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.
There has perhaps been a bit of confusion about what was presented by officials in terms of the first 100 days, but it was not a work programme set out by me and the deputy First Minister. Suffice to say that, when the legislation was brought forward, Ministers were not in place, so a lot of work was happening in…
Thank you. Will the First Minister indicate why it has taken so long to appoint commissioners on a range of issues from climate to victims to languages, given that that was supposed to have been done within 100 days of restoration?
Establishing the office of climate commissioner here is a key requirement of the Climate Change Act 2022 that falls to this Department. When established, it will be an important element of our support to transition to net zero. Prior to February 2024, officials took forward significant development work on the options…
I believe that I was asked that question at the Committee and that my answer was yes. There is no stepping away from that. I have answered the question before and am happy to do so again for you.
The First Minister rightly said that institutional abuse is a source of shame and that the inquiry focused on the need for truth. She mentioned listening to victims and survivors. It is also a source of shame that, last week in the House, the First Minister refused to say that she believed Máiría Cahill. Will she…
I intend to go before the Committee, but the matter of timing is one that I need to work out with the Committee. It has invited me to come back this Wednesday, but I am acutely aware that it has asked for legal advice. Let us get that, but I am more than happy to answer questions from the Committee.
First Minister, the fact that this and other victims-, survivors- and abuse-related issues sit in the Executive Office underlines the importance of your credibility in relation to safeguarding and related matters. Further to Connie Egan's question, can I be absolutely clear on the point that you will appear before the…
Yes. I accept that. We want to move it on as quickly as possible. Given the enormity of the policy decisions and their emotive nature, we need to work our way through them as quickly as possible. We will continue to engage with victims and survivors throughout, which is also very important. As we have said, by the end…
I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, can you give us a rough idea of the timeline? As we know, many of the women, who were girls at the time, are part of an ageing population.
The public consultation on the proposals for a public inquiry and a redress scheme closed on 19 September. We thank all those who responded and attended one of the 16 public events. In total, 269 responses were received, and we are committed to publishing an analysis of them in the coming weeks. Whilst we need time to…
All forms of violence, hate and discrimination have to be tackled head-on and called out. There is no place for racism in our society. We need to support inclusion. We must challenge and confront any form of prejudice and ensure values of respect and equality for all. Our collective goal is to build a society where…
A consultation on a review of the Race Relations Order started in March 2023 and formally closed in June 2023. A report on the responses and feedback from the consultation was published in August 2024. We aim to bring updated race relations legislation to the Assembly, through the legislative programme, in the 2025-26…
The minority ethnic development fund continues to be a key element of policy for racial equality and good race relations. It is intended to align with and support our racial equality strategy 2015-2025, and it is a vehicle for delivering aspects of the vision and shared aims. In line with a review of the fund, a…
One of our key priorities is building a society where racial equality and diversity are supported, valued and respected. Work is continuing to deliver the commitments in the racial equality strategy. Beyond 2025, it is important that there is a clear mechanism and overarching framework for achieving racial equality…
I have outlined the good work that Urban Villages has done throughout the North. It has had a wide reach, and it has been impactful for people of all ages. We are focused on investing in securing the sustainability of remaining capital projects. As I said, we will keep Members up to date.
Is it, and has it always been, imperative that all Urban Villages projects, and the work that they do and fund, improve good relations outcomes and promote integration?
Since coming into this position, I have had the great opportunity, alongside other Ministers, to visit numerous sites throughout the North. We were at the New Gate Arts and Culture Centre in the Fountain area of Derry, and at Hosford Community Homes in east Belfast. I commend the great work that is done by the East…
I note the hugely positive work that has come out of Urban Villages, particularly in my constituency in Derry. I appreciate that the junior Minister has already answered this in part, but can she outline specifically the next steps for the project? Also, what thought has been given to Urban Villages phase 2?
As the Member knows, Urban Villages, by design, was not supposed to be a long-term funder. We have to learn from what has worked throughout the programme and how we can improve. It has made a real impact on communities by improving good relations and supporting regeneration. Alongside junior Minister Cameron, I have…
I thank the junior Minister for her comprehensive update. I agree with her that the impact that Urban Villages has had in North Belfast is significant. Junior Minister, there are other parts of North Belfast that would hugely benefit from a scheme. Is the Executive Office scoping the creation of a further Urban…
To date, £16·3 million has been invested in North Belfast in Urban Villages capital projects, 13 of which are now complete. Four projects are being progressed in the area, including the Ardoyne Bone Community (ABC) Health and Leisure Trust hub, which is on-site now, and the redevelopment of Ballysillan playing fields,…