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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“I thank the Member for her question. I was really grateful to Women's Aid Armagh Down for taking the time to meet me. I was hugely impressed by the really dedicated team there, and I am delighted that work has started on an extension to its premises. <BR /> <BR />I completely agree that domestic violence is an economic issue. It undermines women's economic independence and their ability to work, and we all have a responsibility to work collectively to end violence against women and girls. I agree that violence against women is an economic as well as a societal issue. Domestic abuse and violence against women have devastating impacts on victims and survivors, affecting all aspects of their life, including their ability to maintain financial independence and participate in the workplace.”
“That has been a persistent issue over a long period. We have performed poorly in relative terms on productivity, and different policy interventions will be required to improve that. Skills is one aspect, but we also need to support our businesses appropriately by ensuring that there is a policy environment across the board, whether that means through environmental, business or employment law, to support the improvement of productivity. We have been making progress, and we have outperformed other regions on economic growth this year, but persistent work is needed to drive productivity.”
“I thank the Member for her good wishes and for her question. As I mentioned, I was at the launch of the skills barometer this morning. It is really important work. It is insightful and useful to a number of audiences. For us, as policymakers, it poses questions about how we will meet the workforce needs when, clearly, not enough people are coming through the qualification and training pathways. It is really important that we reach people who face barriers to employment and training and support them into pathways and, ultimately, back into jobs. There will be opportunities to do that legislatively, given the policy intent of the 'good jobs' Bill, and through policy initiatives that improve access to pathways and training and that ensure that appropriate support is provided.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. As a constituency representative, I have had those conversations, but I have not yet had the opportunity to be briefed on the matter in my ministerial capacity. I am happy to be, just as I am happy to work with Ulster University on any proposals that it may have, but there is a clear need for cross-departmental working to demonstrate that it is achievable and affordable.”
“I thank the Member for her good wishes and for her question. As a constituency representative, I have had engagement with Ulster University around these matters, and I know that it is introducing a new veterinary nursing course for the incoming academic year. That is a really positive development. The conversations around a veterinary school have been going on for some time. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is leading on the issue, so I am happy to engage with the Minister.”
“I do not disagree with the Member in any way. Obviously, we have the energy strategy, and we need to deliver on the targets in that. Also, this is about the people whom we all represent and the cost that it has for them. We have all been acutely aware of that over the past number of years as we have faced the cost-of-living crisis. Of course, even preceding that, we had higher levels of fuel poverty here, so it is important work. As I said, I will work in collaboration with the Communities Minister on it.”
“I thank the Member for his good wishes and for his question. There are differences between the structure of the energy market in the North and that in Britain. There are schemes that are provided there that are not provided here and vice versa. Obviously, energy policy is devolved, so we have the opportunities to respond to the needs of people locally. As the Member will know, the Department for Communities has lead responsibility for fuel poverty and any mitigations that might be put in place to assist with rising fuel costs. The Department for the Economy assists in developing energy policy, and I know that the Communities Minister has indicated that he is committed to bringing forward proposals as soon as possible on that issue. I am more than happy to work with him on that.”
“<BR /> <BR />As you mentioned, the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre intends to follow up its work on the skills barometer by developing a subregional skills barometer in due course that will give a more detailed analysis of skills profiles and skills deficits at a local level. That will be highly relevant to delivering on our regional balance objective.”
“I thank the Member for that follow-up question. Local economic partnerships will help to give us a better understanding of the economic needs and priorities in areas across the North. Clearly, skills are a critical part of our economic infrastructure, so this information will be really valuable for local partnerships. Once we are equipped with that information, we will be better able to tailor skills interventions to meet those local needs and, in turn, drive that regional balance. In October 2024, my predecessor launched a subregional economic plan, and I am committed to developing a regionally balanced economy in which everybody shares the benefits of prosperity.”
“It also makes it all the more important that we remove cross-border barriers for workers so that we can access a larger talent pool across the island. <BR /> <BR />It is important to support people who face barriers to getting back into employment. I noted at the launch of the skills barometer this morning that our skills base and opportunities to access skills underpin all the economic objectives that have been set for the Department. We need to equip people with the skills to deliver on that.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I was delighted to attend and speak at the launch of the 'Skills Barometer: 2023-2033' report this morning. I was encouraged that the sectors with the highest forecasted growth rates in the skills barometer align well with my Department's seven priority sectors. However, the skills barometer also highlights the long-term challenges posed by our ageing population. Quite simply, not enough young people are coming into the labour market to meet the increased demand for jobs. Given that Brexit has limited our ability to attract workers from the EU and that the British Government's immigration policy makes it difficult to attract workers full stop, it is vital that we get more people into work.”
