Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
Thank you, deputy First Minister. How can the public have confidence in the Executive's commitment to genuine community transition when one funded group saw fit to take young people on an awayday to Larne last year to observe the largest bonfire in Northern Ireland? What message does that send to communities that are…
I thank the Member for his question. We believe in transition and in the ability of people to move on from where they once were, but that must mean that they move on. We will offer that support to those who have indicated a willingness to move on, but we must protect public funds in every way possible. We have…
I thank the Member for his follow-up question. I have said very clearly that an allocation was made, and, indeed, we stand by that allocation because there was a three-sport arrangement. It was allocated across those three sports fairly and equitably. Since that, for reasons outside of the control of the Executive or…
The deputy First Minister did not answer my question. I, of course, want equitable funding for other grounds. Ravenhill and Windsor are both in my constituency. I am glad that they are there and are thriving, but Casement Park has lain idle for 12 years. I am not a unionist, but, if I were, I would think that the best…
I thank the Member for his question. The Member will be more than aware that the promise was made but not fulfilled not because of a lack of political will but because of a lengthy process in planning, planning challenges and all types of logistical issues that were outside the control of the Northern Ireland…
We regularly meet the UK Government on a wide range of issues that matter to people here. Our priorities for engagement are focused on delivering for citizens at home, promoting Northern Ireland as a stable and successful region and ensuring that our international partners recognise our many strengths. Prior to the…
I thank the Member for his important question. As I set out, we need funding for roads, schools and hospitals. We need to invest in water and in sewerage and to support people with public services that they not only need but deserve. That is why there has been a series of engagements with the UK Government. The…
Following on from the previous question, will the deputy First Minister detail what the Executive are doing to secure a fair funding model for delivering public services?
I thank the Member for his hugely important question. People throughout Northern Ireland see, every day, what each Department needs to do. They see potholes on roads, health waiting lists, an inability to access their GP when they need it, waiting lists for SEN, the need for affordable and flexible childcare and the…
I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. As she says, the spending review announcement will be made on Wednesday. What are the Executive's key priorities out of it? What would you like to see on Wednesday?
We had a wide-ranging discussion with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at our meeting on 23 May. On the funding of public services, we discussed the forthcoming spending review, which is due to be announced this Wednesday, and we impressed on him the need for the Executive to be funded fairly, sustainably and at a…
I thank the Member for her question. If I had finished my previous answer, I would have said that we will absolutely evaluate all the outworkings. As for the Executive's collaborative work, "Working Better Together" is one of the six outcomes in the EVAWG strategic framework and is embedded in the Programme for…
I thank the Member for her supplementary question, because it is important for us to understand the evaluation process to make sure that we get the best value for money. Will the Minister please outline how TEO is working collaboratively across the Executive to ensure that we tackle violence against women and girls?…
I thank the Member for that very important question. The change fund is an important part of the delivery plan. We are investing £3·2 million up to March 2026 in community-based action to help end violence against women and girls. The Member will know that the change fund provides grant funding directly to local…
Thank you, junior Minister. The ending violence against women and girls change fund is very welcome. How does your Department work with local councils to evaluate and monitor how the money is being spent?
There has been significant progress on the actions contained in the first ending violence against women and girls delivery plan since it was launched last September. The local and regional EVAWG change funds represent a £3·2 million investment for community and voluntary sector organisations in partnership with…
Thank you. As I said, we have invested £37 million in the site. We have been up to visit a number of times since taking up office, and Ebrington Square has looked really well. We visited the hotel and looked around it. The new buildings in Ebrington Plaza are amazing — they are cutting-edge buildings that are…
Local residents and businesses have raised concerns with me about ongoing issues on the site, particularly around cleanliness, access to toilets and illegal parking. Given the new entrants — Alchemy and Ernst & Young — that are now based there, and events such as the one that you have just spoken about, it is really…
Yes. It is absolutely fantastic that the Ebrington site will host the spectacular display that is the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships. It is estimated that around 10,000 people will attend. I appeal for people to attend if they are in the area, because it will be a really good day. I know that the folks in the…
Will the deputy First Minister join me in welcoming the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships to Ebrington this summer and in recognising the positive social, cultural and economic benefits that our marching bands scene brings to Northern Ireland?
I thank the Member for her question. You will be aware that the site was due to transfer a number of years ago. That did not happen for a range of understandable reasons; some of it was down to general delay. Talks are under way with the council. The council will want some support and guarantees about the site being…
I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Minister, will you set out the current position on the transfer of the Ebrington site to Derry City and Strabane District Council?
Ebrington Plaza is leased to Heron Property Limited. In recent months, both Alchemy Technology Services and Ernst & Young have opened new offices at Ebrington Plaza, bringing a combined total of around 250 new jobs to the area. The First Minister and I were delighted to attend the official opening of both offices, and…
I thank the Member for his question. A significant amount of work has been undertaken. He will be aware that the public consultation came to a conclusion some time ago. We also, as indicated, put out a call for views using an online survey. I would have liked more engagement with that survey by people from ethnic…