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1241485

registered interest
date	07/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the response by Viscount Younger of Leckie on 6 October (HL Deb, col 510), when a fiscal council for Northern Ireland will be established.
tabling member printed	Lord Lexden
uin	HL8868
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/10/2020 answer text <p>The Fiscal Council is an important new part of the governance of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Department of Finance is leading on developing the Terms of Reference for the Fiscal Council. This will subsequently be agreed through the UK Government-NI Executive Joint Board, which has been established under New Decade, New Approach. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to emphasise the need to press ahead with an Independent Fiscal Council as a priority for the Executive. This was discussed at the first meeting of the Joint Board. The Joint Board will meet again shortly to discuss progress on the fiscal council, amongst other issues.</p><p> </p><p>The Fiscal Council has the potential to make a huge contribution to fiscal sustainability in Northern Ireland over the long-term and strengthen Northern Ireland’s fiscal performance.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to agree terms of reference that reflect our joint ambitions for this new institution and get it up and running as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 20/10/2020 11:34:00 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	4202 label Biography information for Lord Lexden

1240977

registered interest
date	06/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Armed Forces: Compensation
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to assist injured members of the British Armed Forces including the Ulster Defence Regiment and their relatives to claim from the Victims' Payment Scheme.
tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
uin	HL8801
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government understands the need to support potential applicants, which is why the Victims Payments regulations make it clear that the Board is required to have regard to the need to prioritise, and be responsive to, the victims of Troubles-related incidents.</p><p> </p><p>The regulations are also clear that for any person making an application, or considering whether to make an application, the Victim’s Payments Board must make arrangements for facilitating access to advice and support, and help victims obtain evidence necessary to support the claim.</p><p> </p><p>These support provisions will be available to all individuals applying for the scheme, including members of the Armed Forces - in addition to existing pension and compensation schemes which provide support for the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, such as the War Pension scheme.</p><p> </p><p>The Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for delivery of the scheme, and will want to be as open as possible with the public about preparations and progress. We will continue to prioritise supporting the Executive’s delivery of this scheme.</p><p><br></p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 19/10/2020 15:09:40 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

1240159

registered interest
date	05/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Coronavirus: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about COVID-19.
tabling member printed	Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
uin	HL8738
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Minister of State for Northern Ireland are in regular contact with the First and deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland, as well as the Health minister, with the most recent discussions focusing on the recent restrictions across the UK, the concerning rise in cases, and how the UK government can provide continued support.</p><p> </p><p>The First and deputy First Minister, are invited to attend a weekly Covid-19 Operations Committee meeting, hosted by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This forum supports collaboration and helps ensure decisions taken across the four nations are aligned as far as is possible and appropriate.</p><p> </p><p>Since the start of this pandemic, the UK Government has worked closely with the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the rest of the Executive to coordinate our response to coronavirus. We have also remained in close contact with the Irish government.</p><p> </p><p>The government and devolved administrations will continue to work closely together to ensure a coordinated approach across the United Kingdom.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 14/10/2020 14:12:29 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1240160

registered interest
date	05/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Armed Forces: Civil Proceedings
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what further measures are being taken to protect members of the security forces from "vexatious claims" over actions related to the Troubles.
tabling member printed	Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
uin	HL8739
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government has been clear that we will introduce legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in a way that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of reinvestigations that has failed victims and veterans alike.</p><p> </p><p>We remain committed to making progress and engaging on these issues with the Northern Ireland parties, the Irish Government, and stakeholders from across the community including victims groups as quickly as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 12/10/2020 13:59:51 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1240164

registered interest
date	05/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Special Educational Needs: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people with special educational needs.
tabling member printed	Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
uin	HL8741
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/10/2020 answer text <p>Northern Ireland Office Ministers are in regular contact with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>As education is a devolved matter, the education Minister Peter Weir is rightly leading the response for education matters in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>We are delighted to see that Minister Weir is determined to improve the current system of special educational provision and support pupils with special educational needs (SEN) to meet their full potential.</p><p> </p><p>On 30 September, Minister Weir launched a public consultation which will improve the provision of education for children and young people with special educational needs. The Minister has also announced funding of £7.5m to deliver a new SEN framework which will provide additional resources for schools.</p><p> </p><p>As a Government, we promised to do whatever it takes to get through this together - as one United Kingdom, and we will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations to ensure they have the funding and resources needed to tackle the impacts of COVID-19.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 12/10/2020 14:02:24 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1240165

registered interest
date	05/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	New IRA
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threat level emanating from the New IRA terrorist group.
tabling member printed	Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
uin	HL8742
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2020 answer text <p>The threat from dissident republican terrorism continues to be SEVERE in Northern Ireland. Violent dissident republicans have shown, time and again, that they do not care who they hurt and have no regard for people in their communities. This Government’s first priority is to keep people safe and secure right across the United Kingdom. The recent success of OP ARBACIA marks a significant step in a far reaching investigation into the new IRA. Terrorism, paramilitary violence and criminality have no place in our society - they must not hold us back from progress towards a peaceful and prosperous future. The Police Service of Northern Ireland, MI5 and others who work to keep people safe have our full support for the public service they give.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 08/10/2020 12:36:52 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1240167

