planning Statistics from the ten-year period between the 2015/16 published statistics until 2024/25, published 26th June 2025, show that there has been an annual average of 853 discharge of condition applications and 467 applications for non-material change received.","answerHtml":"Figures from the Northern Ireland Planning Statistics from the ten-year period between the 2015/16 published statistics until 2024/25, published 26th June 2025, show that there has been an annual average of 853 discharge of condition applications and 467 applications for non-material change received.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033010%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453649"}},{"id":"453648","reference":"AQW 33009/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, with reference to her Department's consultation on introducing fees for some statutory planning functions, to detail the consideration given to the average cost to local councils of processing applications for (i) non-material changes; and (ii) discharge of conditions, when setting the proposed fee of £115.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information on the cost of processing such applications.\n\nThe Consultation proposals aim to promote best practice and improve the overall efficiency and quality of the planning process, in the public interest of recovering costs in the planning system.\n\nFurther analysis of the proposed fees will be undertaken following the conclusion of the consultation period. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the planning process to respond to the consultation.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information on the cost of processing such applications.
The Consultation proposals aim to promote best practice and improve the overall efficiency and quality of the planning process, in the public interest of recovering costs in the planning system.
Further analysis of the proposed fees will be undertaken following the conclusion of the consultation period. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the planning process to respond to the consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033009%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453648","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453648"}},{"id":"453647","reference":"AQW 33008/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) number of applications for Tree Preservation Orders made to local councils, over the last ten years; and (ii) average cost of processing these applications.","answerText":"Details of Tree Preservation Orders are held on a public register maintained by each local council, therefore each will hold information regards the numbers of applications for Preservation Orders made.\n\nHowever, the Department publish statistics and research on planning, including quarterly and annual statistical publications of planning activities, and the table in this answer provides this information.\n\nPart of published statistics provided information of Tree Preservations Orders received, by planning authority. This information is available from 2016/17 until most recent published statistics 2024/25 and for 2025/26 (Apr-Jun) provisional statistics.\n\nTree Preservation Orders Received by Local Council\n\nYear\tAntrim & Newtownabbey\tArds & North Down\tArmagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon\tBelfast City\tCauseway Coast & Glens\tDerry City & Strabane\tFermanagh & Omagh\tLisburn & Castlereagh\tMid & East Antrim\tMid Ulster\tNewry, Mourne & Down\n2016/17\t15\t53\t9\t122\t8\t1\t7\t0\t27\t2\t0\n2017/18\t16\t63\t12\t160\t10\t3\t7\t0\t21\t5\t0\n2018/19\t32\t43\t12\t135\t14\t1\t3\t14\t20\t1\t0\n2019/20\t28\t43\t16\t145\t13\t0\t0\t23\t24\t9\t0\n2020/21\t26\t53\t9\t204\t7\t0\t0\t28\t28\t4\t0\n2021/22\t35\t47\t14\t167\t9\t0\t1\t28\t15\t8\t0\n2022/23\t32\t56\t7\t140\t8\t3\t0\t25\t16\t6\t4\n2023/24\t32\t59\t10\t115\t10\t6\t1\t20\t20\t1\t9\n2024/25\t26\t55\t11\t129\t4\t12\t4\t28\t41\t5\t7\n2025/26\n(Apr-Jun) provisional\t8\t11\t4\t21\t3\t3\t1\t13\t6\t1\t3\n\nSource: NI Planning Statistics (Accredited Official Statistics)\n\nWith regards the average cost of processing of a local council in making a Tree Preservations Orders, there is no fee charged to applicants for requesting a Tree Preservations Orders or for applying to carry out works on protected trees. My Department does not hold details of any internal cost to councils for processing Tree Preservations Orders (e.g. staff time, site visits, drafting the order) and you are advised to approach each council to request this specific information.","answerHtml":"Details of Tree Preservation Orders are held on a public register maintained by each local council, therefore each will hold information regards the numbers of applications for Preservation Orders made.
However, the Department publish statistics and research on planning, including quarterly and annual statistical publications of planning activities, and the table in this answer provides this information.
Part of published statistics provided information of Tree Preservations Orders received, by planning authority. This information is available from 2016/17 until most recent published statistics 2024/25 and for 2025/26 (Apr-Jun) provisional statistics.
Tree Preservation Orders Received by Local Council
| Year | Antrim & Newtownabbey | Ards & North Down | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon | Belfast City | Causeway Coast & Glens | Derry City & Strabane | Fermanagh & Omagh | Lisburn & Castlereagh | Mid & East Antrim | Mid Ulster | Newry, Mourne & Down |
| 2016/17 | 15 | 53 | 9 | 122 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | 16 | 63 | 12 | 160 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | 32 | 43 | 12 | 135 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 28 | 43 | 16 | 145 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 24 | 9 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | 26 | 53 | 9 | 204 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 28 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 35 | 47 | 14 | 167 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 15 | 8 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | 32 | 56 | 7 | 140 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 16 | 6 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | 32 | 59 | 10 | 115 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 20 | 20 | 1 | 9 |
| 2024/25 | 26 | 55 | 11 | 129 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 28 | 41 | 5 | 7 |
| 2025/26 (Apr-Jun) provisional | 8 | 11 | 4 | 21 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
Source: NI Planning Statistics (Accredited Official Statistics)
With regards the average cost of processing of a local council in making a Tree Preservations Orders, there is no fee charged to applicants for requesting a Tree Preservations Orders or for applying to carry out works on protected trees. My Department does not hold details of any internal cost to councils for processing Tree Preservations Orders (e.g. staff time, site visits, drafting the order) and you are advised to approach each council to request this specific information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033008%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453647","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453647"}},{"id":"453646","reference":"AQW 33007/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-17","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 cost to local councils for processing applications for (i) non-material changes; and (ii) discharge of conditions.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information on the cost of processing such applications, you may wish to contact councils to request this information.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information on the cost of processing such applications, you may wish to contact councils to request this information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033007%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453646","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453646"}},{"id":"453173","reference":"AQW 32875/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","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, pursuant to AQW 21599/22-27, to detail the (i) criteria; and (ii) threshold, required to trigger a departmental intervention under Article 4 of the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.","answerText":"My Department has no specific criteria or threshold in respect of triggering Article 4 of the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Any consideration of intervention under this power would be assessed on a case by case basis. To date, my Department has not exercised this power.","answerHtml":"My Department has no specific criteria or threshold in respect of triggering Article 4 of the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Any consideration of intervention under this power would be assessed on a case by case basis. To date, my Department has not exercised this power.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032875%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453173","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453173"}},{"id":"452843","reference":"AQW 32767/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions his Department took with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, while this matter fell under the remit of the Department of Education.","answerText":"The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 came into operation in June 1998.\n\nSubordinate legislation was not made under the 1998 Order by my department before the transfer of responsibility for The Activity Centres (Young Person’s Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 on 1 December 1999 to the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.\n\nResponsibility moved to the Department for Communities in 2016.","answerHtml":"The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 came into operation in June 1998.
Subordinate legislation was not made under the 1998 Order by my department before the transfer of responsibility for The Activity Centres (Young Person’s Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 on 1 December 1999 to the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.
Responsibility moved to the Department for Communities in 2016.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032767%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452843","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452843"}},{"id":"452842","reference":"AQW 32766/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any plans, including a timeline, with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.","answerText":"At present there are no plans by my Department with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.\n\nA Voluntary Accreditation Scheme is in place in Northern Ireland for Adventure Activity Providers, Advernturemark is the recommended accreditation by my Department and Sport NI.\n\nOfficials from my Department are engaging with Sport NI and other relevant stakeholders to review the current approach and consider what arrangements may be most appropriate for Northern Ireland going forward.","answerHtml":"At present there are no plans by my Department with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
A Voluntary Accreditation Scheme is in place in Northern Ireland for Adventure Activity Providers, Advernturemark is the recommended accreditation by my Department and Sport NI.
Officials from my Department are engaging with Sport NI and other relevant stakeholders to review the current approach and consider what arrangements may be most appropriate for Northern Ireland going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032766%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452842","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452842"}},{"id":"452841","reference":"AQW 32765/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any actions his Department has taken with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, since this matter has fallen under the remit of the Department for Communities.","answerText":"To date no action has been taken by the Department for Communities with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.\n\nThe Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 transferred from the Department of Education to the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under the Transfer and Assignment Functions Order (NI) 1999 following devolution and subsequently to the Department for Communities following the restructuring of departments in 2016.\n\nIn 2007, DCAL through Sport NI, commissioned Adventure Activities Associates Ltd to complete research to consider implementation of statutory licensing requirements for Adventure Activity providers in Northern Ireland. The report found that a voluntary rather than statutory scheme would best suit Northern Ireland and was the preferred option by the industry and other representatives.\n\nAdventuremark was adopted as the recommended voluntary accreditation scheme in Northern Ireland. The Department and Sport NI encourage all Adventure Activity Providers to complete this accreditation.","answerHtml":"To date no action has been taken by the Department for Communities with respect to implementing Article 3(1) of the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 transferred from the Department of Education to the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under the Transfer and Assignment Functions Order (NI) 1999 following devolution and subsequently to the Department for Communities following the restructuring of departments in 2016.
In 2007, DCAL through Sport NI, commissioned Adventure Activities Associates Ltd to complete research to consider implementation of statutory licensing requirements for Adventure Activity providers in Northern Ireland. The report found that a voluntary rather than statutory scheme would best suit Northern Ireland and was the preferred option by the industry and other representatives.
Adventuremark was adopted as the recommended voluntary accreditation scheme in Northern Ireland. The Department and Sport NI encourage all Adventure Activity Providers to complete this accreditation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032765%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452841","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452841"}},{"id":"452840","reference":"AQW 32764/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any engagement he, and his predecessors, have had with the Department for Education in relation to implementing Article 3(1) of the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, since the Order was made.","answerText":"The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 transferred from the Department of Education to the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under the Transfer and Assignment Functions Order (NI) 1999 following devolution and subsequently to the Department for Communities following the restructuring of Departments in 2016.\n\nThere has been no engagement with the Department for Education in relation to the implementation of this Order.","answerHtml":"The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 transferred from the Department of Education to the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under the Transfer and Assignment Functions Order (NI) 1999 following devolution and subsequently to the Department for Communities following the restructuring of Departments in 2016.
There has been no engagement with the Department for Education in relation to the implementation of this Order.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032764%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452840","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452840"}},{"id":"452839","reference":"AQW 32763/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-03","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to provide his assessment of how the safety of young people, in a paid-for adventure experience, is being ensured (i) in the absence of the licensing scheme that is required under The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998; and (ii) in light of the closure of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, for the training and accreditation of adventure sport instructors to nationally recognised health and safety standards.","answerText":"At present in Northern Ireland there is no statutory licencing requirement for Adventure Activity Providers however a Voluntary Accreditation Scheme operates which providers are encouraged to complete. Adventuremark is the recommended accreditation in Northern Ireland by my Department and Sport NI.\n\nNational Governing Bodies (NGB) that operate in the outdoor sport environment deliver accreditation to their members and instructors who can then go on to use training centres, such as Tollymore National Outdoor Centre or the natural environment. During the temporary closure of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre individuals can participate in training/accreditation through a number of other training centres throughout Northern Ireland that provide the recognised NGB training/accreditation for Adventure Sports Instructors, these are listed below:\n\nBelfast Activity Centre (BAC)\n\nCrawfordsburn Activity Centre\n\nGreenhill YMCA Outdoor Education Centre\n\nLorne Estate\n\nBryson Energy – Pathway Adventure Activities\n\nTodds Leap","answerHtml":"At present in Northern Ireland there is no statutory licencing requirement for Adventure Activity Providers however a Voluntary Accreditation Scheme operates which providers are encouraged to complete. Adventuremark is the recommended accreditation in Northern Ireland by my Department and Sport NI.
National Governing Bodies (NGB) that operate in the outdoor sport environment deliver accreditation to their members and instructors who can then go on to use training centres, such as Tollymore National Outdoor Centre or the natural environment. During the temporary closure of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre individuals can participate in training/accreditation through a number of other training centres throughout Northern Ireland that provide the recognised NGB training/accreditation for Adventure Sports Instructors, these are listed below:
Belfast Activity Centre (BAC)
Crawfordsburn Activity Centre
Greenhill YMCA Outdoor Education Centre
Lorne Estate
Bryson Energy – Pathway Adventure Activities
Todds Leap
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032763%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=452839","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=452839"}},{"id":"451157","reference":"AQW 32022/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-24","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQO 2391/22-27, to outline (i) whether her Department has always been open to considering alternative Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) proposals outside of the tourism pillar or whether this is a recent change; (ii) whether she is aware of any potential innovation projects that might be brought forward; and (iii) whether her Department will, in principle, be open to exploring alternative proposals under any of the four pillars of investment covered by the BRCD.","answerText":"My focus is on supporting Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the wider Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) partners to develop the right project, irrespective of pillar, that will retain the funding in the region and deliver sustained and inclusive economic growth. My officials continue to engage with the Council to help deliver that outcome.\n\nThe reallocation of funding, including any decision to fund a project within another pillar, will, in the first instance, be considered and agreed by the BRCD partners. I am aware that it is the partners’ initial preference that a project within the Tourism and Regeneration pillar of the Deal be considered, given its importance to delivering inclusive sub-regional growth and addressing economic inactivity in both our urban and rural communities.\n\nAny proposals submitted by the BRCD partners will be considered by the Department that has policy responsibility for the outcomes that the project is delivering. My Department’s policy responsibilities on City Deals are around Tourism, Innovation and Digital.","answerHtml":"My focus is on supporting Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the wider Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) partners to develop the right project, irrespective of pillar, that will retain the funding in the region and deliver sustained and inclusive economic growth. My officials continue to engage with the Council to help deliver that outcome.
The reallocation of funding, including any decision to fund a project within another pillar, will, in the first instance, be considered and agreed by the BRCD partners. I am aware that it is the partners’ initial preference that a project within the Tourism and Regeneration pillar of the Deal be considered, given its importance to delivering inclusive sub-regional growth and addressing economic inactivity in both our urban and rural communities.
Any proposals submitted by the BRCD partners will be considered by the Department that has policy responsibility for the outcomes that the project is delivering. My Department’s policy responsibilities on City Deals are around Tourism, Innovation and Digital.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032022%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451157"}},{"id":"450874","reference":"AQW 31891/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-23","answerBy":"2025-10-08","answered":"2025-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to reduce the waiting list requirement under the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme to less than a year.","answerText":"The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme was initiated on a phased approach. The first phase granted reimbursements for treatment in the Republic of Ireland (Rol). Phase Two, launched 15 September 2025, extends access to the wider European Union.\n\nI have also decided to reduce the qualifying period from two years to one year, and by widening access to the EU, I am giving more patients more options to get the treatment they need.\n\nThis scheme is about listening to patients, being flexible, and taking practical action to ease pressure on waiting lists. This decision is a data informed decision supplemented by active listening across the service and delivering on my commitment to best maximise this important initiative for patient benefit and waiting list reduction. At this time, we have no further plan to adjust the Scheme parameters and will continue to monitor its uptake.","answerHtml":"The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme was initiated on a phased approach. The first phase granted reimbursements for treatment in the Republic of Ireland (Rol). Phase Two, launched 15 September 2025, extends access to the wider European Union.
I have also decided to reduce the qualifying period from two years to one year, and by widening access to the EU, I am giving more patients more options to get the treatment they need.
This scheme is about listening to patients, being flexible, and taking practical action to ease pressure on waiting lists. This decision is a data informed decision supplemented by active listening across the service and delivering on my commitment to best maximise this important initiative for patient benefit and waiting list reduction. At this time, we have no further plan to adjust the Scheme parameters and will continue to monitor its uptake.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031891%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450874","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450874"}},{"id":"450566","reference":"AQO 2397/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-11","answerBy":"2025-09-22","answered":"2025-09-22","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 action she is taking to improve the affordability of childcare for those in further and higher education.","answerText":"The Executive is committed to high quality, affordable childcare as a key enabler for an inclusive, thriving economy.\n\nThere are practical supports in place in both Further and Higher Education to help with childcare costs, , as well as in our range of skills initiatives.\n\nIn Further Education, Further Education Grants, the Further Education Hardship Fund and the Care to Learn scheme aim to address barriers to education including costs of childcare to enable individuals to fulfil their potential.\n\nMy Department is conducting a review of all further education student support measures including childcare, to ensure funding is targeted fairly, tackles the most significant barriers and delivers value for money.\n\nThe Higher Education Student Support Regulations include two specific childcare support schemes.\n\nThe first is the Childcare Grant which offers help to meet childcare costs for students with dependent children aged under 15 (or 17 if they have special educational needs) in registered or approved childcare.\n\nThe second is the Parents’ Learning Allowance which offers help with course-related costs for students with dependent children.\n\nI am committed to continue working with the Minister of Education on the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.","answerHtml":"The Executive is committed to high quality, affordable childcare as a key enabler for an inclusive, thriving economy.
There are practical supports in place in both Further and Higher Education to help with childcare costs, , as well as in our range of skills initiatives.
In Further Education, Further Education Grants, the Further Education Hardship Fund and the Care to Learn scheme aim to address barriers to education including costs of childcare to enable individuals to fulfil their potential.
My Department is conducting a review of all further education student support measures including childcare, to ensure funding is targeted fairly, tackles the most significant barriers and delivers value for money.
The Higher Education Student Support Regulations include two specific childcare support schemes.
The first is the Childcare Grant which offers help to meet childcare costs for students with dependent children aged under 15 (or 17 if they have special educational needs) in registered or approved childcare.
The second is the Parents’ Learning Allowance which offers help with course-related costs for students with dependent children.
I am committed to continue working with the Minister of Education on the development of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202397%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450566"}},{"id":"448920","reference":"AQO 2375/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-11","answerBy":"2025-09-22","answered":"2025-09-22","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 processing of applications to the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"Junior Minister Reilly will answer that question."},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"As of last week, 11,853 applications have been submitted to the victims' payments scheme. Payments totalling almost £108 million have been made to eligible applicants, offering meaningful recognition of the harm that they have suffered. The Victims' Payments Board is progressing applications as efficiently as possible and continues to work closely with victims and survivors' groups to make sure that any issues are flagged and addressed. Following a recent review of operations, the board has established a business transformation team to improve the processes. That has already had an impact on the value of awards paid out, which is reflected in the year-on-year increase in payments. There is, however, more work to do. We are also aware of the issues with the length of time that can be taken to reach a determination, but we are confident that the board is doing all that it can to make sure that applications are considered as quickly as possible. With the scheme set to close to new applications in August 2026, we strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible to submit their application before that deadline. Support is available through a number of sectoral organisations, including WAVE Trauma Centre, the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Relatives for Justice, the Ely Centre and Ashton Community Trust, for anyone who needs help with the application process. I put on record our thanks to those groups, which offer tremendous support and advocacy for victims and survivors as they go through the process."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"We are all dismayed at the recent reports of applicants having to wait for a long time for their application to be assessed. Will you please outline what additional resources will be allocated to try to speed up the processing of applications?"},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Junior Minister, you have less than a minute."},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"Thanks for that question. We completely understand the concerns that have been raised about the time that it is taking to process applications. Each application to the scheme is unique and comes with its own complexities, and the progress of applications can require additional or supporting information from external organisations. There are also some challenges with getting access to medical information, but our officials are working really closely with Department of Health colleagues to improve the process. Cases can also be adjourned in order to allow further information or evidence to be gathered to allow applicants or their representatives to comment on specific issues."},{"speaker":"","text":"We are assured, however, that the board is keeping the processes under review in order to look for ways to improve the rate of flow of the cases. Also, on prioritising —."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Time is up."},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"Sorry."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Thank you. That ends the period for listed questions. We will now move on to 15 minutes of topical questions. Topical questions 2, 5 and 6 have been withdrawn."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202375%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448920","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-22&docID=449815#AQO%202375/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448920"}},{"id":"448724","reference":"AQW 30742/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-09","answerBy":"2025-09-12","answered":"2025-09-22","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 her Department's new Road Maintenance Strategy.","answerText":"I fully recognise the importance of road network and vital role it plays in connecting our people and communities as well as supporting the wider economy.\n\nFor many years my Department has operated with a constrained maintenance budget due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government, and this has resulted in an under-investment in our infrastructure and a deterioration in the condition of our roads.\n\nThat is why I have asked my officials to develop a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner.\n\nMy officials are finalising work on a draft road maintenance strategy which I will then share in the coming weeks.\n\nPublic finances are limited, and we have a lot to do to make up for years of austerity and underfunding but I am committed to ensuring that people are at the heart of funding decisions, and that we do all that we can to be efficient and effective in the delivery of public services.","answerHtml":"I fully recognise the importance of road network and vital role it plays in connecting our people and communities as well as supporting the wider economy.
For many years my Department has operated with a constrained maintenance budget due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government, and this has resulted in an under-investment in our infrastructure and a deterioration in the condition of our roads.
That is why I have asked my officials to develop a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner.
My officials are finalising work on a draft road maintenance strategy which I will then share in the coming weeks.
Public finances are limited, and we have a lot to do to make up for years of austerity and underfunding but I am committed to ensuring that people are at the heart of funding decisions, and that we do all that we can to be efficient and effective in the delivery of public services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030742%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448724","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448724"}},{"id":"447739","reference":"AQW 30057/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-05","answered":"2025-09-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans for investment in wastewater infrastructure in the Rathfriland area, with a view to resolving the development bans currently in place.","answerText":"This is an operational matter for NI Water however my officials have sought the relevant information.\n\nNI Water has advised that the Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) serving Rathfriland is currently operating very close to its design capacity and NI Water is experiencing compliance issues with the Water Order Consent in relation to the discharge to the public sewer. The consequence of this is that there are development constraints within this catchment, and NI Water is currently recommending that connections cannot be approved, as sufficient wastewater treatment capacity is not available at present for any proposed developments.\n\nNI Water has no plans to upgrade Rathfriland WwTW at this point in time, however the treatment works will be included in the business plan for the next regulatory Price Control period, PC28. Any proposed upgrade would be subject to the outcome of the Price Control process in consultation with the regulators, and subject to the availability of sufficient public funding.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"This is an operational matter for NI Water however my officials have sought the relevant information.
NI Water has advised that the Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) serving Rathfriland is currently operating very close to its design capacity and NI Water is experiencing compliance issues with the Water Order Consent in relation to the discharge to the public sewer. The consequence of this is that there are development constraints within this catchment, and NI Water is currently recommending that connections cannot be approved, as sufficient wastewater treatment capacity is not available at present for any proposed developments.
NI Water has no plans to upgrade Rathfriland WwTW at this point in time, however the treatment works will be included in the business plan for the next regulatory Price Control period, PC28. Any proposed upgrade would be subject to the outcome of the Price Control process in consultation with the regulators, and subject to the availability of sufficient public funding.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2030057%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447739"}},{"id":"447676","reference":"AQO 2319/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-09","answered":"2025-09-09","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how the 2025-26 Budget reflects the Programme for Government 2024-2027 priority of green growth.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Green growth contributes to the priorities in the Programme for Government to:"},{"speaker":"","text":"and on:"},{"speaker":"","text":"In recognition of the importance of those priorities, the Executive earmarked allocations of £15 million and £17 million respectively in Budget 2025-26 for them. Of the £17 million that has been earmarked for protecting Lough Neagh and the environment, £12 million is for the just transition fund for agriculture, which will help the agriculture sector deliver its contribution to meeting carbon budgets and emissions reduction targets. In addition to those specific allocations, individual Ministers will also be able to utilise their 2025-26 Budget allocations to direct their departmental budget allocations to the agreed Programme for Government priorities. My officials have also undertaken some further analysis to assess the extent of the wider alignment of the Budget 2025-26 to Programme for Government priorities. I hope to be in a position to publish that analysis shortly."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister for his answer. Given the growth of renewables, specifically offshore renewables, what assurances can the Minister give to the industries in South Down that any forthcoming finances and policies will be regionally balanced?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"As I said to one of your colleagues, my job as Finance Minister is to present a Budget to the Executive and the Assembly. If and when it is agreed, it is up to each Minister to use that Budget as has been agreed and outlined and to certainly do so in line with all the policies that govern us as Ministers, particularly the Programme for Government. Regional balance is vital, and, as I outlined, it always comes into the equation on any decisions that I make on the positioning of staff or resources."},{"speaker":"Mr Gildernew","text":"Minister, what steps are being taken to improve the alignment of Budget data with the Programme for Government?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"That piece of work has started and will have to continue. Obviously, we prioritise our Budget against our Programme for Government. Therefore, as part of the Budget sustainability plan, the Executive committed to the development of a future work plan. My officials recently completed an initial analytical exercise to align Budget allocations with the Programme for Government. The work mapped high-level departmental spending areas to Programme for Government priority missions and well-being domains, using the departmental estimates to identify how those areas contribute to the Programme for Government. It is hoped that the initial analysis will be published shortly."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202319%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447676","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-09&docID=447887#AQO%202319/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447676"}},{"id":"445679","reference":"AQW 29793/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-02","answerBy":"2025-07-21","answered":"2025-07-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 26109/22-27, to detail how the £636,045 of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year, was subsequently spent.","answerText":"The Direct Payment funding that was returned to SEHSCT in 2024/25 was used to support the delivery of Trust services in 2024/25.","answerHtml":"The Direct Payment funding that was returned to SEHSCT in 2024/25 was used to support the delivery of Trust services in 2024/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029793%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445679","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445679"}},{"id":"445563","reference":"AQW 29682/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"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 odour issues in the Warrenpoint area.","answerText":"I am aware that during the weekend of the 28-29 June 2025 my department received several reports regarding odours emanating from Warrenpoint Harbour. The source of this odour was linked to other Warrenpoint Harbour activities that my department has no regulatory remit over.","answerHtml":"I am aware that during the weekend of the 28-29 June 2025 my department received several reports regarding odours emanating from Warrenpoint Harbour. The source of this odour was linked to other Warrenpoint Harbour activities that my department has no regulatory remit over.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029682%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445563","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445563"}},{"id":"444148","reference":"AQW 29078/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-20","answerBy":"2025-07-07","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline what strategies he is exploring to augment youth work practice, in light of recent civil unrest.","answerText":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.\n\n(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.\n\nThroughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.\n\nThe EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.\n\nTEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.\n\nTEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.\n\nIn the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.\n\nTo inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies\n\nThe Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.\n\nIn 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.\n\nEducation continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.\n\nThe Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.\n\n(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.","answerHtml":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.
(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.
Throughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.
The EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.
TEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.
TEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.
In the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.
To inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies
The Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.
In 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.
Education continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.
The Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.
(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029078%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444148","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444148"}},{"id":"444147","reference":"AQW 29077/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-20","answerBy":"2025-07-07","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he is considering reallocating funding from his Department's budget to provide additional resources to youth work delivery, in light of recent civil unrest.","answerText":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.\n\n(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.\n\nThroughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.\n\nThe EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.\n\nTEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.\n\nTEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.\n\nIn the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.\n\nTo inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies\n\nThe Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.\n\nIn 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.\n\nEducation continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.\n\nThe Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.\n\n(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.","answerHtml":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.
(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.
Throughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.
The EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.
TEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.
TEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.
In the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.
To inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies
The Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.
In 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.
Education continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.
The Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.
(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029077%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444147","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444147"}},{"id":"444146","reference":"AQW 29076/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-20","answerBy":"2025-07-07","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the role of informal education in preventing youth involvement in civil unrest.","answerText":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.\n\n(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.\n\nThroughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.\n\nThe EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.\n\nTEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.\n\nTEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.\n\nIn the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.\n\nTo inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies\n\nThe Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.\n\nIn 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.\n\nEducation continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.\n\nThe Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.\n\n(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.","answerHtml":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.
(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.
Throughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.
The EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.
TEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.
TEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.
In the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.
To inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies
The Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.
In 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.
Education continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.
The Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.
(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444146","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444146"}},{"id":"444145","reference":"AQW 29075/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-20","answerBy":"2025-07-07","answered":"2025-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what engagement he has had with Executive colleagues in relation to securing additional funding for youth work delivery, in light of recent civil unrest.","answerText":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.\n\n(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.\n\nThroughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.\n\nThe EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.\n\nTEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.\n\nTEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.\n\nIn the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.\n\nTo inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies\n\nThe Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.\n\nIn 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.\n\nEducation continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.\n\nThe Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.\n\n(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.","answerHtml":"My officials attended a roundtable discussion on 7 July with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the recent civil unrest.
(ii) In response to recent civil unrest The Education Authority (EA) activated its Major Emergency Plan arrangements for education settings and youth provision.
Throughout the period of unrest, the EA has engaged with schools in the Ballymena area and wider school community and has fully participated in the multi-agency coordination structures led by the PSNI to represent schools and youth provision.
The EA’s Intercultural Education Service (IES) is providing advice, guidance and support to schools both around child and family support issues and teaching, learning and curriculum resources. Social Workers and Teachers from IES are helping schools engage with families and children who have been displaced or impacted by the unrest. The IES and other EA services are working with schools to plan for a return-to-work support plan from late August onwards to help schools deal with any additional wellbeing needs and reintegration support requests.
TEO has advised that relevant agencies worked collectively and at pace in response and officials will maintain the positive coordination and engagement established as we move from response to recovery.
TEO has taken responsibility for chairing the Community Confidence Group (CCG) which was set up by the PSNI in response to the recent unrest. The role of this group will be to examine how all agencies and partners work together to enable recovery in the areas affected by the violence.
In the longer term, focus will be on how racism and hate can be tackled as part of TEO’s wider good relations policies. This includes in the development of the new approach to Racial Equality and in the implementation of the Refugee Integration Strategy.
To inform development of the strategic approach, officials are working to develop engagement sessions with the Education Authority, aimed at children and young people, that focus on racial equality and early intervention strategies
The Planned Interventions Programme continues to fund crucial activity to engage those young people most at risk of entering the youth justice system and/or paramilitary recruitment. Through the provision of positive alternatives for our young people, it seeks to mitigate the impacts anti-social behaviour can have on community tensions and in turn good relations.
In 2024/25, TEO allocated £400k to the delivery of PIP for 2024/25. DE allocated an additional £300k funding to PIP (for 2024/25 only) to enable funding of a total of 122 groups.
Education continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands, associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations, which the current 2025-26 budget allocation will not fully address. Education currently faces an overspend of c£348m for 2025-26 for inescapable pressures and pre-committed pressures alone.
The Department of Finance has advised departments that no additional in-year funding will be provided by HM Treasury. In light of this and given that sufficient funding is not currently available to meet all pressures identified for 2025-26, reallocating funding to provide additional resources to youth work delivery will simply increase Education’s forecast overspend. However, should additional Executive funds become available in the future for youth work, I am confident that further youth work interventions would be a worthwhile investment, including in tackling civil unrest issues and promoting good relations.
(iv) The Department of Education will continue to work, hand in hand with the Education Authority, the Youth Service, PSNI and local representatives to minimise the disruption and trauma for children impacted by the unrest and to support children in returning to school as needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444145","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444145"}},{"id":"444144","reference":"AQW 29074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-20","answerBy":"2025-07-07","answered":"2025-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities (i) whether the Housing Executive is aware of flooding at Dunwellan Park, Newcastle, in Autumn 2023; and (ii) to provide copies of any records the Housing Executive may hold in relation to this incident.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“The Housing Executive local office are aware of flooding which affected a small number of Housing Executive properties in Dunwellan Park from 31/10/2023 - 1/11/2023.\n\nThese properties appear on the Housing Executive’s flood risk register. The Housing Executive through our response maintenance contractor provided sandbags for a number of properties and subsequent repairs (dehumidifiers / boiler checks for flooded boiler etc).\n\nIn relation to point (ii) of this question, this is an operational matter for the Housing Executive and the member should submit a request directly with the Housing Executive asking them to provide any records they may hold in relation to this incident.”","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The Housing Executive local office are aware of flooding which affected a small number of Housing Executive properties in Dunwellan Park from 31/10/2023 - 1/11/2023.
These properties appear on the Housing Executive’s flood risk register. The Housing Executive through our response maintenance contractor provided sandbags for a number of properties and subsequent repairs (dehumidifiers / boiler checks for flooded boiler etc).
In relation to point (ii) of this question, this is an operational matter for the Housing Executive and the member should submit a request directly with the Housing Executive asking them to provide any records they may hold in relation to this incident.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444144","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444144"}},{"id":"443985","reference":"AQW 29012/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail why her Department's loans to NI Water were not structured to include principal debt repayment.","answerText":"The department’s loan agreements with NI Water were developed under The Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006, which enables my department to provide loans for the purpose of financing NI Water’s capital investment programme. The loan instrument is structured to provide a return to the department from the interest accruing on borrowings issued.\n\nWhile the return does not include an ongoing repayment of the principal debt, the 2006 Order provides the department with powers to address the repayment of the loan, either by write off the principal and interest of any loans, or to enter into an arrangement for the conversion into share capital of the principal and interest of loans so made. My officials are currently working with NI Water to progress the options for addressing the first loan agreement, the redemption of which is due March 2027. These options include the refinancing of the existing debt for a further period, or for the conversion of debt to share equity.","answerHtml":"The department’s loan agreements with NI Water were developed under The Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006, which enables my department to provide loans for the purpose of financing NI Water’s capital investment programme. The loan instrument is structured to provide a return to the department from the interest accruing on borrowings issued.
While the return does not include an ongoing repayment of the principal debt, the 2006 Order provides the department with powers to address the repayment of the loan, either by write off the principal and interest of any loans, or to enter into an arrangement for the conversion into share capital of the principal and interest of loans so made. My officials are currently working with NI Water to progress the options for addressing the first loan agreement, the redemption of which is due March 2027. These options include the refinancing of the existing debt for a further period, or for the conversion of debt to share equity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029012%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443985","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443985"}},{"id":"443984","reference":"AQW 29011/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-06-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the reasons why approval for the business case for repairs to the modular building at St Francis Primary School, Drumaroad, is still outstanding; and (ii) whether the process can be fast-tracked.","answerText":"The business case for repairs to the modular building at St Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad, was received from the Education Authority (EA) on 21 May 2025. My officials have been reviewing the business case, alongside other urgent priorities, to ensure that the business case tests the feasible options and to confirm that the preferred option represents value for money. The business case is now at the final stage of approval.\n\nThe school will continue to be kept informed as the scheme progresses.","answerHtml":"The business case for repairs to the modular building at St Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad, was received from the Education Authority (EA) on 21 May 2025. My officials have been reviewing the business case, alongside other urgent priorities, to ensure that the business case tests the feasible options and to confirm that the preferred option represents value for money. The business case is now at the final stage of approval.
The school will continue to be kept informed as the scheme progresses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029011%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443984"}},{"id":"443983","reference":"AQW 29010/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the options she is considering in relation to dealing with the NI Water loan note debt that matures in March 2027; and (ii) the engagement she has had with the Minister of Finance in this regard.","answerText":"(i) NI Water is considering two options for the 2027 Loan Note in terms of refinancing the existing debt with new borrowing or a debt-for-equity swap in which the loan value is exchanged for share capital.\n\n(ii) My department has been consulting with officials in the Department of Finance to assist with the analysis of the options in terms of assessing the impact of each option on public finances and NI Water customers, and I will engage with the Minister of Finance once this work has determined that the Minister’s approval is required.","answerHtml":"(i) NI Water is considering two options for the 2027 Loan Note in terms of refinancing the existing debt with new borrowing or a debt-for-equity swap in which the loan value is exchanged for share capital.
(ii) My department has been consulting with officials in the Department of Finance to assist with the analysis of the options in terms of assessing the impact of each option on public finances and NI Water customers, and I will engage with the Minister of Finance once this work has determined that the Minister’s approval is required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029010%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443983"}},{"id":"443982","reference":"AQW 29009/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether (i) flap valves are in place at all three surface water outlets in the Dunwellan area, Newcastle; and (ii) these are operating correctly.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i) NI Water carried out investigations of the storm sewer network in the Dunwellan area of Newcastle following Storm Ciarán in 2023. At that time, all three surface water outlets were found to be functioning as designed.\n\n(ii) given the time that has passed since those works, the network was re-examined in 2025. During this most recent assessment, it was determined that a significant build-up of silt has reoccurred, preventing full completion of the investigation and as a result, a 28-day desilting programme has been scheduled with NI Water’s contractor. Once complete, investigations will resume to ensure the network continues to operate effectively.\n\n(iii) NI Water remains committed to maintaining and improving the resilience of storm water infrastructure in this area.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i) NI Water carried out investigations of the storm sewer network in the Dunwellan area of Newcastle following Storm Ciarán in 2023. At that time, all three surface water outlets were found to be functioning as designed.
