Debate contribution: 'Good Jobs' Bill: Process
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 14 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- 'Good Jobs' Bill: Process
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5685547
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I reject the characterisation that there has been a spat between me and the business community. That is not true. We have a difference of opinion on particular elements of the Bill. I work really closely with the business community on many issues. I work constructively and positively with it on many things and have achieved a considerable amount by doing so. Let me knock on the head the Member's point about the time taken for the Bill to come to the Executive. A proper process had to be undertaken. We are in a shortened mandate. Legislation has to be consulted on and drafted. If I were to bring forward legislation that had not been properly consulted on, I would be criticised for rushing the process. The legislation has not been rushed. Rather, it has been carefully balanced in its consideration of the issues. It has been constructed through partnership working with the various partners involved, including trade unions and businesses. What has come out the other end is better for the time that was taken to get it to this point. The unfortunate reality is that our shortened mandate means that we have more compressed timelines. As I have said repeatedly, however, there is plenty of time for the Bill, like a number of other Bills that have recently been introduced, to be considered and progress through the Assembly before the end of the mandate.
236 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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