Caoimhe Archibald
East Londonderry · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Taken together, that points to a scheme that is operating effectively in its early stages, while, of course, remaining under review as further evidence becomes available. <BR /> <BR />I therefore commend to the Assembly the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026.”
“I seek the Assembly's approval for the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The statutory rule was made on 1 April and came into operation on 6 April. It is before the Assembly today under the confirmatory procedure.”
“The 2026 regulatory impact assessment estimates one-off employer familiarisation costs of up to £1·36 million, with wider HMRC implementation costs forecast at £1·5 million and annual systems maintenance costs of around £10,000. It may assist Members to note that early implementation has gone smoothly.”
“The amendment ensures the continued operation of those regulations and forms part of a wider package of legislative measures establishing statutory parental bereavement pay as an entitlement for bereaved parents.”
“The regulations before the Assembly today are a key part of that implementation and ensure the continued operation of the statutory parental bereavement pay framework. The policy objective is clear: to support bereaved working parents at a time of profound loss and provide a minimum standard of protection in law.”
“<BR /> <BR />The confirmatory procedure means that the regulations before the House today have come into operation before the Assembly debate has taken place and must then be approved by the Assembly within the relevant statutory period. In this case, the deadline for approval is 20 September 2026.”
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“<BR /> <BR />In addition, £3 million of annual funding from my Department has helped to secure important routes for City of Derry Airport, and FinTrU, Seagate, EY and Alchemy Technologies have announced significant investments in the area. With the support of Invest NI, however, we have seen investments across the North. To bolster our creative sector, we have developed Studio Ulster to support further investment in the future of film, animation, immersive installation and gaming. Studio Ulster receives £25 million of investment through the Belfast region city deal, which demonstrates our strong commitment to creating high-value, high-paying jobs. <BR /> <BR />In Newry, McGuinness Mechanical Engineering is investing over £3 million to double its workforce.”
“<BR /> <BR />To date, all the land needed to reach the 10,000 students target has been acquired. Since the Magee task force was established, my Department, in partnership with Ulster University, has committed almost £21·5 million of capital funding, which is more than in the previous 10 years. Student enrolments at Magee have increased by 44% since 2021, and the university is confident that the number of students will reach 6,300 this year. As people see that progress being made, those who previously doubted now believe in the project and are giving their support to it. That momentum will be invaluable in reaching 10,000 students by 2032.”
“Invest NI is therefore implementing a new regional property programme. While infrastructure challenges exist, key projects have been identified, including a new business park at Desertcreat that aims to promote green growth and address the shortage of industrial land in mid-Ulster. <BR /> <BR />The north-west has a particularly high level of unrealised economic potential and is therefore a particular area of focus for my Department and Invest NI. The most significant project is the Magee expansion. That is a huge undertaking, involving investment in infrastructure, teaching facilities, new courses, new staff, marketing initiatives and student accommodation. The task force was established to bring together business, the university, students and the community sector in a citywide effort.”
“Those partnerships have all been established, and they are now developing their action plans. As far as I am aware, a number have already signed off on their draft plans, including Causeway Coast and Glens, Maurice. Departments will be asked to work with the partnerships to deliver those plans. My Department has also established a £45 million regional balance fund to help partnerships with delivery that has been profiled over the three years. <BR /> <BR />The subregional economic plan also set a regional balance target for Invest NI for the first time. The target is to increase the number of investments outside the Belfast metropolitan area from 56% to 65% over three years. Having hit 59% in year 1 of the strategy, Invest NI is on course to achieve that ambitious target. The lack of land is a major barrier to regional balance.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak about this important issue. The geographical imbalances in our economy have deep roots, as Members have said. Historical patterns of underinvestment tend to become self-reinforcing, as investment is drawn towards areas that are already economically strong. Overturning that legacy requires political commitment and determined action over time. <BR /> <BR />This is the first time that my party has controlled the Economy Department, and we have brought a new strategic focus on regional balance. It is one of our four key objectives. In October last year, my Department published its subregional economic plan. The plan committed to the creation of 11 local economic partnerships to identify the main barriers to economic development and the interventions needed to unlock it.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I beg to introduce the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill [NIA 22/22-27], which is a Bill to enable the Department for the Economy to make regulations to close the non-domestic RHI scheme.”
“That is why I will continue to prioritise investment in skills; support for young people and those with specific needs; and deeper collaboration with business. I look forward to working with Members, stakeholders and communities to build a skills system that is fit for the future and works for everyone.”