“I, like most people, recognise that the US is an important market for us. We export over £1 billion worth of goods and services to the US, so, clearly, it is an important relationship. As I said, I will seek to engage with US representatives in coming days and weeks.”
“I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with the consul general, but I am sure that I will in coming days and weeks.”
“I echo the Member's words and understand the public sentiment behind them. We all abhor the horrifying scenes that we have seen in Gaza and Palestine over the past year and a half; most right-minded people do. We have consistently challenged the US, the British Government and others who provide arms to Israel and urged them to suspend all arms sales. As I said, we have sought reassurances from Invest NI, and I have been assured. It is important that we get that clarity.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She is right: I have already addressed that issue. Invest NI has assured me that it does not provide support for projects that arm Israel, and no evidence has been provided to the contrary. As I indicated to Pat Sheehan, I have asked Invest NI to review its investments to make absolutely sure that that is the case. It is important that we have that reassurance.”
“I thank the Member for her question and her good wishes. I am aware of proposals to develop Desertcreat and the opportunity that that site offers to deliver much-needed industrial land in mid-Ulster. I understand that Invest NI has been working with the council to assist in the development of its proposals for the site and that that work is ongoing.”
“Through the regional property programme, there is a commitment to that work on a local level to try to identify land and property and to work with local partners. I take the Member's point: we should be maximising the potential that we have with our access to both markets and encouraging our manufacturers to be able to take those opportunities. It is important that we put a focus on that.”
“I am aware of the issue at Balloo South and that there has been no land sold there in the past 10 years. However, Invest NI will continue to market the estate as an attractive investment location and pursue property interests from those businesses that meet its intervention criteria. There is land available at Balloo South, and the regional property programme gives a commitment to partnership working to identify land and property needs. Invest NI is happy to explore those development opportunities, and I am happy to engage in conversations in relation to that.”
“Industrial land is an important element of our investment proposition, as it can enable the establishment and growth of locally owned businesses and attract inward investors. Invest NI's total landholding is 2,700 acres, the majority of which has been sold and developed. Since 2020, Invest NI has sold approximately 208 acres of its land, which has facilitated the expansion of 62 businesses. Invest NI has 475 acres of land available to support business investment. However, there are some areas where that is limited or there is no supply of available industrial land. We are working to address that in partnership with local stakeholders through the regional property programme. That 10-year programme gives a clear commitment to partnership working at a local level to identify specific industrial land and property needs.”
“I thank the Member for her question and her good wishes. Tax reliefs remain an option, but due to the complexity of modelling the tax relief itself and the need to change the legislation that will be required, it is unlikely to form part of the overall programme, but there will be sufficient alternative interventions that can be delivered more quickly and more efficiently that will deliver the outcomes that we wish to see.”
“I thank the Member for his response. As he will know, navigating such programmes is a bureaucratic and lengthy process: our experience with city deals is testament to that. We put political weight behind such things and make progress. I will certainly do that and will engage to seek updates from officials on progress on the enhanced investment zone. Significant progress has been made, and there has been good engagement, but there is a process to be followed, and certain approvals are required at each stage of that process. Certainly, there is huge potential for this right across the North.”
“My officials continue to work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through a joint working group to co-design the North's £150 million enhanced investment zone programme. The development of the programme must follow an MHCLG pre-agreed staged-approval process. The target for final approval is autumn 2025. Key to securing approval at each stage is clear demonstration that investment zone funding will drive productivity and leverage significant private-sector funding. Over the coming months, my officials will consult closely with the private sector and other stakeholders to refine the proposition in line with my objectives, which include regional balance.”
“Progress is being made in relation to all three brands. I will be happy to write to the Member with further details on Ireland's Ancient East specifically and on joining up the Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway coastal route.”
“The incorporation of areas of the North into Fáilte Ireland's regional brands is a key driver for delivering regional economic growth and a key action in my Department's tourism vision and action plan. Tourism NI is working collaboratively with councils and operators to determine how broadening the reach of those brands should encourage greater numbers of people to visit, whether they are visitors from the South or international tourists. <BR /> <BR />Fáilte Ireland's regional experience branding represents an additional opportunity for our tourism industry to build on the success of the Embrace a Giant Spirit campaign with different brands targeting different market segments. I anticipate significant progress on the inclusion of the Fermanagh lakelands in the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand in the coming weeks.”
