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Thank you very much. I was grateful for last week's media headlines and positive PR on the subject, but a large number of people to whom I have spoken in the past week have understandably said, "I'll believe it when I see it". Is the Minister confident that, later this month, we will see him in a high-vis jacket and…
Yes, I have talked to many groups right across Northern Ireland. I make the case, however, that the schemes are open to everybody. No one is discriminated against based on where they live. I want to make sure that people know about the funding that is there and that they are able to access it. That is why I have taken…
I think that the Member saw me outside earlier today with those who benefited from the musical instruments grant last year. It was great to hear from a wide variety of organisations, including school groups and other groups with children in them about its impact. I am not able to confirm just yet the exact timing for…
Minister, you touched on funding for bands, which, as you said, reaches everywhere — rural and urban areas — across Northern Ireland. Can you update us on when the scheme will open?
I certainly recognise and understand the value of the arts. That is why I have done so much to promote the arts in Northern Ireland, including increasing their budget this year again. I have also provided capital funding for a musical instruments programme and a capital small grants programme, both of which go right…
The statistics tell the story only when it suits the narrative. Will the Minister commit to meeting Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, which recently received the shattering news that it is to lose 100% of its funding, and other arts organisations in the north-west to hear their concerns and improve his understanding of…
The Arts Council is an arm's-length body of my Department that is tasked with the distribution of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland. It does not fund using place-based criteria. Belfast is the registered address of many organisations that, in practice, provide funding well beyond the Belfast postcode area, so I…
They have a considerable role to play. I will issue guidance and advice, but, ultimately, it will be up to them to decide. However, they will need to consider whether they are in compliance with the law and the implications of not doing so.
Of course, all bodies need to comply with the law. It is normally a condition of funding being in place. That will certainly be taken into consideration.
Minister, time needs to be called on the ability of biological men to compete in women's sports, full stop. In the event that sporting bodies fail to respect the law, what ramifications will there be for funding coming from the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure that there is full compliance with the law?
Yes, I will. We now have clarification in law, not that one was needed. It is important that we abide by that ruling and the law. Therefore, I will make sure that I take my responsibilities seriously in that regard.
I thank the Minister for his response. I agree that only biological women should compete with each other in female sporting codes. Will he commit to writing to the sporting bodies that his Department funds to make them aware of the Supreme Court judgement and ask for a response from them?
With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 4 and 7 together. My Department is analysing the Supreme Court judgement and considering the potential implications of the ruling for policy responsibilities that rest with the Department. Officials have also sought legal advice on the issue. Departmental…
As the Member rightly points out, that is a requirement of the legislation. Therefore, we will need to monitor it to make sure that it fulfils the law, as we do with any regulations that come into being.
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Once implementation is complete, how does your Department intend to monitor whether the provision is working, particularly in respect of the requirement for dignity, choice and ease of access, as required by the legislation?
Section 1 of the Act requires the Executive Office to make period products available, free of charge, to anyone who needs them. As it is not a delivery body, the Executive Office partnered with Libraries NI, an arm’s-length body that is sponsored by my Department, to fulfil that duty. The initiative launched on 13 May…
It is interesting: at the start of his question, the Member simply stated fact, and that seemed to rile some Members. It is a fact that, when you have that increased demand, it impacts on supply. It is true that Mears is coming in and increasing the cost of private rented sector accommodation. That is fact. I know…
Minister, the private rental market in my constituency of North Belfast is out of control. On a weekly basis, constituents who have been long-term tenants come to me because they have been evicted by their landlord to be replaced by tenants through Mears contracts. It is absolutely disgraceful. I see some Members…
FlaggedImmigration, asylum, race, ethnicity and TravellersCriteria met: Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.
The Member will be aware of the work that has already been undertaken on the issue — the work that began under my predecessor and that I am continuing, based on what was mandated by the Assembly. That is why I will be introducing longer notice to quit periods.
Yes, I accept that. We need more supply. That is why I brought forward a housing supply strategy. We all need to work together to make sure that we can have more homes across all tenures. That is how we deal with the issues. As the deputy First Minister said, just a few moments ago, the key issue here is supply and…
Thank you, Minister. Given that it has been reported, in recent weeks, that rents have risen faster in Belfast than in London over the past year, do you accept that none of those measures that you announced is sufficient to deal with the crisis? Will you consider a system of affordable rent controls?