“They are keen to learn from initiatives that we have and to see whether they can be similarly delivered in the South. Skillnet Ireland's approach to sectoral collaboration closely aligns with the Department's sectoral action plans that were launched by my predecessor, Minister Murphy, last year to support seven of our most innovative sectors. <BR /> <BR />Addressing the skills gap, of course, is not a single intervention; it is a system-wide challenge. It requires collaboration, as my colleague said, across government, education, business and communities. Therefore, I am happy to look at what more we can learn from the Skillnet model. <BR /> <BR />I share the Assembly's ambition to make economic opportunity the foundation of social justice and reconciliation.”
“We have also seen strong engagement between the Northern Ireland Skills Council and the National Skills Council in the South, helping to shape shared priorities across the island. Green skills have been identified as a promising starting point, with further potential in areas such as AI. I am keen to explore additional collaborative approaches to skills development. <BR /> <BR />In the meantime, our current approach remains guided by the principle of sectoral alignment. The Skillnet model's strength lies in its sector-based collaboration, bringing together businesses and education providers to address evolving skills needs. It is worth saying that our colleagues in the South very much view the relationship as a mutually beneficial one. They take learning from us as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion proposes establishing a talent development agency similar to Skillnet Ireland or other European models. The amendment suggests that I work with my counterparts in the Irish Government on the creation of an all-island talent development agency. My Department is already engaged in constructive dialogue with Irish Government counterparts through a range of cross-border initiatives. One great example of cross-border collaboration is the PEACE PLUS programme. Through that, my Department is working closely with colleagues in the South to build a stronger all-island skills system. Our further education colleges and universities are working closely with partners in the South to deliver training in key areas such as green skills and digital technologies.”
“Such initiatives as the Open University and Libraries NI pilot help at-risk pupils develop study skills — a first step towards re-engaging in education — and programmes such as Skills for Life and Work, which is delivered flexibly by FE colleges, support those with low or no prior achievement in progress towards further education, employment or apprenticeships. <BR /> <BR />While higher education is not always a direct route for young people, I will launch a public consultation this autumn on a new widening participation strategy to make higher education more accessible. Supporting our young people to gain the skills and qualifications that they need is essential in widening our talent pool and ensuring equal access to quality employment.”
“I believe that he, too, is committed to that work and to greater cross-departmental collaboration. <BR /> <BR />Despite the good work that we are doing, challenges remain. The proposer mentioned the skills barometer and the projections of job growth to a million by 2033. That is a good thing, obviously, but we face an annual shortfall of 5,400 workers and significant skills gaps, particularly in AI, digital, cybersecurity and green industries. The recent rise in the number of young people not in education, employment or training is a real concern.”
“The social enterprise sector also plays a vital role in bridging skills gaps. Recent research indicates that 11% of social enterprises provide access to education and improve skills development and that over half are located in areas of high deprivation. Greater cross-departmental collaboration is also under way, with the Department for the Economy and the Department of Education working together on shared priorities such as careers, special educational needs and post-16 pathways. I assure the proposer and other Members that I see that as being absolutely vital, particularly in the financially constrained environment that we operate in and are likely to continue to operate in. I will meet the Education Minister in the coming weeks on that agenda and how we can work together.”
“I am keen to look at how we can address that, not just through ensuring that the pathways are there but through looking at whether there is work that we can do with employers to remove barriers, helping people into jobs. Cheryl mentioned the work that is being done by some companies in the States. We have companies here that do similar things in supporting people with neurodivergence and creating the right circumstances and environment for people to take up post. That is work that we can build on, ensuring that we mainstream good practice. <BR /> <BR />My Department will soon publish its skills action plan, which will outline the concrete steps that my Department will take, along with our partners, to continue to build the dynamic, innovative and highly skilled workforce that we need in the North.”
“We have increasingly seen that in our schools, with more young people facing challenges in going to school. There are more young people with anxiety and in the school-refuser category. There is a challenge for us across the board in addressing those issues. <BR /> <BR />Ensuring that we have pathways for people who face barriers, whatever those barriers may be, is a priority for me. It is important that we work not just across Departments but with community organisations, which often have people on the front line supporting individuals on their journeys. Members referred to the fact that there are challenges relating to our young people with special educational needs and people with disabilities particularly. Michelle talked about the fact that we perform poorly compared with other regions.”
“Apprenticeships have seen impressive growth, with a 39% increase since 2019, and higher-level apprenticeships having increased eightfold since 2017. In addition, new initiatives, such as the apprenticeship inclusion challenge fund and the apprenticeship action plan, ensure that apprenticeships are more accessible and inclusive. <BR /> <BR />In recent months, I published the green skills action plan, which provides a clear framework for collaboration on future green jobs. That approach will help to create clearer pathways into training and employment, particularly for young people currently not in education, employment or training. I am concerned, as other Members are, by the recent increases in the number of our young people not in education, employment or training. I have asked officials to look at the potential reasons behind that.”
“Just last Friday, I was in Derry for the opening of the new WOMEN'STEC facility in the north-west, which is delivering on one of the challenge fund projects. <BR /> <BR />Significant investments are also being made to boost digital and cyber skills across the region. They include Allstate's £16 million upskilling initiative and Queen's University's new cybersecurity AI tech hub.”
“I have continued, despite our challenging budgetary situation, to prioritise investment in skills development and to fight for as much funding as possible to put towards it. <BR /> <BR />My Department provides a range of skills programmes. Last year, £12 million from the skills fund supported 20 projects, including Step Up, which provides training, mentoring and careers advice for young people not in education, employment or training. We have committed a further £7 million this year to continue and expand that important work. I was also delighted to launch the apprenticeship inclusion challenge fund in October last year. Funding of up to £100,000 over 18 months will go to six successful applicant organisations from across the business, community and education sectors.”
“I really welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion today, and I welcome any opportunity to speak about skills. I say this all the time because it is true: skills underpin and are critical to the delivery of all four of my economic objectives. Skills are a key driver of productivity, developing people's skills and helping people to take good jobs. <BR /> <BR />New skills will be needed to deliver on the transition to net zero, and, by ensuring that we invest in skills across the North, we can improve regional balance. That is why, last year, we invested £250 million in our universities, including £13 million specifically for the Magee expansion and £310 million for our colleges.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phriomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“That is often the first step to exporting abroad. <BR /> <BR />Looking ahead, my Department is focused on supporting businesses at every stage of their export journey. Our sectoral action plan set out clear objectives to increase the intensity of exports and the number of firms participating in international trade. With the right support and by fully leveraging dual market access, businesses in the North can offer the products and services to compete and thrive in global markets. Over the period of Windsor framework implementation, exports here have increased by 2% compared with a decline of 9% in Britain. It is important that that relatively strong export performance continue. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to have been able to respond to the debate.”
“That means that businesses across all sectors can access high-quality effective support. Exporting is at the heart of the Department's economic vision. Businesses that export are more productive, create more jobs and pay higher wages. That is why my Department is focused on helping firms to recognise and realise their export potential. It is vital for innovation-led growth and delivering prosperity across all our communities. <BR /> <BR />Invest NI continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses to access to new markets. Since April, it has delivered 13 international trade missions and exhibitions and offers tailored programmes such as Grow Beyond and Going Dutch to help early-stage exporters and SMEs. InterTradeIreland's first-time exporter accelerator is helping SMEs to trade cross-border for the first time.”
“These meetings will also include representatives from the business sector and the Consumer Council. It will be crucial to collaborate with the local aviation sector, tourism and investment partners, and the British and Irish Governments to help develop a more connected and attractive aviation network across the island. My Department's business plan for this financial year commits to consulting and finalising an aviation and route development policy. We remain on track to deliver that action. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to the second part of the motion, which is about exports. The Export Forum was established by my Department, with the aim of bringing together the main providers of export support and industry representatives. We are working together towards a delivering a single, joined-up operating model for export promotion.”
“It is also important that these plans incorporate the views of local communities who live near airports. In addition to route development, a comprehensive aviation policy must take into account ongoing major infrastructure plans and initiatives around skills development and education. <BR /> <BR />I recently met the management team of Belfast International Airport to see for myself the impressive new terminal extension, state-of-the-art security hall and expanded duty-free area. I have also met the CEO and senior team at Belfast City Airport to discuss their ambitious plans for expansion, and my officials continue to meet the management of all three airports, as well as Invest NI, Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland and councils, to discuss potential policy levers to encourage inward investment and tourism.”
“As I said, the policy transfer involved no legislative changes, and it was completed over the course of last year. I am happy to write to the Member with the exact dates, which I do not have in front of me. <BR /> <BR />My officials are engaging across Departments and with wider stakeholders to ensure that we have a coordinated approach on the future of aviation policy. The introduction of a route development fund is a key recommendation, and therefore the policy will aim to identify monetary and non-monetary incentives to airlines that could open routes that would otherwise not be commercially viable. My Department also takes account of the important plans being developed by our aviation sector — for example, the ambitious plans that were published by Belfast City Airport just last week.”