(ii) given the time that has passed since those works, the network was re-examined in 2025. During this most recent assessment, it was determined that a significant build-up of silt has reoccurred, preventing full completion of the investigation and as a result, a 28-day desilting programme has been scheduled with NI Water’s contractor. Once complete, investigations will resume to ensure the network continues to operate effectively.
(iii) NI Water remains committed to maintaining and improving the resilience of storm water infrastructure in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029009%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443982"}},{"id":"443981","reference":"AQW 29008/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-07-04","answered":"2025-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether surface water outfalls in the Dunwellan area, Newcastle, will be included in any permanent solution to the surface water flooding in Newcastle.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i) NI Water carried out investigations of the storm sewer network in the Dunwellan area of Newcastle following Storm Ciarán in 2023. At that time, all three surface water outlets were found to be functioning as designed.\n\n(ii) given the time that has passed since those works, the network was re-examined in 2025. During this most recent assessment, it was determined that a significant build-up of silt has reoccurred, preventing full completion of the investigation and as a result, a 28-day desilting programme has been scheduled with NI Water’s contractor. Once complete, investigations will resume to ensure the network continues to operate effectively.\n\n(iii) NI Water remains committed to maintaining and improving the resilience of storm water infrastructure in this area.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i) NI Water carried out investigations of the storm sewer network in the Dunwellan area of Newcastle following Storm Ciarán in 2023. At that time, all three surface water outlets were found to be functioning as designed.
(ii) given the time that has passed since those works, the network was re-examined in 2025. During this most recent assessment, it was determined that a significant build-up of silt has reoccurred, preventing full completion of the investigation and as a result, a 28-day desilting programme has been scheduled with NI Water’s contractor. Once complete, investigations will resume to ensure the network continues to operate effectively.
(iii) NI Water remains committed to maintaining and improving the resilience of storm water infrastructure in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029008%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443981","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443981"}},{"id":"444010","reference":"AQO 2261/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-19","answerBy":"2025-06-30","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of the Narrow Water Bridge project, whether he has given any consideration to the development of Narrow Water Castle.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"There are no plans for the further development of Narrow Water castle at this time."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Minister, given the castle's location and potential, particularly once the Narrow Water bridge project is finished, will you consider working with Executive colleagues and the Shared Island unit to look at the development of the site?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am always happy to look at options that are available to us so that we can improve the site. However, the Member will be aware of the significant pressure that the historic environment division (HED) is under. I have significantly increased the budget for capital projects this year, but there are a lot of works in line. Of course, I am more than happy to discuss the matter further with the Member."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"Does the Minister agree that it is important to ensure that any work at Narrow Water castle is sensitive to the memory of the 18 British soldiers who were brutally killed there by the IRA in an ambush on 27 August 1979, which was one of the IRA's deadliest murderous attacks?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"The Member is absolutely right: we should be sensitive to that. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who are insensitive to what took place there and will not even allow a simple memorial to stand there. I assure her that we will do everything that we can to make sure that any development in that area is sensitive to the memory of those who were murdered at that location."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202261%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444010","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-06-30&docID=444644#AQO%202261/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444010"}},{"id":"443826","reference":"AQW 28932/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-18","answerBy":"2025-07-03","answered":"2025-07-02","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 increasing the cap or reducing the homeowner contribution for works carried out under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is aimed specifically at residential properties that have flooded internally and remain vulnerable to frequent flooding.\n\nThe original financial thresholds of the grant scheme covered 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs and had not changed since the scheme was launched in 2016. The homeowner is also required to contribute 10% of the survey and estimated installation costs and any additional cost that may be incurred above £10,000.\n\nI had recently requested my officials to carry out a review of this financial threshold to take account of any inflationary increases since 2016 to the present day using the Consumer Price Index (CPIH) rate, which includes owner occupied housing costs. I am pleased to advise that I have recently approved the increase of the financial threshold for the scheme from the original £10,000 to a new £13,700 threshold. This came into effect from 01 April 2025, and it is proposed that similar inflationary uplifts are considered across future financial years. The homeowner will still be required to contribute 10% of the survey and estimated installation costs and any additional cost that may be incurred above the £13,700 threshold.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is aimed specifically at residential properties that have flooded internally and remain vulnerable to frequent flooding.
The original financial thresholds of the grant scheme covered 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs and had not changed since the scheme was launched in 2016. The homeowner is also required to contribute 10% of the survey and estimated installation costs and any additional cost that may be incurred above £10,000.
I had recently requested my officials to carry out a review of this financial threshold to take account of any inflationary increases since 2016 to the present day using the Consumer Price Index (CPIH) rate, which includes owner occupied housing costs. I am pleased to advise that I have recently approved the increase of the financial threshold for the scheme from the original £10,000 to a new £13,700 threshold. This came into effect from 01 April 2025, and it is proposed that similar inflationary uplifts are considered across future financial years. The homeowner will still be required to contribute 10% of the survey and estimated installation costs and any additional cost that may be incurred above the £13,700 threshold.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028932%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443826","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443826"}},{"id":"443825","reference":"AQW 28931/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-18","answerBy":"2025-07-03","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 28107/22-27, (i) to provide further detail on the options explored in NI Water's modelling work in relation to reducing the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the Marguerite area of Newcastle; and (ii) whether NI Water will engage with the Newcastle Regional Community Resilience Group prior to taking a decision.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i) Whilst a possible storage solution has been identified, further refinement is required through modelling and additional surveys, to ensure the possibility of localised out of sewer flooding is reduced as far as possible. When considering solutions to reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding, NI Water will run various scenarios through their model and may carryout additional site surveys to ensure assumptions made are correct. NI Water will always endeavour to find the best solution in economic, engineering buildability and environmental terms.\n\n(ii) As above, any solution identified will be the best solution in economic, engineering buildability and environmental terms, taking into account the layout of our existing infrastructure at the location. Once NI Water is satisfied that the solution referred to above provides the optimum protection possible to reduce this risk of out of sewer flooding from our network, the details of the solution will be shared with the Newcastle Regional Community Resilience Group. Any works proposed following the modelling works will be subject to budget availability.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i) Whilst a possible storage solution has been identified, further refinement is required through modelling and additional surveys, to ensure the possibility of localised out of sewer flooding is reduced as far as possible. When considering solutions to reduce the risk of out of sewer flooding, NI Water will run various scenarios through their model and may carryout additional site surveys to ensure assumptions made are correct. NI Water will always endeavour to find the best solution in economic, engineering buildability and environmental terms.
(ii) As above, any solution identified will be the best solution in economic, engineering buildability and environmental terms, taking into account the layout of our existing infrastructure at the location. Once NI Water is satisfied that the solution referred to above provides the optimum protection possible to reduce this risk of out of sewer flooding from our network, the details of the solution will be shared with the Newcastle Regional Community Resilience Group. Any works proposed following the modelling works will be subject to budget availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028931%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443825","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443825"}},{"id":"443824","reference":"AQW 28930/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-18","answerBy":"2025-07-03","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW28109/22-27, for her assessment of the reasons why a flap valve was not originally fitted at the outfall in Eliza Close, if it was a vitally important aspect of the system.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.\n\n(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.\n\n(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.
(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.
(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028930%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443824","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443824"}},{"id":"443823","reference":"AQW 28929/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-18","answerBy":"2025-07-03","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 28109/22-27, for a timeline for installation of a flap valve at the outfall in Eliza Close, Newcastle.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.\n\n(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.\n\n(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.
(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.
(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028929%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443823"}},{"id":"443822","reference":"AQW 28928/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-18","answerBy":"2025-07-03","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 28109/22-27, when was it discovered that a flap valve had not been fitted at the outfall at Eliza Close.","answerText":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:\n\n(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.\n\n(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.\n\n(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.","answerHtml":"I have liaised with NI Water and they have advised as follows:
(i)the absence of a flap valve at the Eliza Close outfall was identified during investigative works following Storm Ciarán in late 2023. This issue came to light as part of NI Water’s post-event response and subsequent drainage infrastructure review to identify contributing factors to localised flooding.
(ii)NI Water has completed the necessary design work for the installation of the flap valve. A contractor has been appointed, and works are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.
(iii)the original design of the outfall at Eliza Close did not incorporate a flap valve. At the time of installation, approximately 15 years ago, the infrastructure met regulatory standards and local drainage conditions. However, changing climate patterns and more frequent high-intensity storm events have since highlighted the need for enhanced protections such as non-return valves. The current installation reflects NI Water’s commitment to improving resilience in flood-prone areas in response to evolving environmental pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028928%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443822"}},{"id":"447163","reference":"AQO 2225/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-12","answerBy":"2025-06-24","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 for her assessment of the most effective approaches for reducing adult reoffending.","answerText":"ORAL QUESTION No 13 - AQO 2225/22-27\n\nANSWER\n\nReducing adult reoffending is a complex area and one that requires a joined up, whole of government approach to address the root causes of offending behaviour. That is why I welcome the Executive’s Programme for Government commitment to develop a cross-Executive strategic approach.\n\nA number of factors tend to be prevalent for many who engage in offending behaviour – including poor mental health, addictions, lack of suitable accommodation, poverty, along with a lack of educational attainment and employment opportunities. Research consistently shows that rehabilitation is pivotal, both in custody and the community, to address these complex needs.\n\nEvidence shows that community sentences can have better outcomes, compared with short custodial sentences, which can often compound an individual’s problems. They may well lose their accommodation, employment, and their family connection or support network. If not lost, connections are certainly weakened.\n\nWe also know that intervening early has the ability to break the cycle of offending, while trauma and adverse childhood experiences often underlie offending behaviour. That is why we are working closely with colleagues across government to develop the new cross-Executive strategy. Adopting a more person-centred, preventative approach and implementing initiatives to tackle wider societal issues that contribute to offending behaviour will be important.\n\nReducing adult reoffending not only improves outcomes for individuals but also helps build safer communities. By working together, we can support people to move away from offending.","answerHtml":"ORAL QUESTION No 13 - AQO 2225/22-27
ANSWER
Reducing adult reoffending is a complex area and one that requires a joined up, whole of government approach to address the root causes of offending behaviour. That is why I welcome the Executive’s Programme for Government commitment to develop a cross-Executive strategic approach.
A number of factors tend to be prevalent for many who engage in offending behaviour – including poor mental health, addictions, lack of suitable accommodation, poverty, along with a lack of educational attainment and employment opportunities. Research consistently shows that rehabilitation is pivotal, both in custody and the community, to address these complex needs.
Evidence shows that community sentences can have better outcomes, compared with short custodial sentences, which can often compound an individual’s problems. They may well lose their accommodation, employment, and their family connection or support network. If not lost, connections are certainly weakened.
We also know that intervening early has the ability to break the cycle of offending, while trauma and adverse childhood experiences often underlie offending behaviour. That is why we are working closely with colleagues across government to develop the new cross-Executive strategy. Adopting a more person-centred, preventative approach and implementing initiatives to tackle wider societal issues that contribute to offending behaviour will be important.
Reducing adult reoffending not only improves outcomes for individuals but also helps build safer communities. By working together, we can support people to move away from offending.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202225%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447163","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447163"}},{"id":"442052","reference":"AQW 28189/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-10","answered":"2025-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"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 plans for support for the fishing industry.","answerText":"I expect to make an announcement on the opening of the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund (MEFF) by the end of this month after I have reviewed my officials’ proposals for this financial year.\n\nThe MEFF will provide £2.75m in financial assistance to support investment in progressing a range of themes that industry has indicated are priorities. These include workforce recruitment initiatives, automation of on-board practices, economic and environmental resilience of the fleet and, a continuing focus on the de-carbonising fishing activities.\n\nIn addition, I plan to write to Minister Daniel Zeichner to stress the need for Northern Ireland to secure an equitable share of the recently announced £360m Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund. I will also be seeking an assurance that my officials will be fully and meaningfully involved in all aspects of the Fund’s design, delivery and monitoring to ensure the specific needs and priorities of our stakeholders are to the fore and that it the benefits from the available support can be maximised.\n\nMy officials have also commenced a review the Harbour Development Plan within the original Fishing and Seafood Development Programme to determine which elements within the original proposals remain appropriate and, subject to affordability, could be progressed over the next few years.\n\nMy officials are engaging with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to determine the feasibility for my department to directly engage with Ireland regarding access to the 6-12 nautical mile zone rather than via Defra.\n\nOfficials are also due to meet Isle of Man officials later this month concerning range of issues raised to date.\n\nIn terms of labour, I continue to make the case to the UK Government for changes in migration policy reflecting the concerns and proposed interventions articulated by the fishing industry.\n\nWork to explore possibilities for apprenticeships continues alongside ways to increase marketing opportunities.","answerHtml":"I expect to make an announcement on the opening of the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund (MEFF) by the end of this month after I have reviewed my officials’ proposals for this financial year.
The MEFF will provide £2.75m in financial assistance to support investment in progressing a range of themes that industry has indicated are priorities. These include workforce recruitment initiatives, automation of on-board practices, economic and environmental resilience of the fleet and, a continuing focus on the de-carbonising fishing activities.
In addition, I plan to write to Minister Daniel Zeichner to stress the need for Northern Ireland to secure an equitable share of the recently announced £360m Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund. I will also be seeking an assurance that my officials will be fully and meaningfully involved in all aspects of the Fund’s design, delivery and monitoring to ensure the specific needs and priorities of our stakeholders are to the fore and that it the benefits from the available support can be maximised.
My officials have also commenced a review the Harbour Development Plan within the original Fishing and Seafood Development Programme to determine which elements within the original proposals remain appropriate and, subject to affordability, could be progressed over the next few years.
My officials are engaging with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to determine the feasibility for my department to directly engage with Ireland regarding access to the 6-12 nautical mile zone rather than via Defra.
Officials are also due to meet Isle of Man officials later this month concerning range of issues raised to date.
In terms of labour, I continue to make the case to the UK Government for changes in migration policy reflecting the concerns and proposed interventions articulated by the fishing industry.
Work to explore possibilities for apprenticeships continues alongside ways to increase marketing opportunities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028189%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442052","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442052"}},{"id":"442051","reference":"AQW 28188/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-04","answerBy":"2025-06-19","answered":"2025-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Knockevin School, Dundrum, will be included in the third tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.\n\nA review of the recent initiative introducing part-time 20mph speed limits at schools has been undertaken and is available on my Department’s internet site https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-part-time-20mph-speed-limits-schools.\n\nThe review recommends the provision of a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools, however this will be more modest in size and is dependent on the availability of funding. The report also concludes that a more targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected and work to update our policy document is underway.\n\nI have asked officials to prepare the programme of schools to be treated in this financial year based on the existing scored listing, but with preference given to rural schools which are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. Funding for progressing the next tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools is included within my budget plans for the this financial year and I intend to make an announcement on the next tranche in the coming weeks.\n\nI would also like to see what can be done to improve attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes, but to make places cleaner and greener. I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits particularly near schools, in predominately residential areas and places such as town centres where there is a higher number of those walking, wheeling and cycling.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.
A review of the recent initiative introducing part-time 20mph speed limits at schools has been undertaken and is available on my Department’s internet site https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-part-time-20mph-speed-limits-schools.
The review recommends the provision of a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools, however this will be more modest in size and is dependent on the availability of funding. The report also concludes that a more targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected and work to update our policy document is underway.
I have asked officials to prepare the programme of schools to be treated in this financial year based on the existing scored listing, but with preference given to rural schools which are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. Funding for progressing the next tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools is included within my budget plans for the this financial year and I intend to make an announcement on the next tranche in the coming weeks.
I would also like to see what can be done to improve attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes, but to make places cleaner and greener. I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits particularly near schools, in predominately residential areas and places such as town centres where there is a higher number of those walking, wheeling and cycling.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028188%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=442051","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=442051"}},{"id":"441856","reference":"AQW 28110/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-10","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 the UK Government in relation to protecting properties built after 2009 from flooding, including any response received.","answerText":"My Department engaged with the UK Government when the Flood Re scheme was being established in 2014 to ensure that the North was included.\n\nFlood Re’s 2009 criterion was set by the UK Government and reflected that, by 1st January 2009, planning policy and flood mapping was in place to discourage residential development in flood plains.\n\nThere is ongoing engagement between my Department and DEFRA on the Flood Re scheme as required.","answerHtml":"My Department engaged with the UK Government when the Flood Re scheme was being established in 2014 to ensure that the North was included.
Flood Re’s 2009 criterion was set by the UK Government and reflected that, by 1st January 2009, planning policy and flood mapping was in place to discourage residential development in flood plains.
There is ongoing engagement between my Department and DEFRA on the Flood Re scheme as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028110%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441856","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441856"}},{"id":"441855","reference":"AQW 28109/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any existing proposals to reduce the risk of flooding in (i) Eliza Close; and (ii) Dunwellan Park, Newcastle.","answerText":"My Department continues to work with multi-agency partners, including Local Government, to support local communities affected by flooding through the work of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG). A resilience group has been established in Newcastle following flooding in 2020 which has resulted in some positive outcomes in relation to additional resources provided, information sharing and enhanced communication channels.\n\n(i) I have been advised by NI Water that work was conducted at Eliza Close following Storm Ciaran to alleviate flooding by installing an outfall. It was however subsequently discovered that a flap valve had not been fitted at the outfall. NI Water has now arranged for a contractor to install the required flap valve.\n\n(ii)NIW has advised that there are no indications of flooding at Dunwellan Park during previous storms. The cause of recent minor flooding at this site was due to misuse of the system in this area, particularly due to wet wipes.","answerHtml":"My Department continues to work with multi-agency partners, including Local Government, to support local communities affected by flooding through the work of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG). A resilience group has been established in Newcastle following flooding in 2020 which has resulted in some positive outcomes in relation to additional resources provided, information sharing and enhanced communication channels.
(i) I have been advised by NI Water that work was conducted at Eliza Close following Storm Ciaran to alleviate flooding by installing an outfall. It was however subsequently discovered that a flap valve had not been fitted at the outfall. NI Water has now arranged for a contractor to install the required flap valve.
(ii)NIW has advised that there are no indications of flooding at Dunwellan Park during previous storms. The cause of recent minor flooding at this site was due to misuse of the system in this area, particularly due to wet wipes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028109%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441855","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441855"}},{"id":"441854","reference":"AQW 28108/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-17","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 for upgrading the drainage and sewage system in Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle, and the surrounding flood area.","answerText":"The Department currently has no planned drainage works in Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle. However, Rivers Directorate will continue its routine inspection and maintenance of designated watercourses and associated infrastructure within the Newcastle catchment.\n\nI have been advised that NI Water has no reports of flooding at this location, apart from a routine blockage which was reported in July 2022 caused by wet wipes. As a consequence, NI Water has no plans to upgrade the infrastructure in this specific location.","answerHtml":"The Department currently has no planned drainage works in Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle. However, Rivers Directorate will continue its routine inspection and maintenance of designated watercourses and associated infrastructure within the Newcastle catchment.
I have been advised that NI Water has no reports of flooding at this location, apart from a routine blockage which was reported in July 2022 caused by wet wipes. As a consequence, NI Water has no plans to upgrade the infrastructure in this specific location.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028108%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441854","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441854"}},{"id":"441853","reference":"AQW 28107/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-03","answerBy":"2025-06-18","answered":"2025-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the implementation of a permanent solution to the pumping station in Marguerite Avenue, Newcastle; and (ii) to detail the anticipated timescale.","answerText":"I have been advised by NI Water that there are no plans to upgrade the Burren River Tullymore Wastewater Pumping station located at Marguerite Park, Newcastle. However, to help reduce the risk of flooding during extreme weather events, NI Water has installed a level monitor and a protocol is now in place to ensure NI Water’s contractor will be dispatched with a pump to use until the levels in the river subside. Since this protocol was implemented, the pump has been deployed to site on a number of occasions and worked effectively.\n\nNI Water is undertaking modelling work to establish if there are any changes that could be made to the layout of its infrastructure in the area to assist in further reducing the risk of out of sewer flooding during extreme weather events. The modelling is anticipated to complete within the next month, however the delivery of any associated capital works for any solution identified will be subject to budget availability.","answerHtml":"I have been advised by NI Water that there are no plans to upgrade the Burren River Tullymore Wastewater Pumping station located at Marguerite Park, Newcastle. However, to help reduce the risk of flooding during extreme weather events, NI Water has installed a level monitor and a protocol is now in place to ensure NI Water’s contractor will be dispatched with a pump to use until the levels in the river subside. Since this protocol was implemented, the pump has been deployed to site on a number of occasions and worked effectively.
NI Water is undertaking modelling work to establish if there are any changes that could be made to the layout of its infrastructure in the area to assist in further reducing the risk of out of sewer flooding during extreme weather events. The modelling is anticipated to complete within the next month, however the delivery of any associated capital works for any solution identified will be subject to budget availability.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2028107%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441853","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441853"}},{"id":"440265","reference":"AQW 27465/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-06-03","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 new road maintenance strategy.","answerText":"My officials have been developing a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner. While work continues on bringing forward specific actions, the delivery of this new approach will be dependent on future budget settlements which have yet to be finalised.","answerHtml":"My officials have been developing a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner. While work continues on bringing forward specific actions, the delivery of this new approach will be dependent on future budget settlements which have yet to be finalised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027465%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440265"}},{"id":"440264","reference":"AQW 27464/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","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 whether the new road maintenance strategy will prioritise those local council areas which have the highest number of road defects.","answerText":"The new approach to how the road network is maintained will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner.\n\nIn distributing the resources available for road repairs and resurfacing programmes, allocations relating to the areas covered by the Department’s four Roads Divisions will continue to be made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. The Divisions also use a range of indicators when apportioning budget across District Council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds according to need.","answerHtml":"The new approach to how the road network is maintained will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. It will be data driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner.
In distributing the resources available for road repairs and resurfacing programmes, allocations relating to the areas covered by the Department’s four Roads Divisions will continue to be made on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. The Divisions also use a range of indicators when apportioning budget across District Council areas to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds according to need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027464%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440264"}},{"id":"440263","reference":"AQW 27463/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-05-30","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 (i) any Departmental or Ministerial decisions taken in relation to the Mourne Gateway Project; and (ii) when these decisions were taken.","answerText":"Minister Lyons approved Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project on 19 November 2021.\n\nDue to changes that occurred over the passage of time, an update to the OBC was prepared by Council and approved by the Department’s Permanent Secretary on 19 March 2024, following which the Department awarded a contract for funding for the project in May 2024.","answerHtml":"Minister Lyons approved Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project on 19 November 2021.
Due to changes that occurred over the passage of time, an update to the OBC was prepared by Council and approved by the Department’s Permanent Secretary on 19 March 2024, following which the Department awarded a contract for funding for the project in May 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027463%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440263"}},{"id":"440262","reference":"AQW 27462/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-05-30","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 the amount her Department has spent on costs relating to the Mourne Gateway Project.","answerText":"My Department utilised £0.5 million of Belfast Region City Deal funding to grant fund project costs to support Newry Mourne and Down District Council to explore the viability of the project.","answerHtml":"My Department utilised £0.5 million of Belfast Region City Deal funding to grant fund project costs to support Newry Mourne and Down District Council to explore the viability of the project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027462%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440262","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440262"}},{"id":"440261","reference":"AQW 27461/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-20","answerBy":"2025-06-05","answered":"2025-05-30","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 engagement she is having with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to develop an alternative to the Mourne Gateway Project.","answerText":"I am supportive of retaining the funding that was committed to the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project within in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, and I am committed to working with partners to help achieve that.\n\nMy officials, including Tourism NI, have met with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Belfast Region City Deal representatives to offer support with the development of alternative options.","answerHtml":"I am supportive of retaining the funding that was committed to the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project within in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, and I am committed to working with partners to help achieve that.
My officials, including Tourism NI, have met with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Belfast Region City Deal representatives to offer support with the development of alternative options.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027461%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440261","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440261"}},{"id":"444668","reference":"AQO 2040/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-15","answerBy":"2025-05-27","answered":"2025-06-25","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 any actions that have been taken to improve preparations for civil contingencies during the 2025-26 financial year.","answerText":"We have established and well-practiced civil contingencies structures in place here, and we are continuously striving to improve how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Our Civil Contingencies Framework procedures were last used in January with Storm Éowyn, and we are taking action to implement lessons identified from that event. A review of the framework is planned for later this year. Within the 2025/26 financial year a number of steps will be taken in relation to our ongoing preparations for future events. These include the continuing roll out of the learning and development strategy, further development of the Risk Register and our involvement in a major pandemic preparedness and response exercise later this year.","answerHtml":"We have established and well-practiced civil contingencies structures in place here, and we are continuously striving to improve how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Our Civil Contingencies Framework procedures were last used in January with Storm Éowyn, and we are taking action to implement lessons identified from that event. A review of the framework is planned for later this year. Within the 2025/26 financial year a number of steps will be taken in relation to our ongoing preparations for future events. These include the continuing roll out of the learning and development strategy, further development of the Risk Register and our involvement in a major pandemic preparedness and response exercise later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202040%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444668","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444668"}},{"id":"443891","reference":"AQO 2027/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-08","answerBy":"2025-05-20","answered":"2025-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there will be targeted plans for patients that have waited on a treatment waiting list for two years or more but cannot afford the upfront costs of the Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme.","answerText":"The Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme is one of several initiatives being funded to start tackling the backlog of patients awaiting assessment and treatment.\n\nTackling the waiting list backlog will initially focus on patients waiting over four years for assessment or treatment. Building the workforce and infrastructure required to sustainably reduce the length of time patients are waiting will take time. Independent sector support will be required to achieve this through both insourcing and outsourcing across a range of specialties including Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Gynaecology and ENT.\n\nInvestment will be made to build core capacity, particularly in areas where the infrastructure is already in place. Endoscopy and diagnostic imaging will be of initial focus, with further investment planned in Urology, Breast Surgery, Dermatology and Cardiac Surgery.\n\nTrauma capacity will also be expanded to improve access for fracture patients, which will also benefit orthopaedic capacity.\n\nOther initiatives include:\n\nTargeting funding at specialist procedures, particularly for children and women.\n\nSetting up Mega clinics to provide patients with a ‘one stop shop’ where they can get surgical review and anaesthetic preoperative assessment in a single appointment.\n\nExpansion of Primary Care Elective Service capacity in dermatology, minor surgery and gynaecology.\n\nDevelopment of partnership working with the voluntary sector to deliver a Waiting Well Programme and a Cancer Charities Programme.\n\nTaken collectively, these measures will improve access to elective care for all patients.\n\nReducing waiting lists will not be a quick fix and it will not be resolved in a year or two. Investment at this level or higher will need to be sustained for up to five years to bring hospital waiting times down to acceptable levels.","answerHtml":"The Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme is one of several initiatives being funded to start tackling the backlog of patients awaiting assessment and treatment.
Tackling the waiting list backlog will initially focus on patients waiting over four years for assessment or treatment. Building the workforce and infrastructure required to sustainably reduce the length of time patients are waiting will take time. Independent sector support will be required to achieve this through both insourcing and outsourcing across a range of specialties including Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Gynaecology and ENT.
Investment will be made to build core capacity, particularly in areas where the infrastructure is already in place. Endoscopy and diagnostic imaging will be of initial focus, with further investment planned in Urology, Breast Surgery, Dermatology and Cardiac Surgery.
Trauma capacity will also be expanded to improve access for fracture patients, which will also benefit orthopaedic capacity.
Other initiatives include:
Targeting funding at specialist procedures, particularly for children and women.
Setting up Mega clinics to provide patients with a ‘one stop shop’ where they can get surgical review and anaesthetic preoperative assessment in a single appointment.
Expansion of Primary Care Elective Service capacity in dermatology, minor surgery and gynaecology.
Development of partnership working with the voluntary sector to deliver a Waiting Well Programme and a Cancer Charities Programme.
Taken collectively, these measures will improve access to elective care for all patients.
Reducing waiting lists will not be a quick fix and it will not be resolved in a year or two. Investment at this level or higher will need to be sustained for up to five years to bring hospital waiting times down to acceptable levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202027%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=443891","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=443891"}},{"id":"437869","reference":"AQW 26328/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"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 consider introducing a new funding scheme with a higher cap to facilitate significant repairs that could not be facilitated through funding under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.","answerText":"When it became clear that the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme would cost less than anticipated, the option to increase the £100k cap was considered. However, advice from officials was that this would be difficult to justify on Value-for-Money grounds as the majority of impacted businesses had re-opened. The majority of businesses receiving the enhanced grant also received the £7,500 provided under the Flood Damage Business Grant Scheme as well as rate relief. This level of support was significantly more generous than the flood support offered in Britain. The maximum grant provided via the EFSS also exceeded the €100,000 offered by the South in its Enhanced Emergency Business Flood Relief Scheme - that scheme was also more restrictive in comparison to the EFSS in that it was only available to businesses with up to 20 employees whereas the EFSS was open to businesses with up to 250 employees.","answerHtml":"When it became clear that the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme would cost less than anticipated, the option to increase the £100k cap was considered. However, advice from officials was that this would be difficult to justify on Value-for-Money grounds as the majority of impacted businesses had re-opened. The majority of businesses receiving the enhanced grant also received the £7,500 provided under the Flood Damage Business Grant Scheme as well as rate relief. This level of support was significantly more generous than the flood support offered in Britain. The maximum grant provided via the EFSS also exceeded the €100,000 offered by the South in its Enhanced Emergency Business Flood Relief Scheme - that scheme was also more restrictive in comparison to the EFSS in that it was only available to businesses with up to 20 employees whereas the EFSS was open to businesses with up to 250 employees.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026328%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437869","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437869"}},{"id":"437868","reference":"AQW 26327/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has any plans to provide further funding towards revitalising Downpatrick town centre in the 2025-26 financial year, given that less than half of the support funding allocated following the 2023 autumn floods in the South East was spent.","answerText":"Whilst Conor Murphy agreed to allocate up to £10 million from his 2024/25 budget to deliver three schemes, the cost of delivering the schemes was lower than anticipated. When it became clear that this was the case, Minister Murphy asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments for flood related spend, but given the time frame available, no realistic options were identified. Any unspent money was reallocated across the Department of Economy to meet other capital pressures. My department is leading on setting up a cross-departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding and this is something that Downpatrick businesses will potentially benefit from.","answerHtml":"Whilst Conor Murphy agreed to allocate up to £10 million from his 2024/25 budget to deliver three schemes, the cost of delivering the schemes was lower than anticipated. When it became clear that this was the case, Minister Murphy asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments for flood related spend, but given the time frame available, no realistic options were identified. Any unspent money was reallocated across the Department of Economy to meet other capital pressures. My department is leading on setting up a cross-departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding and this is something that Downpatrick businesses will potentially benefit from.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026327%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437868","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437868"}},{"id":"437867","reference":"AQW 26326/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-29","answerBy":"2025-05-15","answered":"2025-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she is aware of any local businesses that decided not to apply for funding under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme due to the cost of repairs significantly exceeding the £100,000 cap.","answerText":"I am not aware of any businesses who decided not to apply to the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme due to the cost of repairs significantly exceeding the £100,000 cap.","answerHtml":"I am not aware of any businesses who decided not to apply to the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme due to the cost of repairs significantly exceeding the £100,000 cap.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026326%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437867","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437867"}},{"id":"437676","reference":"AQW 26222/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-01","answered":"2025-05-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any options her Department and Tourism NI are exploring following the landowner's withdrawal from negotiations with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in relation to the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project.","answerText":"In the first instance, examining alternative options would be a decision for the Belfast Region City Deal Executive Board. The Board has not presented my Department nor Tourism Northern Ireland with any alternative proposals.","answerHtml":"In the first instance, examining alternative options would be a decision for the Belfast Region City Deal Executive Board. The Board has not presented my Department nor Tourism Northern Ireland with any alternative proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026222%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437676","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437676"}},{"id":"437675","reference":"AQW 26221/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy how her Department decided on a cap of £100,000 for applications to the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.","answerText":"The level of support offered by the EFSS was the most generous on these islands. In England, Scotland and Wales the equivalent support offered to flooded businesses was between £2,500 and £5,000. The £100,000 cap is similar to the Irish Government's Enhanced Emergency Business Flood Relief Scheme which offered support of up to €100,000 for eligible businesses. However, that scheme was more restrictive in comparison to the EFSS in that it was only available to businesses with up to 20 employees whereas the EFSS was open to businesses with less than 250 employees.","answerHtml":"The level of support offered by the EFSS was the most generous on these islands. In England, Scotland and Wales the equivalent support offered to flooded businesses was between £2,500 and £5,000. The £100,000 cap is similar to the Irish Government's Enhanced Emergency Business Flood Relief Scheme which offered support of up to €100,000 for eligible businesses. However, that scheme was more restrictive in comparison to the EFSS in that it was only available to businesses with up to 20 employees whereas the EFSS was open to businesses with less than 250 employees.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026221%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437675"}},{"id":"437674","reference":"AQW 26220/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-14","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 engagement she has had with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and local businesses to understand the reasons for the significant underspend on flood support funding allocated to support local businesses in Downpatrick and Newry affected by floods in 2023.","answerText":"My department has had on-going engagement with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council officials over the duration of the scheme. My understanding is that the total cost of the schemes is lower than estimated due to 1. lower than anticipated application numbers and 2. The total eligible costs incurred by applicants to the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) was lower than anticipated.","answerHtml":"My department has had on-going engagement with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council officials over the duration of the scheme. My understanding is that the total cost of the schemes is lower than estimated due to 1. lower than anticipated application numbers and 2. The total eligible costs incurred by applicants to the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) was lower than anticipated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026220%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437674"}},{"id":"437673","reference":"AQW 26219/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-14","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 engagement her predecessor had with local businesses to assess the level of need prior to setting the £100,000 cap on applications for the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.","answerText":"Conor Murphy engaged with a number of businesses and business organisations following the severe flooding at the end of 2023. Departmental officials made use of a range of material when assessing the need for the flood support schemes. This material included a survey of a sample of flood affected businesses provided by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, a report undertaken by Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) on the economic impact of the flooding and information proved by the NI Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).","answerHtml":"Conor Murphy engaged with a number of businesses and business organisations following the severe flooding at the end of 2023. Departmental officials made use of a range of material when assessing the need for the flood support schemes. This material included a survey of a sample of flood affected businesses provided by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, a report undertaken by Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) on the economic impact of the flooding and information proved by the NI Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026219%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437673","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437673"}},{"id":"437672","reference":"AQW 26218/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-28","answerBy":"2025-05-14","answered":"2025-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the redevelopment works in Irish Street, Downpatrick.","answerText":"My Department is currently preparing a business case to assess and define how best to secure a preferred developer for the Irish St Development Site. Subject to a positive business case, and funding being available, a development brief for the site will launch later in 2025. My Department is working closely with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to take forward the scheme.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently preparing a business case to assess and define how best to secure a preferred developer for the Irish St Development Site. Subject to a positive business case, and funding being available, a development brief for the site will launch later in 2025. My Department is working closely with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to take forward the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026218%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=437672","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=437672"}},{"id":"436763","reference":"AQW 26111/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans her Department has for a relief road or bypass to address congestion in Downpatrick town centre.","answerText":"I am aware of longstanding issues with traffic congestion in Downpatrick, particularly at the convergence of Irish Street, Church Street and Market Street in the historic town centre. A feasibility study was published by my Department in 2018 which examined the case for constructing an Eastern Distributor Road in Downpatrick. The alignment of the route was taken from the Ards Area Plan and considered a new connection between the Strangford Road towards the Saul Road and the Ardglass Road.\n\nThis detailed feasibility study (Downpatrick Eastern Distributor Road Feasibility Report | Department for Infrastructure) concluded that the proposed road and its alignment offered limited relief for Downpatrick Town Centre and its main benefits would be accessing developer land zonings DK-07, DK-08, DK-12, and DK-13.\n\nPlans to build around 1,100 new homes on a portion of these zoned lands were unveiled by a private developer in July 2024, which included a developer-led 1.5km link road between the Saul Road and Ballyhornan Road to facilitate access and accommodate additional road users. This route broadly follows a section of the proposed alignment considered as part of the Eastern Distributor Road feasibility study.\n\nThe final decision for granting permissions on such a scheme remains a matter for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Planning Committee, and therefore my Department has no current plans to build a relief road or bypass.","answerHtml":"I am aware of longstanding issues with traffic congestion in Downpatrick, particularly at the convergence of Irish Street, Church Street and Market Street in the historic town centre. A feasibility study was published by my Department in 2018 which examined the case for constructing an Eastern Distributor Road in Downpatrick. The alignment of the route was taken from the Ards Area Plan and considered a new connection between the Strangford Road towards the Saul Road and the Ardglass Road.
This detailed feasibility study (Downpatrick Eastern Distributor Road Feasibility Report | Department for Infrastructure) concluded that the proposed road and its alignment offered limited relief for Downpatrick Town Centre and its main benefits would be accessing developer land zonings DK-07, DK-08, DK-12, and DK-13.
Plans to build around 1,100 new homes on a portion of these zoned lands were unveiled by a private developer in July 2024, which included a developer-led 1.5km link road between the Saul Road and Ballyhornan Road to facilitate access and accommodate additional road users. This route broadly follows a section of the proposed alignment considered as part of the Eastern Distributor Road feasibility study.
The final decision for granting permissions on such a scheme remains a matter for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Planning Committee, and therefore my Department has no current plans to build a relief road or bypass.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026111%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436763"}},{"id":"436762","reference":"AQW 26110/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 25600/22-27, how his Department (i) assesses the effectiveness of Direct Payments; and (ii) ensures that returned Direct Payments are appropriately accounted for if it is unable to identify the amount that is returned unspent.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026110%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436762"}},{"id":"436761","reference":"AQW 26109/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 25600/22-27, to detail the (i) amount; and (ii) proportion of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year.","answerText":"(i) The amount of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year was £636,045.\n\n(ii) The proportion of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year was 3.58%.","answerHtml":"(i) The amount of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year was £636,045.
(ii) The proportion of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the 2024-25 financial year was 3.58%.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026109%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436761"}},{"id":"436760","reference":"AQW 26108/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQO 1880/22-27, to provide a breakdown of the £978,000 spent on family support including day short breaks, which details the amounts spent on (i) day short breaks, and (ii) other family supports, respectively.","answerText":"In October 2024, I announced £13.1 million of recurrent funding with up to £2m funding available in year (2024/25), to improve services for Children with Disabilities.\n\nHealth and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have confirmed that of the final £1.38m funding allocated in the 2024/25 year, this allowed regional expenditure in the order of £978,000 on Family Support including Day Short Breaks.\n\nThe following table outlines the breakdown of this £978,000 expenditure on family support including day short breaks, as advised by HSC Trusts.\n\nExpenditure per HSC Trust - £’000s*\tBelfast Trust\tSouth Eastern Trust\tSouthern Trust\tWestern Trust\tTotal\nFamily Support including Day Short Breaks\t190\t282\t176\t330\t978\n\n*Rounded to nearest £000\n\nIn relation to the request to breakdown the funding spent on family support including day short breaks, detailing the amounts spent on (i) day short breaks, and (ii) other family supports, this information has been directly requested from HSC Trusts and a summary of each Trust response is noted below.\n\n(i) Day Short Breaks\n\nThe Belfast HSC Trust has advised that the £190k of the 2024/25 investment the Trust has spent in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks, includes £69k for Day Short Breaks;\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust has spent a total of £282k from the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. The amount spent on Day Short Breaks was £105k;\n\nThe Southern HSC Trust has spent a total of £176k of the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. Of this, £61k was spent on Day Short breaks inclusive of enhanced community contracts, afterschool provision / summer / midterm / Christmas schemes and bespoke 1:1 packages;\n\nThe Western HSC Trust has spent a total of £330k of the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. The Western HSC Trust has informed my Department that the services delivered by the Children’s Disability Team provided a continuum of support to families and young people, and therefore it is not possible to categorise these into one theme only (e.g. some of the services provided by the community & voluntary sector cover both short breaks and family support elements within the one contract). The Western HSC Trust therefore is not able to provide the breakdown of amount spent on Family Support including Day Short Breaks disaggregated into the two categories requested.\n\n(ii) With regard to “Other Family Supports”, Trusts have advised the following was expended in 2024/25:\n\nBelfast HSC Trust, £121k;\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust, £177k;\n\nSouthern HSC Trust has spent £115k on “Other Family Supports” being inclusive of additionality into Family Support Hubs to increase capacity to accept referrals to provide support, additional Self-Directed Support payments and enhanced family support community contracts.\n\nAs outlined in the response to part (i) – the Western HSC Trust have been unable to separate spend into “Day Short Breaks” and “Other Family Support” – with activities often falling into both categories. Therefore, the total combined spend for Family Support – including Day Short Breaks within the Western HSC Trust was £330k.","answerHtml":"In October 2024, I announced £13.1 million of recurrent funding with up to £2m funding available in year (2024/25), to improve services for Children with Disabilities.
Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have confirmed that of the final £1.38m funding allocated in the 2024/25 year, this allowed regional expenditure in the order of £978,000 on Family Support including Day Short Breaks.
The following table outlines the breakdown of this £978,000 expenditure on family support including day short breaks, as advised by HSC Trusts.
| Expenditure per HSC Trust - £’000s* | Belfast Trust | South Eastern Trust | Southern Trust | Western Trust | Total |
| Family Support including Day Short Breaks | 190 | 282 | 176 | 330 | 978 |
*Rounded to nearest £000
In relation to the request to breakdown the funding spent on family support including day short breaks, detailing the amounts spent on (i) day short breaks, and (ii) other family supports, this information has been directly requested from HSC Trusts and a summary of each Trust response is noted below.
(i) Day Short Breaks
The Belfast HSC Trust has advised that the £190k of the 2024/25 investment the Trust has spent in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks, includes £69k for Day Short Breaks;
The South Eastern HSC Trust has spent a total of £282k from the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. The amount spent on Day Short Breaks was £105k;
The Southern HSC Trust has spent a total of £176k of the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. Of this, £61k was spent on Day Short breaks inclusive of enhanced community contracts, afterschool provision / summer / midterm / Christmas schemes and bespoke 1:1 packages;
The Western HSC Trust has spent a total of £330k of the 2024/25 investment in relation to Family Support including Day Short Breaks. The Western HSC Trust has informed my Department that the services delivered by the Children’s Disability Team provided a continuum of support to families and young people, and therefore it is not possible to categorise these into one theme only (e.g. some of the services provided by the community & voluntary sector cover both short breaks and family support elements within the one contract). The Western HSC Trust therefore is not able to provide the breakdown of amount spent on Family Support including Day Short Breaks disaggregated into the two categories requested.
(ii) With regard to “Other Family Supports”, Trusts have advised the following was expended in 2024/25:
Belfast HSC Trust, £121k;
South Eastern HSC Trust, £177k;
Southern HSC Trust has spent £115k on “Other Family Supports” being inclusive of additionality into Family Support Hubs to increase capacity to accept referrals to provide support, additional Self-Directed Support payments and enhanced family support community contracts.
As outlined in the response to part (i) – the Western HSC Trust have been unable to separate spend into “Day Short Breaks” and “Other Family Support” – with activities often falling into both categories. Therefore, the total combined spend for Family Support – including Day Short Breaks within the Western HSC Trust was £330k.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026108%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436760","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436760"}},{"id":"436759","reference":"AQW 26107/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-05-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQT 1235/22-27, and having seen his officials' options paper, whether he is content to proceed with reinstating the cross-border scheme.","answerText":"As outlined in my statement to the Assembly, I plan to establish a new Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme, as part of a package of initiatives to tackle hospital care backlogs.\n\nThe Scheme will commence in June 2025 and will give patients, who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland, the option to seek and pay for treatment in the private sector and have the cost reimbursed, up to the cost of the treatment to HSC in Northern Ireland. Patients will only be able to access the Scheme once they have waited on an HSC hospital treatment waiting list for two years.\n\nThe new Scheme will be initiated on a phased approach. The first phase will allow reimbursements for treatment in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). The second phase will be introduced at a later date and will see the geographical scope of the Scheme expanded to all countries in the European Union (EU).","answerHtml":"As outlined in my statement to the Assembly, I plan to establish a new Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme, as part of a package of initiatives to tackle hospital care backlogs.
The Scheme will commence in June 2025 and will give patients, who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland, the option to seek and pay for treatment in the private sector and have the cost reimbursed, up to the cost of the treatment to HSC in Northern Ireland. Patients will only be able to access the Scheme once they have waited on an HSC hospital treatment waiting list for two years.
The new Scheme will be initiated on a phased approach. The first phase will allow reimbursements for treatment in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). The second phase will be introduced at a later date and will see the geographical scope of the Scheme expanded to all countries in the European Union (EU).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026107%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436759","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436759"}},{"id":"436574","reference":"AQW 26029/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-04-29","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 being taken to build a shared, cross-departmental outcomes framework to track collective impact on suicide prevention, not just within his own Department.","answerText":"An updated Action Plan and Implementation Plan has been developed for Protect Life 2. These plans were discussed and agreed at the Executive Working Group on 3 April subject to funding. Once published the Department and the Public Health Agency will be developing enhanced monitoring arrangements for the Strategy to track progress and develop an outcomes framework with a wide range of indicators to assess progress. Discussions have already taken place with other Departments in this regard and to identify appropriate data.\n\nThe Department recognises that the impact of the Strategy is much wider than solely rates of suicide and self harm and is keen to reflect the vast number of outcomes which contribute to improving mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention and self-harm across Departments","answerHtml":"An updated Action Plan and Implementation Plan has been developed for Protect Life 2. These plans were discussed and agreed at the Executive Working Group on 3 April subject to funding. Once published the Department and the Public Health Agency will be developing enhanced monitoring arrangements for the Strategy to track progress and develop an outcomes framework with a wide range of indicators to assess progress. Discussions have already taken place with other Departments in this regard and to identify appropriate data.
The Department recognises that the impact of the Strategy is much wider than solely rates of suicide and self harm and is keen to reflect the vast number of outcomes which contribute to improving mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention and self-harm across Departments
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026029%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436574"}},{"id":"436573","reference":"AQW 26028/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 25484/22-27, how the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust assesses need or places children with complex needs in residential care if it does not keep a record of families that have requested it.","answerText":"The South Eastern Trust holds this information on personal files in relation to all parental requests for residential care, however this information is not centralised on an accessible information management system. Locating this information would require a manual trawl of hundreds of files. During February 2024, the DoH introduced a new information gathering template to collate information on the numbers of children in Residential Care, those availing of Residential Short Breaks and those on the Edge of Care. This analysis alongside the 6-monthly submission of the Statutory Functions Report and Corporate Parenting Reports to the DoH SPPG, provides information for both the Trust and DoH SPPG to assess the need for children with complex needs for Residential Care.\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust is engaged with the Strategic Reform Board, and the associated Children’s Social Care Workstreams. There is also work ongoing within the Residential Care Workstream in respect of the Projected Residential Care Need for Children with Disability across all five HSC Trusts. This work (alongside other work being completed across the Children’s Social Care Reform Workstreams) will assist with informing the future commissioning of services, in accordance with the Departmental Children’s Disability Framework.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Trust holds this information on personal files in relation to all parental requests for residential care, however this information is not centralised on an accessible information management system. Locating this information would require a manual trawl of hundreds of files. During February 2024, the DoH introduced a new information gathering template to collate information on the numbers of children in Residential Care, those availing of Residential Short Breaks and those on the Edge of Care. This analysis alongside the 6-monthly submission of the Statutory Functions Report and Corporate Parenting Reports to the DoH SPPG, provides information for both the Trust and DoH SPPG to assess the need for children with complex needs for Residential Care.
The South Eastern HSC Trust is engaged with the Strategic Reform Board, and the associated Children’s Social Care Workstreams. There is also work ongoing within the Residential Care Workstream in respect of the Projected Residential Care Need for Children with Disability across all five HSC Trusts. This work (alongside other work being completed across the Children’s Social Care Reform Workstreams) will assist with informing the future commissioning of services, in accordance with the Departmental Children’s Disability Framework.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026028%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436573"}},{"id":"436572","reference":"AQW 26027/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-04-30","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 progress of the park and ride facility in Downpatrick.","answerText":"A suitable site for a Park & Ride at Downpatrick, has been identified within the Down Business Park along the A7 Belfast Road. The project has the potential to provide parking for approximately 400 vehicles. Environmental assessments and detailed designs have been completed. Once a business case has been approved, the Department will begin the formal submission of a planning application. However, progression of this park and ride site will be dependent on the availability of funding.","answerHtml":"A suitable site for a Park & Ride at Downpatrick, has been identified within the Down Business Park along the A7 Belfast Road. The project has the potential to provide parking for approximately 400 vehicles. Environmental assessments and detailed designs have been completed. Once a business case has been approved, the Department will begin the formal submission of a planning application. However, progression of this park and ride site will be dependent on the availability of funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026027%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436572","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436572"}},{"id":"436571","reference":"AQW 26026/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the cost of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service operations in response to landscape fires in each of the last ten years.","answerText":"Please see below for costs relating to landscape fires within each of the last 10 years:\n\nFinancial Year\tIncidents\tCost (£000)\n2015/16\t1,431\t318\n2016/17\t1,636\t382\n2017/18\t2,693\t593\n2018/19\t4,114\t935\n2019/20\t1,423\t262\n2020/21\t1,948\t961\n2021/22\t1,965\t702\n2022/23\t1,239\t333\n2023/24\t925\t490\n2024/25\t879\t300\nTotal\t18,253\t5,277","answerHtml":"Please see below for costs relating to landscape fires within each of the last 10 years:
| Financial Year | Incidents | Cost (£000) |
| 2015/16 | 1,431 | 318 |
| 2016/17 | 1,636 | 382 |
| 2017/18 | 2,693 | 593 |
| 2018/19 | 4,114 | 935 |
| 2019/20 | 1,423 | 262 |
| 2020/21 | 1,948 | 961 |
| 2021/22 | 1,965 | 702 |
| 2022/23 | 1,239 | 333 |
| 2023/24 | 925 | 490 |
| 2024/25 | 879 | 300 |
| Total | 18,253 | 5,277 |
ANSWER
I firmly support that suicide prevention is a shared Executive responsibility, reflected in the work of the Executive Working Group on Mental Well-being, Resilience and Suicide Prevention. Following Executive agreement of the 2025-26 Final Budget, all Ministers can consider prioritising funding within their own departmental allocations to address mental well-being and suicide prevention, as well as working with other Ministers to deliver services on a cross-departmental basis, where appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026025%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436570"}},{"id":"436406","reference":"AQW 25933/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how he will ensure that the community and voluntary sector is appropriately resourced to meet its role in suicide prevention.","answerText":"I greatly value the work undertaken by the Community and Voluntary Sector and recognise that effective suicide prevention requires delivery across a range of settings and services. A wide range of existing programmes are delivered through the Community and Voluntary sector and we wish to deliver further programmes with the sector subject to funding being available.\n\nFurther funding is required to ensure the full implementation of Protect Life 2. This remains very challenging with existing budgets. Work is ongoing to identify funding options for the new Action Plan against this challenging financial position.","answerHtml":"I greatly value the work undertaken by the Community and Voluntary Sector and recognise that effective suicide prevention requires delivery across a range of settings and services. A wide range of existing programmes are delivered through the Community and Voluntary sector and we wish to deliver further programmes with the sector subject to funding being available.
Further funding is required to ensure the full implementation of Protect Life 2. This remains very challenging with existing budgets. Work is ongoing to identify funding options for the new Action Plan against this challenging financial position.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025933%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436406","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436406"}},{"id":"436405","reference":"AQW 25932/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any engagement he has had with other Departments in relation to embedding suicide prevention into their policies and budgets.","answerText":"There was extensive engagement with other Departments during the development of the new action plan and implementation plan for Protect Life 2. A wide range of actions have been agreed with other Departments to ensure their contribution to the Protect Life 2 Strategy and commitments given to support this work which recognises this is a cross departmental issue. The Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention met on 3 April and agreed the content of the two plans subject to funding and these will be published shortly.","answerHtml":"There was extensive engagement with other Departments during the development of the new action plan and implementation plan for Protect Life 2. A wide range of actions have been agreed with other Departments to ensure their contribution to the Protect Life 2 Strategy and commitments given to support this work which recognises this is a cross departmental issue. The Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention met on 3 April and agreed the content of the two plans subject to funding and these will be published shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025932%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436405","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436405"}},{"id":"436404","reference":"AQW 25931/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department ensures that suicide prevention funding is targeted geographically and demographically based on suicide rates.","answerText":"One of the aims of the Protect Life 2 Strategy continues to be to ensure suicide prevention services and support are delivered appropriately in deprived areas where suicide and self-harm rates are highest. The PHA implement the Strategy and ensure this targeted resourcing continues where the biggest difference can be made.","answerHtml":"One of the aims of the Protect Life 2 Strategy continues to be to ensure suicide prevention services and support are delivered appropriately in deprived areas where suicide and self-harm rates are highest. The PHA implement the Strategy and ensure this targeted resourcing continues where the biggest difference can be made.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025931%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436404"}},{"id":"436403","reference":"AQW 25930/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether Protect Life 2 will be updated to reflect the socio-economic drivers of suicide, as outlined in the March 2025 Samaritans report Lost Futures.","answerText":"The Protect Life 2 Strategy is not currently being updated however it has been extended until 2027. The new Action Plan and Implementation Plan will continue to target resources towards areas where there is greatest need. The Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention met on 3 April and agreed the content of the Plans, subject to funding. The cross departmental actions will help to address a range of socio-economic drivers of suicide. The plans are being designed and will be published shortly.","answerHtml":"The Protect Life 2 Strategy is not currently being updated however it has been extended until 2027. The new Action Plan and Implementation Plan will continue to target resources towards areas where there is greatest need. The Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention met on 3 April and agreed the content of the Plans, subject to funding. The cross departmental actions will help to address a range of socio-economic drivers of suicide. The plans are being designed and will be published shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025930%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436403","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436403"}},{"id":"436402","reference":"AQW 25929/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when there will be a revised Protect Life 2 Strategy.","answerText":"The Protect Life 2 Strategy has been extended to 2027 with the option of a further extension to 2029. The new Action Plan and Implementation Plan were agreed subject to funding issues being resolved at the Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing Resilience and Suicide Prevention on 3 April. The Department is currently considering the financial implications as some new actions cannot be met within existing budgets.","answerHtml":"The Protect Life 2 Strategy has been extended to 2027 with the option of a further extension to 2029. The new Action Plan and Implementation Plan were agreed subject to funding issues being resolved at the Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing Resilience and Suicide Prevention on 3 April. The Department is currently considering the financial implications as some new actions cannot be met within existing budgets.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025929%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436402","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436402"}},{"id":"436200","reference":"AQW 25846/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-08","answerBy":"2025-04-25","answered":"2025-04-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether NI Water will work with external agencies to regenerate areas of its land affected by fires.","answerText":"The management of the regeneration of land effected by fires is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested advice from NI Water. It has advised that the NI Water Catchment Management and Water Supply teams have been working with Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) for over 15 years on habitat and erosion management in its drinking water catchments in the Mournes. Since April 2023 it has been a core partner in the Forever Mournes partnership with MHT, National Trust and Woodland Trust NI.\n\nNI Water highlight that it is also a contributor to the current Eastern Mournes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Management Plan and also consults with Newry Mourne and Down District Council under the Mourne Gullion Geopark management programme.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of the regeneration of land effected by fires is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested advice from NI Water. It has advised that the NI Water Catchment Management and Water Supply teams have been working with Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) for over 15 years on habitat and erosion management in its drinking water catchments in the Mournes. Since April 2023 it has been a core partner in the Forever Mournes partnership with MHT, National Trust and Woodland Trust NI.
NI Water highlight that it is also a contributor to the current Eastern Mournes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Management Plan and also consults with Newry Mourne and Down District Council under the Mourne Gullion Geopark management programme.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025846%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436200","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436200"}},{"id":"436199","reference":"AQW 25845/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-08","answerBy":"2025-04-25","answered":"2025-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the main areas of spend by NI Water as a result of fires on its land in each of the last ten years.","answerText":"The spend associated with fires on NI Water land is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested this information and NI Water has confirmed that the overall spend on the protection of the Mournes Drinking Water Protected Area (DWPA) is £660,000 over the last ten years. This includes risk assessment and risk mitigation for the four key elements of drinking water i.e. drinking water catchment area protection, drinking water treatment, distribution system (including pipework and Service Reservoirs) and the customer tap.\n\nThe element of that spend which is wholly and directly relating to the prevention of wildfires in the catchment area is not readily available and therefore I have asked NI Water to write to you further, when this information is clarified.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The spend associated with fires on NI Water land is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested this information and NI Water has confirmed that the overall spend on the protection of the Mournes Drinking Water Protected Area (DWPA) is £660,000 over the last ten years. This includes risk assessment and risk mitigation for the four key elements of drinking water i.e. drinking water catchment area protection, drinking water treatment, distribution system (including pipework and Service Reservoirs) and the customer tap.
The element of that spend which is wholly and directly relating to the prevention of wildfires in the catchment area is not readily available and therefore I have asked NI Water to write to you further, when this information is clarified.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025845%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436199","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436199"}},{"id":"436198","reference":"AQW 25844/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-08","answerBy":"2025-04-25","answered":"2025-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the current wildfires on NI Water land will result in further overspending.","answerText":"This is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the relevant information.\n\nNI Water has advised that the potential costs to mitigate against any outlay that can be attributed to the wildfires is currently unknown and may not be confirmed for some time.\n\nThese costs will need to be met from NI Water’s 2025/26 budget allocation, once agreed.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com.\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"This is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the relevant information.
NI Water has advised that the potential costs to mitigate against any outlay that can be attributed to the wildfires is currently unknown and may not be confirmed for some time.
These costs will need to be met from NI Water’s 2025/26 budget allocation, once agreed.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com.
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436198","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436198"}},{"id":"436197","reference":"AQW 25843/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-08","answerBy":"2025-04-25","answered":"2025-04-23","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 NI Water has spent as a direct result of fires on its land in each of the last ten years.","answerText":"The spend associated with fires on NI Water land is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested this information and NI Water has confirmed that the overall spend on the protection of the Mournes Drinking Water Protected Area (DWPA) is £660,000 over the last ten years. This includes risk assessment and risk mitigation for the four key elements of drinking water i.e. drinking water catchment area protection, drinking water treatment, distribution system (including pipework and Service Reservoirs) and the customer tap.\n\nThe element of that spend which is wholly and directly relating to the prevention of wildfires in the catchment area is not readily available and therefore I have asked NI Water to write to you further, when this information is clarified.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The spend associated with fires on NI Water land is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have requested this information and NI Water has confirmed that the overall spend on the protection of the Mournes Drinking Water Protected Area (DWPA) is £660,000 over the last ten years. This includes risk assessment and risk mitigation for the four key elements of drinking water i.e. drinking water catchment area protection, drinking water treatment, distribution system (including pipework and Service Reservoirs) and the customer tap.
The element of that spend which is wholly and directly relating to the prevention of wildfires in the catchment area is not readily available and therefore I have asked NI Water to write to you further, when this information is clarified.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com . Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025843%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436197","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436197"}},{"id":"436196","reference":"AQW 25842/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-08","answerBy":"2025-04-25","answered":"2025-04-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he intends to establish a dedicated young patients fund for Northern Ireland to assist families in covering the costs of having a child in hospital.","answerText":"I recognise that the unexpected costs for patients undergoing hospital treatment can add additional financial pressure at an already difficult time. There are existing schemes in place to help support individuals and their dependants in Northern Ireland who need access to healthcare.\n\nThe Help with Healthcare Costs Scheme provides individuals and their dependants, primarily on low incomes, with financial help towards the cost of dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lens, and travel costs for health and social care treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist. The eligibility criteria are set out in legislation and certain benefits automatically passport on to the scheme.\n\nIn the absence of an agreed multi-year budget for health and a significant projected overspend, such a scheme would not be currently affordable and would have to be considered in the future alongside the many other competing funding demands across the Health and Social Care system.","answerHtml":"I recognise that the unexpected costs for patients undergoing hospital treatment can add additional financial pressure at an already difficult time. There are existing schemes in place to help support individuals and their dependants in Northern Ireland who need access to healthcare.
The Help with Healthcare Costs Scheme provides individuals and their dependants, primarily on low incomes, with financial help towards the cost of dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lens, and travel costs for health and social care treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist. The eligibility criteria are set out in legislation and certain benefits automatically passport on to the scheme.
In the absence of an agreed multi-year budget for health and a significant projected overspend, such a scheme would not be currently affordable and would have to be considered in the future alongside the many other competing funding demands across the Health and Social Care system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025842%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436196","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436196"}},{"id":"435997","reference":"AQW 25771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-07","answerBy":"2025-04-24","answered":"2025-04-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, further to recent correspondence in relation to the petition opposing the development of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project, whether her meeting with the National Trust to discuss the project has taken place.","answerText":"I met representatives from the National Trust on 7 April 2025.","answerHtml":"I met representatives from the National Trust on 7 April 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435997"}},{"id":"435996","reference":"AQW 25770/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-07","answerBy":"2025-04-24","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, further to recent correspondence in relation to the petition opposing the development of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project, to detail any parties who will or may be involved in decision-making, subsequent to the initial decision taken by the council.","answerText":"A decision, initially by Council, on whether the project will proceed to construction will only take place once the Council has obtained a fuller understanding of the costs and the environmental and wider sustainability and feasibility issues. The Council’s decision making will be documented in a Full Business Case which will be subject to approval by the Belfast Region City Deal’s Executive Board, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy and the Department of Finance. Funding for the construction phase of the project will not be released until the Full Business Case is approved by all relevant parties.","answerHtml":"A decision, initially by Council, on whether the project will proceed to construction will only take place once the Council has obtained a fuller understanding of the costs and the environmental and wider sustainability and feasibility issues. The Council’s decision making will be documented in a Full Business Case which will be subject to approval by the Belfast Region City Deal’s Executive Board, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy and the Department of Finance. Funding for the construction phase of the project will not be released until the Full Business Case is approved by all relevant parties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025770%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435996"}},{"id":"435598","reference":"AQW 25600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-03","answerBy":"2025-04-08","answered":"2025-04-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the total sum of Direct Payments allocated by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to families of children and young people with disabilities in lieu of respite care provision, to detail the amount of Direct Payment funding that was returned unspent to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently provides 254 families with Direct Payments to deliver a variety of supports to families with children with Severe Learning Disabilities and or complex medical needs. The information management system for direct payments does not centrally capture if the Direct payments are provided in lieu of Short Break care provision. Similarly, the financial department cannot centrally extrapolate the amount of Direct Payments returned unspent. To establish this data a manual examination of hundreds of files over the past 5 years would be required.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently provides 254 families with Direct Payments to deliver a variety of supports to families with children with Severe Learning Disabilities and or complex medical needs. The information management system for direct payments does not centrally capture if the Direct payments are provided in lieu of Short Break care provision. Similarly, the financial department cannot centrally extrapolate the amount of Direct Payments returned unspent. To establish this data a manual examination of hundreds of files over the past 5 years would be required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435598","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435598"}},{"id":"435429","reference":"AQW 25541/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-02","answerBy":"2025-04-07","answered":"2025-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail, out of the total number of children and young people with disabilities previously resident in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area who were taken into residential care, how many had previously been assessed as being on the edge of care in each of the last five years.","answerText":"Within the past 5 years the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has received 19 children with Severe Learning Disabilities into care. The term edge of care was introduced by the Department through the A Life Deserved Strategy (DoH:2021), however, this field has not been entered into the regional ‘Understandings the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland’ assessment framework. It would be accurate to state that all of those children received into care would, prior to entering care, have been on the edge of care, unless there was an unknown or an acute set of circumstances that necessitated a care admission.","answerHtml":"Within the past 5 years the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has received 19 children with Severe Learning Disabilities into care. The term edge of care was introduced by the Department through the A Life Deserved Strategy (DoH:2021), however, this field has not been entered into the regional ‘Understandings the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland’ assessment framework. It would be accurate to state that all of those children received into care would, prior to entering care, have been on the edge of care, unless there was an unknown or an acute set of circumstances that necessitated a care admission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025541%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435429","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435429"}},{"id":"435236","reference":"AQW 25484/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-04","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of parental requests for residential care for a child or young person with a disability that were received by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust does not centrally collate requests by parents of children with a disability who were seeking a residential placement. This particular field is not captured electronically on the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts information management systems. To attempt to locate this information would require a manual examination of hundreds of files.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust does not centrally collate requests by parents of children with a disability who were seeking a residential placement. This particular field is not captured electronically on the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts information management systems. To attempt to locate this information would require a manual examination of hundreds of files.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025484%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435236","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435236"}},{"id":"435235","reference":"AQW 25483/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-16","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 (i) AQW 24418/22-27; and (ii) AQW 24419/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025483%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435235","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435235"}},{"id":"434972","reference":"AQW 25376/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-31","answerBy":"2025-04-03","answered":"2025-04-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children and young people with disabilities that were on the waiting list for therapeutic interventions and behavioural supports in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The information below outlines the number of children and young people with learning disabilities that were on the waiting list for therapeutic interventions and behavioural supports for all three sectors of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust:\n\n2020 - 75 (Covid)\n\n2021 - 31 (Covid related)\n\n2022 - 26\n\n2023 - 17\n\n2024 - 17\n\n2025 - 24","answerHtml":"The information below outlines the number of children and young people with learning disabilities that were on the waiting list for therapeutic interventions and behavioural supports for all three sectors of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust:
2020 - 75 (Covid)
2021 - 31 (Covid related)
2022 - 26
2023 - 17
2024 - 17
2025 - 24
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025376%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434972","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434972"}},{"id":"434723","reference":"AQW 25300/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children with a disability in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust who were assessed as on the edge of care in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) allocated; and (ii) unallocated cases.","answerText":"The South Eastern Trust has not centrally collated this information over the past 5 years. During February 2024 my Department initiated the completion of monthly data of children with a disability in the community who were at risk of entering care across all Health and Social Care Trusts, however this was not applied retrospectively. In February 2024, there were 10 Children with a Disability who met the definition for being on the Edge of Care in the South Eastern Trust . In March 2025, this number had increased to 13. These young people are allocated to a Social Worker and are in receipt of services.\n\nThe South Eastern Trust adheres to the definition of ‘Edge of Care’, from the Department of Health Strategy A Life Deserved Strategy (DoH: 2021). This definition captures children residing in the community at risk of entering the care system. It also includes children in care who are at risk of going deeper into the care system, such as secure care for example and children in care making the transition from a care placement.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Trust has not centrally collated this information over the past 5 years. During February 2024 my Department initiated the completion of monthly data of children with a disability in the community who were at risk of entering care across all Health and Social Care Trusts, however this was not applied retrospectively. In February 2024, there were 10 Children with a Disability who met the definition for being on the Edge of Care in the South Eastern Trust . In March 2025, this number had increased to 13. These young people are allocated to a Social Worker and are in receipt of services.
The South Eastern Trust adheres to the definition of ‘Edge of Care’, from the Department of Health Strategy A Life Deserved Strategy (DoH: 2021). This definition captures children residing in the community at risk of entering the care system. It also includes children in care who are at risk of going deeper into the care system, such as secure care for example and children in care making the transition from a care placement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025300%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434723","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434723"}},{"id":"436123","reference":"AQO 1880/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-27","answerBy":"2025-04-08","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline how his Department spent £2 million of funding, announced in October 2024, on improving services for children with disabilities.","answerText":"In October 2024 I announced £13.1 million of recurrent funding with up to £2m funding available in year, to improve services for Children with Disabilities. This is in acknowledgement of the pressures in this area which were also highlighted in the BBC Spotlight programme “I am not okay.”\n\nI have personally met with the families involved in the Spotlight programme on a number of occasions and I have provided them with a commitment that my Department will continue to work with the Health and Social Care Trusts to have measurable improvements in Children with Disability services into the future.\n\nTo date, my Department has worked with Trusts to assess what was deliverable on the ground within the 2024/25 financial year, and have allocated some £1.38m additional funding to Health and Social Care Trusts for 2024/25.\n\nWith this funding in 2024/25, the Health and Social Care Trusts have focussed on meeting initial short-term priorities. The funding has been utilised to develop various initiatives across Trusts to improve family and community support services for Children with Disability, enhance short break provision and expand targeted care programmes.\n\nHealth and Social Care Trusts have now confirmed of the £1.38m funding allocated in the 2024/25 year, this funding has allowed expenditure in the following areas in the order of:\n\n£133,000 in respect of residential provision;\n\n£86,000 on overnight short breaks;\n\n£978,000 on family support including day short breaks;\n\n£94,000 on therapeutic and behaviour support services; and\n\n£85,000 on fostering short breaks.","answerHtml":"In October 2024 I announced £13.1 million of recurrent funding with up to £2m funding available in year, to improve services for Children with Disabilities. This is in acknowledgement of the pressures in this area which were also highlighted in the BBC Spotlight programme “I am not okay.”
I have personally met with the families involved in the Spotlight programme on a number of occasions and I have provided them with a commitment that my Department will continue to work with the Health and Social Care Trusts to have measurable improvements in Children with Disability services into the future.
To date, my Department has worked with Trusts to assess what was deliverable on the ground within the 2024/25 financial year, and have allocated some £1.38m additional funding to Health and Social Care Trusts for 2024/25.
With this funding in 2024/25, the Health and Social Care Trusts have focussed on meeting initial short-term priorities. The funding has been utilised to develop various initiatives across Trusts to improve family and community support services for Children with Disability, enhance short break provision and expand targeted care programmes.
Health and Social Care Trusts have now confirmed of the £1.38m funding allocated in the 2024/25 year, this funding has allowed expenditure in the following areas in the order of:
£133,000 in respect of residential provision;
£86,000 on overnight short breaks;
£978,000 on family support including day short breaks;
£94,000 on therapeutic and behaviour support services; and
£85,000 on fostering short breaks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201880%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436123","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436123"}},{"id":"434598","reference":"AQO 1866/22-27","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 Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the staff and financial support that has been provided to Professor Holtham’s independent review of Northern Ireland's level of need.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 7 and 12 together. I am pleased that Professor Holtham is conducting an independent review of our level of need. That work is essential if we are to make the case to the British Government for a higher relative need factor to be included in our funding arrangements. Professor Holtham's review is ongoing, and I expect a report from him later this month in order to inform phase 2 of the spending review, which is due to conclude in June 2025. Officials in my Department are providing technical and administrative support to Professor Holtham as he requires it. It is essential that the Executive are funded fairly and sustainably to enable us to deliver the public services that our people deserve. That is my focus and the purpose of the work."},{"speaker":"Ms Flynn","text":"Thanks very much. Will the Minister explain why the 124% needs-based factor should be amended?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"It is the general view of Executive colleagues that, while it is welcome that we now receive funding at 124%, the level of need here is greater than that and that Professor Holtham's review is timely, given the spending review. It is clear that we have been underfunded for many years. I am old enough to remember that, when we used to call for more funding, we were accused of going to Downing Street with a begging bowl in our hand. It has been proven that we were, in fact, correct all along: we were underfunded. If we are to drag our public services up to an appropriate level, we need the funding to do that. We need that funding to support those working in our public services who, despite all the pressures that are thrown at them daily, go above and beyond the call of duty to help our citizens."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Is a few months really sufficient time for a review that is so fundamental to our public finances?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Yes, it is. The time frame is set not by us but by the terms of the spending review. The work that has been carried out across various reports, including the work of the Fiscal Council, provides a good platform for Professor Holtham to work on. He will have access to all the data and will come to independent conclusions. The time frame is not ideal, but it is achievable."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"I certainly welcome the appointment of Mr Holtham to identify the up-to-date level of need for Northern Ireland, given his work in the Assembly in the past. As part of Mr Holtham's review, will he take submissions from parties or, indeed, MLAs?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"No. It will be largely a desk-top review of data and provisions. It will not be that type of review. The time frame would not allow for that. It will really be about accessing papers and data to bring forward the report."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201866%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434598","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-04-07&docID=435279#AQO%201866/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434598"}},{"id":"434378","reference":"AQW 25155/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-26","answerBy":"2025-04-10","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to provide copies of the minutes of meetings of (i) the Homelessness Strategy Steering Group; and (ii) the Central Homelessness Forum, in the last three years.","answerText":"Due to the nature and amount of information requested, the Members question will be processed as an FOI and treated accordingly.","answerHtml":"Due to the nature and amount of information requested, the Members question will be processed as an FOI and treated accordingly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025155%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434378","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434378"}},{"id":"434377","reference":"AQW 25154/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-26","answerBy":"2025-04-10","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the action he will take to address the statement in the Homelessness in Northern Ireland report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office that the quality and focus of reporting on the Interdepartmental Homelessness Action Plan outcomes has deteriorated as action plans have progressed.","answerText":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into Homelessness.\n\nThis report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment which goes towards addressing this problem.\n\nThe Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations.","answerHtml":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into Homelessness.
This report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment which goes towards addressing this problem.
The Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025154%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434377","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434377"}},{"id":"434376","reference":"AQW 25153/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-26","answerBy":"2025-04-10","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any action he will take to ensure there is a single forum with ownership of monitoring and reporting on homelessness actions taken by the Housing Executive, in line with recommendations in the Homelessness in Northern Ireland report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.","answerText":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report into Homelessness.\n\nThis Report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment which goes towards addressing this problem.\n\nThe Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations.","answerHtml":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report into Homelessness.
This Report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment which goes towards addressing this problem.
The Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025153%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434376","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434376"}},{"id":"434375","reference":"AQW 25152/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-26","answerBy":"2025-04-10","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how he will ensure the Homelessness Strategy Steering Group is fit for purpose, with relevant senior staff from relevant Departments attending and the group reporting directly to him.","answerText":"The Terms of Reference of the Homelessness strategy steering group and the membership are open to review each year in order to ensure that the focus and membership of the group remains up to date, relevant and fit for purpose.\n\nThe Department will take time to consider the Northern Ireland Audit Office’s report into Homelessness in Northern Ireland and its recommendations.","answerHtml":"The Terms of Reference of the Homelessness strategy steering group and the membership are open to review each year in order to ensure that the focus and membership of the group remains up to date, relevant and fit for purpose.
The Department will take time to consider the Northern Ireland Audit Office’s report into Homelessness in Northern Ireland and its recommendations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025152%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434375","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434375"}},{"id":"434154","reference":"AQW 25054/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how much of his Department's annual homelessness expenditure has been on homelessness prevention initiatives and projects, broken down by (i) total amount spent; and (ii) percentage of total homelessness expenditure, in each of the last five financial years including 2024-25.","answerText":"The following table is a summary of the Housing Executive’s Homelessness Prevention Expenditure:\n\nHomelessness Prevention Expenditure\t2019/20\n£million\t2020/21\n£million\t2021/22\n£million\t2022/23\n£million\t2023/24\n£million\tProvisional\n2024/25\n£million\nCommunity Prevention and Support Initiatives\t3.0\t2.8\t3.5\t4.5\t4.1\t4.5\nStrategic Prevention Programmes\t0.4\t0.9\t1.4\t1.0\t0.4\t0.4\nTotal Prevention\t3.4\t3.7\t4.9\t5.5\t4.5\t4.9\nPrevention as % of Total Homelessness Expenditure\t27%\t18.5%\t19.9%\t20.9%\t13.6%\t14.0%","answerHtml":"The following table is a summary of the Housing Executive’s Homelessness Prevention Expenditure:
| Homelessness Prevention Expenditure | 2019/20 £million | 2020/21 £million | 2021/22 £million | 2022/23 £million | 2023/24 £million | Provisional 2024/25 £million |
| Community Prevention and Support Initiatives | 3.0 | 2.8 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Strategic Prevention Programmes | 0.4 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Total Prevention | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Prevention as % of Total Homelessness Expenditure | 27% | 18.5% | 19.9% | 20.9% | 13.6% | 14.0% |
Work has begun to assess the impact of the Department’s 2025-26 budget allocations and fulfil all necessary equality obligations, including an EQIA consultation. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, as the commissioning body for the programme, will have to consider how the budget may best be used to meet identified housing need.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025053%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434153","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434153"}},{"id":"434152","reference":"AQW 25052/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department will take to accurately record outcomes resulting from homelessness prevention activity, in line with the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on homelessness.","answerText":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into Homelessness.\n\nThe report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment in addressing this problem.\n\nThe Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations. However, I would note that the Housing Executive records homelessness prevention outcomes using the standard P1E definition for homelessness prevention.","answerHtml":"The Department welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into Homelessness.
The report recognises the complexity of the issue of homelessness and acknowledges the considerable effort and substantial investment in addressing this problem.
The Department will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations. However, I would note that the Housing Executive records homelessness prevention outcomes using the standard P1E definition for homelessness prevention.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025052%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434152","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434152"}},{"id":"434151","reference":"AQW 25051/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department will take to ensure that registered Housing Associations work with the Housing Executive to maximise the use of medium to long-term voids for temporary accommodation, in line with the recommendation of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.","answerText":"The Housing Executive has already been working proactively with Housing Associations to identify voids for use as temporary accommodation where this is appropriate. I have also met with Housing Associations in relation to void properties. However, the Department will now take time to consider the report’s findings and recommendation concerning voids.","answerHtml":"The Housing Executive has already been working proactively with Housing Associations to identify voids for use as temporary accommodation where this is appropriate. I have also met with Housing Associations in relation to void properties. However, the Department will now take time to consider the report’s findings and recommendation concerning voids.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025051%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434151","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434151"}},{"id":"434150","reference":"AQW 25050/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-28","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 registered Housing Association properties being used as temporary accommodation in each of the last three years.","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 number of registered housing association properties being used as temporary accommodation in each of the last 3 years, as at 31 March 2025, is as follows:”\n\n2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\n2\t18\t53\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 number of registered housing association properties being used as temporary accommodation in each of the last 3 years, as at 31 March 2025, is as follows:”
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| 2 | 18 | 53 |
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%2025050%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434150","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434150"}},{"id":"433453","reference":"AQO 1839/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-04-01","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on efforts to improve accessibility in Parliament Buildings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"With your permission, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I will group questions 5, 12 and 15 together. I thank the Members for their questions. The Assembly Commission has engaged with the Department of Finance to carry out a multifaceted listed building survey for Parliament Buildings that will include a conservation management plan and a disability access audit. The audit commenced on Wednesday 26 March, with three days being spent surveying the Building. It is anticipated that an initial report will be received by May. Any recommendations arising from the report will then be considered."},{"speaker":"Mr Tennyson","text":"Can the Member elaborate on any initial findings from the audit?"},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The initial findings will be presented following the audit, so we will hopefully have them soon. The audit will identify any areas in which improvements can be made in order to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities."},{"speaker":"Ms D Armstrong","text":"Is the same consideration given to visitors with limited vision?"},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I thank the Member for her question. I do not have the specific information on that. We can come back to the Member, but I suspect that that is, likewise, included in the audit. I expect that it is, but I am sure that we can write to give you clarity on that."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Is there a timeline for completion of the works?"},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I thank the Member. The disability access audit should be completed and a report with the initial findings presented in May 2025. We will not know until we get the report what works are required. We will hopefully have an update for Members at that stage."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201839%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433453","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-04-01&docID=434621#AQO%201839/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433453"}},{"id":"433414","reference":"AQO 1800/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-20","answerBy":"2025-03-31","answered":"2025-03-31","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what engagement he is planning with Belfast City Council, Comhaltas and Ards CCÉ in advance of the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I met representatives from Belfast City Council and Comhaltas last week. The delivery of that large-scale event requires commitment from many partnership organisations. I am pleased that the Arts Council — an arm's-length body of my Department — is available and more than willing to assist with advice and input as the plans develop."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister for the answer; it is very encouraging. Having spoken to local Comhaltas branches, I know that there is a desire to reach out to all aspects of traditional music in Northern Ireland. What can the Minister and his Department do to further encourage the sharing of musical traditions at such events as Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"That is exactly what we discussed during last week's meeting. We want to ensure that all traditions and types of music are represented. We want to ensure that, on that stage, we get an opportunity to showcase not just Belfast but Northern Ireland and our rich cultural and musical heritage."},{"speaker":"Mr K Buchanan","text":"The Minister has more or less covered my question. I take it that the Minister will agree that the fleadh should have representation from the wide range of culture and music that exists across Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes, absolutely; in fact, the marching band tradition in Northern Ireland was mentioned, and its richness and significance was highlighted. Belfast attained UNESCO City of Music status in November 2021. That was because of the wide range of music and cultural traditions that we have. The marching bands are an important part of that."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Le déanaí, labhair ceannaire an pháirtí, Claire Hanna, as Gaeilge in Westminster, í ag cur fáilte roimh Fhleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Chuir sí cuireadh ar an Phríomh-Aire, atá ag dúil le freastal ar an fhleadh."},{"speaker":"","text":"Will the Minister attend?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am sorry. I was trying to find the translation of that, so I do not think that I heard all of it. If there was an invite, I would be more than happy to take up that invitation and use it as an opportunity to highlight Belfast and Northern Ireland on the world stage."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201800%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=433414","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-31&docID=434620#AQO%201800/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=433414"}},{"id":"432757","reference":"AQW 24493/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-14","answerBy":"2025-04-01","answered":"2025-03-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 23821/22-27, to detail the differences between the £15 million pilot her Department is planning to undertake and the original proposal that was costed at £30 million.","answerText":"My Department’s proposal, submitted to the interim Public Sector Transformation Board, was to fund a pilot project to demonstrate how the provision of sustainable urban drainage could transform the way in which rainwater is managed. The scalable proposal was based around the concept of storing between approximately 10,000m3 and 20,000m3 of water within a catchment, through a series of different nature-based drainage interventions aimed at reducing flood risk as well as reducing spills from combined sewer overflows. The £15m allocation will enable approximately 10,000m3 of storage to be provided through the pilot project.","answerHtml":"My Department’s proposal, submitted to the interim Public Sector Transformation Board, was to fund a pilot project to demonstrate how the provision of sustainable urban drainage could transform the way in which rainwater is managed. The scalable proposal was based around the concept of storing between approximately 10,000m3 and 20,000m3 of water within a catchment, through a series of different nature-based drainage interventions aimed at reducing flood risk as well as reducing spills from combined sewer overflows. The £15m allocation will enable approximately 10,000m3 of storage to be provided through the pilot project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024493%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432757","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432757"}},{"id":"432592","reference":"AQW 24419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-13","answerBy":"2025-03-31","answered":"2025-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action his Department is taking to ensure that people who cannot safely self-manage the removal of ear wax have adequate access to professional support in the NHS.","answerText":"Following a number of questions recently on this subject, officials have contacted Trusts and Primary Care highlighting the need to provide HSC public advice on ear wax removal. In the first instance, however, patients should always contact their GP, Pharmacist or healthcare professional to seek advice on self-management of ear wax removal. Patients can then be referred to either primary care or secondary care clinics to have ear wax removed.\n\nUnfortunately, as with many services in the HSC, demand in primary and secondary care exceeds capacity resulting in lengthening waiting times for treatment. My Department continues to optimise all available resources whilst seeking additional funding to improve waiting times.","answerHtml":"Following a number of questions recently on this subject, officials have contacted Trusts and Primary Care highlighting the need to provide HSC public advice on ear wax removal. In the first instance, however, patients should always contact their GP, Pharmacist or healthcare professional to seek advice on self-management of ear wax removal. Patients can then be referred to either primary care or secondary care clinics to have ear wax removed.
Unfortunately, as with many services in the HSC, demand in primary and secondary care exceeds capacity resulting in lengthening waiting times for treatment. My Department continues to optimise all available resources whilst seeking additional funding to improve waiting times.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432592"}},{"id":"432591","reference":"AQW 24418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-13","answerBy":"2025-03-31","answered":"2025-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action his Department is taking to improve public-facing advice and guidance on ear wax removal services.","answerText":"Following a number of questions recently on this subject, officials have contacted Trusts and Primary Care highlighting the need to provide HSC public advice on ear wax removal. In the first instance, however, patients should always contact their GP, Pharmacist or healthcare professional to seek advice on self-management of ear wax removal. Patients can then be referred to either primary care or secondary care clinics to have ear wax removed.\n\nUnfortunately, as with many services in the HSC, demand in primary and secondary care exceeds capacity resulting in lengthening waiting times for treatment. My Department continues to optimise all available resources whilst seeking additional funding to improve waiting times.","answerHtml":"Following a number of questions recently on this subject, officials have contacted Trusts and Primary Care highlighting the need to provide HSC public advice on ear wax removal. In the first instance, however, patients should always contact their GP, Pharmacist or healthcare professional to seek advice on self-management of ear wax removal. Patients can then be referred to either primary care or secondary care clinics to have ear wax removed.
Unfortunately, as with many services in the HSC, demand in primary and secondary care exceeds capacity resulting in lengthening waiting times for treatment. My Department continues to optimise all available resources whilst seeking additional funding to improve waiting times.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432591","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432591"}},{"id":"432637","reference":"AQO 1769/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-13","answerBy":"2025-03-25","answered":"2025-03-25","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 any actions he is taking to embed within his Department the importance of science and research.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I recognise the crucial importance of science and research in helping to achieve my Department’s strategic goals and objectives by ensuring that policy is evidence-based and delivers tangible actions. I personally believe in that. We need to get back to making decisions that are based on science and evidence and away from populism. Also, science is key in developing innovations to address the strategic challenges that we face on issues such as climate change and the nutrient pollution in areas such as Lough Neagh. I want policymakers to have access to the best available data, evidence and knowledge, which will benefit every citizen in Northern Ireland. As set out in my Department’s business and corporate plans, championing and investing in science, including social sciences, innovation and knowledge transfer is a means of addressing policy challenges and unlocking new economic opportunities. My Department invests significantly in science services each year, and its science strategy framework guides how that investment can be optimised. DAERA’s science system has three goals: get the best science, get the best value from science and make the best use of science. Under the guidance of my Chief Scientific Adviser, a series of project-led science transformation initiatives is being embedded across multidisciplinary teams in the DAERA family."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. How are science and evidence helping to inform actions to tackle the blue-green algae in Lough Neagh?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"The Chief Scientific Adviser's office is working with senior science representatives from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), DAERA's environment, fisheries and marine group, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Northern Ireland Water, Queen's University and Ulster University to help to oversee a joined-up programme of scientific work for the lough and take forward work on science-related actions in the Lough Neagh action plan. That includes the development of a Lough Neagh science platform and the development and validation of models to apportion nutrient loadings from agriculture and non-agriculture sources, river catchment and sub-catchment levels. Turning to the resultant recovery times of the lough itself, I have highlighted before the fact Lough Neagh has suffered from decades of pollution from nutrients from agriculture, waste water, septic tanks and industrial processes. Modelling work undertaken by AFBI and Ulster University scientists indicates that it may take as long as 40 years for the lough to return to a \"good\" classification. However, it is important that timescales for full recovery do not deter the implementation of actions set out in the action plan, which includes the science platform."},{"speaker":"Ms Murphy","text":"Minister, what steps are you taking to enhance cross-border collaboration on science and research, particularly in areas such as climate, animal health and sustainable farming?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"That is a really important question. We have quite a lot of good cross-border cooperation as part of the co-centres, which are absolutely key. One key area on which I want us to do a lot more cross-border cooperation is that of TB. That is a significant issue for farmers in Northern Ireland and for my Department, and I can see the mental anguish on the faces of a lot of farmers when they are suffering a herd breakdown as a result of TB. Therefore, significant engagement has taken place between officials, North and South. I met my previous counterpart, Charlie McConalogue, last year, and I hope to have a meeting with Martin Heydon. We talked about it briefly recently. A lot of our meetings to date, unfortunately, have been around issues such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. We are looking to redouble those efforts and to cooperate a lot more on the issue. These are common challenges: where we can work together, I am up for it."},{"speaker":"Ms D Armstrong","text":"I want to turn back to science and research. What initiatives has DAERA taken to increase the number of women and girls pursuing a career in science and research?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"That is a wider issue that would probably be led primarily by the Department for the Economy, but we are conscious of our commitments around it. I am proud to have Katrina Godfrey in the role of permanent secretary as a champion of those issues. It is something that I am keen to do. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) student intake that is coming through has a good gender balance. We can do more, and Katrina is doing excellent work in that regard."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201769%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432637","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-25&docID=433027#AQO%201769/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432637"}},{"id":"432406","reference":"AQW 24333/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-12","answerBy":"2025-03-28","answered":"2025-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how his Department is working to support local community groups who are established, or wish to establish themselves, as community resilience groups in times of adverse weather.","answerText":"It is clear the Community & Voluntary Sector has a role to play in community resilience. My department funds the NI Emergency Preparedness Group, and my officials are currently updating my department’s civil contingency priorities. This work will explore how community resilience can be enhanced, and the role of a wide range of stakeholders in that approach.","answerHtml":"It is clear the Community & Voluntary Sector has a role to play in community resilience. My department funds the NI Emergency Preparedness Group, and my officials are currently updating my department’s civil contingency priorities. This work will explore how community resilience can be enhanced, and the role of a wide range of stakeholders in that approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024333%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432406","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432406"}},{"id":"432405","reference":"AQW 24332/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-12","answerBy":"2025-03-28","answered":"2025-04-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any measures his Department is taking to improve planning for community resilience in the face of adverse weather events.","answerText":"Community Resilience is a feature of the NI Civil Contingency Framework led by The Executive Office, and my department is an active participant in the delivery of that framework. My officials are currently reviewing and updating my department’s civil contingency priorities. This work will explore how community resilience can be enhanced, and the role of a wide range of stakeholders in that approach.","answerHtml":"Community Resilience is a feature of the NI Civil Contingency Framework led by The Executive Office, and my department is an active participant in the delivery of that framework. My officials are currently reviewing and updating my department’s civil contingency priorities. This work will explore how community resilience can be enhanced, and the role of a wide range of stakeholders in that approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024332%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432405","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432405"}},{"id":"432404","reference":"AQW 24331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-12","answerBy":"2025-03-28","answered":"2025-04-01","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 any action their Department is taking to ensure that local authorities have up-to-date emergency response plans.","answerText":"The Executive Office co-ordinates civil contingencies planning across the Executive, in line with the NI Civil Contingencies Framework – ‘Building Resilience Together.’\n\nThe Framework lays out arrangements for effective emergency management for preparing for, responding to and recovering from an emergency across Government, Local Government and responding agencies.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG) is jointly chaired by PSNI and Local Government. Its purpose is to ensure that work at local level is in line with strategic direction set out in the Framework or provided by CCG (NI).\n\nWhilst the Executive Office provides best practice and guidance in the form of the Framework and contributes to greater planning and exercising expertise via the Civil Contingencies Division Learning & Development strategy, it is for local authorities to ensure they have up-to-date emergency response plans.","answerHtml":"The Executive Office co-ordinates civil contingencies planning across the Executive, in line with the NI Civil Contingencies Framework – ‘Building Resilience Together.’
The Framework lays out arrangements for effective emergency management for preparing for, responding to and recovering from an emergency across Government, Local Government and responding agencies.
The Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG) is jointly chaired by PSNI and Local Government. Its purpose is to ensure that work at local level is in line with strategic direction set out in the Framework or provided by CCG (NI).
Whilst the Executive Office provides best practice and guidance in the form of the Framework and contributes to greater planning and exercising expertise via the Civil Contingencies Division Learning & Development strategy, it is for local authorities to ensure they have up-to-date emergency response plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432404"}},{"id":"432403","reference":"AQW 24330/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-12","answerBy":"2025-03-28","answered":"2025-04-01","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 any action their Department has taken to further develop planning for community resilience in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"The Executive Office co-ordinates civil contingencies preparedness across the Executive, as per the NI Civil Contingencies Framework, Building Resilience Together.\n\nCommunity resilience is part of the work of the Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG), which is co-chaired by the PSNI and Local Government and oversees the work of the three local community level Emergency Preparedness Groups (EPG). The work of these groups is funded by the Department for Communities as the Department responsible for both local government and the voluntary and community sector.\n\nCommunity resilience will be a matter raised in the multi-agency debrief of Storm Éowyn, which The Executive Office will facilitate, and which is due to commence in the near future.","answerHtml":"The Executive Office co-ordinates civil contingencies preparedness across the Executive, as per the NI Civil Contingencies Framework, Building Resilience Together.
Community resilience is part of the work of the Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG), which is co-chaired by the PSNI and Local Government and oversees the work of the three local community level Emergency Preparedness Groups (EPG). The work of these groups is funded by the Department for Communities as the Department responsible for both local government and the voluntary and community sector.
Community resilience will be a matter raised in the multi-agency debrief of Storm Éowyn, which The Executive Office will facilitate, and which is due to commence in the near future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432403","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432403"}},{"id":"431613","reference":"AQW 24054/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-07","answerBy":"2025-03-25","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 23823/22-27, whether her Department is considering including Newcastle in the Urban Drainage pilot project.","answerText":"My officials are currently exploring opportunities to deliver the pilot project within the Living With Water in Belfast Plan area. The pilot may also include some schemes outside Belfast; however, no schemes are currently being considered in the Newcastle area.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently exploring opportunities to deliver the pilot project within the Living With Water in Belfast Plan area. The pilot may also include some schemes outside Belfast; however, no schemes are currently being considered in the Newcastle area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024054%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431613","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431613"}},{"id":"431423","reference":"AQW 23982/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-06","answerBy":"2025-03-11","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 the percentage of One-Year Health Reviews completed during 2023-24 were conducted (i) face to face; and (ii) over the phone, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF) is a framework for the universal Child Health Promotion Programme within Northern Ireland. It states that the appropriate venue for the one-year review is the child’s home. However, the review may take place at another venue (e.g. a health clinic), in certain circumstances, if it is not possible to carry out the review in the home.\n\nIn 2023-24, visits were completed as follows:\n\nHSC Trust\tIn person\tBy telephone\nBelfast\t100 %\t0 %\nNorthern\t99.82 %\t0.18 %\nSouthern\t100 %\t0 %\nSouth Eastern\t100 %\t0 %\nWestern\t100 %\t0 %","answerHtml":"Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF) is a framework for the universal Child Health Promotion Programme within Northern Ireland. It states that the appropriate venue for the one-year review is the child’s home. However, the review may take place at another venue (e.g. a health clinic), in certain circumstances, if it is not possible to carry out the review in the home.
In 2023-24, visits were completed as follows:
| HSC Trust | In person | By telephone |
| Belfast | 100 % | 0 % |
| Northern | 99.82 % | 0.18 % |
| Southern | 100 % | 0 % |
| South Eastern | 100 % | 0 % |
| Western | 100 % | 0 % |
The locations for interventions as part of this Urban Drainage pilot project have not yet been finalised. My officials are currently exploring opportunities to deliver the pilot project within the Living With Water in Belfast Plan area, and a specific catchment may be selected as the focus of this work.
This does not preclude the inclusion of other areas where suitable nature-based interventions are identified, particularly those that may effectively demonstrate the benefits of nature-based drainage solutions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023823%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431054","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431054"}},{"id":"431053","reference":"AQW 23822/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-04","answerBy":"2025-03-20","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 whether she will consider submitting a proposal to the second call for funding proposals, as announced by the Minister of Finance in his statement to the Assembly on 4 March 2025, that will address poor planning performance at local council level.","answerText":"The department will keep under review, any ideas to submit a proposal to the second call for funding proposals.","answerHtml":"The department will keep under review, any ideas to submit a proposal to the second call for funding proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023822%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431053","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431053"}},{"id":"431052","reference":"AQW 23821/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-04","answerBy":"2025-03-20","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 whether the sum of £15 million, awarded for the Urban Drainage pilot project, matches the amount her Department bid for.","answerText":"In September 2024, my officials submitted a proposal to the interim Public Sector Transformation Board to fund a pilot project to demonstrate how urban drainage could be transformed by managing rainwater on the surface in a more natural way. The proposal was scalable up to approximately £30m. The £15m allocation will enable a viable pilot project to be implemented over the next 4 years.","answerHtml":"In September 2024, my officials submitted a proposal to the interim Public Sector Transformation Board to fund a pilot project to demonstrate how urban drainage could be transformed by managing rainwater on the surface in a more natural way. The proposal was scalable up to approximately £30m. The £15m allocation will enable a viable pilot project to be implemented over the next 4 years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023821%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431052","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431052"}},{"id":"429233","reference":"AQO 1660/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the current funding model for Northern Ireland Water.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins (The Minister for Infrastructure)","text":"Under the current funding model, my Department fully funded NI Water for the first three years of the current price control (PC) period to the level that the Utility Regulator deemed necessary. We all recognise that there is a need for additional funding for all public services, and NI Water is not immune. Water and sewage infrastructure has suffered from years of historical underinvestment as a result of the austerity policies that the British Government implemented, and we are dealing with the legacy of those policies. My Department has provided NI Water with a budget allocation of almost £0·5 billion in this financial year, which is just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget that is available for the entire Department. Furthermore, my predecessor provided NI Water with an additional £32 million of public money in the recent October monitoring round, of which £19·5 million was to fund targeted action to release waste water constraints. In partnership with the Executive, I will be continuing my Department's three-pronged approach by working with colleagues to try to increase waste water investment, by reviewing the policy and legislation for developer contributions, with a view to launching a consultation later this month, and by securing Executive agreement for a water, flooding and sustainable drainage Bill to be introduced in the Assembly. My Department has reviewed water utility company structures across Britain and Ireland for best practice, including the mutualisation model, in which I know the Member is interested. The privatisation and mutualisation models that are favoured in England and Wales require charges to be paid by domestic water customers, however, so they are essentially water charges by the back door. Furthermore, recent evidence has demonstrated that those governance models do not necessarily provide the better levels of services that people expect and can lead to higher levels of debt and to increasing costs. I am keen to see the delivery of improvements to our waste water infrastructure in order to facilitate housing growth and economic development, as well as to help improve water quality. I will continue to work in partnership with NI Water to ensure that we make the most of the funding that we have available for essential public services. I will also continue to work with my Executive colleagues."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. She and I agree on some of the overarching themes, but she referenced mutualisation and privatisation together. Does she accept that, although mutualisation is about community ownership, privatisation is a different financial model?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"A mutualisation model would result in the relinquishing of Executive oversight, which in itself would be concerning. Given that we have seen examples across the water of where mutualisation has not worked well, achieving it here would require domestic water customers to pay charges. There is no ambiguity about that. NI Water would also be required to secure debt and financing on quite a significant scale. To do that, it would be required to borrow large amounts of money that would have to be financed in some way. For me, mutualisation is just another way of dressing up the introduction of water charges for domestic customers. I am committed to ensuring that we do not place an additional financial pressure on people who are already struggling with the cost of living and everything else that we hear about day and daily."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"I welcome the Minister to her first Question Time. For clarity, because there seems to be some confusion, will she clearly explain why she believes that mutualisation leads to water charges?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As I said, I believe that mutualisation is essentially water charges by the back door. A mutualisation model would require the Executive to relinquish oversight, which is not the direction in which we want to go. We want to ensure that we have that level of governance over how water is treated and how the waste water system is working. I therefore do not think that mutualisation is a positive option. We have seen that it has not worked well across the water. I want to ensure that we can continue to provide the highest standards of waste water infrastructure while ensuring that we are not creating additional costs for domestic customers."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"The Minister for Communities has announced the building of 100,000 new houses by 2039, while the Programme for Government (PFG) commits to 5,850 new social houses being started by 2027."},{"speaker":"","text":"The current waste water infrastructure could not support those developments. What conversations have you had with the Minister for Communities? Have you given him a commitment that you will support him, through funding Northern Ireland Water, to ensure that he can provide the houses that he outlined in those announcements?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for his question. It is important to outline that waste water infrastructure underpins quite a lot of the priorities in the Programme for Government. There is a commitment not just by me as the Minister but across the Executive to deliver on those priorities. As I said in previous answers today, I will continue to work on my three-pronged approach, which involves working closely with all Executive colleagues to deliver the funding needed. The reality, as the Member will know, is that the overall Executive Budget would not be enough to deliver the required waste water upgrades. However, that does not mean that we do nothing. I will continue to work to the best of my ability with all Executive colleagues to do as much as we can to deliver on our waste water infrastructure and ensure that the homes that we have committed to build are built at the earliest possible stage."},{"speaker":"Mr Allen","text":"Minister, in a recent engagement with the Committee for Communities on housing, Northern Ireland Water highlighted a requirement of £1·8 billion, which has been highlighted repeatedly, but there is no funding for that. At what stage will the Department for Infrastructure accept that the current funding model really is not working?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I do not believe that the current funding model is not working. The problem is that we do not have enough funding. I have given answers today on options that Members put forward such as mutualisation and privatisation. There is a concerted effort to push us in the direction of implementing water charges: that will not happen; I am committed to not doing that. The Member is shaking his head. Just to be clear: I am not suggesting that that is what he was saying. What I am saying is that I am looking at all available options. Things have been done. In the October monitoring round, my predecessor, John O'Dowd, provided £19·5 million, which will help to unlock capacity that will build 2,300 homes. When we put our heads together, it can happen. I will continue to do that, working with all colleagues around the table."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"Given the severe impact of the water capacity crisis on domestic and commercial development, and our ever-growing housing waiting lists, what innovative engineering solutions are being considered? Is best practice across the world being fully explored to try to solve the crisis, which is not new?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Finance Minister announced today a funding allocation through the transformation fund that includes £15 million for urban drainage. That is one way of looking at the innovation that is available to treat rain water, which, as NI Water has said, forms a large part of the water going through treatment systems. At Committee last week, we had a discussion about global practice. We are committed to looking at best practice not just across these islands but across Europe and globally. As I said at Committee, I rule nothing in and nothing out. It is important to recognise, however, that we have a good funding model. We have options that we are considering and working through in the three-pronged approach. We will continue to look at all options that can help to deliver on waste water."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"The Minister said that she is not ruling anything in or anything out, but has she, in effect, ruled out the expert-led review of the funding and governance of Northern Ireland Water, which was recommended by the Audit Office? She said that she does not believe that there is anything wrong with the funding model, and I share her concerns about some of the solutions that are being mooted by others. However, if there is nothing wrong with the funding model, is the Minister confident that the governance of Northern Ireland Water is everything that it should be?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"At Committee last week, we also talked about the NI Audit Office report, which was published last year. The Department has already undertaken six reviews of funding and the status of NI Water. After all that, we have come to the conclusion that it is best to continue with the existing funding model. The outcome of that work is for the Assembly to consider. It is for the Assembly to choose whether it wants to change NI Water's form or funding model, but that would require the introduction of domestic water charges. No matter how many times we talk about it, that would be the ultimate outcome if we were to change. What I am saying is that we will look at all the suggestions put forward. My priority is to ensure that we do not put an additional burden on hard-working families and people right across the North who are already struggling with the cost of living. We need to find sustainable solutions. I take on board what the Member said, but it is important that any changes —. On the other point about changing the funding model or how we currently operate, that would require further delays to the progress on our waste water infrastructure. At this time, I am committed to doing as much as I can. That may require taking a phased approach to doing things and basing that on the funding that is available to me. I will make sure that I continue to work with all partners, including NI Water, to ensure that, when more money becomes available, we are ready to use it."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Mr Sheehan is not in his place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201660%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429233","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-04&docID=430160#AQO%201660/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429233"}},{"id":"427677","reference":"AQW 22393/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-11","answerBy":"2025-02-26","answered":"2025-03-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will develop a community emergency resilience network that can work with agencies to deliver local support during future storms.","answerText":"The Civil Contingencies Group (Northern Ireland) (CCG (NI)) is the principal strategic civil contingencies preparedness body for the public sector, while the NI Civil Contingencies Framework sets out the NI arrangements for effective emergency management, identifying the processes involved in preparing for, responding to and recovery from an emergency.\n\nThe recent experience of Storm Eowyn has again evidenced the value of the Voluntary Community Sector (VCS) input to problem solving, intelligence-based targeting of effort and dynamic response. My officials are currently developing my Departments’ Civil Contingencies Framework. This work will explore the policy direction and action needed to scope any form of community-based emergency resilience recognising that all departments have a duty to engage with VCS organisations relevant to their policy remit.","answerHtml":"The Civil Contingencies Group (Northern Ireland) (CCG (NI)) is the principal strategic civil contingencies preparedness body for the public sector, while the NI Civil Contingencies Framework sets out the NI arrangements for effective emergency management, identifying the processes involved in preparing for, responding to and recovery from an emergency.
The recent experience of Storm Eowyn has again evidenced the value of the Voluntary Community Sector (VCS) input to problem solving, intelligence-based targeting of effort and dynamic response. My officials are currently developing my Departments’ Civil Contingencies Framework. This work will explore the policy direction and action needed to scope any form of community-based emergency resilience recognising that all departments have a duty to engage with VCS organisations relevant to their policy remit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022393%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427677","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427677"}},{"id":"427110","reference":"AQW 22193/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-07","answerBy":"2025-02-24","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 for her assessment of the relationship between speed limits and road deaths.","answerText":"Research shows that there is a correlation between speed and the frequency and severity of road collisions. Our system of speed limits is used to manage this risk in order to enhance road safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Speed limits varying according to the type of vehicle being driven and the nature of the road.\n\nEvidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error, with causation factors such as careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving accounting for most deaths and serious injuries. NI Road Safety Partnership data available on the NIDirect website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ni-road-safety-partnership shows that excess speed was a contributory factor in one in seven of all fatal collisions in 2023. While excess speed is not the main causation factor for the majority of collisions that result in people being killed on our roads, it clearly has an impact on the severity of those collisions.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes, particularly to speed when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"Research shows that there is a correlation between speed and the frequency and severity of road collisions. Our system of speed limits is used to manage this risk in order to enhance road safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Speed limits varying according to the type of vehicle being driven and the nature of the road.
Evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error, with causation factors such as careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving accounting for most deaths and serious injuries. NI Road Safety Partnership data available on the NIDirect website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ni-road-safety-partnership shows that excess speed was a contributory factor in one in seven of all fatal collisions in 2023. While excess speed is not the main causation factor for the majority of collisions that result in people being killed on our roads, it clearly has an impact on the severity of those collisions.
One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes, particularly to speed when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022193%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427110"}},{"id":"427109","reference":"AQW 22192/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-07","answerBy":"2025-02-24","answered":"2025-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any legislative requirements to pursue a reduction in speed limits to bring them in line with the new speed limits on rural local roads in the Republic of Ireland.","answerText":"My Department has well established guidance for setting local speed limits in both urban and rural areas and will reduce the speed limits in certain locations where it is considered that there is a need to do so. Our approach to speed limits in general is something I intend to consider during my time in office along with looking to find ways to reduce the numbers killed each year on our rural roads. I am aware that the default speed limit on rural local roads with an ‘L’ prefix are changing and my officials will keep in contact with their counterparts in the south on the effectiveness of this change.\n\nUnder powers conferred by Articles 37 and 38 of the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, my Department can apply new speed limits where and when it is considered necessary to do so.\n\nAny proposals to reduce existing speed limits are subject to careful assessment and consultation. The legislative requirements obligate my Department to firstly publish a Notice of Intention and a draft Order for consultation, advertised in the local press and on my Department’s website. The statutory consultation period is a minimum of 21 days, providing members of the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the proposals. Officials will assess any objections or representations received, engaging with objectors to address and hopefully resolve issues raised to enable the withdrawal so the objections. In circumstances where objections are not withdrawn, an independent senior official will undertake an assessment in line with established guidance, balancing the issues raised against the needs of the scheme.\n\nThe decisionmaking process provides for the following options: proceeding with the legislation without recourse to a public inquiry; holding a public inquiry; or withdrawing the proposal.\n\nSubject to my approval, the proposed legislation is presented to the Committee for Infrastructure for its consideration and scrutiny and, if content, officials arrange to make the necessary legislation as soon as practicable thereafter, which becomes operational 21 days later.","answerHtml":"My Department has well established guidance for setting local speed limits in both urban and rural areas and will reduce the speed limits in certain locations where it is considered that there is a need to do so. Our approach to speed limits in general is something I intend to consider during my time in office along with looking to find ways to reduce the numbers killed each year on our rural roads. I am aware that the default speed limit on rural local roads with an ‘L’ prefix are changing and my officials will keep in contact with their counterparts in the south on the effectiveness of this change.
Under powers conferred by Articles 37 and 38 of the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, my Department can apply new speed limits where and when it is considered necessary to do so.
