https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Andrew McMurray, Alliance Party MLA for South Down, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:46:29 GMT https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503259/ 503259-answered Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her work to reform the use of good character references. Answer (19 October 2026): Mrs Long: You will be aware that, on 8 October, my Department launched its consultation on good-character references at sentencing in criminal proceedings, which will run until Thursday 3 December 2026. If the Department can identify a straightforward legislative approach to introducing reform based on the feedback to that consultation, it is my intention to take that forward during the current Assembly mandate, subject to Executive approval and Assembly time. Any legislative changes will require careful policy development to ensure that they comply with ECHR rights, including the article 6… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/504560/ 504560-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any action his Department is taking to promote research and improve the recording of information on rare gynaecological cancers. Awaiting answer; due by 30 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/504559/ 504559-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail action his Department is taking to improve access to specialists for patients suffering from rare gynaecological cancers. Awaiting answer; due by 30 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/504440/ 504440-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education when he will publish the finalised Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503557/ 503557-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the business case for the Downpatrick flood alleviation scheme. Past due date; due by 14 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503556/ 503556-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether (i) any undertaking can be given to staff affected by any temporary relocation of maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital that they will incur no financial detriment as a result of the move, through the protection of pay and reimbursement of additional mileage, travel costs and excess travel time, including (ii) any of these protections will remain in place for the full duration of the temporary relocation, including where that period exceeds the normal protection periods provided for under Agenda for Change terms and conditions. Awaiting answer; due by 26 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503555/ 503555-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether he will publish a clear recovery plan for maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital, including measurable milestones for its return. Awaiting answer; due by 26 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503554/ 503554-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any protections that will be put in place for staff affected by the temporary relocation of maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital, who are unable to relocate to Craigavon Area Hospital because of (i) caring responsibilities; (ii) disability; (iii) transport difficulties; and (iv) other individual circumstances. Awaiting answer; due by 26 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503553/ 503553-tabled Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any next steps in relation to the (i) A24 Ballynahinch Bypass; and (ii) A1 Junctions Phase 2 safety upgrades, following the recent court ruling on the A5 Western Transport Corridor. Awaiting answer; due by 26 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/503271/ 503271-tabled Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on climate action being delivered by his Department. Awaiting answer; due by 20 October 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/500188/ 500188-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (8 October 2026): 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. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/502158/ 502158-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any work she is undertaking to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Answer (5 October 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/499435/ 499435-answered Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office 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. Answer (30 September 2026): 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. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/501151/ 501151-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Sport NI review of funding for sports performance programmes. Answer (29 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498989/ 498989-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on proposals to enhance bathing waters following the recent consultation on his Department’s policy review. Answer (28 September 2026): Mr Muir: 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. : The review has considered… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498504/ 498504-answered Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (28 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498505/ 498505-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the installation of a pedestrian crossing outside Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch. [R] Answer (23 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/497853/ 497853-answered Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance 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. Answer (22 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/497718/ 497718-answered Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the concerns that have prompted the current forensic audit into governance systems in NI Water. Answer (22 September 2026): Ms Kimmins: 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498240/ 498240-answered Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education 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. Answer (17 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493430/ 493430-answered Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of her Department's resource budget situation. Answer (16 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/470461/ 470461-answered Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the key findings from the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy third annual report 2024-25. Answer (16 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498503/ 498503-tabled Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 30 September 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/496606/ 496606-answered Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance 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. Answer (15 September 2026): Mr O'Dowd: 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498239/ 498239-tabled Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 29 September 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498238/ 498238-tabled Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 29 September 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498237/ 498237-tabled Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 29 September 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/498236/ 498236-tabled Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 29 September 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/496884/ 496884-answered Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on any progress towards agreement on a budget. Answer (9 September 2026): 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. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/496739/ 496739-answered Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings scheme. Answer (7 September 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/496366/ 496366-answered Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 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. Answer (7 September 2026): Mr Muir: 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/487650/ 487650-answered Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (6 August 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/487649/ 487649-answered Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Answer (20 July 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/491583/ 491583-answered Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to move additional (i) elective; and (ii) outpatient, services to Downe Hospital. Answer (15 July 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493588/ 493588-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on plans to establish a Flood Forecasting Centre for Northern Ireland. Answer (8 July 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493295/ 493295-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any financial support available to enable repairs to historic places of worship. Answer (8 July 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493296/ 493296-answered Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (6 July 2026): 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. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493978/ 493978-tabled Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 21 July 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/493756/ 493756-tabled Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 20 July 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/492792/ 492792-answered Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy 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. Answer (1 July 2026): 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. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/488502/ 488502-answered Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (30 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/488501/ 488501-answered Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (30 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/488500/ 488500-answered Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (30 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/489766/ 489766-answered Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the timeline for the delivery of a pedestrian crossing on Newry Street, outside Rathfriland High School. Answer (29 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/489836/ 489836-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Assembly Commission To ask the Assembly Commission for an update on repairs to the roof of Parliament Buildings. Answer (23 June 2026): Miss McAllister: 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/479738/ 479738-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department is planning a review of elective care in Downe Hospital. Answer (23 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/492257/ 492257-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office 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. Answer (23 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/491584/ 491584-tabled Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health 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. Past due date; due by 6 July 2026. https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/487652/ 487652-answered Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure 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. Answer (19 June 2026): 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… https://askedbyandrewmcmurray.nidata.fyi/questions/488504/ 488504-answered Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities 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. Answer (18 June 2026): 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.