Questions Time happens in the Assembly on those Mondays and Tuesdays on which the Assembly is sitting.
During Oral Questions to the Justice Minister, Mr David Ford was asked what communication he has had with the Criminal Justice Inspection since the conclusion of its report into the Maghaberry prison in January 2016. The Minister confirmed “given the importance of the reinspection of Maghaberry prison, I spoke to the chief inspector of Criminal Justice Inspection… Continue Reading Question Time – Justice 25 January 2016
There was great interest in the proposed Investing in the Teaching Workforce Scheme during today’s Questions to Education Minister, John O’Dowd. The Scheme is intended to provide early access to pension for teachers aged 55+, with the post being replaced by a recently qualified teacher. There has been some disappointment expressed about the proposed parameters… Continue Reading Question Time: Education Tuesday 19 January 2016
Peter Weir MLA asked Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, what initiatives he is considering to increase the number of college and university students studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) during today’s Question Time. The Minister maintained “STEM subjects are and will continue to be essential to our economy. That has recently been verified… Continue Reading Question Time: Employment and Learning Tuesday 19 January 2016
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, discussed manufacturing prospects for the local sector during today’s Question Time. The Minister declared “manufacturing is hugely important to the Northern Ireland economy. It makes a significant contribution to export levels and to research and development in Northern Ireland, both of which are central to wealth creation”. In the… Continue Reading Question Time: Enterprise, Trade and Investment Monday 18 January 2016
George Robinson enquired as to any impact on the Victims and Survivors Service as a result of the reduction in the number Departments during today’s Questions to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. First Minister Arlene Foster, answering on behalf of the Department, confirmed that the Service will remain within the… Continue Reading Question Time: Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister Monday 18 January 2016
Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Caral Ni Chuilin, discussed the budget for Libraries NI during today’s Question Time. The Minister lamented the budget cuts imposed on her Department by Westminster saying “the Tory Administration have decided to impose austerity measures on a community that is still emerging from conflict and still weighed down by… Continue Reading Question Time: Culture, Arts and Leisure Tuesday 12 January 2016
Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, discussed the success of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework (TRPSI Framework) 2011-2015 and proposals for a replacement scheme during today’s Question Time. Mrs O’Neill is “very proud of the achievements that have been delivered under the current TRPSI framework” particularly the positive impact to rural dwellers across a… Continue Reading Question Time: Agriculture and Rural Development Tuesday 12 January 2016
Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, answered an urgent oral question on the impact of the recent severe flooding across Northern Ireland during today’s Question Time. The three storms in December, along with heavy rainfall, has seen 30 properties experience flooding. The response to the recent events has been a multi-agency approach. DARD continues to discharge lead… Continue Reading Urgent Oral Question: Agriculture and Rural Development Monday 11 January 2016
Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey, addressed the rising number of homeless in Northern Ireland during today’s Question Time. The Minister countered that there has actually been a small decrease of 3% in the last five years. Mr Storey also added “homelessness has been at the top of my list of priorities since I came into… Continue Reading Question Time: Social Development Monday 11 January 2016
Regional Development Minister, Michelle McIlveen, provided an update on proposals for a new Translink integrated ticketing system during today’s Question Time. The project aims to replace Translink’s current ticketing equipment, which has become outdated, and to update existing concessionary and Translink smart cards to align with new technology, particularly online top-ups. It also aims to… Continue Reading Question Time: Regional Development Monday 11 January 2016