“I thank the Member for her good wishes. Being from the north coast, I am particularly aware of that issue and have engaged with the council and with others, locally, in respect of that. I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with the Minister for Infrastructure, but I am more than happy to do so. The Open presents a huge opportunity as it brings a lot of visitors, but it is important that we provide a good experience. I am sure that we are all committed to doing that.”
“Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the entire island of Ireland. One of the Member's colleagues asked a question for written answer on that matter. I will share the answer with the Member.”
“<BR /> <BR />Summer 2025 also sees the return of the Open Championship to Portrush, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcasing our beautiful landscape to 500 million households across 150 countries. Tourism NI will work alongside Invest NI to maximise the benefits to act as a catalyst for future economic investment.”
“In January, my Department launched the tourism vision and action plan, which outlines 17 actions to drive sustainable, regionally balanced economic growth in the sector. Delivery will be overseen by the tourism partnership board. Actions include incorporating local regions into Fáilte Ireland’s regional brands; developing peace tourism; ensuring an adequate mix of accommodation across the North; developing skills in the industry; developing destination stewardship plans; and restoring appropriate funding to Tourism Ireland to increase tourism revenue from overseas. It recently launched exciting international marketing campaigns for 2025.”
“The work being done through local economic partnerships, the particular focus that we have put on the development of the Magee campus and ensuring that we reach the target of 10,000 students and the task force that was put in place to report on that have been really positive and constructive. Our further education college infrastructure is also important to ensure that we have regionally balanced educational opportunities. There is more work to do, but we can deliver on it.”
“Additional funding has been provided for a series of initiatives for women returners to help individuals use learning to gain the confidence and skills to re-enter the workplace.”
“The skills fund, which aligns with the economic vision, supports a range of initiatives, including a new SKILL UP programme for those aged 18 and older who are eligible to work here that aims to develop our workforce in priority sectors. SKILL UP courses range from entry level to level 7, are fully funded and are primarily delivered online, allowing access across all regions. <BR /> <BR />The skills fund is also focused on ensuring support for people with additional barriers to access learning and employment. New initiatives are being supported to provide training and additional support to individuals who face barriers to work and training, including programmes targeting those who are disabled or neurodiverse and have barriers to entering employment or learning.”
“Last week was Apprenticeship Week, and I had the opportunity to meet some of the training providers and the mostly young people who were partaking in apprenticeship schemes. One of the key things that we have focused on is exactly that: ensuring that there are opportunities for people with disabilities, women and people from more disadvantaged backgrounds to take up such opportunities. We are focusing on that work and will continue to do so.”
“I thank the Member for that question. It is a really important issue that we need to address, and it is one that I am committed to taking forward. Ensuring that skills, training and education opportunities are available to everybody, regardless of their ability, is really important, particularly in relation to apprenticeships.”
“NISRA's labour force survey reported that, in 2023, approximately 40% of people here aged 16 to 64 held a qualification at level 4 or above. East Antrim compares favourably with that, with a rate of over 43%. I am committed to continuing the work of my predecessor in addressing subregional disparities such as those in tertiary education attainment rates across the North. <BR /> <BR />Last October, my Department published a subregional economic plan. That is a locally led approach that places regional balance at its heart and enshrines partnership working. As part of that plan, 11 local economic partnerships are being created. Those partnerships will identify local economic priorities, and my Department will work collaboratively to deliver them. The partnerships have dedicated funding of £45 million to help to pump-prime projects.”
“It is work that I am excited about taking forward and that has a lot of potential.”
“I thank the Member for his good wishes. Community wealth building has an important role to play in creating a more regionally balanced economy. I welcome the collaborative approach that the Larne partnership and the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership are taking. I recognise the huge potential that that pilot could have for other initiatives across the North. There needs to be a strong interdepartmental approach to the issues. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware of and, I assume, will support the intent behind community wealth-building partnerships, which is to utilise the expertise and institutions in local areas and develop the local economy. There is huge potential in working with the local economic partnerships that are just being set up as well.”
“Payment of the real living wage is a key element of a good job. The Department for the Economy gives financial support, providing £125,000 per year to the full-time living wage franchise here to encourage uptake of the real living wage and provide accreditation in the North for the first time. <BR /> <BR />A consultation on proposals for updating our employment law framework was recently completed, and that will inform a 'good jobs' Bill. The Department for the Economy has also commissioned research into the implications of setting new minimum wage levels here. That is a reserved matter, and taking it forward would require Executive agreement for which the First Minister and deputy First Minister would need to formally seek the British Government's agreement to make the necessary legislation to bring devolution into effect.”
