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1728606

	registered interest
	date	10/09/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Journalism: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on recent threats of violence against a Sunday World journalist.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast South and Mid Down
	tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
	uin	5125
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/09/2024 answer text <p>Journalists play a vital role in our society. It is unacceptable that they should find themselves threatened for doing their job.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>I meet regularly with the Chief Constable and his senior team regarding national security and discuss a range of issues. I commend the PSNI on the progress they have made to address journalist safety in Northern Ireland. Two Journalist Safety Officers have been appointed and are notified of all reports of threats to journalists. An internal Journalist Safety Group has also been established.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 17/09/2024 13:12:58 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1728607

	registered interest
	date	10/09/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Journalism: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to ensure that journalists in Northern Ireland are protected from (a) threats of violence from paramilitary groups, (b) surveillance from security forces and (c) pressure to reveal sources.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast South and Mid Down
	tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
	uin	5126
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/09/2024 answer text <p>A free, independent media is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is vital that journalists are able to continue their work without the fear of attack or threat. The Department of Digital, Culture, Media &amp; Sport is responsible for the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists which sets out our approach to increase the safety of journalists.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive in their efforts to tackle the threat and harm caused by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. I commend the PSNI on the progress they have made to address journalist safety in Northern Ireland. Two Journalist Safety Officers have been appointed and are notified of all reports of threats to journalists. An internal Journalist Safety Group has also been established.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>There are a number of robust legal protections afforded to journalists and their sources. These include Article 10 of The European Convention on Human Rights, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, and the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. In addition, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) can consider allegations of unlawful intrusion by public bodies, including the UK intelligence services and Police.</p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 17/09/2024 13:11:36 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1728655

	registered interest
	date	10/09/2024
	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 Office: Equality
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many positions in his Department included (a) diversity, (b) inclusion, (c) equity and (d) equality in their job title in each of the last five years; and what the total cost of the salaries of each such job was in each of those years.
	tabling member constituency	Great Yarmouth
	tabling member printed	Rupert Lowe
	uin	5197
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/09/2024 answer text <p>The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has not held any positions with (a) diversity, (b) inclusion, (c) equity, and (d) equality in the job title in each of the last five years.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 17/09/2024 13:21:39 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	5158

1728055

	registered interest
	date	09/09/2024
	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 Veterans Commissioner
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to appoint a new Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	4763
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/09/2024 answer text <p>We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland, including through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. We will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.</p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 12/09/2024 10:25:05 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1728201

	registered interest
	date	09/09/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Patrick Finucane
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 3049 on Patrick Finucane, if he will publish copies of his letters to (a) Mrs Finucane and (b) the Court of Appeal.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	4764
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/09/2024 answer text <p>On Wednesday 11 September, I made an oral statement to Parliament announcing the Government’s intention to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane. I have notified the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal of this decision and Mrs Geraldine Finucane’s agreement to it.</p><p>The matter is still live before the Court. As such, I do not currently intend to publish these letters. Should I choose to publish them in future, I would seek Mrs Finucane’s and the Court’s approval to do so.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 12/09/2024 14:43:48 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1728229

	registered interest
	date	09/09/2024
	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 Veterans Commissioner
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner a full time post.
	tabling member constituency	South Antrim
	tabling member printed	Robin Swann
	uin	4797
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/09/2024 answer text <p>We will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 12/09/2024 10:23:19 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	5319

1727907

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2024
	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 Veterans Commissioner: Resignations
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the reasons behind, and (2) the consequences of, the resignation of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: and whether they intend to seek a successor.
	tabling member printed	Lord Empey
	uin	HL842
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/09/2024 answer text <p>Over the last four years, Northern Ireland’s first Veterans Commissioner, Danny Kinahan, worked on a range of important issues that affect veterans in everyday life, including health, housing, and welfare. The Government would like to thank Danny for his dedicated work on behalf of veterans and families living in Northern Ireland. On 5 September, he resigned from the role. A statement setting out his position has been published on the Veterans Commissioner’s website.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland, and will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent question first answered 13/09/2024 13:38:53 answering member 4508 label Biography information for Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1727908