“That does not involve legislative changes. It means that my Department will ensure a clear and coherent policy direction throughout the sector, for airports and for air connectivity. <BR /> <BR />For the new policy to be meaningful, it must take account of the perspective of the wider aviation, business and tourism sectors. Therefore, my officials are engaging with other Departments and wider stakeholders to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken on the future development of aviation policy.”
“<BR /> <BR />In October 2023, my Department commissioned aviation consultants York Aviation to identify a set of strategic routes that will help drive inbound tourism and business growth and to identify policy levers to enhance our air connectivity. That research was published on 26 March 2024. The York Aviation report noted that airports fell within the remit of DFI, while DFE was responsible for air connectivity. In order to reduce fragmentation across Departments and facilitate more coherent policy development, York Aviation recommended that responsibility for air connectivity be consolidated within a single Department. In response, on 10 June 2024, my predecessor, Conor Murphy, and the then Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, agreed to the transfer of responsibility for airport policy to my Department.”
“That is why my Department has pledged up to £12 million over the next four years in support of the airport, on top of the £4·6 million over two years that is co-funded by the British Government for the London Heathrow route, and also why I am working with the Irish Government to reinstate the Derry to Dublin route. <BR /> <BR />As Members have mentioned, there is a need to develop an environmentally responsible aviation strategy that aligns with my commitment to decarbonisation and our net zero commitments. There are already a number of companies here in the North that are developing the technology around sustainable aviation fuel production. That has the potential to generate hundreds of skilled jobs in engineering, logistics and research.”
“Post-pandemic recovery has been strong, with new airline routes and increased passenger numbers, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Tourism Ireland. We now need to continue that positive momentum in line with my economic vision. <BR /> <BR />The aviation sector can generate good, high-productivity jobs, and, by supporting the City of Derry Airport, we can promote regional balance. The most recent figures show that the City of Derry Airport was estimated to have contributed £21 million of GVA annually to the regional economy and supported 650 jobs, directly and indirectly.”
“While the motion is critically framed, I welcome the opportunity to engage with it, and I agree with the broad thrust of many, although not all, of the comments that have been made on it in the Chamber today. <BR /> <BR />I am keen to address the absence of an aviation policy to date, because, as a small island, we are highly dependent on air connectivity for business and leisure travel. Good connectivity is vital to our economy, our commercial life, our FDI proposition and our tourism. The Government have an important role to play in supporting the aviation sector, and that was particularly the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused such a sharp decline in passenger numbers. Targeted financial packages for airports and the domestic aviation kick-start scheme helped our three airports through the pandemic.”
“Obviously, I am aware of the programme of review, because I put it in place when I was Finance Minister. I spoke to one of the Member's colleagues earlier about National Insurance contributions. We continue to make representations to the British Government on the decisions that were taken and that have had a demonstrably damaging impact on local businesses in —.”
“The final two do not really fall to me. The Finance Minister has responsibility for rates. I have responsibility for businesses, and I will certainly engage with the Member on any proposals that he brings forward.”
“We understand the workforce and capacity challenges across our health and social care trusts, and that those can impact on the pace at which they agree and put in place arrangements for young people with care needs to access further education. The need to address capacity across the entire system is, however, one of the issues that I raised in my statement in June and on which I continue to engage with Executive colleagues.”
“The Health Minister is sitting across the Chamber from me. He will confirm that we have engaged on the matter. My officials also have regular contact with the Department of Health on the review and on our proposals, as well as on the development of the joint bid to the transformation fund. <BR /> <BR />In June, I announced my intention to bring forward statutory assessment and support arrangements for learners with special educational needs accessing further education colleges. Officials are at the start of the process of developing detailed arrangements and will engage with Department of Health colleagues as part of the work.”
“We have led on the development of a joint bid to the transformation fund with the Department of Health, the Department for Communities, the Department of Education and the Department for Infrastructure and have also prepared spending review bids.”
“In June, following a comprehensive review, I outlined my proposals for a programme of reforms for school-leavers with special educational needs. Subject to appropriate investment, the changes will enhance the pathways and supports for school-leavers who want to access the Department's education, skills and training provision. Following my statement in the Assembly, I circulated a paper to Executive colleagues on a range of cross-cutting issues and on issues relating to other departmental remits. A collaborative approach is crucial to delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to all young people with special educational needs. My officials are working through the scoping exercises and planning for that significant reform programme and also making progress on early actions.”