registered interest
date	05/10/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Cancer: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional funding to the Northern Ireland Executive for reducing the backlog in treatment of cancer patients.
tabling member printed	Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
uin	HL8743
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government recognise the dedication and resolve of staff across the health and social care systems who have shown real determination to provide the best care possible to their patients during this challenging time.</p><p> </p><p>The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically altered the functions of hospitals and as such the focus has led to a serious impact on waiting lists.</p><p> </p><p>The lack of a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland in previous years, coupled with the impact on the health and social care system from the pandemic, exacerbated the need for the urgent reform of services. As a result, the Rebuilding Health &amp; Social Care Strategic Framework was published by Minister Swann on 9 June. In addition to this, Minister Swann announced the launch of a new Covid-19 Surge Planning Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland on 6 October. One of the key initiatives in the framework is the establishment of a regional cancer reset cell to oversee the resumption of screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients in clinically safe environments as quickly as possible, and to protect these services as much as possible in the event of further potential surges of Covid-19</p><p> </p><p>Beyond this, under the New Decade, New Approach deal, the Executive will introduce a new action plan on waiting times. The UK Government committed £2 billion over five years to facilitate NDNA commitments, which includes around £245m to support the transformation of public services, and £200 million over three years to deliver pay parity. The deal also responds to the increasing demand for doctors in Northern Ireland, providing £60m of capital and resource funding to deliver a Northern Ireland Graduate Entry Medical School in Derry/Londonderry, which has now been approved by the Executive.</p><p> </p><p>Recognising the pressures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government has provided the Northern Ireland Executive with a guaranteed £2.4billion in additional funding. The allocation of this funding within the health budget is a matter for the Executive.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 14/10/2020 14:14:34 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1239444

registered interest
date	30/09/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Trade: Northern Ireland
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish the (a) work plan and (b) programme for delivery of the Business Engagement Forum that the Government set up with Northern Ireland businesses.
tabling member constituency	Belfast South
tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
uin	97738
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/10/2020 answer text <p>The Business Engagement Forum provides a space for Northern Ireland’s businesses and business representatives to put forward proposals and provide feedback on how to maximise the free flow of trade.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has now held at least 16 meetings of the Forum with over 60 businesses from a variety of sectors and geographical regions. Most recently this included meetings on FTA negotiations and agriculture, as well as a targeted session with representatives from the aerospace sector. This is complemented by regular engagement carried out by Ministers and officials from across Whitehall.</p><p> </p><p>To ensure that the Business Engagement Forum continues to provide a genuinely safe and flexible space for two-way conversations between the Government and Northern Ireland’s business community, the Forum has no restrictive work plan or programme for delivery, and meetings are held in confidence.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Worcester answering member printed Mr Robin Walker question first answered 06/10/2020 10:05:39 answering member 4091 label Biography information for Mr Robin Walker
tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1238661

registered interest
date	29/09/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Business Rates: Northern Ireland
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about business rates relief in Northern Ireland.
tabling member printed	Lord Hay of Ballyore
uin	HL8585
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2020 answer text <p>Business rates in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Following the decision to provide rates relief in England as part of the Government’s response to Covid-19, the Executive also introduced rates relief for NI businesses. The measures taken by the Executive include:</p><p> </p><ul><li>A four-month rates holiday for all NI business ratepayers between April and July this year;</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>An extended rates holiday for the hospitality, tourism, childcare, leisure and retail sectors (with the exception of certain supermarkets and off-licences). These businesses will pay no rates for the full financial year up until 31 March 2021.</li></ul><p> </p><p>These measures were enabled by the £2.2bn of additional UK Government funding provided to the Executive as part of our response to Covid-19.</p><p> </p><p>We have regular engagement with Executive ministers on a range of issues, including responding to Covid-19. We will continue to work closely with the Executive as we work to see Northern Ireland recover.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 13/10/2020 14:45:43 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	4352 label Biography information for Lord Hay of Ballyore

1237745

registered interest
date	24/09/2020
answering body	Northern Ireland Office
answering dept id	21
answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
hansard heading	Northern Ireland: Terrorism
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have held, if any, with the government of Ireland about claims made in the Irish Parliament on 22 September that the former chief of staff of the Provisional IRA was an informer for the Special Branch of the Garda in 1972.
tabling member printed	Lord Empey
uin	HL8443
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/10/2020 answer text <p>I can confirm that the Government have held no discussions with the Irish Government on this matter. The Government have made no assessment of these claims at this time.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie grouped question UIN HL8447 question first answered 06/10/2020 10:36:12 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey