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.
Dereliction has been a blight on many of our town centres, and there is a concern that the rate relief for vacant properties encourages landbanking and incentivises those properties to remain vacant. The review has been more lethargic than strategic. Will there be any definitive moves and meaningful change to try to…
I have a number of rate relief policies currently with the Executive, and I would like to see decisions made on those. There are other areas that I would be prepared to look at, but we need to see movement on the policies that we have already reviewed and an indication from others that they are willing to create the…
I want to see it having the impact of reducing the prevalence of vacant units in our high streets, villages and town centres. It is a way of motivating investment. If fully implemented, it is estimated that the changes would have the potential to unlock a further £20 million of revenue to fund central and local…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. You announced that the matter will go out for consultation. Do you have a view on the impact that raising vacant property rates would have?
I have already said in the Chamber and at the Finance Committee that I want to increase the level of liability for non-domestic vacant rating. It is my firm view that we need to challenge the blight of vacant properties in our villages, towns and city centres. My officials are providing me with advice in relation to…
I agree with the sentiment of the Member's question and her point about encouraging more young people into our Civil Service for all the reasons that she outlined. The student placement programme that we run is one of the most successful in the Civil Service. When I go into a room full of young students who are coming…
Minister, compared with other employment sectors, people aged 16 to 34 are under-represented in our Civil Service. Our young people can bring new energy and new ideas to the ongoing challenges in the North. What actions are you taking to promote a career in the Civil Service for our young people, and why do you think…
First, I put on record my condemnation of the recent racist rioting, disorder and attacks in our communities. I send my solidarity to our ethnic minority workforce, be they in the Civil Service or any other sector, public or private. They make a massive contribution to this society and create real and positive change.…
On the back of the recent disgraceful racist attacks in Belfast, what work is your Department doing to support staff across the Civil Service who were impacted on in order to ensure that they feel safe and supported at this time?
The Civil Service is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing a positive, supportive and diverse workplace that reflects the society that we serve. As one of the largest employers here, with over 24,000 staff, and as a public service provider, it is important that the Civil Service recognise and respect…
I do not necessarily agree with a number of the Member's points. As I have said, agency working suits some staff. That has to be acknowledged, and we have to keep that option open if we are to continue to react to increases in work programmes in certain areas. Over half our agency staff are recruited through the…
Minister, overdependence on agency staff shows a total lack of workforce planning. financial irresponsibility and a failure to properly recruit for the roles that need to be filled to keep this place running. Will your failure to set a multi-year Budget set workforce planning back even further?
There is an ongoing programme of work across the Civil Service to move, as I said, to having a sustainable workforce that minimises the use of agency staff. It is about ensuring that we fill posts and have fewer agency workers, although there will always be a market for such workers. For a variety of reasons, it suits…
I thank the Minister for mentioning the fact that there will be recruitment processes for permanent posts. Minister, you said, in relation to the increases, that DFC has a significant number of agency workers. Have you had conversations with Ministers about setting targets for the recruitment of permanent staff,…
Less than half is a significant number in this case. That is an agency contract with DFC. It is set out in the DWP contract, as I understand it, it meets the needs of DWP and, in some instances, it meets the needs of staff, although I accept that that is not always the case. I want us to move to having a more…
As the Member said, a significant proportion of the increase in agency staff is a direct result of the Department for Work and Pensions contract with the Department for Communities.
I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you will be aware that your Department's figures show a 76% increase in agency staff across the Northern Ireland Civil Service in the three years from 2023 to 2026, reaching a total of over 5,250 such staff in January of this year. I know that just under half of those…
Agency staff provide an important and flexible resource in supporting Departments to manage time-bound work pressures and meet specific business needs. Their use helps to ensure continuity in public service delivery and minimises disruption to critical Civil Service operations. For some workers, agency contracts are a…
As I said in answer to the previous question, it would depend on whether primary or secondary legislation required changing. GRO has been contacted on the issue approximately five times in the past year, usually by couples seeking clarification that the information provided by the registrar is correct. Legislation…
I have asked officials in GRO to investigate the matter. At this initial stage, we suspect that it would require legislative change. However, I am supportive of exploring what we can do, given the variety of reasons why someone may not want either parent named on their marriage certificate. In the case that the Member…
I thank the Minister for his answer. I asked the question because of a constituent who came to me. It was clear that the young lady did not want her biological father to be on her marriage licence; she wanted her stepfather to be on it because that was the relationship that she had and enjoyed. I take it from your…
The General Register Office (GRO) must abide by the legislative positions outlined in article 3 of the Marriage (NI) Order 2003 and schedule 1 to the Marriage Regulations (NI) 2003. The Order sets out the legal requirements for parties wishing to get married here to supply details of both parents. The details should…