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2024
	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 Veterans Commissioner
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to amend (1) the terms of reference, and (2) the remit, of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.
	tabling member printed	Lord Empey
	uin	HL843
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/09/2024 answer text <p>We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland and we will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent question first answered 13/09/2024 13:34:00 answering member 4508 label Biography information for Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1726632

	registered interest
	date	02/09/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Harland and Wolff: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he is taking steps to secure further funding for Harland and Wolf in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	3700
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>Following a comprehensive assessment of the company’s financial profile and the criteria set out in UK Government risk policies, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade confirmed in a Written Ministerial Statement on 22 July that the UK Government had decided not to proceed with the provision of an Export Development Guarantee to Harland and Wolff.</p><p>This was not an easy decision, but we concluded that the market is best placed to resolve these commercial matters. Government funding would not necessarily secure our objectives, and there is a risk that taxpayer money would be lost.</p><p>We want to see an outcome for Harland and Wolff that delivers shipbuilding and fabrication in Northern Ireland and protects jobs, and we encourage all parties to engage with trade unions before further decisions are made.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 06/09/2024 12:59:02 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1726750

	registered interest
	date	02/09/2024
	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 Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which veterans' organisations he has met with to discuss his plans for the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	3766
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2024 answer text <p>In my written ministerial statement of 29 July 2024, I committed to undertake a period of consultation with all interested parties, including veterans organisations, to hear views regarding a practical way forward on legacy issues that complies with human rights and can command support across communities in Northern Ireland and beyond.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>I began this process by meeting the Victims and Survivors Forum and the South East Fermanagh Foundation on 28 August 2024, and will meet with other organisations, including those representing veterans, in the period ahead.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 05/09/2024 09:26:46 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1725447

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the EU on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	East Antrim
	tabling member printed	Sammy Wilson
	uin	2793
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.</p><p>The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn grouped question UIN 2794 2795 question first answered 06/09/2024 10:32:39 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	1593 label Biography information for Sammy Wilson

1725448

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	East Antrim
	tabling member printed	Sammy Wilson
	uin	2794
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.</p><p>The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn grouped question UIN 2793 2795 question first answered 06/09/2024 10:32:39 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	1593 label Biography information for Sammy Wilson

1725449

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	East Antrim
	tabling member printed	Sammy Wilson
	uin	2795
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.</p><p>The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn grouped question UIN 2793 2794 question first answered 06/09/2024 10:32:39 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	1593 label Biography information for Sammy Wilson

1725689

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	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 Office: Redundancy Pay
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
	tabling member constituency	Bath
	tabling member printed	Wera Hobhouse
	uin	3045
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The provision of severance payments for Ministers is set out in legislation. Details of the severance payments made to ministers when leaving office are published in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts available at <a href="https://www.gov.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/</a>. The amounts for 2023-24 will be included in the Department’s forthcoming Annual Report and Accounts upon completion of the year end audit.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 06/09/2024 13:11:21 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4602 label Biography information for Wera Hobhouse

1725700

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Patrick Finucane
	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 his request to the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland for extra time to consider the ruling in the case of Geraldine Finucane v Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	3049
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2024 answer text <p>I met with Mrs Finucane on 25 July to hear firsthand her views, during which I explained that I would likely be required to seek an extension to the timetable set by the Court. I then wrote to Mrs Finucane and the Court of Appeal setting out in detail the rationale for the extension request, most notably that, in light of the recent change in government, the requirement for cross-government consultation, the need for officials across government to provide new Ministers with a full briefing on the case, and the parliamentary summer recess period during August, it would not be possible to reach a government decision on a process for investigation of the relevant aspects of Patrick Finucane’s death, that would be compliant with Article 2 of the European Court of Human Rights, within the timescale set by the Court (ie. by 22 August 2024).</p><p>Mrs Finucane did not object to the Government’s request and the Court has granted the Government an extension to 27 September 2024 to respond to its judgement of 11 July 2024.</p><p>I want to ensure that the Government makes a decision on this case as soon as possible and that this decision takes account of the views of Mrs Finucane.</p><p>I will update the House on the Government’s position in due course.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 09/09/2024 16:23:51 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1725704

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Operation Kenova
	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 letter from Sir Iain Livingstone on the discovery of new documents relevant to Operation Kenova.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	3051
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The letter addressed to me from Sir Iain Livingstone regarding the discovery of new documents relevant to Operation Kenova has already been published on the Operation Kenova website.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 06/09/2024 10:37:47 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1725887

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Civil Disorder: Belfast
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the (a) NI Executive and (b) Police Service of Northern Ireland on anti-immigration disorder and violence in Belfast in August 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast South and Mid Down
	tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
	uin	3191
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2024 answer text <p>The disorder was unacceptable and does not represent the real Northern Ireland. Public safety and community cohesion are primarily the responsibility of local elected Ministers and I have therefore remained in close contact with the NI Executive and the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this matter.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>I met the First and deputy First Minister and spoke with the Justice Minister who all share my shock and concern at the targeting of violence and intimidation towards minority communities in Northern Ireland.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>I also met the Chief Constable to express my sincere thanks to the PSNI for working tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions to keep communities in Northern Ireland safe. My officials and I continue to engage regularly with the PSNI.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 06/09/2024 13:03:32 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1726044

