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Biomethane has already been used in the gas network in, I think, the Dungannon area. There are targets to increase that usage by, I think, up to 30% over the coming years. We are already on the way in developing how biomethane is used. We see it as one of the key elements in our drive towards net zero and towards…
There is huge potential with biomethane, and it is encouraging to see such innovation in the mid-Ulster area in particular and further afield. Does the Minister anticipate any clauses in the new regulatory Bill that will come forward from the Department that will deal specifically with the direct injection of…
I recently visited the companies involved in the mid-Ulster biorefinery cluster to discuss their plans to create a nutrient energy and carbon services sector based on a centralised agricultural feedstock biorefinery. I was interested to hear about the project and the opportunities and challenges that the cluster…
Research indicates that, due to our large agriculture sector, we have significant potential to use biomethane to support our path to net zero. Biomethane can provide a locally produced and sustainable source of energy that could help to decarbonise the gas network and transport while enhancing the security of our…
That is a judgement for university to make. We are not in the business of making that judgement. Given that there was a public element to the appointment process, we wanted to ensure that the university was satisfied that its recruitment processes were followed in accordance with its own procedures in that instance,…
The Minister has just mentioned that he received assurances from the vice chancellor of Ulster University that an established process was followed and exercised. To quote from the policy that he referenced, the established process can: "only be used in a very small number of cases where the potential exists to recruit…
As I said in my original response, universities have autonomy in their recruitment and retention procedures. I communicated with the university, and it provided me with a response, assuring me that the recruitment to the posts was carried out in accordance with its processes. That is a matter for the university. There…
The public believe that it is, at best, highly questionable that a former Minister for universities who has produced no academic research of note should be promoted via an exceptional talent pathway that disregards the regular appointment process. There is an obvious conflict of interest there. What will the Minister…
As autonomous institutions, universities are responsible for their policies and procedures, including recruitment and retention. Regarding the recent appointments of co-directors to lead Ulster University's new strategic policy unit, I have received assurances from the vice chancellor that an established process was…
Yes, it is. We received an interim plan with a number of asks not just of Executive Departments, primarily ours, but of the Government in the South. We have communicated with our Ministers and with Ministers in the South on that. We hope to compile answers to questions about the task force's work fairly quickly. It is…
Our universities rely largely on funding from us. They are as challenged, as we are, when it comes to providing funding. I am sure that, were more funding available, we could provide more funding across all our university campuses. Ulster University has a commitment to all three of its campuses. That is the…
I thank the Minister for his answer. On the Minister's regional balance strategy, I look at the recent funding allocations by the university, which were supplied to my colleague Phillip Brett. Capital spend in the university for 2023-24 was £4·183 million for Magee; £7·658 million for Studio Ulster; £1·252 million for…
The expansion of Ulster University's Magee campus is a commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach' and a priority in the draft Programme for Government (PFG). It is, therefore, my focus at this time. I have no plans for a similar task force for the Coleraine campus. However, I fully support and recognise the benefits of…
The 'good jobs' employment rights consultation proposed to introduce a right to up to five days of leave for unpaid, eligible carers over a rolling 12-month period to provide care for a family member or other dependant who has longer-term or otherwise significant care needs. It remains my goal to introduce paid…
I have met groups that campaign on the issue of the lack of post-19 provision for people with learning difficulties and other challenges. I agree that it is an area that has been left for far too long without any provision being made or perhaps, indeed, any responsibility being taken. It is a complex issue. I am…
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I met Orchardville, which, as you will know, is an organisation in my constituency that operates across the Province. Orchardville is concerned that there is not enough mention of support for people with learning disabilities and how barriers will be removed. Orchardville will be…
My 'good jobs' employment rights consultation sought views on the proposals on flexible working and carers' leave to help address barriers to employment for carers and to enable those with disabilities to enter or remain in work. The consultation closed on 30 September, and responses are being analysed. In addition,…
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The purpose of today's motion is to ensure that, as an Assembly, we recognise the immediacy of the crisis and that we take steps to move beyond consultation and procrastination to address the serious issue of holiday hunger and the high cost of school uniforms and PE kits…
When people talk about legitimate concerns, it is very clear that they are not trying to justify the kind of attacks that the Member talks about, which are repugnant and which everybody stands against. However, in other parts of the UK, we saw the rise of the far right when working-class communities felt that…
I thank the Member for giving way. I agree with her point about deprivation. Going back to her comment about genuinely held concerns, does she agree that that strategy and comment often help to feed racism, meaning that people think that it is OK or legitimate to bash migrants or asylum seekers? Does she agree that…
I thank the Member for giving way. I am glad that she raised that point. I am sure that she is as sickened as I am by the dangerous and, frankly, false rhetoric that some have used in the House today. The NHS is under pressure because we have an ageing and sicker population, coupled with decades of consecutive British…