Any proposals to reduce existing speed limits are subject to careful assessment and consultation. The legislative requirements obligate my Department to firstly publish a Notice of Intention and a draft Order for consultation, advertised in the local press and on my Department’s website. The statutory consultation period is a minimum of 21 days, providing members of the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the proposals. Officials will assess any objections or representations received, engaging with objectors to address and hopefully resolve issues raised to enable the withdrawal so the objections. In circumstances where objections are not withdrawn, an independent senior official will undertake an assessment in line with established guidance, balancing the issues raised against the needs of the scheme.
The decisionmaking process provides for the following options: proceeding with the legislation without recourse to a public inquiry; holding a public inquiry; or withdrawing the proposal.
Subject to my approval, the proposed legislation is presented to the Committee for Infrastructure for its consideration and scrutiny and, if content, officials arrange to make the necessary legislation as soon as practicable thereafter, which becomes operational 21 days later.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022192%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427109"}},{"id":"427108","reference":"AQW 22191/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-07","answerBy":"2025-02-24","answered":"2025-02-20","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 lowering speed limits in Northern Ireland to bring them in line with the new speed limits on rural local roads in the Republic of Ireland.","answerText":"My Department has well established guidance for setting local speed limits in both urban and rural areas and will reduce the speed limits in certain locations where it is considered that there is a need to do so. There are currently no plans to reduce the default speed limit on rural roads, however our approach to speed limits in general is something I intend to consider during my time in office along with looking to find ways to reduce the numbers killed each year on our rural roads. I am aware that the default speed limit on rural local roads with an ‘L’ prefix are changing in Ireland, and my officials will keep in contact with their counterparts in the south on the effectiveness of this change.\n\nFollowing on from the successful implementation of part-time 20mph speed limits at 216 schools, officials are currently preparing a paper on the use of 20 mph speed limits more widely. I would also like to see what else can be done to improve our attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes, but also to make places cleaner and greener and to help those walking, wheeling, and cycling.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour, particularly to speeding. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"My Department has well established guidance for setting local speed limits in both urban and rural areas and will reduce the speed limits in certain locations where it is considered that there is a need to do so. There are currently no plans to reduce the default speed limit on rural roads, however our approach to speed limits in general is something I intend to consider during my time in office along with looking to find ways to reduce the numbers killed each year on our rural roads. I am aware that the default speed limit on rural local roads with an ‘L’ prefix are changing in Ireland, and my officials will keep in contact with their counterparts in the south on the effectiveness of this change.
Following on from the successful implementation of part-time 20mph speed limits at 216 schools, officials are currently preparing a paper on the use of 20 mph speed limits more widely. I would also like to see what else can be done to improve our attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes, but also to make places cleaner and greener and to help those walking, wheeling, and cycling.
One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour, particularly to speeding. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022191%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427108","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427108"}},{"id":"426925","reference":"AQW 22108/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-21","answered":"2025-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will consider reviewing the non-means tested element of the nursing and midwifery bursary to reflect the increased cost of living since 2012, when it was last reviewed.","answerText":"I am currently exploring with my officials possible future changes to the financial support provided to students on pre-registration healthcare programmes commissioned by my Department.","answerHtml":"I am currently exploring with my officials possible future changes to the financial support provided to students on pre-registration healthcare programmes commissioned by my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022108%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426925","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426925"}},{"id":"426924","reference":"AQW 22107/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-21","answered":"2025-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether the non-means tested element of the nursing and midwifery bursary of £430.42 per month is adequate for student nurses who work approximately 36.5 hours per week during placement.","answerText":"For several years now, the ongoing financial pressures facing my Department have made any increase in the general, non means-tested element of the bursary support for nursing and midwifery students, unaffordable.\n\nI am, however, aware of the increasing challenges of the current system. I am therefore exploring with my officials possible future changes to the financial support provided to students on pre-registration healthcare programmes commissioned by my Department, including in the nursing and midwifery fields.","answerHtml":"For several years now, the ongoing financial pressures facing my Department have made any increase in the general, non means-tested element of the bursary support for nursing and midwifery students, unaffordable.
I am, however, aware of the increasing challenges of the current system. I am therefore exploring with my officials possible future changes to the financial support provided to students on pre-registration healthcare programmes commissioned by my Department, including in the nursing and midwifery fields.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022107%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426924","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426924"}},{"id":"426923","reference":"AQW 22106/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-21","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 whether she will consider amending planning legislation to ensure that all residents affected by a development proposal involving a tall structure are notified.","answerText":"I am satisfied that current legislative requirements for notifying neighbours of planning applications as set out in the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and The Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 are adequate to deal with all types of application, including those proposing tall structures.\n\nIn making a planning application there is an onus on the applicant to identify the relevant addresses for neighbour notification purposes. The relevant planning authority in dealing with the application should take all reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of these addresses against the parameters of the scheme and may make any necessary amendments.\n\nApplicants are however not confined just to the established parameters for neighbour notification purposes. In taking account of the nature of the proposed development, its scale and context, applicants can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development.\n\nImportantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, and do not necessarily have to be neighbour notified.","answerHtml":"I am satisfied that current legislative requirements for notifying neighbours of planning applications as set out in the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and The Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 are adequate to deal with all types of application, including those proposing tall structures.
In making a planning application there is an onus on the applicant to identify the relevant addresses for neighbour notification purposes. The relevant planning authority in dealing with the application should take all reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of these addresses against the parameters of the scheme and may make any necessary amendments.
Applicants are however not confined just to the established parameters for neighbour notification purposes. In taking account of the nature of the proposed development, its scale and context, applicants can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development.
Importantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, and do not necessarily have to be neighbour notified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022106%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426923","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426923"}},{"id":"426922","reference":"AQW 22105/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-21","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 for her assessment of whether the definition of neighbouring land in the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 adequately accounts for the privacy implications of tall structures, such as high-rise buildings and ferris wheels, for residents in the wider area.","answerText":"I am satisfied that the definition of ‘neighbouring land’ provided in The Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 is adequate for the purposes of neighbour notification of planning applications.\n\nIn making a planning application there is an onus on the applicant to identify the relevant addresses for neighbour notification purposes. The relevant planning authority in dealing with the application should take all reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of these addresses against the parameters of the scheme and may make any necessary amendments.\n\nApplicants are however not confined just to the established parameters for neighbour notification purposes. In taking account of the nature of the proposed development, its scale and context, applicants can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development. This can include but is not restricted to potential loss of light, overshadowing and loss of privacy implications. Importantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, and do not necessarily have to be neighbour notified.","answerHtml":"I am satisfied that the definition of ‘neighbouring land’ provided in The Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 is adequate for the purposes of neighbour notification of planning applications.
In making a planning application there is an onus on the applicant to identify the relevant addresses for neighbour notification purposes. The relevant planning authority in dealing with the application should take all reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of these addresses against the parameters of the scheme and may make any necessary amendments.
Applicants are however not confined just to the established parameters for neighbour notification purposes. In taking account of the nature of the proposed development, its scale and context, applicants can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development. This can include but is not restricted to potential loss of light, overshadowing and loss of privacy implications. Importantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, and do not necessarily have to be neighbour notified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022105%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426922","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426922"}},{"id":"428883","reference":"AQO 1578/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-18","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 Public Health Agency review of health needs in special schools.","answerText":"I am committed to working with colleagues in Health and Education to ensure that those children with additional healthcare needs can safely be supported to attend school and be enabled to meet their full potential. Alongside the Education Minister, I met with a number of Special School Principals and alongside the Chief Nursing Officer I visited some of those schools to explore their concerns about the provision of healthcare services. I was moved and impressed by their commitment to ensuring pupils can access the benefits of a school environment as part of their ongoing development.\n\nFollowing that engagement, my Department’s Chief Nursing Officer commissioned the Public Health Agency to work in partnership with the Education Authority and other key stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending mainstream and special education schools. Our priority remains ensuring that all children have safe access to education, supported by the necessary clinical support.\n\nThe complexity of the review requires in depth data gathering and stakeholder engagement which is currently progressing. Once complete, it will allow us to identify the specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment. This will include an assessment of service provision requirements for children with additional healthcare needs in schools across Northern Ireland.\n\nWith priority collaboration across Departments and other key stakeholders, including ongoing engagement with the NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, I anticipate that a final report will be delivered to me for consideration by the end of May 2025.","answerHtml":"I am committed to working with colleagues in Health and Education to ensure that those children with additional healthcare needs can safely be supported to attend school and be enabled to meet their full potential. Alongside the Education Minister, I met with a number of Special School Principals and alongside the Chief Nursing Officer I visited some of those schools to explore their concerns about the provision of healthcare services. I was moved and impressed by their commitment to ensuring pupils can access the benefits of a school environment as part of their ongoing development.
Following that engagement, my Department’s Chief Nursing Officer commissioned the Public Health Agency to work in partnership with the Education Authority and other key stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending mainstream and special education schools. Our priority remains ensuring that all children have safe access to education, supported by the necessary clinical support.
The complexity of the review requires in depth data gathering and stakeholder engagement which is currently progressing. Once complete, it will allow us to identify the specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment. This will include an assessment of service provision requirements for children with additional healthcare needs in schools across Northern Ireland.
With priority collaboration across Departments and other key stakeholders, including ongoing engagement with the NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, I anticipate that a final report will be delivered to me for consideration by the end of May 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201578%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428883"}},{"id":"426961","reference":"AQO 1561/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-06","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-17","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 changes to rating policy.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I will provide an update on the proposed changes to domestic rating policy. On 29 January, my Department launched a 12-week consultation on two domestic rating measures. The consultation builds on work undertaken by my Department last year, and I encourage people to respond. The first proposal is to elevate the maximum capital value used for rates bills from £400,000 to £485,000. The second proposal is to reduce the early payment discount from its current 4% to 2%. The consultation closes off year 1 of a planned 10-year strategic review cycle of rates supports being progressed by my Department. The work for year 2 — 2025-26 — will move on to the non-domestic side of rating. It will start by reviewing the small business rate relief scheme and non-domestic vacant rating exclusions — two key policy areas highlighted by stakeholders since the restoration of the Executive last year."},{"speaker":"","text":"That work will also build on research being undertaken by Ulster University into the cost of doing business. It is a piece of work that was commissioned, as I have said, by my predecessor and will allow us to approach Treasury and others with an informed, evidence-based argument."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister. In light of the current economic climate for small to medium-sized businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors, why is he consulting on small business rate relief in year 2 of the strategic review rather than in year 1, given its urgency for some of our town centres?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"The work programme has been set out in such a way as to be able to respond to the issues. If, however, a decision is made in Whitehall that does not particularly fit into our programme of work, it is sometimes difficult for us to reprioritise our work streams. The Department is also working with limited resources. We do not have an infinite supply of staff and other resources with which to carry out such work. Domestic rating policy is important, and it is important that we continue that work. I assure the Member that we will move as quickly as possible on the small business rate relief scheme and the other scheme."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"It is time to move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201561%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426961","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-17&docID=427947#AQO%201561/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426961"}},{"id":"426653","reference":"AQW 21919/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will engage with the UK Government to discuss VAT changes in the Republic of Ireland on food-led hospitality businesses, with a view to mitigating the impact on businesses in Northern Ireland's border counties.","answerText":"My department has repeatedly engaged with the British Treasury on the challenges facing our hospitality and tourism industry, particularly in relation to the high VAT rates faced by businesses here relative to the South. Unfortunately, the British Government, which is responsible for setting VAT rates, has so far been unwilling to address this.\n\nMy department continues to support the local sector, for example through significant rate support, and has separately commissioned an independent study into the cost of doing business here which will consider the impact of North-South VAT differentials.\n\nI will continue to make the case for a reduction in VAT to enable our hospitality and tourism sector to compete on a level playing field in the all-Ireland economy.\n\nI will be raising this issue with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the next Finance Interministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC) meeting later this month.","answerHtml":"My department has repeatedly engaged with the British Treasury on the challenges facing our hospitality and tourism industry, particularly in relation to the high VAT rates faced by businesses here relative to the South. Unfortunately, the British Government, which is responsible for setting VAT rates, has so far been unwilling to address this.
My department continues to support the local sector, for example through significant rate support, and has separately commissioned an independent study into the cost of doing business here which will consider the impact of North-South VAT differentials.
I will continue to make the case for a reduction in VAT to enable our hospitality and tourism sector to compete on a level playing field in the all-Ireland economy.
I will be raising this issue with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the next Finance Interministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC) meeting later this month.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021919%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426653","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426653"}},{"id":"427691","reference":"AQO 1508/22-27","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 Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline how the £1 million support following Storm Éowyn has been spent.","answerText":"On 25 January, I activated and extended the scope of the Non-flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) to provide financial assistance to councils. SEFA will run from 24 January until the situation is resolved.\n\nI have ring-fenced up to £1m to alleviate the impact of Storm Éowyn. As the Scheme is still live, and costs are re-imbursed to council retrospectively, it is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown at this stage.\n\nCircular LG 03/25 Non-Flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils – Storm Éowyn sets out the eligible\n\nexpenditure and is available on my Department’s website.","answerHtml":"On 25 January, I activated and extended the scope of the Non-flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) to provide financial assistance to councils. SEFA will run from 24 January until the situation is resolved.
I have ring-fenced up to £1m to alleviate the impact of Storm Éowyn. As the Scheme is still live, and costs are re-imbursed to council retrospectively, it is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown at this stage.
Circular LG 03/25 Non-Flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils – Storm Éowyn sets out the eligible
expenditure and is available on my Department’s website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201508%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427691","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427691"}},{"id":"425883","reference":"AQW 21599/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the instances where his Department has made use of its powers, under the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, to give a Trust Port directions of a general or specific nature as to the exercise of its functions, including (i) details of the Trust Port involved; and (ii) details of the issue and the directions given.","answerText":"My department has never used its power under the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, to give a designated harbour authority directions of a general or specific nature.","answerHtml":"My department has never used its power under the Harbours (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, to give a designated harbour authority directions of a general or specific nature.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021599%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425883"}},{"id":"425882","reference":"AQW 21598/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, considering the number of fallen trees in the wake of Storm Éowyn, and given the number of rural households living on unadopted roads, (i) whether he will consider making an exception to assist with clearing unadopted roads that are blocked by fallen trees; and (ii) whether financial assistance will be considered for the repair of related structural damage to unadopted roads and footpaths.","answerText":"My Department continues to address the impact of Storm Éowyn across the adopted road network. Where a request is received for assistance on a private laneway, in regard of a vulnerable person, my Department will seek to work with other bodies to provide that assistance. My Department is not in a position to provide assistance in clearing private laneways, even where the laneways serve multiple properties.\n\nThe remit of my Department does not extend beyond the adopted road network and indeed the level of funding falls well below that which is required to maintain adopted roads to the desired standard due to years of austerity. Therefore I would not be in a position to allocate funding to the repair of structural damage to unadopted roads, lanes and footpaths.","answerHtml":"My Department continues to address the impact of Storm Éowyn across the adopted road network. Where a request is received for assistance on a private laneway, in regard of a vulnerable person, my Department will seek to work with other bodies to provide that assistance. My Department is not in a position to provide assistance in clearing private laneways, even where the laneways serve multiple properties.
The remit of my Department does not extend beyond the adopted road network and indeed the level of funding falls well below that which is required to maintain adopted roads to the desired standard due to years of austerity. Therefore I would not be in a position to allocate funding to the repair of structural damage to unadopted roads, lanes and footpaths.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021598%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425882"}},{"id":"425881","reference":"AQW 21597/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether NIE Networks have an obligation to review or investigate its power cables and lines to ensure they are not being compromised by trees or branches.","answerText":"NIE Networks has a number of statutory requirements within the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, The Electricity Safety, Quality And Continuity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, as well as requirements withing their Distribution Licence; to ensure the integrity of its network.\n\nAnnually NIE Networks maintains safety clearances to circa 10,000km of overhead lines (and other equipment) from nearby vegetation. The cutting cycle has also been adapted to accommodate increased tree growth due to climate change and this is kept under constant review.\n\nFurthermore, around 1,800km of overhead line network is refurbished and replaced with modern specification equipment capable of withstanding minor interruptions, for example, from tree contact.","answerHtml":"NIE Networks has a number of statutory requirements within the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, The Electricity Safety, Quality And Continuity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, as well as requirements withing their Distribution Licence; to ensure the integrity of its network.
Annually NIE Networks maintains safety clearances to circa 10,000km of overhead lines (and other equipment) from nearby vegetation. The cutting cycle has also been adapted to accommodate increased tree growth due to climate change and this is kept under constant review.
Furthermore, around 1,800km of overhead line network is refurbished and replaced with modern specification equipment capable of withstanding minor interruptions, for example, from tree contact.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021597%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425881","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425881"}},{"id":"425343","reference":"AQW 21400/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":"2025-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of why the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust scored worst on urgent referral waiting time targets for 11 out of 12 months between October 2023 and September 2024, with between 93.9 per cent and 100 per cent of patients waiting more than 14 days to be seen.","answerText":"NI waiting time targets state that all urgent breast cancer referrals should be seen within 14 days. In the quarter ending September 2024, the percentage of patients seen within 14 days in all five HSC Trusts is 30.0% ranging from 5.2% (South Eastern HSC Trust) and 99.7% (Western HSC Trust). The member for South Down is correct that South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has had the lowest performance against this target between October 2023 and September 2024 however, many Trusts are similarly challenged.\n\nPoor performance across the region is impacted by ongoing consultant vacancies in surgery and radiology and demand capacity gaps. Recruitment challenges are due to local and UK shortages. South Eastern HSC Trust has been particularly impacted by vacancies, sickness and maternity leave of consultant surgeons and radiologists during this period.\n\nAnother factor impacting the poor performance in South Eastern HSC Trust during this period is the implementation of Encompass in November 2023. The Trust was the first to ‘go live’ with Encompass which resulted in an expected reduction of activity due to the downturn of clinics in the lead up to go-live and stabilisation of service post go-live.\n\nMy Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast cancer assessment. During this period non-recurrent funding was allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. However, given the demand and staffing gaps across the region, securing this capacity can be challenging and some Trusts have been more successful than others in sourcing additional capacity.\n\nFurther information in relation to actions underway by my Department to address the performance of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is detailed in my answer to your AQW 21398/22-27 for response on 11 February 2025.","answerHtml":"NI waiting time targets state that all urgent breast cancer referrals should be seen within 14 days. In the quarter ending September 2024, the percentage of patients seen within 14 days in all five HSC Trusts is 30.0% ranging from 5.2% (South Eastern HSC Trust) and 99.7% (Western HSC Trust). The member for South Down is correct that South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has had the lowest performance against this target between October 2023 and September 2024 however, many Trusts are similarly challenged.
Poor performance across the region is impacted by ongoing consultant vacancies in surgery and radiology and demand capacity gaps. Recruitment challenges are due to local and UK shortages. South Eastern HSC Trust has been particularly impacted by vacancies, sickness and maternity leave of consultant surgeons and radiologists during this period.
Another factor impacting the poor performance in South Eastern HSC Trust during this period is the implementation of Encompass in November 2023. The Trust was the first to ‘go live’ with Encompass which resulted in an expected reduction of activity due to the downturn of clinics in the lead up to go-live and stabilisation of service post go-live.
My Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast cancer assessment. During this period non-recurrent funding was allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. However, given the demand and staffing gaps across the region, securing this capacity can be challenging and some Trusts have been more successful than others in sourcing additional capacity.
Further information in relation to actions underway by my Department to address the performance of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is detailed in my answer to your AQW 21398/22-27 for response on 11 February 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021400%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425343","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425343"}},{"id":"425342","reference":"AQW 21399/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":null,"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 commissioned work to establish a regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021399%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425342","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425342"}},{"id":"425341","reference":"AQW 21398/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-27","answerBy":"2025-02-11","answered":"2025-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions underway by his Department to address the performance of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in relation to new breast cancer referral waiting times.","answerText":"Poor 14-day breast performance across the region is impacted by ongoing consultant vacancies in surgery and radiology and demand capacity gaps. Recruitment challenges are due to local and UK shortages. Trusts are committed to filling medical and other vacancies wherever possible including using international recruitment drives and developing skill mix in line with available evidence. South Eastern HSC Trust has been particularly impacted by vacancies, sickness and maternity leave of consultant surgeons and radiologists.\n\nMy Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast cancer assessment. In 2024/25 non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. However, given the demand and staffing gaps across the region, securing this capacity can be challenging and some Trusts have been more successful than others in sourcing additional capacity.\n\nIn response to the decline and regional disparities in the breast assessment waiting times my department established a regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment as part of a comprehensive Review of Breast Services. This initiative aims to enable women to access the earliest available appointment across all Trusts.\n\nThe regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment commenced on 8 May 2025. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) is the host Trust for the new regional booking system.\n\nThis new system will ensure everyone who is referred for breast assessment across the regional experiences a similar wait. Most people will still be seen at their nearest hospital, but if there is an opportunity to be seen earlier, patients may be offered an appointment at any of the acute hospitals. Following assessment, patients are be referred back to their home Trust for treatment if required.\n\nWork is also underway to address the backlog of patients waiting and to build capacity within breast services across Trusts.","answerHtml":"Poor 14-day breast performance across the region is impacted by ongoing consultant vacancies in surgery and radiology and demand capacity gaps. Recruitment challenges are due to local and UK shortages. Trusts are committed to filling medical and other vacancies wherever possible including using international recruitment drives and developing skill mix in line with available evidence. South Eastern HSC Trust has been particularly impacted by vacancies, sickness and maternity leave of consultant surgeons and radiologists.
My Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast cancer assessment. In 2024/25 non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. However, given the demand and staffing gaps across the region, securing this capacity can be challenging and some Trusts have been more successful than others in sourcing additional capacity.
In response to the decline and regional disparities in the breast assessment waiting times my department established a regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment as part of a comprehensive Review of Breast Services. This initiative aims to enable women to access the earliest available appointment across all Trusts.
The regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment commenced on 8 May 2025. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) is the host Trust for the new regional booking system.
This new system will ensure everyone who is referred for breast assessment across the regional experiences a similar wait. Most people will still be seen at their nearest hospital, but if there is an opportunity to be seen earlier, patients may be offered an appointment at any of the acute hospitals. Following assessment, patients are be referred back to their home Trust for treatment if required.
Work is also underway to address the backlog of patients waiting and to build capacity within breast services across Trusts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021398%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425341","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425341"}},{"id":"424968","reference":"AQW 21265/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, in relation to Action 4 of the Tourism Vision and Action Plan: 10 Year Plan, to identify the destination which will pilot the development of a Destination Stewardship Plan.","answerText":"The Destination Stewardship Plan will include a Stewardship framework and principles to be used as a blueprint to develop tourism destinations sustainably in the future.\n\nTourism NI is currently procuring a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to co-create the Destination Stewardship Framework. The specialist contractor will collaborate with Tourism NI and all councils to gather research, data and evidence to inform the decision on the destination selected for the pilot Destination Stewardship Plan. Following this process, my Department will be in a position to advise on the identified destination selected for the pilot.","answerHtml":"The Destination Stewardship Plan will include a Stewardship framework and principles to be used as a blueprint to develop tourism destinations sustainably in the future.
Tourism NI is currently procuring a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to co-create the Destination Stewardship Framework. The specialist contractor will collaborate with Tourism NI and all councils to gather research, data and evidence to inform the decision on the destination selected for the pilot Destination Stewardship Plan. Following this process, my Department will be in a position to advise on the identified destination selected for the pilot.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021265%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424968","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424968"}},{"id":"424967","reference":"AQW 21264/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, in relation to Action 4 of the Tourism Vision and Action Plan: 10 Year Plan, whether he intends to develop a local action plan for the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"Regional Balance is one of the key priorities in my Department’s Tourism Vision & Action Plan: 10 Year Plan, launched on 15 January 2025. Tourism NI is in the early stages of developing a Destination Stewardship Framework to sustainably develop tourism destinations across the North.\n\nTourism NI is currently procuring services to support the co-creation of the Destination Stewardship Framework. This process will include consultation with key stakeholders, including the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust and stakeholders in the wider Mournes area.\n\nA pilot Destination Stewardship Plan will be proposed, based on one of the tourism destinations identified as part of the Framework development. This pilot destination plan will be selected by the specialist contractor in partnership with Tourism NI, using appropriate research, data and evidence. The pilot plan will inform further destination plans in the coming years.\n\nFurthermore, when , Conor Murphy MLA was Finance Minister he commissioned the Innovation Lab to engage with communities and stakeholders on the long-term future of the Mourne Mountains, with the aim of informing the Executive’s approach going forward. The research pointed towards the importance of the Mournes and the positive impact it has on health, wellbeing and culture, as well as connecting communities.","answerHtml":"Regional Balance is one of the key priorities in my Department’s Tourism Vision & Action Plan: 10 Year Plan, launched on 15 January 2025. Tourism NI is in the early stages of developing a Destination Stewardship Framework to sustainably develop tourism destinations across the North.
Tourism NI is currently procuring services to support the co-creation of the Destination Stewardship Framework. This process will include consultation with key stakeholders, including the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust and stakeholders in the wider Mournes area.
A pilot Destination Stewardship Plan will be proposed, based on one of the tourism destinations identified as part of the Framework development. This pilot destination plan will be selected by the specialist contractor in partnership with Tourism NI, using appropriate research, data and evidence. The pilot plan will inform further destination plans in the coming years.
Furthermore, when , Conor Murphy MLA was Finance Minister he commissioned the Innovation Lab to engage with communities and stakeholders on the long-term future of the Mourne Mountains, with the aim of informing the Executive’s approach going forward. The research pointed towards the importance of the Mournes and the positive impact it has on health, wellbeing and culture, as well as connecting communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021264%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424967","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424967"}},{"id":"424966","reference":"AQW 21263/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether the independent review of Tourist Accommodation will consider the impact of tourism accommodation markets on local housing markets.","answerText":"The primary objective of the independent assessment is to consider the future provision of visitor accommodation across the North in order to support the growth of tourism.\n\nAn assessment of the impact of tourism accommodation markets on local housing markets was outside the scope of this project. However, my officials are engaging with the Department for Communities to support its 'Housing Supply Strategy: A Home for Everyone, 2024 - 2039' wherever possible.","answerHtml":"The primary objective of the independent assessment is to consider the future provision of visitor accommodation across the North in order to support the growth of tourism.
An assessment of the impact of tourism accommodation markets on local housing markets was outside the scope of this project. However, my officials are engaging with the Department for Communities to support its 'Housing Supply Strategy: A Home for Everyone, 2024 - 2039' wherever possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021263%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424966","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424966"}},{"id":"424965","reference":"AQW 21262/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-01-31","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 (i) who has been commissioned to carry out the independent review of Tourist Accommodation, as referenced in the Tourism Vision and Action Plan: 10 Year Plan; (ii) when the review is expected to be complete; and (iii) whether a report will be published.","answerText":"(i) Following a tender process, Team Enterprise & Management Ltd (TEAM) was appointed to carry out the independent review of Visitor Accommodation.\n\n(ii) The assessment is expected to be completed by spring 2025.\n\n(iii) The full assessment will contain commercially sensitive information from across the sector including visitor accommodation providers. For that reason, the report will not be published in its entirety but my Department will consider in due course what elements can be published to provide the evidence base behind any future announcement of new policy in this area.","answerHtml":"(i) Following a tender process, Team Enterprise & Management Ltd (TEAM) was appointed to carry out the independent review of Visitor Accommodation.
(ii) The assessment is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
(iii) The full assessment will contain commercially sensitive information from across the sector including visitor accommodation providers. For that reason, the report will not be published in its entirety but my Department will consider in due course what elements can be published to provide the evidence base behind any future announcement of new policy in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021262%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424965","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424965"}},{"id":"424964","reference":"AQW 21261/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, in relation to Action 14 of the Tourism Vision and Action Plan: 10 Year Plan, for his assessment of how increasing the number of air routes and seats from key markets can contribute to the linked objective of decarbonisation.","answerText":"As the Department develops an Aviation and Route Development Policy to maximise our air connectivity we are engaging with a range of stakeholders. This includes our airports and the airlines that serve them, to determine how we best balance increased connectivity from our key markets with sustainability concerns.\n\nThe sustainability of the North’s future air connectivity is hugely important in light of the obligations of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, and air carriers will be expected to reduce or offset carbon emissions, with the interaction of UK and EU wide schemes currently under review.\n\nIn addition, we are supportive of the strong focus of our local airports on reducing emissions and protecting biodiversity and natural environments as part of their operational strategies.","answerHtml":"As the Department develops an Aviation and Route Development Policy to maximise our air connectivity we are engaging with a range of stakeholders. This includes our airports and the airlines that serve them, to determine how we best balance increased connectivity from our key markets with sustainability concerns.
The sustainability of the North’s future air connectivity is hugely important in light of the obligations of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, and air carriers will be expected to reduce or offset carbon emissions, with the interaction of UK and EU wide schemes currently under review.
In addition, we are supportive of the strong focus of our local airports on reducing emissions and protecting biodiversity and natural environments as part of their operational strategies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021261%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424964","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424964"}},{"id":"424860","reference":"AQO 1470/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her Department’s Enabling Access to Justice reform programme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Work has progressed at pace since I announced the programme on 2 December, and I have now published the programme delivery plan for consultation. The consultation will be critical in ensuring that we examine issues in the right order and properly take account of interconnectivities. I have been clear, however, that we do not have the luxury of time if we are to deliver the system that our citizens deserve, and I intend to make progress wherever possible while the consultation is ongoing. That includes steps to give effect to an uplift in fees for publicly funded advice and representation, the consultation on which also launched last week. I have prioritised that work to ensure the continued viability and stability of the system, but other actions will follow and follow quickly. I am conscious that each set of proposals in the plan will require detailed engagement and supporting legislative and administrative frameworks, so we cannot delay the realisation of the benefits if we are to seize the opportunity that the reform programme presents to ensure a fairer, more accessible, proportionate, responsive and cost-effective system that places the citizen at its heart."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she clarify whether the delay in publishing the delivery plan has delayed the implementation of the fees uplift?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I thank the Member for the opportunity to provide clarification. The answer is no it has not. When I launched the programme in December, I noted my intention to progress a fees uplift as soon as possible and to consult on the proposed uplift in January, with a view to implementing the changes in May. There is a significant amount of work involved, and the timetable is ambitious, but I have committed resources to ensure that it can be achieved, with the publication of the fees consultation last week remaining on track to deliver on that schedule."},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"Given the Bar's decision to extend its strike, what engagement has the Minister had with the profession recently on the Burgess review? Whilst I am aware of the consultation, what more might be done to move all this towards a resolution in weeks rather than by the end of the consultation, which will be in months? What does she consider to be the social value of legal aid?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I will answer those questions in reverse. The social value of legal aid is that is provides access to justice for those who could not otherwise afford to access justice. I see it as being part of the welfare system and the security net that is provided for our citizens. Therefore, it is important that we are able to ensure that it is directed to the most needy and vulnerable at the right point in time. The Department and I have had ongoing engagement with the criminal Bar over recent weeks and months. I will meet representatives of the Law Society and, indeed, criminal solicitors tomorrow. I will also meet representatives of the criminal Bar tomorrow afternoon. My objective is to bring the action to a close because I believe that we have moved some considerable way. The original demands were for the Burgess review report to be published, and it has been published. I was then asked to provide whatever uplift Burgess asked for, and I have said that 16% will be provided. I cannot do that immediately, which is the latest request. It is impossible to provide it immediately, but I can provide it. Another ask was to implement the recommendations of the Burgess review, and, if you look at the wider enabling access to justice landscape, you will see that that has been met. Indeed, one of the reasons why I delayed going out to consultation from December until this month was to take account of concerns that the criminal Bar had raised about some of the measures that we were proposing in the programme. I have adjusted the programme to take account of that to try to get a resolution. However, when you seek to meet someone halfway, it is important that that person does not regress from their position if you are going to have any success. Hopefully, tomorrow, we will be in a position to close the gap rather than simply move the gap to a different place."},{"speaker":"Ms D Armstrong","text":"Minister, how are you and your Department tackling continued fraud and error in the legal aid budget?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"There has been a significant reduction in fraud and error in the legal aid budget in recent years, and our accounts have made great progress over that time by bearing down on the elements of the legal aid system where there are errors. In the majority of cases, by the way, it is error rather than fraud. It is also important, as part of the enabling access to justice programme that I have just spoken about, that we take all the opaque aspects of the legal aid system and shine the light of transparency and accountability into them in a way that has not been able to happen previously. That is part of the reform that I want to make so that we can account for public money in a way that the public can see; we have full insight into the mechanisms that are being used to grant legal aid, whether by the courts or the Legal Services Agency; and that we have confidence that money is reaching the people who are in greatest need at the point of their greatest need."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"Will the Minister confirm whether and how she has ensured that justice users, practitioners, NGOs and other experts have been and are structurally involved in inputting into the review from day 1? Will the Minister explain her reference to bringing \"all publicly funded legal services\" within the purview of the Department? Does that mean, for example, the PPS?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"No, that refers not to the PPS but to other ways in which we can deliver front-line justice. Many organisations, particularly third-sector organisations, offer competent legal advice in a structure that is different from that which we normally focus on with individual legal practices. We want to make sure that their voices are also heard in the conversation. We have talked about the Burgess review report. That was only one element of a number of reviews of civil and criminal legal aid. Throughout the process, the professions, other providers and, crucially, the public have been involved. At the end of the day, I am not the employer of the professions. I am there to provide legal aid to the citizen so that they can employ someone to represent them in court. It has to be about what is best for the citizen. I respect the need for us to have a thriving legal profession. It is about striking the balance in the right place, however, and not letting anyone who may have a pecuniary interest in legal aid to dictate the terms for how we provide it."},{"speaker":"Miss Hargey","text":"I welcome the fact that you are meeting the associations tomorrow, Minister, on legal aid. You said that a 16% uplift will be provided. Will you give the detail on when?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The intention is that the secondary legislation that underpins that will complete its passage by May. As you know, I have foreshortened the consultation on it to eight weeks because it is a targeted consultation, given that it affects a narrower group of people. We will have further conversations tomorrow about the commencement date for the 16% uplift. It is important to recognise, however, that I did not pluck the figure of 16% from the air. That is a recommendation that was based on evidence in the Burgess review report. Those who are now telling me that it is a paltry sum, that it should be discounted and that I should go with some other, more inflated figure therefore need to come to the point of realisation that, without an evidential basis, that is not on the table. We have to look at what Tom Burgess recommended, and we have to get it delivered. I have said that we will do that as quickly as possible. We then have to get people back to work, because, at the core of all this, victims are being retraumatised by delay in the criminal justice system. People are using the Crown Court — we are talking about rape victims and the families of murder victims — and waiting for trials to take place. It is incredibly retraumatising for them to be told that their case is not only adjourned but indefinitely adjourned because there is no end in sight. I want to bring this to a conclusion. I do not believe that strike action was necessary, given that I was about to publish my intentions. We have moved some considerable distance since I did so. I do not believe that the extension is necessary either, but I will sit down tomorrow, and we will work through this, because it is in all our interests, including those of the criminal Bar, that we bring it to a conclusion."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201470%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424860","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-03&docID=425759#AQO%201470/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424860"}},{"id":"424801","reference":"AQW 21165/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-19","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 his assessment of why the percentage of good jobs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area has been decreasing since 2023, having previously followed a positive trend.","answerText":"The good jobs measure was designed to monitor three areas which are fundamental to all jobs: a permanent contract; non-zero hour contract; and earning the Real Living Wage or above. The decrease in the percentage of good jobs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area between 2023 and 2024 is largely due to a reduction in the proportion of people earning at least the real living wage, from 80.1% to 75.7%, as reported from the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.","answerHtml":"The good jobs measure was designed to monitor three areas which are fundamental to all jobs: a permanent contract; non-zero hour contract; and earning the Real Living Wage or above. The decrease in the percentage of good jobs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area between 2023 and 2024 is largely due to a reduction in the proportion of people earning at least the real living wage, from 80.1% to 75.7%, as reported from the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021165%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424801","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424801"}},{"id":"424800","reference":"AQW 21164/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any measures planned to address the high frequency and volume of spills recorded in 2023 at the Tullybrannigan Road Combined Sewer Monitored Overflow, Newcastle.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water has confirmed that the high number of spills at Tullybrannigan Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), in 2023, were due to blockages within the downstream sewers and suspected infiltration. A full desilt of the downstream sewers was completed in October 2023 and an infiltration investigation has been initiated. Spills from the Tullybrannigan CSO have reduced as a result of the operational interventions and the 2024 data for this CSO is currently undergoing internal quality assurance checks by the company.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water has confirmed that the high number of spills at Tullybrannigan Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), in 2023, were due to blockages within the downstream sewers and suspected infiltration. A full desilt of the downstream sewers was completed in October 2023 and an infiltration investigation has been initiated. Spills from the Tullybrannigan CSO have reduced as a result of the operational interventions and the 2024 data for this CSO is currently undergoing internal quality assurance checks by the company.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021164%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424800","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424800"}},{"id":"424799","reference":"AQW 21163/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-06","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 NI Water's ongoing work to complete modelling of sewage spills in less densely populated areas.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water generates modelled spill information for storm overflows using Drainage Area Plan (DAP) models and this sewage discharge information outlines the frequency and volume of discharges as predicted by its DAP models. The figures are effectively an annual average, based on long-term recorded rainfall data.\n\nIn May 2024, NI Water published on its website (Storm Overflows) predictive spill data for over 1200 storm overflows across 65 catchments (main cities and large towns), representing 50% of its storm overflows.\n\nModelling work is ongoing to complete DAPs across less densely populated areas in the North, covering approximately a further 650 storm overflows. NI Water anticipates that by the end of 2027, it will have predictive spill data for assets in catchments with a population of over 1,500.\n\nThe development of DAP models is not planned on the remaining storm overflows as these are in very low populated areas (less than 1,500 population) and the modelling of smaller catchments is often challenging as a result of low flows and smaller pipework, reducing the accuracy of predictive spill results.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water generates modelled spill information for storm overflows using Drainage Area Plan (DAP) models and this sewage discharge information outlines the frequency and volume of discharges as predicted by its DAP models. The figures are effectively an annual average, based on long-term recorded rainfall data.
