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 thank the Member for giving way. The new issue is with the medical gas pipework. I am told that the scale is limited. However, I am entirely dissatisfied that a new issue has emerged, and I am particularly dissatisfied that I only learnt about it today. Let me assure the House that I will seek further analysis of…
I give you notice, Mr Speaker, that I intend to do so. I thank everyone who contributed to today's debate. There was a good range of views across the Chamber, and I particularly thank the members of the Health Committee. We have many differences, but there is a lot that unites us, and the passion that was on display…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Before the break, the Health Minister alluded to another serious problem with the maternity hospital. Would it be in order for you to allow the Health Minister to brief the Chamber on the issue? Given the tone, nature and subject of the debate, that would, I think, be appropriate.
The cost was not within my control; it is about how visits are booked. As I have said, I recognise the concern about the figures, and I want to make sure that processes are in place for the Executive to continue to do their work at much better value for money to the taxpayer. It is important, I believe, that we…
I hope that the Minister will publish the minutes of that meeting. Does he agree that the £40,000 spent on the trip to the US and Canada was public money well spent?
Yes, I can confirm that I met her, and a number of issues were raised during the meeting about the work of my Department and the wider political situation in Northern Ireland.
I am well aware of the pedigree that Lagan Valley has in hockey. Obviously, it will be a matter for the Commonwealth Games to decide which sports will be played. If there is any role that Northern Ireland can play, I am happy to explore all of the options.
I thank the Minister for his answer. I want to give the Minister, maybe, a part of the solution. Some of the sports have been removed because it is now a compacted arrangement. Hockey is, unfortunately, missing out. Northern Ireland has some fantastic hockey pitches and facilities, particularly in my constituency of…
I hope that our participation will mean more medals for Northern Ireland, and I have faith and confidence in our athletes to deliver just that. With regard to engagement with the other devolved Administrations and with Scotland, I look forward to doing that through the normal channels but also to highlighting what we…
I hope to get Executive approval for the housing supply strategy very soon, and I look forward to discussions with Executive colleagues about that. The housing supply strategy will not build houses, but it will ensure that we have a whole-of-government approach to housebuilding, meaning that we tackle issues in…
We do not have an exact figure because it will change depending on the programmes that are taken forward. The current estimate is that the number of new builds will be approximately 1,350. It is important to remember that my capital allocation meant that we started the year at 400. Significant progress has been made,…
I want to give the Member information that is as accurate as possible, so I will come back to him on that. He is right to raise the issue, because we absolutely need to make sure that the appropriate monitoring is in place.
I thank the Minister. The all-party group on gambling harm will certainly respond to that. Further to my first question, Minister, the initial code of practice refers to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order 1985. However, it seems that no one has taken responsibility for the monitoring, compliance and…
I am grateful to the Member for raising that. I want to see that included as soon as possible, and he will be aware of the concerns that I have expressed about that. The issue has not come up directly in the conversations that I have had so far, but I am keen to hear the Member's views on it. We will take the views of…
It will not surprise the Member to hear that I agree with what she has said. The campaign that we are currently hearing about is ill advised at best. I was concerned to learn about the discussion and consideration of changing the flag. As we have seen at the Olympics, our athletes have always kept their focus on sport…
I really enjoyed that event in the SSE Arena, and I thank the Minister for hosting it. Following on from that Olympic success, as Minister for sport, does he agree that the Ulster banner includes everyone in Northern Ireland?
Yes, absolutely, I have had engagement on the Commonwealth Games. It is great that they are coming back to the UK. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our amazing athletes, who have always made us so proud. We will continue to work closely with Commonwealth Games NI and wider sporting bodies in the…
The anti-poverty strategy will have three pillars. First, there will be the supports needed to prevent people getting into poverty. Secondly, for those who find themselves in poverty, it is about making sure that they have the support that they need. Thirdly, we need to make sure that we help people to exit poverty.…
I am pleased to inform the Member that good progress has been made. This is another example of where no action has been taken for far too long. It has been a requirement on my Department and predecessor Departments since 1998 to deliver this, and I am pleased to inform the House that it is still my intention to make…
The Member will be aware of what we were able to do with regard to small settlements during COVID-19 in collaboration with DAERA. I am keen to explore that to see what more we can do. If the Member has specific suggestions about the type of issues that we should work on, I will, of course, be happy to hear from him.
I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, on village renewal and regeneration, is your Department minded to work with counterparts in DAERA to look potentially at a future small settlements scheme?
My Department invests considerable resources in delivering a wide range of services to the public throughout Northern Ireland in rural and urban settings. It is delivered through our arm's-length bodies and includes ensuring the availability of good, affordable housing; the delivery of social security, child…