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Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Non-qualifying, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I thank the Member for her question. AI has an interface with many sectors, and it poses some challenges for the creative sector. Some legislation is coming forward in Britain that is concerning to that sector. I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with the creative sector about that, but I am more than happy…
As I outlined to the Member, the delivery of the North/South interconnector is important for our energy, particularly the flow of electricity across the island. I will get further briefings from officials on the issues that have been raised.
Thank you very much, Minister, for your reply. The Minister will be aware that somewhere in the region of £100 million of extra costs are anticipated because of the fact that there is no North/South interconnection, as reported in Dáil Éireann. Therefore, Minister, will you report back to the Assembly on the likely…
I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, my Department is working with the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and NIE Networks on the delivery of the North/South interconnector north of the border. That will be a really important project when it comes to increasing the electricity flow between…
I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Advice NI began its work, supported by my Department, as the new accreditation partner here for the Living Wage Foundation in June 2024. My Department provides funding of £125,000 per annum to Advice NI. Advice NI has confirmed that the number of accreditations for…
I thank the Member for his question. My Department's consultation on the 'good jobs' employment rights Bill prompted a range of stakeholders to present a significant number of complex and considered responses that have been very useful and that continue to be carefully considered by my Department. That analysis work…
I thank the Member for her question. Clearly, the Department recognises the challenges that exist in delivering on its energy targets, and we have taken significant action already. The Member will be aware of the energy strategy that was published in the previous mandate and of the action plans that have been…
I thank the Minister. The Economy Committee recently received evidence from Transmission Investment, which informed us that the failure to produce proper policy on interconnection is placing the delivery of its interconnector at risk. This is a multimillion-pound investment that will lower electricity prices, provide…
I do not agree with the Member's assessment. Energy is clearly a priority for my Department and for me as Minister. One of the four key objectives of my economic mission is decarbonisation. Therefore, we are putting a significant focus on it from a departmental perspective by ensuring that there is budgetary cover and…
I thank the Member for her question. I know that it is an issue that she is passionate about. I share that passion. As an Executive, we have a focus on regional balance. That has come through in key decisions that have been taken across a number of Departments. The work that has been taken forward under the city and…
What is the Minister's assessment of the Executive's performance as a whole in improving regional balance since last February? Is she confident that enough measures are being taken across government to achieve and deliver that goal?
As the Member will know, the task force published its final report and action plan on 16 December. The report provides a comprehensive and costed plan to deliver 10,000 students for Magee and highlights the significant milestones that have already been achieved in the early stages of the expansion, including the…
I thank the Member for her question. She makes an important point. The local economic partnerships are about empowering areas to address their specific needs and align them with the departmental priorities. There will, of course, be opportunities for all councils and all areas in them to do that. I know that every MLA…
I thank the Minister for her answer. I note what she said about local councils working with the Department and about 65% of investment outside of Belfast. How will the Minister ensure that regional rebalancing serves the people of North Belfast, whom I represent, and West Belfast, for whom economic opportunity is so…
Since the launch of the subregional economic plan in October 2024, positive progress has been made. Reforms in DFE include a dedicated regional balance unit, which has been set up in a new social and regional economy division. It brings together complementary work streams, including the social enterprise action plan…
I thank the Member for his question. As I outlined, a range of work is being undertaken to further explore and harness the potential of AI, to ensure that we have the skills pipeline to support it and to ensure that we support businesses on the adoption of AI. Cyber is one of the Department's priority sectors. We have…
Minister, what specific actions are you taking to ensure that the North can capitalise on artificial intelligence's potential and will be protected from any threats? To that effect, do you support the creation of a region-specific AI action plan?
As I have said, the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre, which is an initiative that my Department and Invest NI are supporting, promotes awareness of the adoption of AI amongst businesses and offers support and skills development opportunities. The AICC is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. I am…
My Department has delivered an AI proof of concept to explore economic data and policy documents and to assist with research. Officials are actively exploring opportunities for the use of AI. As I said to Kate Nicholl, I am aware that other Departments and, indeed, other Administrations are taking forward…
I thank the Member for her interest in AI, because her questions for written answer are also helping inform me. AI clearly has huge potential, but it comes with challenges, and people have concerns about it. It is therefore important that we address AI's potential and its challenges. In my previous role, I was…
I have already tabled a number of questions for written answer on AI to the Minister. I am very interested in the subject. A number of other Departments are also doing work on artificial intelligence. I am curious to know what the Minister's assessment is of the Executive's ability not just to harness the potential of…