In May 2024, NI Water published on its website (Storm Overflows) predictive spill data for over 1200 storm overflows across 65 catchments (main cities and large towns), representing 50% of its storm overflows.
Modelling work is ongoing to complete DAPs across less densely populated areas in the North, covering approximately a further 650 storm overflows. NI Water anticipates that by the end of 2027, it will have predictive spill data for assets in catchments with a population of over 1,500.
The development of DAP models is not planned on the remaining storm overflows as these are in very low populated areas (less than 1,500 population) and the modelling of smaller catchments is often challenging as a result of low flows and smaller pipework, reducing the accuracy of predictive spill results.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021163%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424799","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424799"}},{"id":"424798","reference":"AQW 21162/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the funding for Phase 3 of the Review of South East Flooding will be made available.","answerText":"The recently published review of the South East Flooding in Autumn 2023 detailed a number of recommendations for which my Department, and many other multi-agency partners, will be responsible for delivering.\n\nAlthough my Department is not the lead agency for the delivery of all the recommendations from the review, I am content for my Department to take the lead in the coordination and oversight of the implementation of all recommendations through the establishment of a Flooding Review Recommendations Group. The first meeting of this group took place in late November 2024 with the January 2025 meeting deferred due to many participants involved with the recovery phase of Storm Eowyn. The focus at this initial stage is to develop and agree an Action Plan outlining responsibilities and associated timescales needed to meet each recommendation with the anticipation that all recommendations will be addressed within 24 months. Therefore, the budget to take forward agreed actions, either assigned to my Department or those of other stakeholders, have yet to be determined.","answerHtml":"The recently published review of the South East Flooding in Autumn 2023 detailed a number of recommendations for which my Department, and many other multi-agency partners, will be responsible for delivering.
Although my Department is not the lead agency for the delivery of all the recommendations from the review, I am content for my Department to take the lead in the coordination and oversight of the implementation of all recommendations through the establishment of a Flooding Review Recommendations Group. The first meeting of this group took place in late November 2024 with the January 2025 meeting deferred due to many participants involved with the recovery phase of Storm Eowyn. The focus at this initial stage is to develop and agree an Action Plan outlining responsibilities and associated timescales needed to meet each recommendation with the anticipation that all recommendations will be addressed within 24 months. Therefore, the budget to take forward agreed actions, either assigned to my Department or those of other stakeholders, have yet to be determined.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021162%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424798","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424798"}},{"id":"424797","reference":"AQW 21161/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 19081/22-27, to detail (i) whether products for the 21 properties have been delivered as anticipated; (ii) the number of these homes that have since seen works under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme completed; and (iii) the number of these completed works that were related to properties in Newcastle.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) remains open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications, I am pleased to advise that the delivery of products for 21 properties as detailed previously, whilst initially delayed, has now been received. Works commenced to fit these measures on properties at the end of January 2025 with 3 homes completed to date. It is anticipated that all properties will be completed in 8-10 weeks. In relation to Newcastle I can confirm that 6 properties are waiting for measures to be fitted with works expected to commence within the next 2-3 weeks. My Department’s contractor will contact each homeowner individually to arrange a suitable date for installation.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) remains open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
In relation to ongoing applications, I am pleased to advise that the delivery of products for 21 properties as detailed previously, whilst initially delayed, has now been received. Works commenced to fit these measures on properties at the end of January 2025 with 3 homes completed to date. It is anticipated that all properties will be completed in 8-10 weeks. In relation to Newcastle I can confirm that 6 properties are waiting for measures to be fitted with works expected to commence within the next 2-3 weeks. My Department’s contractor will contact each homeowner individually to arrange a suitable date for installation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021161%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424797","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424797"}},{"id":"424642","reference":"AQW 21053/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any financial support available for public realm improvements in small villages.","answerText":"The Department for Communities regeneration policy focus is on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more. As small villages have populations of under 5,000 it sits outside my Department’s urban regeneration policy remit.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities regeneration policy focus is on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more. As small villages have populations of under 5,000 it sits outside my Department’s urban regeneration policy remit.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021053%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424642","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424642"}},{"id":"424641","reference":"AQW 21052/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a list of education otherwise than at school settings that are operating in the 2024-25 academic year.","answerText":"Those Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) settings that are operating in the 2024-25 academic year are listed below.\n\nName of Centre\tAddress\nTamnamore\t151 Tamnamore Road\nEOTAS\tDUNGANNON\nCo Tyrone\nBT71 6HW\nSunflowers\tc/o Ballycraigy PS\nEOTAS\tBracken Avenue\nANTRIM\nBT41 1PU\nTreetops\t1st Modular Building\nEOTAS\t2 Ballyquin Road\nLIMAVADY\nCo Derry\nBT49 9ET\nWillow\nEOTAS\t2e Knockwood Crescent\nBELFAST\nBT5 6GA\nBallinamallard EOTAS\tShanmullagh Support Unit\n35 Lettermoney Road\nBallycassidy\nENNISKILLEN\nBT94 2LY\nCastlereagh EOTAS\tMobile 2\n56 Merok Park\nBELFAST\nBT6 9LT\nCastlereagh Support Unit\tMobile 1\n56 Merok Park\nBELFAST\nBT6 9LT\n\nDrumard EOTAS\t70 Tamlaght Road\nUpperlands\nMAGHERAFELT\nCo L'Derry BT46 5XB\nGroomsport EOTAS\t1 Springwell Drive\nGROOMSPORT\nCo Down\nBT19 6JX\nKinnego EOTAS\t56 Lislaly Road\nKinnego\nDUNGANNON\nCo Tyrone BT71 6TB\nLagan Valley Project EOTAS\t4a Colinbrook Green\nPoleglass\nBELFAST\nBT17 0PQ\n\nLimavady EOTAS\t2A Ballyquin Road\nLIMAVADY\nCo Londonderry\nBT49 9ET\nThe Link Centre EOTAS\t8-30 Barrack Street\nBELFAST\nBT12 4AJ\nLong Tower EOTAS\tLongtower Youth Centre\nAnne Street\nLONDONDERRY\nBT48 6PB\nLoughan EOTAS\t22 Ballymoney Road\nBALLYMENA\nCo Antrim\nBT43 6LX\nLough Road KS4 EOTAS\t27 Lough Road\nLURGAN\nCo Armagh\nBT66 6JJ\n\nLough Road KS3 EOTAS\t27 Lough Road\nLURGAN\nCo Armagh\nBT66 6JJ\n\nLoughshore EOTAS\t889 Shore Road\nNEWTOWNABBEY\nCo Antrim\nBT36 7DH\nMaydown EOTAS\tThe Laurel Centre\nMaydown House\n1 Maydown Road\nL'DERRY\nBT47 6UF\nNewtownabbey EOTAS\t231 Jordanstown Road\nNEWTOWNABBEY\nCo Antrim\nNewstart Education Centre\t1a Dunlewey Street\nBELFAST\nBT13 2QU\nEOTAS\n\nNewry EOTAS\t4 Carbane Road\nNEWRY\nCo Down\nBT35 6QA\nOmagh EOTAS (Arvalee)\t15 Deverney Road\nOMAGH\nCo Tyrone\nBT79 0ND\n\nPathways EOTAS\tUnit 5\nNelson Street\nBELFAST\nBT15 1BH\nRathmore EOTAS\t10 Loughanmore Road\nANTRIM\nBT41 2HQ\nRedburn EOTAS\t364 Old Holywood Road\nHOLYWOOD\nCo Down\nBT18 9QH\nStrabane EOTAS\tKnockavoe Resource Centre\n10a Melmount Gardens\nSTRABANE\nCo Tyrone\nBT82 9EB\nSunlea EOTAS\t180 Ballycastle Road\nCOLERAINE\nCo Londonderry\nBT52 2EH\nWoodlands EOTAS\t1 Mosswood Close\nBANGOR\nCo Down\nBT19 1TA\nConnections\t889 Shore Road\nNEWTOWNABBEY\nCo Antrim\nBT36 7DH\nEducation Intensive Therapy (EDIT)\tc/o North West Teachers’ Centre, Temple Road, Strathfoyle BT47 6TJ\nTime Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 1\tWestcourt Centre, 8-30 Barrack Street, Belfast BT12 4AH\nTime Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 2\tBeechcroft Education Unit, 110 Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 6GR\nNewtownabbey Educational Guidance Centre (NEGC)\t231 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey BT37 9LX","answerHtml":"Those Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) settings that are operating in the 2024-25 academic year are listed below.
| Name of Centre | Address |
| Tamnamore | 151 Tamnamore Road |
| EOTAS | DUNGANNON |
| Co Tyrone | |
| BT71 6HW | |
| Sunflowers | c/o Ballycraigy PS |
| EOTAS | Bracken Avenue |
| ANTRIM | |
| BT41 1PU | |
| Treetops | 1st Modular Building |
| EOTAS | 2 Ballyquin Road |
| LIMAVADY | |
| Co Derry | |
| BT49 9ET | |
| Willow EOTAS | 2e Knockwood Crescent |
| BELFAST | |
| BT5 6GA | |
| Ballinamallard EOTAS | Shanmullagh Support Unit |
| 35 Lettermoney Road | |
| Ballycassidy | |
| ENNISKILLEN | |
| BT94 2LY | |
| Castlereagh EOTAS | Mobile 2 |
| 56 Merok Park | |
| BELFAST | |
| BT6 9LT | |
| Castlereagh Support Unit | Mobile 1 56 Merok Park BELFAST BT6 9LT |
| Drumard EOTAS | 70 Tamlaght Road |
| Upperlands | |
| MAGHERAFELT | |
| Co L'Derry BT46 5XB | |
| Groomsport EOTAS | 1 Springwell Drive |
| GROOMSPORT | |
| Co Down | |
| BT19 6JX | |
| Kinnego EOTAS | 56 Lislaly Road |
| Kinnego | |
| DUNGANNON | |
| Co Tyrone BT71 6TB | |
| Lagan Valley Project EOTAS | 4a Colinbrook Green Poleglass BELFAST BT17 0PQ |
| Limavady EOTAS | 2A Ballyquin Road |
| LIMAVADY | |
| Co Londonderry | |
| BT49 9ET | |
| The Link Centre EOTAS | 8-30 Barrack Street |
| BELFAST | |
| BT12 4AJ | |
| Long Tower EOTAS | Longtower Youth Centre |
| Anne Street | |
| LONDONDERRY | |
| BT48 6PB | |
| Loughan EOTAS | 22 Ballymoney Road |
| BALLYMENA | |
| Co Antrim | |
| BT43 6LX | |
| Lough Road KS4 EOTAS | 27 Lough Road LURGAN Co Armagh BT66 6JJ |
| Lough Road KS3 EOTAS | 27 Lough Road LURGAN Co Armagh BT66 6JJ |
| Loughshore EOTAS | 889 Shore Road |
| NEWTOWNABBEY | |
| Co Antrim | |
| BT36 7DH | |
| Maydown EOTAS | The Laurel Centre |
| Maydown House | |
| 1 Maydown Road | |
| L'DERRY | |
| BT47 6UF | |
| Newtownabbey EOTAS | 231 Jordanstown Road |
| NEWTOWNABBEY | |
| Co Antrim | |
| Newstart Education Centre | 1a Dunlewey Street BELFAST BT13 2QU |
| EOTAS | |
| Newry EOTAS | 4 Carbane Road |
| NEWRY | |
| Co Down | |
| BT35 6QA | |
| Omagh EOTAS (Arvalee) | 15 Deverney Road OMAGH Co Tyrone BT79 0ND |
| Pathways EOTAS | Unit 5 |
| Nelson Street | |
| BELFAST | |
| BT15 1BH | |
| Rathmore EOTAS | 10 Loughanmore Road |
| ANTRIM | |
| BT41 2HQ | |
| Redburn EOTAS | 364 Old Holywood Road |
| HOLYWOOD | |
| Co Down | |
| BT18 9QH | |
| Strabane EOTAS | Knockavoe Resource Centre |
| 10a Melmount Gardens | |
| STRABANE | |
| Co Tyrone | |
| BT82 9EB | |
| Sunlea EOTAS | 180 Ballycastle Road |
| COLERAINE | |
| Co Londonderry | |
| BT52 2EH | |
| Woodlands EOTAS | 1 Mosswood Close |
| BANGOR | |
| Co Down | |
| BT19 1TA | |
| Connections | 889 Shore Road |
| NEWTOWNABBEY | |
| Co Antrim | |
| BT36 7DH | |
| Education Intensive Therapy (EDIT) | c/o North West Teachers’ Centre, Temple Road, Strathfoyle BT47 6TJ |
| Time Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 1 | Westcourt Centre, 8-30 Barrack Street, Belfast BT12 4AH |
| Time Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 2 | Beechcroft Education Unit, 110 Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 6GR |
| Newtownabbey Educational Guidance Centre (NEGC) | 231 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey BT37 9LX |
Two Education Otherwise than At School (EOTAS) settings have temporarily paused operation in the 2024-25 academic year due to low referral numbers. These settings are Thornberry EOTAS and Downpatrick EOTAS.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021051%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424640","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424640"}},{"id":"424639","reference":"AQW 21050/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the minimum number of pupils required to keep an education otherwise than at school setting operational.","answerText":"EOTAS\n\nWhile there is no set minimum number to confirm operational delivery in an EOTAS setting, data is constantly analysed to guide practice and service delivery. If the number of children in a centre over a sustained period is low, and their needs can be supported elsewhere within the same service delivery model, operational delivery within a particular setting may cease to ensure financial sustainability.\n\nExceptional Teaching Arrangements\n\nThe exceptional teaching arrangements service has four group settings, which depending on the physical building and staffing can accommodate from 9 - 20 children. The minimum number required for a centre to operate is therefore usually 9 -10 children, however there may be occasions when the centre will operate with fewer numbers due to individual pupil circumstances.","answerHtml":"EOTAS
While there is no set minimum number to confirm operational delivery in an EOTAS setting, data is constantly analysed to guide practice and service delivery. If the number of children in a centre over a sustained period is low, and their needs can be supported elsewhere within the same service delivery model, operational delivery within a particular setting may cease to ensure financial sustainability.
Exceptional Teaching Arrangements
The exceptional teaching arrangements service has four group settings, which depending on the physical building and staffing can accommodate from 9 - 20 children. The minimum number required for a centre to operate is therefore usually 9 -10 children, however there may be occasions when the centre will operate with fewer numbers due to individual pupil circumstances.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021050%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424639","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424639"}},{"id":"424638","reference":"AQW 21049/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide a list of education otherwise than at school settings that will consider requests for placement for September 2025.","answerText":"The EOTAS centres that will consider requests for placement for September 2025 are:\n\nThornberry EOTAS\tColeraine\nTreetops EOTAS\tLimavady\nLittle Oaks EOTAS\tLondonderry\nTamnamore EOTAS\tDungannon\nWillow EOTAS\tBelfast\nSunflowers EOTAS\tAntrim\nBallinamallard EOTAS\tEnniskillen\nCastlereagh EOTAS\tBelfast\nCastlereagh Support Unit\tBelfast\nDownpatrick EOTAS\tDownpatrick\nDrumard EOTAS\tMagherafelt\nGroomsport EOTAS\tGroomsport\nKinnego EOTAS\tDungannon\nLagan Valley Project EOTAS\tPoleglass\nLimavady EOTAS\tLimavady\nThe Link Centre EOTAS\tBelfast\nLong Tower EOTAS\tLondonderry\nLoughan EOTAS\tBallymena\nLough Road KS4 EOTAS\tLurgan\nLough Road KS3 EOTAS\tLurgan\nLoughshore EOTAS\tLurgan\nMaydown EOTAS\tLondonderry\nNewtownabbey EOTAS\tNewtownabbey\nNewstart Education Centre EOTAS\tBelfast\nNewry EOTAS\tNewry\nOmagh EOTAS\tOmagh\nPathways EOTAS\tBelfast\nRathmore EOTAS\tAntrim\nRedburn EOTAS\tHolywood\nStrabane EOTAS\tStrabane\nSunlea EOTAS\tColeraine\nWoodlands EOTAS\tBangor\nConnections\tNewtownabbey\n\nAs Fir Trees EOTAS is currently seeking alternative accommodation, an offer of enhanced in-school support will be considered in response to any requests received for a centre placement.\n\nThe Exceptional Teaching Arrangements service group provisions that are available via CAMHS referrals for September 2025 are:\n\nEducation Intensive Therapy (EDIT)\tStrathfoyle\nTime Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 1\tWestcourt Centre, Belfast\nTime Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 2\tBeechcroft Education Unit, Belfast\nNewtownabbey Educational Guidance Centre (NEGC)\tNewtownabbey","answerHtml":"The EOTAS centres that will consider requests for placement for September 2025 are:
| Thornberry EOTAS | Coleraine |
| Treetops EOTAS | Limavady |
| Little Oaks EOTAS | Londonderry |
| Tamnamore EOTAS | Dungannon |
| Willow EOTAS | Belfast |
| Sunflowers EOTAS | Antrim |
| Ballinamallard EOTAS | Enniskillen |
| Castlereagh EOTAS | Belfast |
| Castlereagh Support Unit | Belfast |
| Downpatrick EOTAS | Downpatrick |
| Drumard EOTAS | Magherafelt |
| Groomsport EOTAS | Groomsport |
| Kinnego EOTAS | Dungannon |
| Lagan Valley Project EOTAS | Poleglass |
| Limavady EOTAS | Limavady |
| The Link Centre EOTAS | Belfast |
| Long Tower EOTAS | Londonderry |
| Loughan EOTAS | Ballymena |
| Lough Road KS4 EOTAS | Lurgan |
| Lough Road KS3 EOTAS | Lurgan |
| Loughshore EOTAS | Lurgan |
| Maydown EOTAS | Londonderry |
| Newtownabbey EOTAS | Newtownabbey |
| Newstart Education Centre EOTAS | Belfast |
| Newry EOTAS | Newry |
| Omagh EOTAS | Omagh |
| Pathways EOTAS | Belfast |
| Rathmore EOTAS | Antrim |
| Redburn EOTAS | Holywood |
| Strabane EOTAS | Strabane |
| Sunlea EOTAS | Coleraine |
| Woodlands EOTAS | Bangor |
| Connections | Newtownabbey |
As Fir Trees EOTAS is currently seeking alternative accommodation, an offer of enhanced in-school support will be considered in response to any requests received for a centre placement.
The Exceptional Teaching Arrangements service group provisions that are available via CAMHS referrals for September 2025 are:
| Education Intensive Therapy (EDIT) | Strathfoyle |
| Time Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 1 | Westcourt Centre, Belfast |
| Time Out for Positive Steps (TOPS) 2 | Beechcroft Education Unit, Belfast |
| Newtownabbey Educational Guidance Centre (NEGC) | Newtownabbey |
AQW 17101 was responded to on 10 February 2025 and AQW 17102 was responded to on 7 February 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020936%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424402","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424402"}},{"id":"424401","reference":"AQW 20935/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 14771/22-27, to detail the stakeholders that received a copy of the James Hutton Institute’s draft report into the future of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"A draft of the James Hutton Institute’s report was made available to stakeholders attending a workshop with my officials at the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in March 2023 to enable discussion of the main emerging themes from the research.\n\nThe stakeholders in attendance at this event were: the National Trust, NI Water, DAERA, Sport NI, the Mournes Heritage Trust, Ulster Farmers Union and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.","answerHtml":"A draft of the James Hutton Institute’s report was made available to stakeholders attending a workshop with my officials at the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in March 2023 to enable discussion of the main emerging themes from the research.
The stakeholders in attendance at this event were: the National Trust, NI Water, DAERA, Sport NI, the Mournes Heritage Trust, Ulster Farmers Union and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020935%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424401","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424401"}},{"id":"424400","reference":"AQW 20934/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQO 966/22-27, whether a Minister has been identified to work with Executive colleagues to develop and deliver a Mournes Management Plan.","answerText":"I refer to the answer provided at AQW 20933/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer to the answer provided at AQW 20933/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020934%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424400","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424400"}},{"id":"424399","reference":"AQW 20933/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 14771/22-27 and AQO 966/22-27, for an update on her Department’s engagement with Executive colleagues in relation to the ownership of issues raised in the James Hutton Institute’s report on the future of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"My officials are continuing to engage with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the issues raised through the work and, in particular, ownership of these within the Executive.","answerHtml":"My officials are continuing to engage with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the issues raised through the work and, in particular, ownership of these within the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020933%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424399","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424399"}},{"id":"423013","reference":"AQW 20208/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-08","answerBy":"2025-01-23","answered":"2025-01-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when he will answer (i) AQW 19168/22-27; and (ii) AQW 19268/22-27.","answerText":"AQW 19168/22-27 was answered on 09 January 2025.\n\nAQW 19268/22-27 was answered on 08 January 2025.","answerHtml":"AQW 19168/22-27 was answered on 09 January 2025.
AQW 19268/22-27 was answered on 08 January 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020208%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423013","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423013"}},{"id":"420318","reference":"AQW 19270/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-03","answerBy":"2024-12-18","answered":"2024-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, given that over 400 care leavers have become homeless after leaving care in the last five years, to detail any actions his Department is considering to improve transition planning and prevent homelessness for young people leaving care.","answerText":"In seeking to improve transition planning for young people in care and to help prevent homelessness among care leavers, as reflected in the draft Programme for Government, the NIHE is working collaboratively with my Department and other statutory sector partners, to develop a strategic ‘New Foundations’ action plan. This plan will aim to assist young people leaving care and to prevent homelessness by improving the support and opportunities available to each young person leaving care, recognising that each young person is an individual and will require tailored options to meet their individual needs and aspirations. It will enable all relevant government departments and statutory agencies to act together as the Corporate Family for children and young people preparing to leave care and making the transition to adulthood, in line with the approach set out in the strategy for looked after children, ‘A Life Deserved – ‘Caring’ for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’.\n\nIn tandem, my Department is also working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in its partnership with Homewards NI—as part of a programme put in place by the Royal Foundation to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness—to develop proposals to focus specifically on early support and interventions which will prevent homelessness occurring for young care leavers. This work is ongoing.\n\nIn addition, the 2021 Review of Jointly Commissioned Support Accommodation (i.e. accommodation for young people which is commissioned jointly by the NIHE and HSC Trusts) reported that the complexity of needs of young people placed in supported accommodation challenges the capacity of current models of provision to effectively meet the needs of care leavers and suggested that trauma-informed enhanced models of provision are required. Work to address the Review’s recommendations will improve transitional planning, with local planning partnership groups now in place to support collaborative planning by HSC Trusts, NIHE and others of services to care leavers.\n\nFurther, my Department is working to progress implementation of The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for all settings for looked after and adopted children, and for care leavers. NIFITC consists of 11 building blocks and there is one which specifically addresses transitioning to adult life. The Framework has a clear focus on collaborative working across sectors and professions and, when implemented, will improve transition planning by supporting young people leaving care to maintain and access appropriate services and build their relational networks as they transition out of care. Information on the Framework, and the individual building blocks, can be found on the Department of Health’s website at: The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for Care Experienced Children and Young People | Department of Health.","answerHtml":"In seeking to improve transition planning for young people in care and to help prevent homelessness among care leavers, as reflected in the draft Programme for Government, the NIHE is working collaboratively with my Department and other statutory sector partners, to develop a strategic ‘New Foundations’ action plan. This plan will aim to assist young people leaving care and to prevent homelessness by improving the support and opportunities available to each young person leaving care, recognising that each young person is an individual and will require tailored options to meet their individual needs and aspirations. It will enable all relevant government departments and statutory agencies to act together as the Corporate Family for children and young people preparing to leave care and making the transition to adulthood, in line with the approach set out in the strategy for looked after children, ‘A Life Deserved – ‘Caring’ for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’.
In tandem, my Department is also working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in its partnership with Homewards NI—as part of a programme put in place by the Royal Foundation to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness—to develop proposals to focus specifically on early support and interventions which will prevent homelessness occurring for young care leavers. This work is ongoing.
In addition, the 2021 Review of Jointly Commissioned Support Accommodation (i.e. accommodation for young people which is commissioned jointly by the NIHE and HSC Trusts) reported that the complexity of needs of young people placed in supported accommodation challenges the capacity of current models of provision to effectively meet the needs of care leavers and suggested that trauma-informed enhanced models of provision are required. Work to address the Review’s recommendations will improve transitional planning, with local planning partnership groups now in place to support collaborative planning by HSC Trusts, NIHE and others of services to care leavers.
Further, my Department is working to progress implementation of The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for all settings for looked after and adopted children, and for care leavers. NIFITC consists of 11 building blocks and there is one which specifically addresses transitioning to adult life. The Framework has a clear focus on collaborative working across sectors and professions and, when implemented, will improve transition planning by supporting young people leaving care to maintain and access appropriate services and build their relational networks as they transition out of care. Information on the Framework, and the individual building blocks, can be found on the Department of Health’s website at: The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for Care Experienced Children and Young People | Department of Health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019270%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420318","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420318"}},{"id":"420317","reference":"AQW 19269/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-03","answerBy":"2024-12-18","answered":"2024-12-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of how partnership working between his Department, the Department for Communities, Health and Social Care Trusts and the Housing Executive can be enhanced to improve transition planning for young people in care and help prevent homelessness among care leavers.","answerText":"In seeking to improve transition planning for young people in care and to help prevent homelessness among care leavers, as reflected in the draft Programme for Government, the NIHE is working collaboratively with my Department and other statutory sector partners, to develop a strategic ‘New Foundations’ action plan. This plan will aim to assist young people leaving care and to prevent homelessness by improving the support and opportunities available to each young person leaving care, recognising that each young person is an individual and will require tailored options to meet their individual needs and aspirations. It will enable all relevant government departments and statutory agencies to act together as the Corporate Family for children and young people preparing to leave care and making the transition to adulthood, in line with the approach set out in the strategy for looked after children, ‘A Life Deserved – ‘Caring’ for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’.\n\nIn tandem, my Department is also working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in its partnership with Homewards NI—as part of a programme put in place by the Royal Foundation to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness—to develop proposals to focus specifically on early support and interventions which will prevent homelessness occurring for young care leavers. This work is ongoing.\n\nIn addition, the 2021 Review of Jointly Commissioned Support Accommodation (i.e. accommodation for young people which is commissioned jointly by the NIHE and HSC Trusts) reported that the complexity of needs of young people placed in supported accommodation challenges the capacity of current models of provision to effectively meet the needs of care leavers and suggested that trauma-informed enhanced models of provision are required. Work to address the Review’s recommendations will improve transitional planning, with local planning partnership groups now in place to support collaborative planning by HSC Trusts, NIHE and others of services to care leavers.\n\nFurther, my Department is working to progress implementation of The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for all settings for looked after and adopted children, and for care leavers. NIFITC consists of 11 building blocks and there is one which specifically addresses transitioning to adult life. The Framework has a clear focus on collaborative working across sectors and professions and, when implemented, will improve transition planning by supporting young people leaving care to maintain and access appropriate services and build their relational networks as they transition out of care. Information on the Framework, and the individual building blocks, can be found on the Department of Health’s website at: The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for Care Experienced Children and Young People | Department of Health.","answerHtml":"In seeking to improve transition planning for young people in care and to help prevent homelessness among care leavers, as reflected in the draft Programme for Government, the NIHE is working collaboratively with my Department and other statutory sector partners, to develop a strategic ‘New Foundations’ action plan. This plan will aim to assist young people leaving care and to prevent homelessness by improving the support and opportunities available to each young person leaving care, recognising that each young person is an individual and will require tailored options to meet their individual needs and aspirations. It will enable all relevant government departments and statutory agencies to act together as the Corporate Family for children and young people preparing to leave care and making the transition to adulthood, in line with the approach set out in the strategy for looked after children, ‘A Life Deserved – ‘Caring’ for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’.
In tandem, my Department is also working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in its partnership with Homewards NI—as part of a programme put in place by the Royal Foundation to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness—to develop proposals to focus specifically on early support and interventions which will prevent homelessness occurring for young care leavers. This work is ongoing.
In addition, the 2021 Review of Jointly Commissioned Support Accommodation (i.e. accommodation for young people which is commissioned jointly by the NIHE and HSC Trusts) reported that the complexity of needs of young people placed in supported accommodation challenges the capacity of current models of provision to effectively meet the needs of care leavers and suggested that trauma-informed enhanced models of provision are required. Work to address the Review’s recommendations will improve transitional planning, with local planning partnership groups now in place to support collaborative planning by HSC Trusts, NIHE and others of services to care leavers.
Further, my Department is working to progress implementation of The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for all settings for looked after and adopted children, and for care leavers. NIFITC consists of 11 building blocks and there is one which specifically addresses transitioning to adult life. The Framework has a clear focus on collaborative working across sectors and professions and, when implemented, will improve transition planning by supporting young people leaving care to maintain and access appropriate services and build their relational networks as they transition out of care. Information on the Framework, and the individual building blocks, can be found on the Department of Health’s website at: The Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care (NIFITC) for Care Experienced Children and Young People | Department of Health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019269%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420317"}},{"id":"420316","reference":"AQW 19268/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-03","answerBy":"2024-12-18","answered":"2025-01-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of how partnership working between his Department, the Department of Health, Health and Social Care Trusts and the Housing Executive can be enhanced to improve transition planning for young people in care and help prevent homelessness among care leavers.","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 continues to support young people leaving care via delivery of shared responsibilities with Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts towards meeting the accommodation needs of 16 and 17 year olds which is set out in legislation and the NIHE / HSC Regional Good Practice Guidance on Meeting the Accommodation and Support Needs of Young People aged 16-21.\n\nThe Youth Homelessness Action Plan which was launched on 25 November 2024 contains a commitment to review the Regional Good Practice Guidance to ensure that young people leaving care are supported. Work on the delivery of this action has already commenced.\n\nThe Housing Executive has facilitated training with the Children’s Law Centre and established dedicated Housing Advisors and Team Leaders in all Areas to aid young people presenting as homeless. These staff work closely in partnership with the relevant HSC Trust to shape the service around the needs of the young person.\n\nThe Housing Executive has also been working closely with a range of statutory sector partners in the development of an action plan in respect of young people leaving care.\n\nFollowing the review of the Jointly Commissioned Supported Accommodation, Supporting People and Health have established Local Planning Partnership Groups in each HSC Trust, the purpose of which is to address need and seek to improve services and provision to improve outcomes for young people.”\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 continues to support young people leaving care via delivery of shared responsibilities with Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts towards meeting the accommodation needs of 16 and 17 year olds which is set out in legislation and the NIHE / HSC Regional Good Practice Guidance on Meeting the Accommodation and Support Needs of Young People aged 16-21.
The Youth Homelessness Action Plan which was launched on 25 November 2024 contains a commitment to review the Regional Good Practice Guidance to ensure that young people leaving care are supported. Work on the delivery of this action has already commenced.
The Housing Executive has facilitated training with the Children’s Law Centre and established dedicated Housing Advisors and Team Leaders in all Areas to aid young people presenting as homeless. These staff work closely in partnership with the relevant HSC Trust to shape the service around the needs of the young person.
The Housing Executive has also been working closely with a range of statutory sector partners in the development of an action plan in respect of young people leaving care.
Following the review of the Jointly Commissioned Supported Accommodation, Supporting People and Health have established Local Planning Partnership Groups in each HSC Trust, the purpose of which is to address need and seek to improve services and provision to improve outcomes for young people.”
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%2019268%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420316"}},{"id":"420315","reference":"AQW 19267/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-03","answerBy":"2024-12-18","answered":"2025-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when he will answer (i) AQW 17101/22-27; and (ii) AQW 17102/22-27.","answerText":"AQW 17101 was responded to on 10 February 2025 and AQW 17102 was responded to on 7 February 2025.","answerHtml":"AQW 17101 was responded to on 10 February 2025 and AQW 17102 was responded to on 7 February 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019267%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420315","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420315"}},{"id":"420083","reference":"AQW 19169/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-10","answered":"2024-12-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) why the Goldliner 215 service from Downpatrick to Belfast has been moved to Adelaide Street, instead of Belfast Grand Central Station, without access to shelter or connecting services; and (ii) whether there are plans to relocate the service to Belfast Grand Central Station in the future.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and can confirm the 215 service has been moved out of Europa, now Belfast Grand Central Station. This temporary move is to facilitate the ongoing public realm works for the new station and to prevent the service being caught up in traffic disruption. Translink plan to move this service into the new Belfast Grand Central Station before the end of 2025.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and can confirm the 215 service has been moved out of Europa, now Belfast Grand Central Station. This temporary move is to facilitate the ongoing public realm works for the new station and to prevent the service being caught up in traffic disruption. Translink plan to move this service into the new Belfast Grand Central Station before the end of 2025.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019169%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420083"}},{"id":"420082","reference":"AQW 19168/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2025-01-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, as part of the Review of the Housing Selection Scheme, to detail any consideration he is giving to ensure that the system adequately acknowledges the increased risk of homelessness for care leavers and awards housing points to this vulnerable group accordingly.","answerText":"The fundamental review of social housing allocations made twenty proposals, which are now in the process of being considered and implemented. The review was intended to produce five key outcomes, including: that those in greatest housing need receive priority, with recognition of their time in need; and that there is an improved system for the most vulnerable applicants.\n\nI will consider the Housing Executive’s proposals for amendments to the Selection Scheme in line with the intended outcomes of the review","answerHtml":"The fundamental review of social housing allocations made twenty proposals, which are now in the process of being considered and implemented. The review was intended to produce five key outcomes, including: that those in greatest housing need receive priority, with recognition of their time in need; and that there is an improved system for the most vulnerable applicants.
I will consider the Housing Executive’s proposals for amendments to the Selection Scheme in line with the intended outcomes of the review
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019168%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420082"}},{"id":"420081","reference":"AQW 19167/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2025-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following the commitment to multi-year budgets expressed in the Executive's Budget Sustainability Plan, whether he intends to provide multi-year Supporting People budgets with recurrent annual inflationary uplifts to ensure adequate funding for the homelessness sector.","answerText":"In line with the Spending Review outcome for 2025-26, announced on 30 October 2024, the Executive can only set a Budget for the incoming financial year. The funding for this request will be assessed within the resource envelope allocated to my Department by the Executive for 2025/26 alongside other Departmental and Ministerial priorities.\n\nMy Department has provided provisional information for Budget 2026-27 and 2027-28 to allow the Executive to consider the longer-term implications of any spending decisions.","answerHtml":"In line with the Spending Review outcome for 2025-26, announced on 30 October 2024, the Executive can only set a Budget for the incoming financial year. The funding for this request will be assessed within the resource envelope allocated to my Department by the Executive for 2025/26 alongside other Departmental and Ministerial priorities.
