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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“Since I have come into post, I have had the opportunity to meet the Minister in the South. There is a North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting scheduled for 16 April, so we will have further opportunities to discuss it. I have also had the opportunity to work alongside Tourism Ireland. I accompanied its representatives to ITB Berlin, which is a big international tourism conference, and, again with Tourism Ireland, I got the opportunity to meet tour operators and providers in New York. Furthermore, I met Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland at last week's Meet the Buyer 2025 event in the Eikon centre. Therefore, there have been a lot of conversations. The previous Minister published the tourism action plan. There is huge potential from tourism across the whole region.”
“The €7 million project, funded by the Shared Island Fund, is progressing well. Its aim is to connect the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway coastal route so as to present a seamless touring route for the tourist. The intention is to give greater visibility to tourism experiences beyond the traditional hotspots, and the Member, given that he is from North Antrim, will be very familiar with those. The aim is to encourage people to spend more time and money in the region. Design work is being undertaken on improved signage, and applications to the small capital grant scheme are being assessed by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.”
“Obviously, that includes Roe valley. I am very familiar, as you are, with that particular area and the strengths that lie within it. We are also working with Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI on promoting the tourism offering.”
“As the Member will be aware, we recently published the subregional economic plan, which is our approach to promoting regional balance. Just yesterday, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council had the first meeting of its local economic partnership. That enables the local council, along with partners, to develop plans for the local economy, and we are really keen to support that. We have put £45 million of funding towards doing that. We are working with Invest NI. As you know, it has aligned with the Department's strategy and the four priorities that we have, including regional balance. Invest NI now has a target to deliver 65% of investments outside of Belfast. It has specific targets for each council area, and we will work with it, alongside the local economic partnerships, to develop the offering for each of the local councils.”
“As part of the PR activity, Tourism NI will ensure that the resort is included in the itineraries of the 300 international journalists and influencers whom Tourism Ireland brings to the North each year. The Galgorm Collection is a regular participant in Tourism Ireland’s calendar of overseas events, where it meets and secures business from international operators in the travel trade, business events and the golf sector. Roe Valley Resort will now benefit from being part of that portfolio and through its ongoing presence at those events, including last week’s Meet the Buyer 2025 event, where local businesses were able to meet 160 international tour operators.”
“Tourism has a key role to play in contributing to my objectives of regional balance and decarbonisation. I welcome the recent news that Roe Valley Resort will benefit from substantial investment by its new owners, the Galgorm Collection. Both Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland promote all regions of the North through seasonal marketing campaigns. Those are delivered domestically in Ireland and overseas to make consumers aware of accommodation offers, attractions and things to see and do. Roe Valley Resort has benefited from featuring in previous campaigns and will continue to do so. <BR /> <BR />Both agencies also deliver a year-round programme of social media, email and influencer marketing along with extensive PR, which Roe Valley Resort will benefit from.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. He will be aware of the seven priority high-productivity sectors in our local economy that we have developed action plans for, which include the sector that deals with low-carbon technologies and the advanced manufacturing sector. We are rolling out our economic vision across all those sectors. <BR /> <BR />Many of the Members who spoke in the debate talked about the opportunities. We are well placed to take advantage of those opportunities. We have some world-leading companies: Mr Gaston referred to one in Ballymena, but they are located across the North. In these islands, we are leaders in addressing the skills agenda on green hydrogen. My Department is developing a hydrogen policy that will be an important piece of the wider energy strategy and the transition to renewable energy.”
“Mr Honeyford mentioned a "vision" for the economy. It is clear that the potential of the hydrogen economy very much aligns with my vision for the economy and the four priorities of my Department, which are to create good jobs, improve productivity, decarbonise the economy and ensure regional balance. Companies across the North, particularly in Fermanagh and Dungannon, have already seized the opportunity.”
“I support the ambition to develop our hydrogen economy. A strategic, evidence-based approach is required to integrate hydrogen into our broader energy system and ensure that the investment benefits our local businesses and communities.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I am coming on to talk about the hydrogen policy that we will put out for consultation in the next number of weeks. That will give people an opportunity to feed in some of the barriers and challenges that are being faced and give us the potential to find solutions to those so that we can maximise the potential that we have in the hydrogen economy.”
