All of Dr Caoimhe Archibald’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They make a huge economic and social contribution to local communities across the North. To better understand the challenges and opportunities that they face, I am establishing an SME entrepreneurship co-design group. The group will be made up of stakeholders from the…
I thank the Member for his question and comments. The development of policies that strengthen the voice of workers and, of course, their representatives is a core aspect of my good jobs agenda. That is reflected in the 'good jobs' employment rights Bill consultation document, in the voice and representation chapter,…
The benefits of employee ownership are well documented and strongly align with my economic plans. Employee-owned businesses pay, on average, a higher wage. They are more likely to remain in the same location and invest in their local economy. They can be up to 12% more productive because of increased employee…
I thank the Member for his question. He is quite right: I am well on record on that issue. Previously, the North/South interconnector received planning consent from his party colleague. We are obligated to deliver on that. I see it as crucial infrastructure for our energy systems across the island and our ability to…
I thank the Member for that question. He is quite right: the consultation has closed. Officials are working through the responses, and advice in respect of the socialisation policy and the way forward will be with me shortly . As the previous Economy Minister set out, the preferred option was for the socialisation of…
Financial support is not currently available for homeowners who wish to install solar panels. However, options for microgeneration support, including domestic renewable generation such as solar panels, will continue to be evaluated as part of our net zero ambitions. The Windsor framework enables extension to the North…
I thank the Member for his question. As I mentioned to Diane in my opening answer, the £45 million of funding for local economic partnerships is over the three-year period. Having engaged with councils, we anticipate that the bulk of that will come in years 2 and 3. We have given councils the space to set up their…
I thank the Member for her question. The Invest NI business strategy for 2024-27 set ambitious and challenging targets. I am pleased to see that the organisation has increased investments outside the Belfast metropolitan area (BMA) from 56% to 59%. I look forward to Invest NI achieving its target of 65% of investments…
I thank the Member for her question. Her point is well made. What we are trying to achieve with those local economic partnerships is for every area to have the opportunity to design its own economic priorities and to leverage support from my Department, Invest NI and other Departments to help achieve them. We are…
Local economic partnerships represent a new approach to developing economic policy and promoting regional balance. Local areas will identify their own economic priorities, and partners will work together to deliver those priorities. Partnerships will be supported with a £45 million fund over three years. Funding will…
Businesses make decisions for many commercial reasons, and they will, of course, do that on where they choose to locate. My work across the Department and the Executive is to create the best possible environment for businesses to start up, grow and thrive. My focus continues to be on ensuring that there is adequate…
I thank the Member for his question. I will work with and support companies in achieving all the objectives of my economic vision of creating good jobs, promoting regional balance, raising productivity and having decarbonisation. I am happy to work with companies to achieve that and, of course, to support them in…
As I mentioned to Diana, I have had significant engagement with the trade unions along with the First Minister and deputy First Minister and Invest NI. We have regularly met. I fully understand and appreciate the concerns that they express, and I have communicated those to Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus and the British…
I thank the Member for her question. I have engaged with trade union representatives on a number of occasions on the work that they continue to do across the board to get a good outcome, and I continue to support them in that. My officials and I will engage with the Member on that ongoing work.
I have been in active discussions with the British Government to emphasise the strategic importance of Spirit's operations in the North. Less than a fortnight ago, I met the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonny Reynolds, in London, where I highlighted the need for a positive and sustainable outcome for the…
I thank the Member for that question. Let me be unequivocal about this: there is absolutely no place for the attacks on 5G masts. I have already stated that clearly in the House. Those who are at that need to desist, and anybody with information should contact the PSNI. I have mentioned the barrier busting task force…
I thank the Member for her question. As an MLA for a rural area and someone who lives in a rural area, I recognise the issue. I struggle regularly for good coverage. I also recognise that good connectivity is essential for people, and I am aware that some areas are much better served than others. I am due to meet…
I thank the Member. O2 has advised that the majority of its voice and data traffic is carried on its 4G and 5G networks. While O2 is stopping roaming on its 2G network, it has no plans to switch it off and has provided an assurance that it will remain in full use for O2 customers. O2's 3G services will be switched off…
Our minority ethnic and migrant communities bring many benefits to our economy and our society. From an economic and business perspective, we want to be globally competitive, and that simply cannot be achieved in some sectors without migrant workers. From accessing international knowledge to expanding into new markets…
As I said in my opening answer, we need to see strong and clear leadership to say that what happened is wrong and sends a bad message about not only Ballymena but the North as a whole. We also need to see that civic leadership coming through. The idea of support for businesses is not the most appropriate vehicle at…
I thank the Member for his question. The recent racist violence in North Antrim was disgraceful and unacceptable, and there is no excuse for it. Businesses affected by criminal damage may be eligible to claim under the criminal damage compensation scheme run by the Department of Justice. In order to prevent a repeat…
I beg to move Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Members will be aware that I and my Department are working towards an economic vision aimed at creating good jobs, increasing productivity and promoting regional balance and decarbonisation. While perhaps not as high profile as those areas, our insolvency…
I beg to introduce the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill [NIA 20/22-27], which is a Bill to amend the law relating to insolvency; and for connected purposes.
I beg to introduce the Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill [NIA 17/22-27], which is a Bill to make provision for the regulation of water use; to provide for the regulation of sustainable drainage systems; to make provision in relation to flood prevention and remediation; to make provision in relation…