My Department has provided provisional information for Budget 2026-27 and 2027-28 to allow the Executive to consider the longer-term implications of any spending decisions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019167%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420081","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420081"}},{"id":"420080","reference":"AQW 19166/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2025-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when the final decision report based on the Equality Impact Assessment budget consultation will be published.","answerText":"A final decision report will be published by the end of January 2025","answerHtml":"A final decision report will be published by the end of January 2025
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019166%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420080","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420080"}},{"id":"420079","reference":"AQW 19165/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-02","answerBy":"2024-12-17","answered":"2025-01-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of the Local Housing Allowance freeze for 2025 and the impact on private renters.","answerText":"The increase in Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate from April 2024 assisted many renters with affordability of rent costs and with cost-of-living challenges more generally. Indeed, some households saw an increase in housing support of over 40 percent, which illustrates the scale of the impact that the 2020 freeze had on those living in the private rented sector. If the LHA rate is frozen again from 1 April 2025, the burden will once again be felt acutely by low-income households who will face a growing shortfall between housing support and housing costs.\n\nI wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 5 March 2024 requesting that, going forward, Local Housing Allowance rates are considered with a view to maintaining pace with the increases in private sector rents.","answerHtml":"The increase in Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate from April 2024 assisted many renters with affordability of rent costs and with cost-of-living challenges more generally. Indeed, some households saw an increase in housing support of over 40 percent, which illustrates the scale of the impact that the 2020 freeze had on those living in the private rented sector. If the LHA rate is frozen again from 1 April 2025, the burden will once again be felt acutely by low-income households who will face a growing shortfall between housing support and housing costs.
I wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 5 March 2024 requesting that, going forward, Local Housing Allowance rates are considered with a view to maintaining pace with the increases in private sector rents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019165%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420079","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420079"}},{"id":"419827","reference":"AQW 19081/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","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 homeowners, having paid their 10 per cent contribution to works under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (i) have had these works completed; and (ii) are still waiting to have the works completed, since 26 October 2023.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nAs you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.\n\nFor those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.\n\nSince the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.
For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.
In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.
Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019081%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419827","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419827"}},{"id":"419826","reference":"AQW 19080/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an estimated date for the completion of outstanding works to properties where homeowners' 10 per cent contribution, under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme, has been received.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nAs you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.\n\nFor those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.\n\nSince the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.
For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.
In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.
Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019080%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419826","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419826"}},{"id":"419825","reference":"AQW 19079/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether homeowners whose application to the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme was rejected based on the original eligibility rules will be (i) able to reapply; and (ii) proactively informed of the revised rules.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nAs you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.\n\nFor those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.\n\nSince the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.
For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.
In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.
Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019079%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419825","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419825"}},{"id":"419824","reference":"AQW 19078/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure where the new rules for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme will be publicised for the general public.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nAs you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.\n\nFor those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.\n\nSince the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.
For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.
In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.
Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019078%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419824","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419824"}},{"id":"419823","reference":"AQW 19077/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-29","answerBy":"2024-12-16","answered":"2024-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to a letter from his Private Office to the Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure on 8 November 2024, when the changes to the eligibility rules for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme will come into effect.","answerText":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.\n\nAs you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.\n\nFor those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.\n\nIn relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.\n\nSince the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.
As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.
For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.
In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.
Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019077%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419823"}},{"id":"421126","reference":"AQO 1299/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-28","answerBy":"2024-12-09","answered":"2024-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what steps his Department is taking to deliver the implementation of targeted lung cancer screening in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The former Minister of Health, Minister Swann, accepted the recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) to introduce a targeted lung cancer screening programme for asymptomatic people with a history of smoking, aged between 55-74 years old, in tandem with the enhanced integration of smoking cessation services.\n\nWe are at the early stages of scoping out what the requirements of this new programme for Northern Ireland will be. We will be working with colleagues across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to establish the resources required and the likely timeline.\n\nThis will be a very significant service development encompassing new screening services and a range of additional diagnostic and treatment services. This work will require input and collaboration from multiple partners.","answerHtml":"The former Minister of Health, Minister Swann, accepted the recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) to introduce a targeted lung cancer screening programme for asymptomatic people with a history of smoking, aged between 55-74 years old, in tandem with the enhanced integration of smoking cessation services.
We are at the early stages of scoping out what the requirements of this new programme for Northern Ireland will be. We will be working with colleagues across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to establish the resources required and the likely timeline.
This will be a very significant service development encompassing new screening services and a range of additional diagnostic and treatment services. This work will require input and collaboration from multiple partners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421126","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421126"}},{"id":"419076","reference":"AQW 18771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-25","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 to detail the number of public liability claims for personal injury (i) received; and (ii) concluded in each of the last five years, broken down by road user type.","answerText":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online or via the at:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20192020\n\nTable 1 in the above link provides details of (i) the number of public liability personal injury claims received during the last five full financial years. However, please note that although the majority of personal injury claims are from pedestrians, my Department cannot disaggregate between personal injury claims from pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.\n\nTable 4 in the above link provides details of (ii) the number of public liability personal injury claims concluded during the last five full financial years. Again, please be cognisant of the above caveat regarding the disaggregation of road users.\n\nI would, however, advise the member and other members using the above link to be cognisant of the other caveats noted in respect to the information provided on roads related public liability claims.","answerHtml":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online or via the at:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20192020
Table 1 in the above link provides details of (i) the number of public liability personal injury claims received during the last five full financial years. However, please note that although the majority of personal injury claims are from pedestrians, my Department cannot disaggregate between personal injury claims from pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.
Table 4 in the above link provides details of (ii) the number of public liability personal injury claims concluded during the last five full financial years. Again, please be cognisant of the above caveat regarding the disaggregation of road users.
I would, however, advise the member and other members using the above link to be cognisant of the other caveats noted in respect to the information provided on roads related public liability claims.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419076","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419076"}},{"id":"417970","reference":"AQW 18296/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of joint Driver and Vehicle Agency and PSNI road safety operations that were carried out since the introduction, in 2024, of calibrated sound meters to assist with the enforcement of noisy and nuisance vehicle noise emissions at the roadside.","answerText":"From 12 June to 17 November 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Agency has carried out eight joint road safety operations with PSNI where calibrated noise meters were used to measure noise emissions from vehicles at the roadside.","answerHtml":"From 12 June to 17 November 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Agency has carried out eight joint road safety operations with PSNI where calibrated noise meters were used to measure noise emissions from vehicles at the roadside.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417970","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417970"}},{"id":"417969","reference":"AQW 18295/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-03","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 effectiveness of roadside diesel particulate testing, based on insights gathered from the trial of test equipment completed earlier this year.","answerText":"The effectiveness of roadside diesel particulate testing has already been established and is guided by EU recommendation C (2023) 1796 on PN testing and other industry best practice guidance.\n\nThe purpose of the trial conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) was to determine the practical impact that such a test may have on its testing environment and service delivery model. The trial demonstrated that particulate testing equipment could be integrated into DVA’s existing vehicle testing model and is suitable for deployment at the roadside.","answerHtml":"The effectiveness of roadside diesel particulate testing has already been established and is guided by EU recommendation C (2023) 1796 on PN testing and other industry best practice guidance.
The purpose of the trial conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) was to determine the practical impact that such a test may have on its testing environment and service delivery model. The trial demonstrated that particulate testing equipment could be integrated into DVA’s existing vehicle testing model and is suitable for deployment at the roadside.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018295%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417969"}},{"id":"417968","reference":"AQW 18294/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-15","answerBy":"2024-12-02","answered":"2024-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of prosecutions that have been instigated against drivers as a result of the introduction, in 2024, of calibrated sound meters to assist with the enforcement of noisy and nuisance vehicle noise emissions at the roadside, broken down by local council area where the offence took place.","answerText":"The following table details the number of prosecutions, broken down by council area, that have been instigated against drivers in 2024 for noise emission readings in excess of 104 decibels (dB).\n\nLocal Council Area\tNumber of\nProsecutions\nFermanagh and Omagh\t2\nArds and North Down\t1\nNewry and Mourne\t1\n\nIn addition, 14 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to drivers in lieu of prosecution for noise emission readings that were in excess of 99 dB but not greater than 104 dB. The following table shows these broken down by council area.\n\nLocal Council Area\tNumber of\nFixed Penalty Notices\nCauseway Coast and Glens\t3\nArds and North Down\t3\nNewry and Mourne\t3\nArmagh Banbridge and Craigavon\t5","answerHtml":"The following table details the number of prosecutions, broken down by council area, that have been instigated against drivers in 2024 for noise emission readings in excess of 104 decibels (dB).
| Local Council Area | Number of Prosecutions |
| Fermanagh and Omagh | 2 |
| Ards and North Down | 1 |
| Newry and Mourne | 1 |
In addition, 14 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to drivers in lieu of prosecution for noise emission readings that were in excess of 99 dB but not greater than 104 dB. The following table shows these broken down by council area.
| Local Council Area | Number of Fixed Penalty Notices |
| Causeway Coast and Glens | 3 |
| Ards and North Down | 3 |
| Newry and Mourne | 3 |
| Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon | 5 |
A Consultation Report on the proposal to introduce diesel particulate testing during MOT testing and roadside spot checks in the north was published on 19 November 2024 and can be viewed at the following link: Consultation Report - Changing the exhaust emissions test for light vehicles with a modern diesel engine
Following this report, my officials are preparing recommendations on the next steps for my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018293%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417967","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417967"}},{"id":"417074","reference":"AQW 17915/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-08","answerBy":"2024-11-13","answered":"2024-11-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of staff in his Department currently working on unadopted developments.","answerText":"There are currently 20.6 Full Time Equivalent Staff working on unadopted developments across my Department.","answerHtml":"There are currently 20.6 Full Time Equivalent Staff working on unadopted developments across my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017915%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417074","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417074"}},{"id":"416888","reference":"AQW 17831/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-07","answerBy":"2024-11-12","answered":"2024-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of (i) unadopted housing developments for which no bond is available; and (ii) housing developments for which the available bond is insufficient to bring the development up to an adoptable standard.","answerText":"My Department does not hold records for unbonded sites as they are unlikely to have been determined during the planning process nor determined under the Private Streets Order.\n\nUnfortunately, the number of housing developments for which the available bond is insufficient to bring the development up to an adoptable standard is not easily obtainable from the Departments database.\n\nHowever, I can confirm that there are 379 development sites where 80% of the houses are occupied but the site remains unadopted for more than 5 years. Enforcement has not progressed on the vast majority of these sites as the available bond is insufficient to bring the development up to an adoptable standard.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold records for unbonded sites as they are unlikely to have been determined during the planning process nor determined under the Private Streets Order.
Unfortunately, the number of housing developments for which the available bond is insufficient to bring the development up to an adoptable standard is not easily obtainable from the Departments database.
However, I can confirm that there are 379 development sites where 80% of the houses are occupied but the site remains unadopted for more than 5 years. Enforcement has not progressed on the vast majority of these sites as the available bond is insufficient to bring the development up to an adoptable standard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017831%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416888","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416888"}},{"id":"416926","reference":"AQO 1156/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-07","answerBy":"2024-11-19","answered":"2024-11-19","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her Department's proposals to the Interim Public Sector Transformation Board.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I was pleased to present five innovative and transformative bids from my Department to the interim public-sector transformation board. Following consideration by the interim board, I welcome the fact that three of those bids have moved forward for further consideration. The bids relate to three key areas: speeding up and transforming the criminal justice system; reducing reoffending and prison population initiatives; and electronic monitoring for those on bail or on licence. All three bids present innovative and transformative solutions to some of the challenges that face the justice system. Although the timescale for notifying the outcome of the stage 2 assessment has not been confirmed yet, I understand that the interim board will provide advice to the Finance Minister and that recommendations will then be made to the Executive. I look forward to the consideration of the recommendations at the Executive."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"I thank the Minister. Will she provide further detail on the three bids that have been selected for further consideration?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"Yes, I am very pleased to provide some insight into the bids that have made it through for further consideration by the interim board. We made a bid, which has been supported by the Criminal Justice Board, to speed up the transformation of the criminal justice system. That bid is in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service and will, among other things, reduce demand through providing a proportionate response to offending, including increasing non-court disposals. It will invest in early engagement across the justice system, including between police and prosecution, and prosecution and defence, to maximise efficiencies. The bid will also seek to utilise and exploit technology to support transformation. Our bid to reduce reoffending, alongside measures to address the prison population, involves the Department for Communities. It includes provision for investments in a bail support scheme to divert people from custody, the roll-out of enhanced combination orders through the Probation Board as an alternative to short prison sentences and a review of the Prison Service framework for delivering rehabilitation. Finally, we have a bid to create a multidisciplinary team to examine the technical and policy implications of implementing GPS location monitoring for those on bail or licence to be fitted with an electronic tag as part of their release conditions. All three bids present innovative and transformative solutions to the challenges facing the justice system. I am wholly convinced that, should we receive funding through those bids, it will afford us opportunities to improve effectiveness and efficiency and to meet the increased and changing demands on the system, providing stability for the future."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201156%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416926","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-11-19&docID=417533#AQO%201156/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416926"}},{"id":"416915","reference":"AQO 1145/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-07","answerBy":"2024-11-18","answered":"2024-11-18","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the impact of 163 vacancies in his Department's Water and Departmental Delivery Group.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"As I said, my Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years. Officials have advised that operating with the current level of vacancies has had an impact on the delivery of some operational flood risk management policy and IT functions. That also impacts on our ability to increase capital investment in new and existing flood risk management infrastructure and hinders our ability to improve our planning consultation response timelines. My officials are mindful, however, of the need to maintain, so far as is possible, service delivery. For example, during the flooding that occurred last year, my officials quickly moved staff from non-operational roles to support the effective overall multi-agency emergency response. In addition, working in partnership with Civil Service HR, and recognising that not all competitions can be brought forward at the same time, we have agreed a prioritised recruitment model, and plans are being progressed for the launch of about 10 professional and technical recruitment campaigns before the end of the calendar year. The prioritised competitions aim to recruit about 300 professional and technical employees across my Department and will be used to fill vacancies in the water and departmental delivery group."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. How will those vacancies affect flood risk management, public safety and coordination of public emergencies?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Last October, when we faced flooding emergencies, we moved staff from various elements of my Department to the direct, front-line emergency response. Following the flooding that we witnessed last year, the Member may recall that Storm Ciarán bore down on us. Thankfully, that storm diverted, and we did not get the worst of it. We would have faced serious challenges at that time had Storm Ciarán hit us, because staff cannot work 24 hours every day, and many of my staff were out in all sorts of conditions dealing with the original flooding. Storm Ciarán would have presented us with huge problems. As I said in answer to the Member's original question, we are running a recruitment exercise and hope to recruit over 300 professional technical employees across my Department."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"What else is the Minister doing to improve the capacity and capability of his teams?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"As has been said many times in the Chamber by many different Ministers, the austerity of the past 14 years has left a deep scar across our public services. We have not been able to recruit and maintain staff at the level that we would otherwise have achieved. As I said in answer to the original question, I am running a recruitment exercise. I hope to bring more and more people into my Department and put them into front-line services not only to ensure that we have an effective and efficient public service response to flooding incidents but to put us into a position to plan for flooding events and to do the research to allow us to determine whether we need capital expenditure for hard, fixed flood defences or for other forms of flood defences."},{"speaker":"Mr McCrossan","text":"Will the Minister outline whether the staff shortages contribute to delays in the planning system, including the progress of housing developments across the region?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"They are having an impact, and you can see that in the response times from DFI Rivers. I have made a separate submission to the transformation fund to recruit staff for a number of areas in my Department. They will assist in lowering the response times for planning applications in order to speed up the planning process."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201145%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416915","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-11-18&docID=417532#AQO%201145/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416915"}},{"id":"418164","reference":"AQO 1135/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-07","answerBy":"2024-11-18","answered":"2024-11-18","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 efforts to ensure there is no suspension of maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital.","answerText":"Officials have recently been made aware that in recent months Southern Health and Social Care Trust have had to put in place diverts from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital due to workforce challenges.\n\nAn early alert notification was made to the Department on 14th October, however the Permanent Secretary had discussions with both the Trusts’ Chair and Chief Executive prior to this which highlighted the significant pressures the Trust are currently facing in relation to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.\n\nMy officials have had ongoing discussions with Southern HSC Trust which commenced on 10th October to seek:\n\nAn assessment of the situation;\n\nA summary of Trust efforts to maintain the current service to date;\n\nAn update of any engagement (internal and external) on the issue in recent weeks;\n\nOptions under consideration and an assessment of viability or otherwise, including any external support which would assist;\n\nOfficials also coordinated a regional meeting with other Trusts to highlight the issues Daisy Hill are currently facing and to ascertain if any support may be forthcoming.\n\nOfficials are now receiving a daily situation report from Southern Trust which provides an update on staffing levels, escalation status and activity levels across Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. They also continue to meet with the Trust regularly to discuss the Trust’s medium to long term plans to stabilise the service.","answerHtml":"Officials have recently been made aware that in recent months Southern Health and Social Care Trust have had to put in place diverts from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital due to workforce challenges.
An early alert notification was made to the Department on 14th October, however the Permanent Secretary had discussions with both the Trusts’ Chair and Chief Executive prior to this which highlighted the significant pressures the Trust are currently facing in relation to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
My officials have had ongoing discussions with Southern HSC Trust which commenced on 10th October to seek:
An assessment of the situation;
A summary of Trust efforts to maintain the current service to date;
An update of any engagement (internal and external) on the issue in recent weeks;
Options under consideration and an assessment of viability or otherwise, including any external support which would assist;
Officials also coordinated a regional meeting with other Trusts to highlight the issues Daisy Hill are currently facing and to ascertain if any support may be forthcoming.
Officials are now receiving a daily situation report from Southern Trust which provides an update on staffing levels, escalation status and activity levels across Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. They also continue to meet with the Trust regularly to discuss the Trust’s medium to long term plans to stabilise the service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201135%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=418164","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=418164"}},{"id":"416533","reference":"AQW 17676/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-05","answerBy":"2024-11-20","answered":"2024-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration has been given to granting permitted development rights for all rooftop solar panels, as is the case in Scotland.","answerText":"I am aware that Scotland has relaxed their permitted development rights for solar panels on non-domestic buildings.\n\nPart 37 of the Schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (the GPDO) sets out the permitted development rights for the installation of non-domestic microgeneration equipment. Class A provides permitted development rights for the installation, alteration or replacement of solar PV or solar thermal equipment on a building other than a dwellinghouse or block of flats, subject to certain conditions and limitations, without requiring a planning application.\n\nI have currently no plans to review these permitted development rights at this stage.","answerHtml":"I am aware that Scotland has relaxed their permitted development rights for solar panels on non-domestic buildings.
Part 37 of the Schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (the GPDO) sets out the permitted development rights for the installation of non-domestic microgeneration equipment. Class A provides permitted development rights for the installation, alteration or replacement of solar PV or solar thermal equipment on a building other than a dwellinghouse or block of flats, subject to certain conditions and limitations, without requiring a planning application.
I have currently no plans to review these permitted development rights at this stage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017676%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416533","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416533"}},{"id":"415619","reference":"AQW 17388/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-08","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 his Department has had with the UK Government to address the fact that properties built after 2009 are excluded from the UK Flood Re scheme.","answerText":"The Department engaged with the UK Government when the Flood Re scheme was being established in 2014 to ensure that the North was included. The 2009 criteria was set by the UK Government and reflected the fact that by 2009 planning policy and flood mapping was available to discourage development in flood plains.\n\nThere is ongoing engagement between my Department and DEFRA on the Flood Re scheme as required.","answerHtml":"The Department engaged with the UK Government when the Flood Re scheme was being established in 2014 to ensure that the North was included. The 2009 criteria was set by the UK Government and reflected the fact that by 2009 planning policy and flood mapping was available to discourage development in flood plains.
There is ongoing engagement between my Department and DEFRA on the Flood Re scheme as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017388%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415619","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415619"}},{"id":"415467","reference":"AQW 17308/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-11-07","answered":"2024-11-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether his Department has investigated the feasibility of improving the surface drain systems in Newcastle to allow surface water discharge when the levels in the Shimna River and Burren River are high, as recommended in the Review of Flooding in South East report; and (ii) to detail the outcome of any such investigations and any resulting plans for implementation.","answerText":"The recently published review of the South East Flooding in Autumn 2023 detailed a number of recommendations for which my Department, and many other multi-agency partners, will be responsible for delivering. This includes Recommendation B2 to investigate the feasibility of improving the surface drain systems within Newcastle taking account of the need to allow surface water discharge when the levels in Shimna and Burren rivers are high.\n\nAlthough my Department is not the lead agency for the delivery of all the recommendations from the review, I am content for my Department to take the lead in the coordination and oversight of the implementation of all recommendations through the establishment of a Flooding Review Recommendations Group. This will ensure a centralised approach with effective communication and the continuation of the good working relationships already developed during the flooding review itself. This group is currently developing terms of reference to provide the necessary framework for delivery.","answerHtml":"The recently published review of the South East Flooding in Autumn 2023 detailed a number of recommendations for which my Department, and many other multi-agency partners, will be responsible for delivering. This includes Recommendation B2 to investigate the feasibility of improving the surface drain systems within Newcastle taking account of the need to allow surface water discharge when the levels in Shimna and Burren rivers are high.
Although my Department is not the lead agency for the delivery of all the recommendations from the review, I am content for my Department to take the lead in the coordination and oversight of the implementation of all recommendations through the establishment of a Flooding Review Recommendations Group. This will ensure a centralised approach with effective communication and the continuation of the good working relationships already developed during the flooding review itself. This group is currently developing terms of reference to provide the necessary framework for delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017308%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415467","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415467"}},{"id":"415466","reference":"AQW 17307/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-11-07","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) to detail the number of times the Flood Strategy Steering Group has met since October 2023; and (ii) to provide the minutes of these meetings.","answerText":"'The Flood Strategy Steering Group (FSSG), which is chaired by my Rivers Directorate, is a high level group which meets to discuss policy and strategy around flood risk management. In 2024 the group met on 29 February 2024, 27 June 2024 and recently on 16 October 2024. Minutes from the February and June meetings have been deposited in the Assembly Library. The October minutes are still being agreed and will be deposited in the Assembly Library once finalised. You will note that some information has been redacted, i.e. policy work still in development, or the attendees names from different agencies outside of my Department, whose permission could not be sought in the time allowed to respond to your request.","answerHtml":"'The Flood Strategy Steering Group (FSSG), which is chaired by my Rivers Directorate, is a high level group which meets to discuss policy and strategy around flood risk management. In 2024 the group met on 29 February 2024, 27 June 2024 and recently on 16 October 2024. Minutes from the February and June meetings have been deposited in the Assembly Library. The October minutes are still being agreed and will be deposited in the Assembly Library once finalised. You will note that some information has been redacted, i.e. policy work still in development, or the attendees names from different agencies outside of my Department, whose permission could not be sought in the time allowed to respond to your request.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017307%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415466","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415466"}},{"id":"415263","reference":"AQW 17205/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any further plans to regenerate Downpatrick town centre following the 2023 autumn flooding.","answerText":"My department is currently working closely with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to develop and deliver, a range of regeneration schemes in Downpatrick town centre, including:\n\nNew Skate Park & Pump Track at Dunleath Park;\n\nUpgrading of Street Lighting in English Street;\n\nDismantlement of 39 Irish Street;\n\nResurfacing of Irish Street;\n\nDevelopment of a Strategic Masterplan for Irish Street\n\nEnvironmental Scheme in Lynn Doyle Place.","answerHtml":"My department is currently working closely with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to develop and deliver, a range of regeneration schemes in Downpatrick town centre, including:
New Skate Park & Pump Track at Dunleath Park;
Upgrading of Street Lighting in English Street;
Dismantlement of 39 Irish Street;
Resurfacing of Irish Street;
Development of a Strategic Masterplan for Irish Street
Environmental Scheme in Lynn Doyle Place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017205%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415263"}},{"id":"415262","reference":"AQW 17204/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail his plans to address reports that a third of those who are homeless in Northern Ireland are under 18 years of age.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive and been advised that:\n\n“The Housing Executive’s approach to supporting households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, including those homeless households who have children under the age of 18, is outlined in the Homelessness Strategy 2022-27 which can be found at https://www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/73313718-aa0e-4aae-b122-6573dcab88c7/Ending-Homelessness-Together-Homelessness-Strategy-2022-27.pdf.\n\nThe accompanying Year 3 Action plan which can be found here https://www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/ed2fb456-411c-409d-90dd-93d5fb387b09/Homelessness-Strategy-Year-3-Action-Plan.pdf contains a commitment that the Housing Executive ‘…will publish our Youth Homelessness Action Plan and we will work with key partners to implement the actions outlined within.’\n\nThe Youth Homelessness Action Plan aims to provide a coordinated response to ensure the Housing Executive addresses the challenges posed by youth homelessness with a focus on prevention, support and accommodation options. The Housing Executive’s Youth Homelessness Action Plan is due to be published in November 2024. While the Youth Homelessness Action Plan has yet to be published, delivery on the 18 actions, within it, has commenced.”\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 and been advised that:
“The Housing Executive’s approach to supporting households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, including those homeless households who have children under the age of 18, is outlined in the Homelessness Strategy 2022-27 which can be found at https://www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/73313718-aa0e-4aae-b122-6573dcab88c7/Ending-Homelessness-Together-Homelessness-Strategy-2022-27.pdf.
The accompanying Year 3 Action plan which can be found here https://www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/ed2fb456-411c-409d-90dd-93d5fb387b09/Homelessness-Strategy-Year-3-Action-Plan.pdf contains a commitment that the Housing Executive ‘…will publish our Youth Homelessness Action Plan and we will work with key partners to implement the actions outlined within.’
The Youth Homelessness Action Plan aims to provide a coordinated response to ensure the Housing Executive addresses the challenges posed by youth homelessness with a focus on prevention, support and accommodation options. The Housing Executive’s Youth Homelessness Action Plan is due to be published in November 2024. While the Youth Homelessness Action Plan has yet to be published, delivery on the 18 actions, within it, has commenced.”
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%2017204%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415262","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415262"}},{"id":"415261","reference":"AQW 17203/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-10-24","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 the amount of funding delivered directly to businesses via the various flood support schemes, administered through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, since the flooding occurred on 26 October 2023.","answerText":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.","answerHtml":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017203%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415261","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415261"}},{"id":"415260","reference":"AQW 17202/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-10-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on his Department's decision in relation to the provision of a Christmas Goodwill Grant in 2024.","answerText":"Officials are currently preparing a business case for consideration should funding be available.\n\nMy Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment on its Budget. Informed by responses received, and any further Budget allocations received in October Monitoring, the final report is expected to publish in November, at which point I expect to be able to finalise budget allocations.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently preparing a business case for consideration should funding be available.
My Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment on its Budget. Informed by responses received, and any further Budget allocations received in October Monitoring, the final report is expected to publish in November, at which point I expect to be able to finalise budget allocations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017202%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415260","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415260"}},{"id":"415259","reference":"AQW 17201/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for details of the pilot programme in the draft Programme for Government that will support young people leaving care and help to prevent this group from the risk of homelessness.","answerText":"My officials are actively engaging with the Housing Executive and other statutory partners to scope out potential service improvements for young people leaving care. However, the final details of the pilot programme have yet to be agreed.","answerHtml":"My officials are actively engaging with the Housing Executive and other statutory partners to scope out potential service improvements for young people leaving care. However, the final details of the pilot programme have yet to be agreed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017201%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415259","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415259"}},{"id":"415029","reference":"AQW 17105/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-10-24","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 the number of businesses in (i) Downpatrick; (ii) Newcastle; (iii) Newry; and (iv) Portadown that applied for funding through the (a) Flood Support Scheme; and (b) hardship scheme within the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area since flooding occurred on 26 October 2023.","answerText":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.","answerHtml":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017105%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415029","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415029"}},{"id":"415028","reference":"AQW 17104/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-10-24","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 the number of businesses in (i) Downpatrick; (ii) Newcastle; (iii) Newry; and (iv) Portadown that received funding through flood support schemes administered within the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area since flooding occurred on 26 October 2023.","answerText":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.","answerHtml":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017104%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415028","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415028"}},{"id":"415027","reference":"AQW 17103/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-10-24","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 the number of applications to the (i) Enhanced Flood Support Scheme; and (ii) hardship scheme, since the flooding incidents on 26 October 2023 in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, that are still be processed.","answerText":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.","answerHtml":"The Flood Schemes are being administered and delivered by the Councils impacted by the flooding. I would advise that such queries are directed towards the Councils involved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017103%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415027","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415027"}},{"id":"415026","reference":"AQW 17102/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2025-02-07","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 the amount of the (i) Enhanced Flood Support Scheme; and (ii) hardship scheme funds, set aside for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, remains unallocated.","answerText":"There was no specific amount of funding set aside for Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC).\n\nWhen coming into office, Conor Murphy agreed to provide up to £10 million to fund three schemes that provided additional support to businesses impacted by the severe flooding in November 2004, i.e. the Enhanced flood Support Scheme (EFSS) and two hardship funds. Whilst it was estimated that the schemes would cost up to £10 million, the final cost of delivering the schemes was less than anticipated. Conor had asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments, but no realistic deliverable options were identified given the time frame available.\n\nHowever, before leaving office, Conor asked officials to explore options for implementing a more permanent flood support scheme for businesses similar to schemes operating in Britain. In recognition of the increased number of flood incidents over the past few years, he also felt it would be an opportune time to include a review of support for everyone impacted by flooding, including residents, sports clubs etc. He, therefore, instructed officials to establish a cross departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding. A terms of reference for the group is currently being drafted.","answerHtml":"There was no specific amount of funding set aside for Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC).
When coming into office, Conor Murphy agreed to provide up to £10 million to fund three schemes that provided additional support to businesses impacted by the severe flooding in November 2004, i.e. the Enhanced flood Support Scheme (EFSS) and two hardship funds. Whilst it was estimated that the schemes would cost up to £10 million, the final cost of delivering the schemes was less than anticipated. Conor had asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments, but no realistic deliverable options were identified given the time frame available.
However, before leaving office, Conor asked officials to explore options for implementing a more permanent flood support scheme for businesses similar to schemes operating in Britain. In recognition of the increased number of flood incidents over the past few years, he also felt it would be an opportune time to include a review of support for everyone impacted by flooding, including residents, sports clubs etc. He, therefore, instructed officials to establish a cross departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding. A terms of reference for the group is currently being drafted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017102%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415026","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415026"}},{"id":"415025","reference":"AQW 17101/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","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 detail any plans he has to reallocate surplus funds from the (i) Enhanced Flood Support Scheme; and (ii) hardship scheme in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.","answerText":"There was no specific amount of funding set aside for Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC).\n\nWhen coming into office, Conor Murphy agreed to provide up to £10 million to fund three schemes that provided additional support to businesses impacted by the severe flooding in November 2004, i.e. the Enhanced flood Support Scheme (EFSS) and two hardship funds. Whilst it was estimated that the schemes would cost up to £10 million, the final cost of delivering the schemes was less than anticipated. Conor had asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments, but no realistic deliverable options were identified given the time frame available.\n\nHowever, before leaving office, Conor asked officials to explore options for implementing a more permanent flood support scheme for businesses similar to schemes operating in Britain. In recognition of the increased number of flood incidents over the past few years, he also felt it would be an opportune time to include a review of support for everyone impacted by flooding, including residents, sports clubs etc. He, therefore, instructed officials to establish a cross departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding. A terms of reference for the group is currently being drafted.","answerHtml":"There was no specific amount of funding set aside for Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC).
When coming into office, Conor Murphy agreed to provide up to £10 million to fund three schemes that provided additional support to businesses impacted by the severe flooding in November 2004, i.e. the Enhanced flood Support Scheme (EFSS) and two hardship funds. Whilst it was estimated that the schemes would cost up to £10 million, the final cost of delivering the schemes was less than anticipated. Conor had asked officials to explore options for utilising any unused funding, including options to transfer funding to other Departments, but no realistic deliverable options were identified given the time frame available.
However, before leaving office, Conor asked officials to explore options for implementing a more permanent flood support scheme for businesses similar to schemes operating in Britain. In recognition of the increased number of flood incidents over the past few years, he also felt it would be an opportune time to include a review of support for everyone impacted by flooding, including residents, sports clubs etc. He, therefore, instructed officials to establish a cross departmental group to explore options for future flood schemes to support recovery and resilience for all those impacted by flooding. A terms of reference for the group is currently being drafted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017101%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415025"}},{"id":"416356","reference":"AQO 1059/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-04","answered":"2024-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any plans he has to make use of the 20,000 vacant properties to address the shortage of housing supply.","answerText":"Tackling long term vacant properties and creating opportunities for town or city-centre living plays an important role in regenerating towns and cities, supporting places to be vibrant and sustainable, where people want to live, work and visit.\n\nI have been working on a Housing Supply Strategy to address the wider challenges facing housing supply. This includes consideration of how we can make best use of existing buildings to provide much need housing.\n\nI am currently finalising this Strategy and intend to bring it to the Executive for consideration shortly.","answerHtml":"Tackling long term vacant properties and creating opportunities for town or city-centre living plays an important role in regenerating towns and cities, supporting places to be vibrant and sustainable, where people want to live, work and visit.
I have been working on a Housing Supply Strategy to address the wider challenges facing housing supply. This includes consideration of how we can make best use of existing buildings to provide much need housing.
I am currently finalising this Strategy and intend to bring it to the Executive for consideration shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416356"}},{"id":"413068","reference":"AQW 16322/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-07","answerBy":"2024-10-22","answered":"2024-10-15","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 (i) the reasons why the consultation on an offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment has not yet been published; and (ii) the timeframe for its publication.","answerText":"The consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment of Offshore Renewable Energy will be published when all spatial matters are resolved. The process being worked through now will have benefits for the future and ensure a sustainable approach for offshore renewable energy development in the north.","answerHtml":"The consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment of Offshore Renewable Energy will be published when all spatial matters are resolved. The process being worked through now will have benefits for the future and ensure a sustainable approach for offshore renewable energy development in the north.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016322%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413068","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413068"}},{"id":"413067","reference":"AQW 16321/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-07","answerBy":"2024-10-22","answered":"2024-10-15","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 (i) the reasons why the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan has not yet been published; and (ii) the timeframe for its publication.","answerText":"My Department published the draft Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) for public consultation and plans to publish an updated OREAP and Government response in the coming months.\n\nThe Department and our key stakeholders continue to work collaboratively towards delivery of the actions as outlined within the draft OREAP.\n\nOffshore renewable energy will have a key role to play in achieving net zero and we remain focused on delivering our offshore ambitions from 2030.","answerHtml":"My Department published the draft Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) for public consultation and plans to publish an updated OREAP and Government response in the coming months.
The Department and our key stakeholders continue to work collaboratively towards delivery of the actions as outlined within the draft OREAP.
Offshore renewable energy will have a key role to play in achieving net zero and we remain focused on delivering our offshore ambitions from 2030.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016321%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413067","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413067"}},{"id":"414165","reference":"AQO 966/22-27","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 for an update on the work of her Department's Innovation Lab, alongside the James Hutton Institute, to develop the long-term sustainable future of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"The main role of my Department in relation to the Mourne Mountains was to carry out research to identify key issues surrounding its long-term future that need to be addressed.\n\nThe research pointed towards the importance of the Mournes and the positive impact it has on health, wellbeing and culture, as well as connecting communities. It also highlighted a number of issues such as a disconnected environmental approach; the negative impacts of tourism; overburdened car parks; lack of alternative transport; and poor roads, paths and facilities.\n\nThe work identified that many of these issues cut across several Government Departments. An initial priority therefore is the need to identify an Executive Minister that would work with Executive colleagues to develop and deliver a Mournes Management Plan.\n\nGiven its role in the Mournes area, my officials are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in the first instance regarding the issues raised through this work and, in particular, the ownership of these within the Executive.","answerHtml":"The main role of my Department in relation to the Mourne Mountains was to carry out research to identify key issues surrounding its long-term future that need to be addressed.
The research pointed towards the importance of the Mournes and the positive impact it has on health, wellbeing and culture, as well as connecting communities. It also highlighted a number of issues such as a disconnected environmental approach; the negative impacts of tourism; overburdened car parks; lack of alternative transport; and poor roads, paths and facilities.
The work identified that many of these issues cut across several Government Departments. An initial priority therefore is the need to identify an Executive Minister that would work with Executive colleagues to develop and deliver a Mournes Management Plan.
Given its role in the Mournes area, my officials are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in the first instance regarding the issues raised through this work and, in particular, the ownership of these within the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20966%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414165","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414165"}},{"id":"411919","reference":"AQW 15883/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-07","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 commitments he has been given by the UK Government in relation to Great British Energy investment in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"I met with Secretary of State Ed Miliband in July and emphasised my energy priorities for the Economic Vision. I put to him my ambition to realise self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy here and I gained his agreement that GB Energy can and must also support decarbonisation in the North of Ireland.","answerHtml":"I met with Secretary of State Ed Miliband in July and emphasised my energy priorities for the Economic Vision. I put to him my ambition to realise self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy here and I gained his agreement that GB Energy can and must also support decarbonisation in the North of Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015883%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411919"}},{"id":"409540","reference":"AQW 14774/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether stakeholders who participated in the James Hutton Institute research into the management of the Mourne Mountains will have an opportunity to see the findings.","answerText":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014774%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409540","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409540"}},{"id":"409539","reference":"AQW 14773/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether a report will be published as a result of the James Hutton Institute research into the management of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014773%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409539"}},{"id":"409538","reference":"AQW 14772/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether a report has been compiled as a result of the James Hutton Institute research into the management of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the response provided in AQW 14771/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014772%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409538"}},{"id":"409537","reference":"AQW 14771/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-10","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-09-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether the James Hutton Institute has completed its research into the management of the Mourne Mountains.","answerText":"The James Hutton Institute carried out research with individuals and organisations in the area as part of a wider work programme looking at the future of the Mourne Mountains.\n\nA report, setting out the findings from the research, was completed in March 2023. Although the report has not yet been published, a draft was shared with a number of stakeholders at the time as part of the research process.\n\nMy officials are currently engaging with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the issues raised through the work and, in particular, ownership of these within the Executive. Publication of the research can then be considered by the relevant department(s) that takes on any such role.","answerHtml":"The James Hutton Institute carried out research with individuals and organisations in the area as part of a wider work programme looking at the future of the Mourne Mountains.
A report, setting out the findings from the research, was completed in March 2023. Although the report has not yet been published, a draft was shared with a number of stakeholders at the time as part of the research process.
My officials are currently engaging with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the issues raised through the work and, in particular, ownership of these within the Executive. Publication of the research can then be considered by the relevant department(s) that takes on any such role.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014771%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409537"}},{"id":"409292","reference":"AQW 14607/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-06","answerBy":"2024-09-23","answered":"2024-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department proposes to mitigate the equality implications resulting from the expected impact of reduced NI Water on social housing development, given the assessment provided in the Capital Budget 2024-25 Equality Screening.","answerText":"I have provided NI Water with a total budget allocation of almost £0.5 billion in 2024-25, representing just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget for my Department. This reflects the central importance of water and sewerage services to our society.\n\nNI Water is assisting developers with development planning, including those involved in the development of social housing, by encouraging early engagement, through the Pre- Development Enquiry process, and to arrange for initial discussions on wastewater issues at the beginning of the process, to try and find a resolution to any issues at an early stage.\n\nI can also advise that a Development Constraints Project Team has been put in place, within NI Water’s Developer Services function, to help alleviate capacity constraints, and that NI Water endeavours to facilitate development, wherever possible.\n\nWe all want to see a sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure which benefits everyone across our society; therefore, I will continue to raise the need for NI Water, to have secure and sustainable funding, with the NI Executive and the British Government, to help deliver the necessary infrastructure to enable the building of homes for all our people.","answerHtml":"I have provided NI Water with a total budget allocation of almost £0.5 billion in 2024-25, representing just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget for my Department. This reflects the central importance of water and sewerage services to our society.
NI Water is assisting developers with development planning, including those involved in the development of social housing, by encouraging early engagement, through the Pre- Development Enquiry process, and to arrange for initial discussions on wastewater issues at the beginning of the process, to try and find a resolution to any issues at an early stage.
I can also advise that a Development Constraints Project Team has been put in place, within NI Water’s Developer Services function, to help alleviate capacity constraints, and that NI Water endeavours to facilitate development, wherever possible.
We all want to see a sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure which benefits everyone across our society; therefore, I will continue to raise the need for NI Water, to have secure and sustainable funding, with the NI Executive and the British Government, to help deliver the necessary infrastructure to enable the building of homes for all our people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014607%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409292","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409292"}},{"id":"409291","reference":"AQW 14606/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-06","answerBy":"2024-09-23","answered":"2024-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) any efforts his Department has made to secure the necessary ring-fenced funding to develop a Flood Forecasting Centre, included in the the Budget 2024-25 Equality Impact Assessment Public Consultation; and (ii) any response there has been in relation to this.","answerText":"Currently due to budgetary constraints my Department is operating a limited flood risk management service with no provision to fund a Flood Forecasting Centre.\n\nMy Department submitted a transformation bid for the delivery of a Flood Forecasting Centre. As this is a digital bid, it is being considered as part of a digital landscape review, the outcome of which is not expected until later this year.","answerHtml":"Currently due to budgetary constraints my Department is operating a limited flood risk management service with no provision to fund a Flood Forecasting Centre.
My Department submitted a transformation bid for the delivery of a Flood Forecasting Centre. As this is a digital bid, it is being considered as part of a digital landscape review, the outcome of which is not expected until later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014606%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409291"}},{"id":"409023","reference":"AQW 14458/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-04","answerBy":"2024-09-19","answered":"2024-09-19","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 money that has been raised for (i) water; and (ii) wastewater infrastructure under agreements of Section 76, paragraph b) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in the last ten years.","answerText":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.\n\nIn April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.\n\nDetails of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.\n\nApplications with s76 agreement\tNumber of Water / Wastewater works\tNumber of Infrastructure works\tContracted amounts\tContracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works\nLough Neagh sand dredging\nLA03/2017/0310/F\tNone\tMitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping.\t£25,000 annually (index linked)\n£112,158 received to date\tNone\nCasement Park Stadium\nLA04/2017/0474/F\tNone\tInstallation of cameras\t£1,000 annually (index linked)\n£90,000 (index linked)\tNone\nLinen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development\nH/2009/0264/O\nH/2009/0270/F\t\tReservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings.\tNone\tNone\nGeorge Best Belfast City Airport\tNone\tNone\tNone\tNone\n\nReimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.","answerHtml":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.
In April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.
Details of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.
| Applications with s76 agreement | Number of Water / Wastewater works | Number of Infrastructure works | Contracted amounts | Contracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works |
| Lough Neagh sand dredging LA03/2017/0310/F | None | Mitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping. | £25,000 annually (index linked) £112,158 received to date | None |
| Casement Park Stadium LA04/2017/0474/F | None | Installation of cameras | £1,000 annually (index linked) £90,000 (index linked) | None |
| Linen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development H/2009/0264/O H/2009/0270/F | Reservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings. | None | None | |
| George Best Belfast City Airport | None | None | None | None |
Reimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014458%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409023"}},{"id":"409022","reference":"AQW 14457/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-04","answerBy":"2024-09-19","answered":"2024-09-19","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 money that has been raised from agreements under Section 76, paragraphs (i) d; and (ii) e of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in the last ten years.","answerText":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.\n\nIn April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.\n\nDetails of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.\n\nApplications with s76 agreement\tNumber of Water / Wastewater works\tNumber of Infrastructure works\tContracted amounts\tContracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works\nLough Neagh sand dredging\nLA03/2017/0310/F\tNone\tMitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping.\t£25,000 annually (index linked)\n£112,158 received to date\tNone\nCasement Park Stadium\nLA04/2017/0474/F\tNone\tInstallation of cameras\t£1,000 annually (index linked)\n£90,000 (index linked)\tNone\nLinen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development\nH/2009/0264/O\nH/2009/0270/F\t\tReservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings.\tNone\tNone\nGeorge Best Belfast City Airport\tNone\tNone\tNone\tNone\n\nReimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.","answerHtml":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.
In April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.
Details of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.
| Applications with s76 agreement | Number of Water / Wastewater works | Number of Infrastructure works | Contracted amounts | Contracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works |
| Lough Neagh sand dredging LA03/2017/0310/F | None | Mitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping. | £25,000 annually (index linked) £112,158 received to date | None |
| Casement Park Stadium LA04/2017/0474/F | None | Installation of cameras | £1,000 annually (index linked) £90,000 (index linked) | None |
| Linen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development H/2009/0264/O H/2009/0270/F | Reservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings. | None | None | |
| George Best Belfast City Airport | None | None | None | None |
Reimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014457%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409022","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409022"}},{"id":"409021","reference":"AQW 14456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-04","answerBy":"2024-09-19","answered":"2024-09-19","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 infrastructure works that have been carried out by developers following agreements under Section 76, paragraph b) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in the last ten years.","answerText":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.\n\nIn April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.\n\nDetails of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.\n\nApplications with s76 agreement\tNumber of Water / Wastewater works\tNumber of Infrastructure works\tContracted amounts\tContracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works\nLough Neagh sand dredging\nLA03/2017/0310/F\tNone\tMitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping.\t£25,000 annually (index linked)\n£112,158 received to date\tNone\nCasement Park Stadium\nLA04/2017/0474/F\tNone\tInstallation of cameras\t£1,000 annually (index linked)\n£90,000 (index linked)\tNone\nLinen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development\nH/2009/0264/O\nH/2009/0270/F\t\tReservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings.\tNone\tNone\nGeorge Best Belfast City Airport\tNone\tNone\tNone\tNone\n\nReimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.","answerHtml":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.
In April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.
Details of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.
| Applications with s76 agreement | Number of Water / Wastewater works | Number of Infrastructure works | Contracted amounts | Contracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works |
| Lough Neagh sand dredging LA03/2017/0310/F | None | Mitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping. | £25,000 annually (index linked) £112,158 received to date | None |
| Casement Park Stadium LA04/2017/0474/F | None | Installation of cameras | £1,000 annually (index linked) £90,000 (index linked) | None |
| Linen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development H/2009/0264/O H/2009/0270/F | Reservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings. | None | None | |
| George Best Belfast City Airport | None | None | None | None |
Reimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409021","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409021"}},{"id":"409020","reference":"AQW 14455/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-04","answerBy":"2024-09-19","answered":"2024-09-19","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 (i) water; and (ii) wastewater infrastructure works that have been carried out under agreements of Section 76, paragraph b) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in the last ten years.","answerText":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.\n\nIn April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.\n\nDetails of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.\n\nApplications with s76 agreement\tNumber of Water / Wastewater works\tNumber of Infrastructure works\tContracted amounts\tContracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works\nLough Neagh sand dredging\nLA03/2017/0310/F\tNone\tMitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping.\t£25,000 annually (index linked)\n£112,158 received to date\tNone\nCasement Park Stadium\nLA04/2017/0474/F\tNone\tInstallation of cameras\t£1,000 annually (index linked)\n£90,000 (index linked)\tNone\nLinen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development\nH/2009/0264/O\nH/2009/0270/F\t\tReservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings.\tNone\tNone\nGeorge Best Belfast City Airport\tNone\tNone\tNone\tNone\n\nReimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.","answerHtml":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.
In April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.
Details of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.
| Applications with s76 agreement | Number of Water / Wastewater works | Number of Infrastructure works | Contracted amounts | Contracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works |
| Lough Neagh sand dredging LA03/2017/0310/F | None | Mitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping. | £25,000 annually (index linked) £112,158 received to date | None |
| Casement Park Stadium LA04/2017/0474/F | None | Installation of cameras | £1,000 annually (index linked) £90,000 (index linked) | None |
| Linen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development H/2009/0264/O H/2009/0270/F | Reservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings. | None | None | |
| George Best Belfast City Airport | None | None | None | None |
Reimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014455%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409020","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409020"}},{"id":"409019","reference":"AQW 14454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-04","answerBy":"2024-09-19","answered":"2024-09-19","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 planning applications that included an agreement under Section 76, paragraph (i) b; (ii) d; and (iii) e of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in the last ten years.","answerText":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.\n\nIn April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.\n\nDetails of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.\n\nApplications with s76 agreement\tNumber of Water / Wastewater works\tNumber of Infrastructure works\tContracted amounts\tContracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works\nLough Neagh sand dredging\nLA03/2017/0310/F\tNone\tMitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping.\t£25,000 annually (index linked)\n£112,158 received to date\tNone\nCasement Park Stadium\nLA04/2017/0474/F\tNone\tInstallation of cameras\t£1,000 annually (index linked)\n£90,000 (index linked)\tNone\nLinen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development\nH/2009/0264/O\nH/2009/0270/F\t\tReservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings.\tNone\tNone\nGeorge Best Belfast City Airport\tNone\tNone\tNone\tNone\n\nReimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.","answerHtml":"Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 makes provision for any person who has an estate in land to enter in an agreement with the relevant authority for prescribed purposes. These agreements are referred to as ‘planning agreements’ or ‘section 76 agreements’. The ‘relevant authority’ may be either the Department for Infrastructure or a local council.
In April 2015 the majority of planning powers, including the power to enter into planning agreements, were devolved to the local councils. Additionally, the Department, as it exists now, was only formed in May 2016, the planning function having formerly been the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. Accordingly, the answer is provided in the context of the current Department and thus since May 2016.
Details of the agreements entered into, the contracted sums, and the purposes are set out in the table below.
| Applications with s76 agreement | Number of Water / Wastewater works | Number of Infrastructure works | Contracted amounts | Contracted amounts for Water / Wastewater works |
| Lough Neagh sand dredging LA03/2017/0310/F | None | Mitigation measures for sand accumulation. Noise attenuation; fencing; and landscaping. | £25,000 annually (index linked) £112,158 received to date | None |
| Casement Park Stadium LA04/2017/0474/F | None | Installation of cameras | £1,000 annually (index linked) £90,000 (index linked) | None |
| Linen Mill Complex, Upperlands Mixed Use Development H/2009/0264/O H/2009/0270/F | Reservoir improvement works; works to secure and stabilise buildings; and restoration works to buildings. | None | None | |
| George Best Belfast City Airport | None | None | None | None |
Reimbursement of the Department’s legal expenditure has not been included in the sums. The sums include both received sums and potential sums.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409019","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409019"}},{"id":"408730","reference":"AQW 14313/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-17","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 days that wastewater treatment stations have been recorded as being over capacity in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water does not record data on the capacity of wastewater treatment works on a daily basis and therefore the information sought is not available.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water does not record data on the capacity of wastewater treatment works on a daily basis and therefore the information sought is not available.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014313%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408730","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408730"}},{"id":"408729","reference":"AQW 14312/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-17","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 wastewater treatment stations that have been recorded as being over capacity in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nThe table below details the number of wastewater treatment works (WwTW), by size, that were recorded as being over capacity in each of the last five full calendar years . It also includes the number of wastewater treatment works that are over capacity in 2024, at 18 August 2024.\n\n2019\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\n(at 18/8/24)\nWwTW treating less than 250 population equivalent\t382\t382\t382\t385\t384\t383\nWwTW treating greater than 250 population equivalent\t82\t83\t82\t84\t74\t71\nTotal\t464\t465\t464\t469\t458\t454\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
The table below details the number of wastewater treatment works (WwTW), by size, that were recorded as being over capacity in each of the last five full calendar years . It also includes the number of wastewater treatment works that are over capacity in 2024, at 18 August 2024.
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 (at 18/8/24) | |
| WwTW treating less than 250 population equivalent | 382 | 382 | 382 | 385 | 384 | 383 |
| WwTW treating greater than 250 population equivalent | 82 | 83 | 82 | 84 | 74 | 71 |
| Total | 464 | 465 | 464 | 469 | 458 | 454 |
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014312%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408729"}},{"id":"408728","reference":"AQW 14311/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-17","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 wastewater treatment stations in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water has 1,022 wastewater treatment works throughout the North.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water has 1,022 wastewater treatment works throughout the North.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014311%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408728","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408728"}},{"id":"408727","reference":"AQW 14310/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to voluntary sector mental health charities taking referrals from statutory agencies but not receiving any statutory funding, for his assessment of this funding model.","answerText":"In delivering on Actions 17, 31 and 32 of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-31, the Department intends to undertake a review of the scope, scale and capacity of the Community & Voluntary (C&V) sector during 2024/25. This review will aim to identify and map the current levels of funding (both government and non-government) of the sector, including impact and outcomes being delivered across the range of mental health services provided.\n\nThis work will include recommendations on optimum approaches for utilising existing funding and resources to best effect in the delivery of mental health priorities, including how current commissioning and funding arrangements may be strengthened.","answerHtml":"In delivering on Actions 17, 31 and 32 of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-31, the Department intends to undertake a review of the scope, scale and capacity of the Community & Voluntary (C&V) sector during 2024/25. This review will aim to identify and map the current levels of funding (both government and non-government) of the sector, including impact and outcomes being delivered across the range of mental health services provided.
This work will include recommendations on optimum approaches for utilising existing funding and resources to best effect in the delivery of mental health priorities, including how current commissioning and funding arrangements may be strengthened.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014310%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408727","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408727"}},{"id":"408726","reference":"AQW 14309/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to replace the Mental Health Support Fund.","answerText":"The Mental Health Support Fund was established using unspent Covid-19 monies to help equip and enable our local charity sector to continue to provide vital mental health services in our communities. The fund was a one-off, non-recurring fund for a period of three years, from April 2021 to March 2024. All monies allocated to the Mental Health Support Fund have now been exhausted and it has now ended.\n\nThe 2024-25 Resource budget for the Department, regrettably passed by the NI Assembly and supported by you, represented a 2.3% reduction in funding compared to expenditure in 2023-24. Health and Social Care (HSC) is facing a significant funding shortfall. The financial position therefore remains very challenging, and work continues across the HSC system to deliver the maximum possible savings and efficiencies. Therefore, there is currently no capacity within the current budget to extend or replace the fund.","answerHtml":"The Mental Health Support Fund was established using unspent Covid-19 monies to help equip and enable our local charity sector to continue to provide vital mental health services in our communities. The fund was a one-off, non-recurring fund for a period of three years, from April 2021 to March 2024. All monies allocated to the Mental Health Support Fund have now been exhausted and it has now ended.
The 2024-25 Resource budget for the Department, regrettably passed by the NI Assembly and supported by you, represented a 2.3% reduction in funding compared to expenditure in 2023-24. Health and Social Care (HSC) is facing a significant funding shortfall. The financial position therefore remains very challenging, and work continues across the HSC system to deliver the maximum possible savings and efficiencies. Therefore, there is currently no capacity within the current budget to extend or replace the fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014309%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408726","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408726"}},{"id":"447078","reference":"AQO 745/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-02","answerBy":"2024-09-09","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 reduce its carbon footprint.","answerText":"ORAL QUESTION No 9 - AQO 745/22-27\n\nANSWER\n\nMy Department is committed to delivering its responsibilities under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 and in supporting DAERA in the development of the first NI Climate Action Plan.\n\nWhile the Department of Justice is not a sectoral lead under the Act we aim to contribute to the sectors of buildings, transport and energy.\n\nOur 2023 Outline Sustainable Strategy sets out our goals and supporting actions to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, we have established 2021/22 as our baseline year for measuring our energy consumption and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.\n\nWe have an active information programme in place to encourage behavioural change with our staff, both in the workplace and at home.","answerHtml":"ORAL QUESTION No 9 - AQO 745/22-27
ANSWER
My Department is committed to delivering its responsibilities under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 and in supporting DAERA in the development of the first NI Climate Action Plan.
While the Department of Justice is not a sectoral lead under the Act we aim to contribute to the sectors of buildings, transport and energy.
Our 2023 Outline Sustainable Strategy sets out our goals and supporting actions to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, we have established 2021/22 as our baseline year for measuring our energy consumption and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
We have an active information programme in place to encourage behavioural change with our staff, both in the workplace and at home.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447078","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447078"}},{"id":"407087","reference":"AQW 13988/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-28","answerBy":"2024-07-17","answered":"2024-07-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the multi-agency review of the autumn flooding in the south east, when the interim arrangements for vulnerable locations affected by the flooding will be put in place.","answerText":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.\n\nSome of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.\n\nConsiderations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.\n\nThe joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.","answerHtml":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.
Some of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.
Considerations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.
The joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013988%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407087","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407087"}},{"id":"407086","reference":"AQW 13987/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-28","answerBy":"2024-07-17","answered":"2024-07-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether updates on the final report on the autumn flooding in the south east, and associated interim arrangements, will be communicated to the (i) Committee for Infrastructure; and (ii) MLAs from the affected areas.","answerText":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.\n\nSome of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.\n\nConsiderations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.\n\nThe joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.","answerHtml":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.
Some of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.
Considerations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.
The joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013987%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407086","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407086"}},{"id":"407085","reference":"AQW 13986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-28","answerBy":"2024-07-17","answered":"2024-07-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the multi-agency review of the autumn flooding in the south east, whether there are any interim arrangements apparent in the draft report that can be acted upon immediately in order to ameliorate any future flooding incident.","answerText":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.\n\nSome of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.\n\nConsiderations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.\n\nThe joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.","answerHtml":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.
Some of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.
Considerations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.
The joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407085","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407085"}},{"id":"407084","reference":"AQW 13985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-28","answerBy":"2024-07-17","answered":"2024-07-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the multi-agency review of the autumn flooding in the south east, to provide a timeframe for when the final report will be published.","answerText":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.\n\nSome of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.\n\nConsiderations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.\n\nThe joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.","answerHtml":"The final report on the multi- agency review of Autumn flooding in the South East will be published in July 2024.
Some of the measures evident from the report, and from the open day feedback, are around communication in respect of flood reporting, insurance, financial assistance and working with communities in areas of flood risk. My Department, along with other multi-agency partners, will seek to address those areas of work which can be acted upon reasonably quickly. In addition, my Department, as the Lead Government Department for the strategic co-ordination of the emergency response to significant flooding, will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure that so far as possible pre-planned arrangements are in place to help mitigate against any future flooding events.
Considerations around the release of the report later this month to NI Executive colleagues and the wider presentation and communication of this report are ongoing.
The joint flooding review group are currently working to establish governance and responsibility for delivery of the recommendations in the report, so I am unable to provide specific information on the detail you request at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407084","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407084"}},{"id":"405864","reference":"AQW 13490/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-17","answerBy":"2024-07-02","answered":"2024-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether Roundup, or a glyphosate-based weed killer, was used in (i) May 2024; and (ii) June 2024 in the South Down constituency.","answerText":"I can confirm that glyphosate-based products were used in the South Down area in May and June 2024.\n\nChemical control of weeds by my Department is generally carried out on kerbed and paved areas by external contractors using herbicide products suitable for use on hard surfaces and listed on the Pesticides Register of UK Authorised Products, which can be viewed on the Health and Safety Executive (GB) website.\n\nThe control of weeds is to ensure road safety, to prevent structural damage to infrastructure assets, for watercourse maintenance and to fulfil legislative requirements on the control of noxious weeds and invasive species.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that glyphosate-based products were used in the South Down area in May and June 2024.
Chemical control of weeds by my Department is generally carried out on kerbed and paved areas by external contractors using herbicide products suitable for use on hard surfaces and listed on the Pesticides Register of UK Authorised Products, which can be viewed on the Health and Safety Executive (GB) website.
The control of weeds is to ensure road safety, to prevent structural damage to infrastructure assets, for watercourse maintenance and to fulfil legislative requirements on the control of noxious weeds and invasive species.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013490%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405864","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405864"}},{"id":"405863","reference":"AQW 13489/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-17","answerBy":"2024-07-02","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 whether Roundup, or a glyphosate-based weed killer, is used by his Department in the spraying of roadside verges.","answerText":"Chemical control of weeds by my Department is generally carried out on kerbed and paved areas by external contractors using herbicide products suitable for use on hard surfaces and listed on the Pesticides Register of UK Authorised Products, which can be viewed on the Health and Safety Executive website.\n\nI understand that Glyphosate-based products are currently used by my Department and external contractors on hard surfaces for the control of weeds to ensure road safety, to prevent structural damage to infrastructure assets, for watercourse maintenance and to fulfil legislative requirements on the control of noxious weeds and invasive species.\n\nSpraying of highway surfaces / edges is carried out by trained personnel in accordance with advice from manufacturers and the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, using the minimum treatment necessary to achieve the required results.","answerHtml":"Chemical control of weeds by my Department is generally carried out on kerbed and paved areas by external contractors using herbicide products suitable for use on hard surfaces and listed on the Pesticides Register of UK Authorised Products, which can be viewed on the Health and Safety Executive website.
I understand that Glyphosate-based products are currently used by my Department and external contractors on hard surfaces for the control of weeds to ensure road safety, to prevent structural damage to infrastructure assets, for watercourse maintenance and to fulfil legislative requirements on the control of noxious weeds and invasive species.
Spraying of highway surfaces / edges is carried out by trained personnel in accordance with advice from manufacturers and the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, using the minimum treatment necessary to achieve the required results.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013489%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405863","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405863"}},{"id":"405862","reference":"AQW 13488/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-17","answerBy":"2024-07-02","answered":"2024-07-05","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 miles of roadside sprayed by his Department in this calendar year, broken down by each regional section area.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information in the format requested, however, the table below details the lengths and areas of weed spraying carried out on an annual basis in each of my Department’s Roads section office areas.\n\nFlagged & brick paviour Footway areas. (m2)\tRoad channel, kerb & back edge of Footway (km)\nBelfast North\t590,171\t2,505\nBelfast South\t390,172\t2,154\nLisburn & Castlereagh\t137,254\t1,818\nCauseway Coast & Glens W\t109,415\t1,573\nCauseway Coast & Glens E\t27,995\t682\nMid & East Antrim\t226,758\t751\nArds & North Down\t477,734\t2,382\nArmagh, Banbridge & Craigavon West\t92384\t631\nArmagh, Banbridge & Craigavon East\t382,909\t933\nNewry, Mourne & Down East\t11,268\t1,017\nNewry, Mourne & Down West\t38,298\t1,369\nMid Ulster North\t63,102\t626\nMid Ulster South\t52,529\t550\nFermanagh Omagh East\t46,223\t514\nFermanagh Omagh West\t92,885\t417\nDerry City & Strabane\t314,014\t1,990","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information in the format requested, however, the table below details the lengths and areas of weed spraying carried out on an annual basis in each of my Department’s Roads section office areas.
| Flagged & brick paviour Footway areas. (m2) | Road channel, kerb & back edge of Footway (km) | |
| Belfast North | 590,171 | 2,505 |
| Belfast South | 390,172 | 2,154 |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh | 137,254 | 1,818 |
| Causeway Coast & Glens W | 109,415 | 1,573 |
| Causeway Coast & Glens E | 27,995 | 682 |
| Mid & East Antrim | 226,758 | 751 |
| Ards & North Down | 477,734 | 2,382 |
| Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon West | 92384 | 631 |
| Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon East | 382,909 | 933 |
| Newry, Mourne & Down East | 11,268 | 1,017 |
| Newry, Mourne & Down West | 38,298 | 1,369 |
| Mid Ulster North | 63,102 | 626 |
| Mid Ulster South | 52,529 | 550 |
| Fermanagh Omagh East | 46,223 | 514 |
| Fermanagh Omagh West | 92,885 | 417 |
| Derry City & Strabane | 314,014 | 1,990 |
While the Department has not carried out any specific research on alternatives to weedkiller, this topic has been discussed with colleagues from other roads authorities at the UK Roads Leadership Group, and some of its subcommittees, however, to date no effective alternative has been identified.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013487%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405861","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405861"}},{"id":"405575","reference":"AQO 674/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-13","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-25","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission whether funding is available for Members to ensure all constituency offices provide disability access.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"I thank the Member for his question. Financial assistance for Members is provided for by the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination (NI) 2016, as amended by the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) (Amendment) Determination (NI) 2020. The determination enables Members to recover costs incurred in carrying out their Assembly duties, including providing constituent services through the establishment of a constituency office. Members may claim the cost of making adjustments to their constituency office for persons with a disability that were not covered in the terms of the lease. The cost may be claimed from the constituency office operating expenses (COOE) allowance and from establishment expenses provisions. Those allowances are capped at £7,000 per year for COOE and £4,000 over a mandate for establishment expenses. The provisions of the determination do not prescribe the nature of adjustments that may be claimed for but should be taken to cover any cost that is required but is not covered by the terms of the lease. The financial assistance provided under the determination is to cover the costs that Members incur wholly and exclusively in carrying out their Assembly duties. While the determination makes specific reference to adjustments at the office, that should not be taken to be the only cost that may be claimed. Should a Member incur other costs associated with providing constituency services to people with disabilities, those costs may also be claimed from the annual COOE budget. That may include but is not limited to sign language or interpretation services."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"What plans are there to consider further adaptations to Parliament Buildings to approve accessibility?"},{"speaker":"Miss McAllister","text":"I thank the Member for his question. The Commission is very aware of the need to ensure that Parliament Buildings is accessible to people with disabilities, and a number of alterations and improvements have been carried out for that purpose in recent years, including the installation of external and internal access ramps, alterations to staircases and lifts, installation of the Changing Places facility, upgrading of hearing loop systems and the provision of automatic opening doors in the basement, ground floor and first floor corridors. The head of facilities management has commenced discussions with the Department of Finance property division on the commissioning of a disabled access survey to determine whether further improvements should be made to enhance accessibility in Parliament Buildings. Following completion of that survey, Building Services will examine possible improvements and consult Members as necessary."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20674%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405575","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-06-25&docID=406147#AQO%20674/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405575"}},{"id":"406127","reference":"AQO 621/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-06","answerBy":"2024-06-18","answered":"2024-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline what support his Department can provide to grassroots sports clubs to become environmentally sustainable.","answerText":"Sport NI, an arm’s length body of my Department is currently working with thirty-five grassroots sports clubs which have been successful in securing National Lottery funding from Sport NI’s Renewable Energy Fund totalling over eighty thousand pounds. This is a pilot investment programme which seeks to help sports clubs become more environmentally sustainable.\n\nIn addition, Sport NI has issued an Environmental Sustainability Survey and an impact flooding survey to all Sports Clubs to establish the level of need in the sector. Responses to these surveys will inform plans to bring further support to sports clubs over the next five years including an Environmental Training Programme for Sports Clubs and a future Investment Fund.","answerHtml":"Sport NI, an arm’s length body of my Department is currently working with thirty-five grassroots sports clubs which have been successful in securing National Lottery funding from Sport NI’s Renewable Energy Fund totalling over eighty thousand pounds. This is a pilot investment programme which seeks to help sports clubs become more environmentally sustainable.
In addition, Sport NI has issued an Environmental Sustainability Survey and an impact flooding survey to all Sports Clubs to establish the level of need in the sector. Responses to these surveys will inform plans to bring further support to sports clubs over the next five years including an Environmental Training Programme for Sports Clubs and a future Investment Fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20621%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406127"}},{"id":"404713","reference":"AQO 586/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-06","answerBy":"2024-06-17","answered":"2024-06-17","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 impact of the recent series of short films created by the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, highlighting the impact of child criminal exploitation by paramilitary groups.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The harms that are most commonly associated with paramilitary gangs are centred around drugs, violence against the person, public order issues and bombing and shooting attacks. What is less obvious is how gangs groom, exploit and harm vulnerable young people to maintain their position in communities through intimidation and the threat of violence. To help to highlight that, the Executive programme on paramilitarism and organised crime produced three short case study videos covering the topics of violence, victims and child criminal exploitation. The first film launched on 1 May and has been viewed over 46,000 times on social media, prompting media and public discussion. The remaining two videos in the series, which cover the topics of violence and criminal exploitation, will be launched by the programme in August and September respectively."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"Thank you, Minister. Will the videos be used in education settings?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The hope is that the videos will serve as a prompt for discussion and learning to be used by EPPOC's delivery partners, engaging with different groups of service users as well as with all schools. They can be integrated into existing programmes, such as those by the Education Authority, Communities in Transition, Developing Women in the Community, Aspire, Engage, NIACRO and others. The plan is that the videos can serve as a prompt for people who may not realise that they or, indeed, their friends have been subject to, for example, child criminal exploitation but, on watching the videos and looking at the evidence that is presented in them, may recognise themselves or others as victims and, therefore, be more willing to report and make disclosure about that abuse."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20586%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404713","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-06-17&docID=405246#AQO%20586/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404713"}},{"id":"403149","reference":"AQW 12569/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-07-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether the full budget set aside for the Enhanced Flooding Support Scheme will be allocated.","answerText":"Delivery of the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme is affordable within the funding envelope provided. Once the final costs of the scheme is known, I will consider options for how any remaining budget will be allocated.","answerHtml":"Delivery of the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme is affordable within the funding envelope provided. Once the final costs of the scheme is known, I will consider options for how any remaining budget will be allocated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012569%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403149","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403149"}},{"id":"403148","reference":"AQW 12568/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether the amount required to fund the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will come through her Department's general budget allocation.","answerText":"All of the funding requirement for Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will be fully funded via my Department’s general budget allocation.","answerHtml":"All of the funding requirement for Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will be fully funded via my Department’s general budget allocation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012568%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403148","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403148"}},{"id":"403147","reference":"AQW 12567/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when compensation from the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme will be distributed to businesses affected by the flooding in October 2023 and November 2023.","answerText":"The local councils are responsible for making payments under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) which is funded by the Department for the Economy.\n\nThe latest figures from the local Councils, in respect of the EFSS, indicated that there was a total of 108 applications. As of 3 June, the councils have issued letters of offer to 27 businesses to the value of £1.6m and advise they have made total payments of £310k to 22 businesses. Further payments will be issued to businesses by the Councils upon receipt of a signed letter of offer and any other required documentation.\n\nThe council have advised my officials that they are working with businesses on the ground to provide the appropriate evidence to receive payment.","answerHtml":"The local councils are responsible for making payments under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) which is funded by the Department for the Economy.
The latest figures from the local Councils, in respect of the EFSS, indicated that there was a total of 108 applications. As of 3 June, the councils have issued letters of offer to 27 businesses to the value of £1.6m and advise they have made total payments of £310k to 22 businesses. Further payments will be issued to businesses by the Councils upon receipt of a signed letter of offer and any other required documentation.
The council have advised my officials that they are working with businesses on the ground to provide the appropriate evidence to receive payment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012567%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403147","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403147"}},{"id":"403146","reference":"AQW 12566/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-04","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 the amount that has been awarded through the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme to date.","answerText":"The local councils are responsible for making payments under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) which is funded by the Department for the Economy.\n\nThe latest figures from the local Councils, in respect of the EFSS, indicated that there was a total of 108 eligible applications. As of 3 June, the councils have issued letters of offer to 27 businesses to the value of £1.6m and advise they have made total payments of £310k to 22 businesses. Further payments will be issued to businesses by the Councils upon receipt of a signed letter of offer and any other required documentation.","answerHtml":"The local councils are responsible for making payments under the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme (EFSS) which is funded by the Department for the Economy.
The latest figures from the local Councils, in respect of the EFSS, indicated that there was a total of 108 eligible applications. As of 3 June, the councils have issued letters of offer to 27 businesses to the value of £1.6m and advise they have made total payments of £310k to 22 businesses. Further payments will be issued to businesses by the Councils upon receipt of a signed letter of offer and any other required documentation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012566%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403146","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403146"}},{"id":"403145","reference":"AQW 12565/22-27","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 the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total amount of money available for the Enhanced Flood Support Scheme.","answerText":"In February 2024, I announced that I would make up to £10 million available to support small and medium sized businesses impacted by the flooding of late October/early November 2023. This support was in addition to the £7,500 flood support grant and rate relief that had already been provided. The Enhanced Flood Support Scheme is one of three schemes funded in full by my Department that are currently being delivered by district councils.","answerHtml":"In February 2024, I announced that I would make up to £10 million available to support small and medium sized businesses impacted by the flooding of late October/early November 2023. This support was in addition to the £7,500 flood support grant and rate relief that had already been provided. The Enhanced Flood Support Scheme is one of three schemes funded in full by my Department that are currently being delivered by district councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012565%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403145","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403145"}}]}