“I assure Mr Aiken that we are engaging with officials in DESNZ and GB Energy on the projects.”
“Mannok and Wrightbus have been successful in obtaining British Government funding through the net zero hydrogen fund, and I had the opportunity to visit Mannok recently to hear about its projects. Catagen has also been funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in London to help to develop a biohydrogen reactor. B9 Energy has been successful in obtaining £1·2 million in funding from the clean maritime demonstration competition to investigate the feasibility of a green shipping corridor between Larne and the north-west of England. <BR /> <BR />My Department continues to collaborate with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in London on issues that include the hydrogen allocation round funding to ensure that such schemes meet the needs of local business.”
“Working with the green skills delivery group, we are finalising a green skills action plan. That aims to ensure that the skills ecosystem effectively meets the evolving needs of the green sector, develops career pathways and promotes opportunities in the sector. Since September 2021, 14 courses supporting 400 individuals to upskill and reskill in areas that include hydrogen energy systems, hydrogen fuel cell technology, hydrogen safety and hydrogen applications have been provided. Delivery is through our six further education colleges, Queen's University and Ulster University, with qualifications ranging from level 2 up to master's degrees. The courses have been the first of their kind offered across these islands. <BR /> <BR />The motion refers to funding. There are already positive examples of local companies being successful.”
“In a first for the island of Ireland, the Energia Group installed a 1 megawatt electrolyser that is co-located with wind turbines at Long Mountain in County Antrim to produce green hydrogen. The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which is a Queen's University-led consortium, is taking forward a project on hydrogen gas storage tanks. My Department provided £5 million capital to NI Water to spearhead an oxygen and hydrogen demonstrator project. That initiative is designed to showcase the benefits of using oxygen-enriched air in the treatment of waste water and in producing green hydrogen. Invest NI has also facilitated engagement with local businesses and the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative. <BR /> <BR />My Department has made significant progress on the development of the skills that are necessary for the energy transition.”
“<BR /> <BR />We can utilise that excess energy to produce hydrogen, which can be used by industry or stored for days when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine. Therefore, green hydrogen must be viewed not in isolation but as part of a broader energy strategy. That is why my Department is working on a hydrogen policy that will identify and address the barriers in the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen. We need an energy system that is affordable, secure and sustainable and that delivers for businesses, workers and households. That requires careful planning, ensuring that hydrogen is deployed where it adds the most value, rather than assuming that it is a one-size-fits-all solution. <BR /> <BR />We are already seeing significant collaboration on hydrogen projects, from research to infrastructure development.”
“I welcome the motion. I thank the signatories to it for tabling it and for the opportunity to discuss the development of green hydrogen. The North is well placed to be a leader in that space. We have world-class renewable energy resources, a strong and innovative manufacturing sector and a skilled workforce. <BR /> <BR />Developing green hydrogen can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen our energy security and support the decarbonisation of power, heat and transport. We have an abundance of wind on this island, and my Department is working towards maximising that potential both onshore and offshore. Indeed, there is an oversupply of renewable energy at times, as Jonathan mentioned in his opening remarks. There is intermittency, and wind energy can be wasted.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I look forward to further engagement with Members on those crucial issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />I now turn to households. My Department has worked with the Utility Regulator to provide £3·5 million in additional funding to the NI sustainable energy programme (NISEP), over the past two years. The funding has helped support insulation measures in 1,500 low-income households. <BR /> <BR />Our Programme for Government commits us to decarbonisation and economic development through renewables. While challenges remain, we are taking positive steps through the renewable electricity support scheme, energy and resource efficiency and infrastructure investment. Ongoing collaboration across the Executive is also essential to ensure a sustainable, secure and affordable energy future. We must continue to work together across government, industry and communities to seize the opportunities of the green energy transition.”