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Terrorism: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1169 on Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, how many times he has requested a review of (a) a Troubles-related death under section 9(3) of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 and (b) harmful conduct under section 10(2) of that Act since 1 May 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Sorcha Eastwood
	uin	3406
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2024 answer text <p>To date, I have not requested a review of (a) a Troubles-related death under section 9(3) of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, or of (b) harmful conduct under section 10(2) of that Act. This was also the case for my predecessor.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 09/09/2024 09:04:55 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	5125

1726399

	registered interest
	date	30/08/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Winter Fuel Payment: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the Minister for Communities in Northern Ireland on the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment on people in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	South Antrim
	tabling member printed	Robin Swann
	uin	3630
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/09/2024 answer text <p>The Winter Fuel Payment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and its delivery and the eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department for Communities.</p><p>The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for balancing its own budget. The Executive has made a decision to maintain parity with the UK Government by requiring receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment to be means tested.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 04/09/2024 14:18:02 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	5319

1724424

	registered interest
	date	30/07/2024
	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 Office: Public Appointments
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what (a) statutory and (b) non-statutory direct ministerial appointments excluding special advisers he has made; and (i) who the appointee was and (ii) what the (A) remuneration, (B) title and (C) terms of reference was for each appointment.
	tabling member constituency	North West Hampshire
	tabling member printed	Kit Malthouse
	uin	2402
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/09/2024 answer text <p>Since becoming Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 5 July, I have not made any statutory or non-statutory direct ministerial appointments.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 02/09/2024 14:00:44 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4495 label Biography information for Kit Malthouse

1724081

	registered interest
	date	29/07/2024
	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 Office: Press Conferences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps to ensure that (a) the Belfast News Letter and (b) other news outlets are given equal rights to ask questions at his Department's press conferences.
	tabling member constituency	North Antrim
	tabling member printed	Jim Allister
	uin	2219
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/09/2024 answer text <p>The Northern Ireland Office invites a wide range of news outlets to its departmental press conferences.</p><p>During press conferences, as many news outlets as possible are given an opportunity to ask a question. However, it is not always possible for every media outlet to ask a question due to time constraints.</p><p>News outlets can pose questions at any time to the department’s press office.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 02/09/2024 10:56:49 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	5356

1723815

	registered interest
	date	26/07/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Victims' Payments Scheme: 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 have discussions with the Victims Payments Board in Northern Ireland on the eligibility deadline for the backdated lump sum payment of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	1970
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/08/2024 answer text <p>In view of concerns raised by stakeholders that some potential applicants could lose out on backdated payments, I have decided to extend the date for which backdated payments can be made from the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme by two years, from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.</p><p>This extension will allow anyone deemed eligible in the five-year lifespan of the scheme, which makes acknowledgement payments to individuals who have been permanently injured during the Troubles, to avail of a payment backdated to 2014.</p><p>This will assist both those who have suffered and are applying to the scheme, and those who are supporting applicants.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 01/08/2024 10:07:22 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1723477

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	InterTrade UK and UK East-West Council: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to take steps to (a) convene the East-West Council and (b) establish Intertrade UK.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	1786
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/09/2024 answer text <p>The Government is committed to taking all necessary steps to protect the UK internal market, and to making progress on the commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper. This includes taking steps to establish Intertrade UK and to convene the next meeting of the East-West Council, which had its inaugural meeting in March 2024.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 02/09/2024 10:49:39 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1723176

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Surveillance: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to figure 19.6 of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office’s annual report 2022, published on 26 March 2024, if he will hold discussions with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland on the potential merits of launching a public inquiry on the alleged surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Foyle
	tabling member printed	Colum Eastwood
	uin	1584
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/07/2024 answer text <p>Figure 19.6 of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office’s annual report 2022 refers to statistics for communications data authorisations involving members of a sensitive profession between 2018 and 2022. These are statistics for the whole of the UK, not specific to Northern Ireland.</p><p>Oversight of the use of Investigatory Powers is provided by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office who ensure that such use is necessary and proportionate, and used in accordance with the law.</p><p>There are ongoing Investigatory Powers Tribunal proceedings in relation to the alleged surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further or to consider other routes of investigation until those proceedings have concluded.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 29/07/2024 10:14:58 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4846 label Biography information for Colum Eastwood

1723180

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2024
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Members: Correspondence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to reply to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 18 July 2024 on the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Geraldine Finucane v Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of 11 July 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	1546
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/07/2024 answer text <p>I responded to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar on 25 July 2024.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Leeds South answering member printed Hilary Benn question first answered 29/07/2024 16:04:15 answering member 413 label Biography information for Hilary Benn
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart