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.
I can speak only for myself, but, to be absolutely clear, if I was not clear in my initial answer: if the only alternative funding model on the table is one that breaks the balance between the contributions of the Republic of Ireland Government and the Northern Ireland Government to North/South bodies, that is not…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an leasChéad-Aire. Will the deputy First Minister commit to bringing to the next Executive meeting a proposal for a new funding model, which could bring vital funding to the Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge?
I do not know the specific details of what she is talking about, but I understand that she may be referring to a proposal from the former Minister of Finance about alternative funding mechanisms for North/South bodies. I assure the Member that those things have all been previously discussed and agreed. There is a…
As I outlined, waiting lists have already begun to fall across a number of areas. More must be done, however, and it must be done more quickly. We will do everything that we can to support the Minister of Health. He is bringing forward further plans and proposals, some of which are being discussed in what they can do.…
The problem is, deputy First Minister, that there is no clear plan or target for cutting waiting times. The reason why that is important is that, like a whole range of other things, whether it is the absence of an anti-poverty strategy or the failure to produce any form of serious intervention on waste water, it…
I thank the Member for his question. We are one year in, and we have a determination to deliver against those key priorities. That must mean a reduction in health service waiting lists. We understand that there has been a small reduction across a number of those health waiting lists, but it is not enough. We know that…
I thank the Member for the opportunity to make it clear that the absence of a strategy does not mean that there is not a significant amount of work occurring throughout every Department to tackle poverty. I know that from speaking to my colleague Gordon Lyons, who supports everything from Sure Start to neighbourhood…
Thank you, deputy First Minister. It is a year since the Executive were restored, and, last week, the High Court in Belfast said that the Executive's lack of an anti-poverty strategy was appalling. Thousands of children across Northern Ireland today are using food banks, deputy First Minister. Are you ashamed that the…
The Programme for Government (PFG) will represent the shared vision of the Executive. It is important, therefore, that all members of the Executive are given the opportunity to consider and agree any new commitments to be included in the PFG before they are announced to the Assembly. That having been said, the draft…
I thank the Member for the question. There is some finalisation happening, and we appreciate that some victims and survivors may choose not to come forward to the independent panel. We must respect that, and it is an important part of the agreed process. There is clear value and expertise that that non-statutory…
Junior Minister, back in June, the deputy First Minister and her colleague the First Minister committed themselves to introducing legislation on these issues by the end of 2024. Do they regret missing that deadline, and what are the implications of their missing it for the people who have been affected?
I thank the Member for her question. We are not in a position to provide a definite timeline for the opening of the standardised payment, because we need to follow the Executive and Assembly processes to pass the required legislation. However, we remain committed to progressing that work at pace and are keen to ensure…
Given that the consultation showed that there is no consensus around the redress scheme, and given that it must proceed and that time is of the essence for victims and survivors, will the Minister outline when the redress scheme will proceed?
I thank the Member for her supplementary question. The next steps in the truth recovery programme, following Executive consideration of the final proposals, are to finalise draft legislation, after which we can press ahead with the introduction of the requisite legislation. Meanwhile, work is ongoing to establish the…
We thank all those who responded to the 12-week consultation that closed in September 2024. The 269 responses to it were reviewed, and a draft report was then shared with the consultation forum to ensure that the terminology used was sensitive to victim and survivors. A copy was also provided to the Committee for the…
I thank the Member for her question. In her role as Chair of the Executive Office Committee, she will know that we are aware of the issue and of the communication on it. We are advised that the submission of applications to the scheme has slowed down significantly and that there is no indication as this stage that…
Deputy First Minister, you mentioned the work of the historical institutional abuse campaigners. You will know that they are very concerned that a lot of people will not be able to submit an application for redress. Given that the redress board was up and running during the pandemic, when people were not travelling or…
I thank the Member for his question. The Executive Office deals with many areas that are incredibly sensitive. We have adopted what is often referred to as a trauma-informed response and approach to the issues. I am disappointed to hear that that has been the experience of some victims. Of course, the recounting of…
We all know that the legacy of institutional abuse continues to leave a dark cloud over many lives in Northern Ireland. I welcome the progress on an appropriate memorial. However, does the deputy First Minister accept that certain survivors have criticised the redress board for causing them re-traumatisation? Is…
I thank the Member for his question. It is on an issue that not only have we been working on for some time but, indeed, you, Mr Speaker, have been engaged in this important matter. It was a recommendation in Judge Hart's report and one that we are very keen to see implemented as quickly as we can. We know that there…
I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. I noticed recently that the First Minister and deputy First Minister met a number of groups that have been working with those in need for years. Will the deputy First Minister give an update on the memorial for the victims and survivors of historical institutional…
As of 31 January 2025, the HIA Redress Board had received 4,904 compliant applications and made determinations totalling over £100 million. A total of 56 applications are still to be determined by a panel. The turnaround time for validated applications is 7·5 weeks, with a success rate of over 88% for applications…
I thank the Member for his question. The Department remains committed to investment in the Londonderry area, with some £72 million invested in the area since 2016-17. That includes over £37 million to transform and regenerate Ebrington, which is now a hub of creative industries, cafes, restaurants, a hotel, a…