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Dr Caoimhe Archibald: Assembly records
All of Dr Caoimhe Archibald’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not qualifying, uncertain or not yet analysed.
There is an application process and an interview process. At that point, the names of candidates who, according to the selection panel, have passed the interview process are presented to me by my officials for appointment. Nineteen candidates passed the interview process and were put forward for appointment. As I have…
I thank the Member for his question. There is no place in modern society for discrimination of any kind. It is important that all our public boards are reflective of society and that the appointment process is open, inclusive and accessible to all sections of society. That was clearly the case with the appointment…
As I have set out very clearly, the selection process was followed. The skill set that was asked for was set out as part of the application process, and all the candidates who passed the selection process had the skill set that deemed them to be appointable. They all fulfilled that criteria.
As I have set out clearly, the process that was followed was fully in line with the CPANI guidance and code of practice. As the Member will be aware, given that she was a Minister, the Nolan principles guide everything that we do as Ministers. They were fully upheld within this process. The people who were appointed…
I completely reject the final part of the Member's question. Clearly, that is absolutely not the case. As I have outlined in detail, the appointments were made in line with the code of practice that was issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The process was followed robustly. At all stages, the proper…
Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will group questions 2, 3 and 8. Appointments to the board of Invest NI are made in accordance with the code of practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPANI). The code provides a clear and robust framework for managing conflicts of interest at all stages of the…
I thank the Member for that question. It is certainly of significant concern to me, and I know that it is of significant concern to many of our tourism and hospitality businesses and those who represent them. I mentioned that we previously met Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association. We have, obviously,…
I thank the Member for his question, and I think that there is merit in what he is saying. Obviously, if you are in a city centre with all its attractions, you have the ability to attract more people to boost your night-time economy. The research that I referred to looked at Derry and Enniskillen, and that also gives…
I thank the Member for that question. The Department published what is first-of-its-kind research into our night-time economy in collaboration with Tourism NI and the three business improvement districts of Belfast, which are Belfast One, Destination Cathedral Quarter and the Linen Quarter. The research was conducted…
I thank the Member for the question. It is important that I put on record my unequivocal condemnation of the recent disorder. It has caused significant damage and disruption not just to public services but to our local economy. Many businesses have been affected. Obviously, that comes at a time, as you said, when they…
My Department, along with partner organisations, offers a wide range of supports to help hospitality businesses to become more sustainable. That includes promoting energy efficiency, encouraging innovation, developing skills and helping them to explore new markets. Invest NI provides advice, guidance, innovation…
I thank the Member for her question. She will be aware that, following the announcement that the project was not going to continue, I intervened and engaged with Queen's University. The university has agreed that the project will continue, and I have committed that my Department will assume responsibility for funding…
I thank the Member for that question. I am not aware of any impact on a particular campus. I, too, am concerned about the Coleraine campus, given that I live in that area and it is in my constituency. The university has been clear about its commitment to its multi-campus arrangements. The Member will also be aware, as…
I thank the Member for her question. At this point, my understanding is that there will be no impact on courses. I am happy to engage further with Ulster University. I understand that it has caused concern not only for university staff but for young people who are looking at their choices. As I indicated, that is my…
I thank the Member for his question. Certainly, I am happy to associate myself with those remarks. Our speech and language therapists do an amazing job. The Member will be aware of the work that the Department is undertaking on post-19 special educational needs to ensure that we support our young people as they…
I thank the Member for his question. It is not something that has been brought to my attention, but I am happy to look into it further. I am not sure in which institution the proposed cuts are being made. I will also engage with the Health Minister on the issue, because some of it, such as places on allied health…
As I indicated, I have had correspondence from representatives of manufacturing and construction here. My officials have met industry representatives to examine the impacts that they are highlighting, including cost pressures, supply constraints and, ultimately, employment risks. In parallel, departmental analysts…
I thank the Member for her question. That issue has been raised with me by representatives of our manufacturing and construction industries here, and my Department has been monitoring the evolving trade regimes in Britain and in the EU. We have been engaging with local businesses to identify impacts and the risks that…
The Member will be aware that higher education policy is devolved and that, as I have indicated, universities are autonomous institutions. If there are concerns about particular issues — I have not had them reflected to me — I encourage him to take them up with the vice chancellor.
I thank the Member for his question. The Member has corresponded with me on the issue in questions for written answer. As he will be aware, our universities are autonomous institutions. I reject all forms of racism and discrimination. Institutions have responsibilities to prioritise stamping that out, and I support…
Again, for the avoidance of doubt, I will say that I respect the fact that Governments have to secure and defend their people; that is not in question. I object to an agenda of militarisation, however, where we invest in arming up and wars of aggression. I do not support that. It is not what we should prioritise in…
I thank the Member for his question. My position on the militarisation agenda and on investment in defence above and beyond other priorities is well on record; I make no apologies for that. We should invest in things that make people's lives better, but I also want to see us have good jobs here. I see no contradiction…
I thank the Member for her question. I consistently engage with our business community. I recognise that there are challenges coming at the business community, many of which are global, geopolitical challenges that are not within our control. That is why it is important that we try to control what we can and that we…
I thank the Member for her question, but I do not agree with her characterisation. Our economy here, on a macro level, continues to outperform Britain on economic growth, exports and wage increases. Good jobs increased by 1·5 percentage points between 2024 and 2025. On regional balance, we have seen a closing of the…
I thank the Member for his question. The Utility Regulator has undertaken its work. I am happy to write to the Member with the full detail, but we anticipate the new arrangements being in place before the end of June.