“Over the past four years, an energy invest-to-save fund has operated in the government estate and has supported over £73 million worth of energy projects, delivering cost savings across eight Departments, including Health, Infrastructure and Education. Savings are currently valued at over £8 million annually. That includes revenue generation. It has been incredibly important at a time when all Departments face financial constraints. <BR /> <BR />In May 2024, Invest NI launched the energy and resource efficiency programme, which helps businesses to install energy-efficient equipment, including renewable technologies, whilst supporting resource efficiency and offering technical support for businesses to go green. The programme has supported the wider business community to make savings at a time when operating costs are challenging.”
“In February, as part of that work, my Department launched a public consultation on the strategic environmental assessments for offshore renewable energy in our marine area. The consultation will help to identify areas for the potential development of offshore renewable energy. <BR /> <BR />The renewables sector presents a significant economic opportunity, with an estimated pipeline of investment worth hundreds of millions of pounds in new projects. Since the energy strategy was published in 2021, my Department has taken forward several initiatives focused on providing financial assistance for energy efficiency and small-scale renewables.”
“We also need to continue to work with counterparts in the South to progress the North/South interconnector, which will benefit electricity consumers, increase security of supply and facilitate more renewable electricity onto the grid. <BR /> <BR />Offshore development represents one of the biggest opportunities for renewable energy. My Department is working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that we have the right policy, regulatory and market structures in place to enable offshore development for the North from 2030. Our offshore renewable energy action plan (OREAP) has been collaboratively developed across Departments and delivery partners, including the Crown Estate, DFI, DAERA and industry.”
“I support the updated strategic planning policy statement on renewable and low-carbon energy and hope that it will be considered by the Executive without further delay. I also recognise that increasing renewable deployment must be matched by investment in infrastructure. Work is ongoing with key partners to ensure that our grid and energy systems are prepared to accommodate greater levels of clean energy. <BR /> <BR />The Utility Regulator approved the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks RP7 business plan late last year. It allows for £2·23 billion of investment over the next six years for the operation and expansion of the electricity grid. It is the largest amount approved in our history and will go a long way to delivering the network that we need.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are now in the delivery phase of the scheme, and I plan to bring primary legislation before the Assembly this year, with subordinate regulations to follow as we move towards implementation. The success of the support scheme and, ultimately, of renewable targets depends on several factors that need collaboration across government and with the Utility Regulator and energy companies. I hear the issues that David has raised. Last week, I met RenewableNI in relation to those as well. Obviously, I want to see the support scheme progress, but I gave a commitment to look at those issues in detail as we progress it. <BR /> <BR />The Department for Infrastructure has revised its policy on renewable and low-carbon energy so that it better supports the transition to net zero.”
“That is largely due to the NIRO, which helped to increase renewable electricity consumption from around 3% in 2005 to 40% in 2018, meeting the 2020 40% target two years early. Since the closure of the NIRO, there has been no support scheme for the North, and we must now significantly increase renewables capacity to meet our 2030 legislative target. My Department has been developing a new support scheme based on the Contracts for Difference mechanism commonly used in many countries to incentivise investment in renewable energy. That auction-based scheme is crucial in enabling the delivery of the 80% target. Unlike direct subsidy models such as the NIRO, the contractual approach ensures that generators receive a stable and predictable revenue stream while shielding consumers from excessive price volatility.”
“I too welcome the opportunity to speak about this important issue. It is clear that we need to accelerate progress if we are to meet our climate targets and ensure energy security for the future, so I am pleased that the Assembly has committed to supporting industry to increase renewable electricity capacity by 40% by the end of the mandate. <BR /> <BR />Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and moving away from fossil fuels is a vital part of the transition to a more sustainable way of life. Our net zero targets are legal requirements, but, more than that, they are a moral obligation to the well-being of future generations. <BR /> <BR />We have made significant progress in deploying renewable generation.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Member for his follow-up question. We need to build on our previous success in renewables development, and the Executive need to take a collaborative, whole-system approach in order to facilitate the delivery of the 80% by 2030 target. While my Department has legislated responsibility for the target, collaboration across Departments and jurisdictions with wider stakeholders, including industry, is going to be essential to its successful delivery.”