“<BR /> <BR />In August, my Department published significant research on the benefits and potential for growth of employee ownership models in line with recommendation 4. For recommendation 10, a credit union working group was established to improve the legislative framework for credit unions. That work will be completed within this mandate.”
“We continue to make positive progress on community wealth building and the nine recommendations outlined in the 2022 community wealth building report that I am responsible for taking forward. Along with my colleagues the Minister of Finance and the Minister for Communities, I will be meeting Development Trusts and community wealth building partnerships in the coming weeks to discuss progress on the recommendations. Relating to recommendation 1, Minister Murphy created the social enterprise co-design group. That group was tasked with developing a three-year action plan, which launched on 4 December 2024. Already, 25 social enterprise champions are in place across Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and all local councils. I am committed to prioritising the implementation of that plan.”
“Again, as I said in my earlier answer, access to education and skills is a top priority for me, and I will work with Ulster University on its plans for all its campuses. As the Member will be aware, universities are autonomous institutions, so it is for them to make decisions on how they spend their money. I will be absolutely committed to the campus at Coleraine, which, as the Member will be aware, is my home town as well as his.”
“I see no contradiction in my position between what I said previously and what I say now. The consistent message is that we have been underfunded and need to be properly funded on the basis of our level of need in order to deliver for all our citizens. <BR /> <BR />The Member may be aware from my presentations to the Finance Committee in my previous role that, in fact, the bids for financial transactions capital in the coming year are up on previous years. Hopefully, we will be able to utilise fully what is available to us. That having been said, however, all Departments have more to do in that area, and, in my new role, I will seek to do that.”
“As I said in my response to Dr Aiken, skills and access to education are key priorities for me. When I look at the draft budget allocation, I will try to put as much funding as possible into ensuring that we can deliver on education and training and on the priorities that we have in that area. We are still going through the budget at the moment and will have more to say on it in the coming weeks.”
“As the Member will know, Magee is one of my top priorities, and it is an Executive priority. While the Budget settlement is extremely challenging, Magee is an area that I have prioritised.”
“All Departments' budgets are extremely challenging, as, I am sure, the Member will be aware. The Executive's fiscal position is extremely difficult owing to years of underfunding from the British Government. Indeed, my Department's resource baseline for 2025-26 is 5% less than it was for 2020-21. DFE has £83 million of resource pressures after the additional allocation of £24·9 million, which leaves a funding shortfall of £58 million. DFE was allocated £150 million capital for general allocation, and bids of £145·7 million could not be met as a result. Nevertheless, I will work within the budget available to deliver the best outcomes for the economy and for our citizens.”
“I thank the Member for his question. My predecessor engaged with senior representatives from Boeing and Airbus on the sale of Spirit's local operation. My officials and I will continue to engage with all interested parties including TEO, the British Government, the business and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the operation in the North. Obviously, commercial negotiations are ongoing, so it is inappropriate for me to comment further on them at this point.”
“First of all, it is important to say that no Government should arm Israel. Invest NI has assured me that it does not support projects that arm Israel, and no evidence has been presented to the contrary. However, I have asked Invest NI to review its investments to make absolutely sure that that is the case. It is important that I, as Economy Minister, and the general public are reassured on that matter.”
“I thank the Member for that. One issue that cuts across all of what we are trying to achieve economically is skills and people's ability to access appropriate skills and training. That is certainly a priority for me. Just this morning, I attended the launch of the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre's update of the skills barometer, which sets out the trajectory for the next 10 years. Certainly, I am happy to engage with the Member, Invest NI and further education colleges on that.”
“Invest NI also partners with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the sector trade body, ADS, to showcase the sector's capability internationally and help companies to explore export opportunities in new markets.”
“My predecessor identified the aerospace sector as a strategic subsector in the 'Advanced Manufacturing, Materials and Engineering Sectoral Action Plan', which was published last year. That sector offers strong growth potential. The action plan sets out a range of activities including investment in people and skills, innovation, trade and investment and collaboration that aim to support the growth of the sector and help to provide high-quality, high-productivity jobs across the region. <BR /> <BR />Invest NI's dedicated aerospace team works closely with the sector. The team provides advice, guidance and support to companies to help them to create good jobs, improve productivity, increase export growth and support net zero ambitions.”
“Michael's priorities — more late-night transport, tackling violence against women and girls, restoring Culture Night and improving pavement cafe licensing — are all areas in which we can definitely improve through working collaboratively across Departments and with Belfast City Council. I look forward to continuing to work with all partners across the sector, including Michael Stewart, as we build a thriving, safe and diverse night-time economy in Belfast and across the North.”