“It could be beyond 2030 before offshore renewable energy becomes a key part of what we are trying to deliver, which is why it was really important that we got the renewable energy price guarantee scheme published at the end of last week and why we will be pushing forward with the legislation to get that scheme established. The first auction to award contracts will be undertaken as soon as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. On Friday, we published the final scheme design for a renewable electricity price guarantee, which will be a significant lever for meeting the 80% target by 2030. It will encourage investment in renewables, which has very much dropped off since 2016, when the previous scheme ended. It will therefore be a significant player in helping us deliver on that target. <BR /> <BR />Work still needs to be done on offshore renewable energy, and, given the kinds of timelines that we are talking about, it is not really anticipated that it will play a big role in our meeting the 2030 target.”
“We therefore need to retain a focus on our renewable energy potential and on the natural assets that we clearly have.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Renewable energy consumption statistics have shown a slight reduction over the past year. The fluctuations that we see in our renewable energy consumption are for a variety of reasons, including the current constraint in our system, and do not necessarily reflect a reduction in renewable energy generation capacity. <BR /> <BR />On the offshore renewable energy action plan, consultation on the strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment has been completed, and work is ongoing on the next steps for delivering offshore. We recently saw a research report undertaken by InterTradeIreland that looked at the potential for offshore energy on the island of Ireland. We are significantly well placed in the types of sectors that are needed to support the supply chain.”
“I am not aware of engagement with Invest NI on that piece of land specifically. If the Member wants to write to me about it, I will be happy to take on board what he is saying and to engage.”
“The Member will be well aware that the project was approved by a previous Infrastructure Minister and that both Departments have obligations to deliver on what has been approved in respect of planning.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I have been fairly clear on the matter previously. The North/South interconnector is critical infrastructure for our renewable targets and ambitions and, most importantly, for cutting costs for consumers. I have been very clear about my party's position on the North/South interconnector. I have also been clear about the obligations that we have as a Department for taking that forward.”
“I thank the Member for his question. If you write to me, we will absolutely endeavour to fit that into the diary. I have no difficulty in engaging with the Secretary of State. As an Executive, we are united on some of the decisions that the British Government have taken since they have been in office and the impact that those decisions are having on local business. The Government claim to have an objective of economic growth. I do not think that the decisions that they have taken match that commitment.”
“I have not seen the CEO's comments, so I am not entirely sure what the Member is referring to, but I understand the gist of it. The Executive have made representations to the British Government about their decisions on the likes of employers' National Insurance contributions, and the Finance Minister continues to make our case in that regard. When it comes to Wrightbus, there are various supports available through Invest NI and the Department for skills development, R&D and innovation. We are happy to continue to work with Wrightbus on all those things.”
“As somebody who is from the north-west, I have a vested interest in making sure that it is invested in and that we absolutely deliver for the people whom we represent there. I know that the Member shares that. I am disappointed that Kieran felt that he had to take that decision. I understand his reasons for that, given the decision around the office in the north-west. I know that Invest NI is continuing to work to resolve that. As I have indicated, however, my commitment to delivering on regional balance is clear to see. The delivery that we have seen over recent weeks and months supports that, and I will ensure that that continues throughout my term in office.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I regret that Kieran has resigned over an operational decision. My commitment to the north-west and to regional balance is evident. Announcements have been made recently about investment in the City of Derry Airport and the expansion of Magee College. Also, working alongside Invest NI, we have seen jobs announcements and R&D investment as recently as last week in Seagate, EY, Alchemy and FinTrU — those are all announcements that I have had the opportunity to attend over the weeks and months since I have been in post. There has been a shift in the commitment to deliver regional balance. That is something that I am absolutely committed to and it is one of the four priorities that make up the economic vision.”
“We have uplifted Tourism Ireland's funding, which had fallen back over the past number of years. In order to ensure my tourism priorities, we published the tourism vision and action plan. We are working alongside all our arm's-length bodies to look towards the three-year budgeting process. We will try to ensure that we can maximise our potential within our budgetary constraints.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We all recognise that we are in a challenging budgetary environment, and all Departments have faced difficult decisions in the past couple of years. In our approach to our budget this year, in order to take forward the Department's priorities, we had to look across the rest of the Department to reduce costs. Some reduction was imposed on all divisions of the Department, and that has impacted on our arm's-length bodies.”