“I thank the Member for his question. My Department, in collaboration with other Departments and key stakeholders, has developed the offshore renewable energy action plan to enable offshore renewable energy development in the North's marine area from 2030. DFE recently appointed RPS Ireland to undertake an update to the 2012 strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulation assessment of offshore renewable energy in the North's marine area. That will, in collaboration with other key delivery partners, help to identify suitable areas for offshore renewable energy development across various technology types, including wind, tidal and wave.”
“The Member will appreciate that I do not have that information in front of me. I am happy to share it with him in writing.”
“The Member may not have been in his place when I responded to a question from Mr Aiken on the North/South interconnector. I assume that he is referring to the delay that was announced in the South recently. SONI advised the Department of a delay in the construction following the assessment of the remaining programme of works in the South. My Department continues to engage with the Utility Regulator, SONI, NIE Networks and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications officials in the South to progress the delivery of the project. The project is clearly highly important to the efficiency of our electricity transmission across the island, and it is important that we see progress quickly.”
“I thank the Member for the follow-up question. I had the opportunity to meet Tourism NI last week. It was an introductory meeting, but that issue was actually mentioned in passing. I am happy to look at it in more detail. It is important that we look to where there are good examples of things that work and that we are able to try to build on that best practice. I am happy to engage on that and to work with Tourism NI and the Communities Minister.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That issue was raised with the Communities Minister at a recent meeting in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. When the Minister brought forward the housing supply strategy before Christmas, he asked officials across Departments to work on particular issues, with that being one of them. My officials are happy to be engaged in that work.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. Creatives have engaged with me on that. There is significant concern about the potential implications. I am happy to engage with the sector to try to understand those challenges and to see if we are able to bring any influence. It goes back to the point that, while there is huge potential with AI, it comes with challenges. We need to understand both.”
“I thank the Member for her question. AI has an interface with many sectors, and it poses some challenges for the creative sector. Some legislation is coming forward in Britain that is concerning to that sector. I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with the creative sector about that, but I am more than happy to do so.”
“As I outlined to the Member, the delivery of the North/South interconnector is important for our energy, particularly the flow of electricity across the island. I will get further briefings from officials on the issues that have been raised.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, my Department is working with the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and NIE Networks on the delivery of the North/South interconnector north of the border. That will be a really important project when it comes to increasing the electricity flow between both jurisdictions and improving the operation of the wholesale electricity market on the island. SONI recently advised of a delay, to which the Member referred, in the construction of the North/South interconnector following the assessment of the remaining programme of works in the South. The Department continues to engage with the Utility Regulator, SONI, NIE Networks and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in the South on the progress of the project's delivery. Clearly, it is a priority for us.”
“The Department holds quarterly progress meetings with Advice NI. At the last progress meeting, Advice NI confirmed that, as I have outlined, the number of accreditations continues to rise.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Advice NI began its work, supported by my Department, as the new accreditation partner here for the Living Wage Foundation in June 2024. My Department provides funding of £125,000 per annum to Advice NI. Advice NI has confirmed that the number of accreditations for businesses as living wage employers continues to rise, with 51 new organisations becoming accredited since the start of the project and 19 doing so between October and December alone. Up to the end of December, the total number of living wage employer accreditations here stood at 127. The Living Wage Foundation's new accreditation partner for the North, Living Wage NI, was launched in June 2024. That was established by Advice NI and supported by the Department for the Economy.”
“I look forward to working alongside the Labour Relations Agency and business and trade union leaders in co-designing a charter that will support businesses here to maintain and create good jobs for all. We want to stimulate high-value-added growth by promoting industries and sectors that have the potential to create high-quality jobs with good pay, conditions, security and opportunities. Last year, we published the action plans for the seven high-potential industrial sectors, a subregional economic plan and a social enterprise action plan.”
“<BR /> <BR />Since my predecessor set out an economic vision for the North, my Department and its delivery partners have taken forward a wide range of initiatives to help to create more good jobs. As the Member will be aware, the 'good jobs' employment rights Bill public consultation focused on four aspects of a good job: terms of employment; pay and benefits; voice and representation; and work-life balance. Obviously, a lot of issues will fall into those areas. Detailed analysis is almost complete, and that analysis, along with other policy considerations, will inform my decisions about the way forward. I plan to bring Bill proposals to the Executive for agreement in the coming months. <BR /> <BR />A good work charter consultation will also be launched in the coming months.”
