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Ms Liz Kimmins: Assembly records
All of Ms Liz Kimmins’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
You have clearly outlined the impact that this has across the service that we try to provide. That is why it is important that we do all that we can to ensure that people do not have to make a claim in the first place. I have outlined clearly what I have done in recent months and what I intend to do as we develop and…
There has been an upward trend in expenditure on road-related vehicle damage compensation since the 2020-21 financial year. In the 2023-24 financial year, expenditure on vehicle damage compensation for the North was just under £1 million. During 2024-25 and 2025-26, vehicle damage compensation was just over £1…
To be clear, I have said that we have based our position on previous assessments, but we continue to keep it under review as more evidence and information come to light. As I said, both councils are in the process of developing their transport plans, which is the mechanism for any new proposals. We will work with Ards…
That issue was raised with me recently, and I have asked my officials to look at it. As you will know, the ferry continues to provide a dedicated and reliable crossing service between Strangford and Portaferry. During the 2025-26 financial year, at least one ferry was available for 99·82% of all scheduled sailings.…
The Member may be aware that I have agreed to visit Strangford this week in an effort to look at the situation. I have been invited down by an elected rep. You will probably get notification of it closer to the time. I confirm my commitment to looking at the potential. I am happy to keep it under review. We will work…
I recognise the view held by elected representatives and the public that a fixed crossing at Strangford could bring benefits of connectivity, support for local businesses, tourism and wider economic opportunities for the Ards peninsula, and I welcome continued engagement on matters of local and regional importance. My…
The Member will know that that issue has been raised for some time. We have a process in place to try to inspect the quality of repairs. The Member will appreciate that it is not always possible to get to every repair, but we do take a portion of that. The new strategy is key to delivering things in a more resilient…
As I said, Roads staffing across the North has seen significant issues for many years now. It is important to note that industrial road workers undertake a vital role in our operational services. The recruitment campaign that the Member mentioned further demonstrates my commitment to improving our network for the…
As the Member has rightly said, I have talked in the Chamber about the importance of communication with local section offices. I will certainly take the Member's comments back and ensure that the matter is addressed. It is also important to understand the severe resource pressures that there are across our workforce.…
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle , I will answer questions 1 and 5 together. The damage that has been caused to our roads by prolonged bad weather at the beginning of the year is well documented. I subsequently established the winter recovery road fund specifically to address the damage in areas that were…
Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I will focus my remarks on the elements that are within the remit of the Minister for the Economy, whilst also acknowledging the importance of compatible agriculture and environmental policy, on which our colleague the AERA Minister leads. Decarbonisation is…
I beg to introduce the Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill [NIA 32/22-27], which is a Bill to confer functions on the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation to assist the Department for the Economy in developing plans for the decarbonisation of the energy sector.
Translink manages 1,460 bus shelters on behalf of my Department. A business case submitted to the Department proposes the replacement and upgrade of 221 bus shelters across the network. If approved, and subject to available funding, the installation of new shelters would begin within 12 months, with the programme to…
As I have said in response to a number of today's questions, I will absolutely keep working to do my best to protect people here from the policy decisions that are taken in London and to have people's backs. That is what we are elected to do. We will do that as far as we can, but the reality is that the fiscal levers…
In that current context, we cannot justify an increase in fares that will hit workers and families, many of whom will now need public transport more than ever as they struggle to put fuel in their cars. I am pleased to announce that, in addition to freezing public transport fares for last year, I intend to freeze them…
As I said in response to a previous question, the Department continues to face significant resource challenges, particularly with the recruitment and retention of staff. We face particular challenges with specialist roles such as industrial road workers and civil engineers, and, undoubtedly, that has impacted on our…
I am glad that the Member has raised that question. She has written to me on the issue as well. I was pleased to note the advertisement of the recruitment competition for industrial road workers that closed at the end of March. The Department received hundreds of applications, which is promising. Our industrial road…
As I said, this matter is for council planning departments and enforcement teams to take action on in relation to any issue that may arise around enforcement or planning permission. The Member is fully aware of that. The decision would not be taken by the councillors either. It is important to clarify that.
It is important to re-emphasise that legislation alone will not eliminate danger for children on journeys to and from school. I have been clear on that, from taking up post and from my first engagement with Stella and others. The safer journeys to school programme adopts a whole-system approach that will combine…
As the Member will be aware, I have been clear about my commitment to take forward actions that enhance pupil safety, ensuring that any measures that are introduced deliver the safest possible outcomes whilst remaining proportionate and workable in practice. That is important to remember. Trying to put measures in…
Ask the Communities Minister The SDLP should allow me to answer the question, instead of jeering. The reality is that the SDLP will point blame elsewhere. I have not heard it condemning the Government in the South. I have not heard it condemning the British Government, who are choosing war over the people for whom the…
As the Member knows, he listed people who do not all come under the responsibility of my Department. My private office is engaging with hauliers to hear about their issues, but I do not think that they are under any illusion about who is responsible for the challenges that they and many others face. That is why they…
You have given only one example of a person who has allegedly lost faith. I have been taking action, and we have made progress: over 5,500 new homes have been connected and capacity has been unlocked through dedicated ring-fenced money for NI Water. That is OK as a sound bite in the Chamber, but I continue to get on…