“I thank the Member for his question. My Department's consultation on the 'good jobs' employment rights Bill prompted a range of stakeholders to present a significant number of complex and considered responses that have been very useful and that continue to be carefully considered by my Department. That analysis work is nearing completion and will help to inform decisions about how we best update our employment law framework. On15 January, my officials provided the Economy Committee with an interim update on the analysis of responses. My Department will continue to work with the Committee to ensure that members are engaged and informed of key developments.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Clearly, the Department recognises the challenges that exist in delivering on its energy targets, and we have taken significant action already. The Member will be aware of the energy strategy that was published in the previous mandate and of the action plans that have been delivered since then. As I said, it is a key priority of my economic mission, and we need to ensure that we are taking appropriate steps. I recognise the issues relating to interconnection. As the Member is probably aware, the Department has commissioned research into energy storage policy and interconnection. We are due to receive that in April, and it will help to inform our way forward from a policy perspective.”
“I do not agree with the Member's assessment. Energy is clearly a priority for my Department and for me as Minister. One of the four key objectives of my economic mission is decarbonisation. Therefore, we are putting a significant focus on it from a departmental perspective by ensuring that there is budgetary cover and that the resources are there.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I know that it is an issue that she is passionate about. I share that passion. As an Executive, we have a focus on regional balance. That has come through in key decisions that have been taken across a number of Departments. The work that has been taken forward under the city and growth deals, for example, is positive and will see real change in the coming years. It will continue to take all of us who are passionate about the issue to ensure that delivery is being made on addressing the historical regional imbalances that have been faced, particularly in the west, south-west and north-west.”
“As the Member will know, the task force published its final report and action plan on 16 December. The report provides a comprehensive and costed plan to deliver 10,000 students for Magee and highlights the significant milestones that have already been achieved in the early stages of the expansion, including the identification of 16 capital projects, the acquisition of key pieces of land, an additional 500 student places in the academic year 2024-25 and tuition fee loan access for graduate entry medical school students from 2025-26, for which the Member made the case. Work has begun on marketing and other enabling projects to support the delivery of additional students. The final report also recommends an investment of £291 million of capital funding to deliver the facilities for 10,000 students by 2032.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She makes an important point. The local economic partnerships are about empowering areas to address their specific needs and align them with the departmental priorities. There will, of course, be opportunities for all councils and all areas in them to do that. I know that every MLA and every councillor will make the case for their area: that is healthy. It is really positive that those partnerships are being established and that there will be the ability to shape the economic priorities of local areas. We will review those as they roll out.”
“Projects will be in line with my departmental priorities. A project board, including council officials, has been established to work through fund design and governance. The funding allocation for each area was announced in January. <BR /> <BR />Invest NI has implemented a new regional approach. Promoting people and places is one of the six strategic priorities in Invest NI's 2024-27 business strategy. That includes the new target of 65% of investment to businesses outside the Belfast metropolitan area by 2026-27. Other initiatives, such as the Magee expansion task force, are also progressing well. A recent focus has been on acquiring the land necessary to facilitate the significant expansion in student numbers that we are committed to delivering.”
“Since the launch of the subregional economic plan in October 2024, positive progress has been made. Reforms in DFE include a dedicated regional balance unit, which has been set up in a new social and regional economy division. It brings together complementary work streams, including the social enterprise action plan and entrepreneurship. All councils have a DFE strategic adviser and an Invest NI regional manager assigned to provide support in establishing local economic partnerships. The first of those partnerships has already met, and the rest plan to do so imminently. The partnerships will identify local priorities, and Departments will be asked to help to deliver on them. In addition, in order to help to pump-prime projects, partnerships will have access to a £45 million fund over the next three years.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As I outlined, a range of work is being undertaken to further explore and harness the potential of AI, to ensure that we have the skills pipeline to support it and to ensure that we support businesses on the adoption of AI. Cyber is one of the Department's priority sectors. We have already developed an action plan for the sector. We continue to engage with industry and academia on the issue to make sure that we maximise the opportunities from it.”