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 />I thank the Committee for its consideration of the regulations and the other accompanying regulations, and for the support that has been expressed in the Chamber. I also acknowledge the work of Mrs Dodds and Minister Lyons in progressing the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act in the previous mandate. I recognise all those who contributed to the consultation in the previous mandate, and to the recent consultation, in order to help to shape the legislation. I acknowledge the work of the organisations that support people who face pregnancy loss, and which have supported my Department in bringing forward the legislation. <BR /> <BR />I will touch on some of the comments that have been made in the debate.”
“I thank everybody who contributed to the debate for their support for the regulations. <BR /> <BR />As I set out earlier, the regulations introduce a new entitlement for employees who are parents who have been bereaved through miscarriage by providing them with the right to take up to two weeks of bereavement leave from work, alongside an entitlement to a statutory payment. The policy objective is to establish a clear framework and a minimum standard of support for employed bereaved parents who tragically experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks. In doing so, the regulations recognise the profound impact of pregnancy loss and ensure that no parent will face that experience without at least a baseline of workplace support.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I am grateful to the Committee and the Examiner of Statutory Rules for their careful consideration and engagement. <BR /> <BR />The change to make parental bereavement leave and pay a day-1 right will be enacted by separate regulations to be made under the confirmatory process, with all the changes taking effect together for new cases on 6 April. <BR /> <BR />These regulations introduce miscarriage as a new ground of entitlement for parental bereavement leave and pay, ensure parity with existing entitlements for child death and stillbirth and embed compassion, dignity and flexibility at a time of profound loss. <BR /> <BR />I commend the regulations to the Assembly for approval.”
“The enhancements also include improved pathways to signpost further support for parents who face such tragic situations. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the people who gave such compelling testimony when I was Chair of the Committee for the Economy as to why the rights in the 2022 Act should be extended to parents bereaved through miscarriage and who helped to shape this legislation. I also thank the Committee members who supported my amendments at the time — Stewart Dickson, Sinéad McLaughlin, Mike Nesbitt, Matthew O'Toole and John O'Dowd — and all the Assembly Members who voted for these amendments to be part of the legislation. <BR /> <BR />The policy underpinning the regulations was shared with the Committee for the Economy on 28 January 2026, and the regulations were formally introduced for scrutiny on 20 February.”
“<BR /> <BR />The extension of parental bereavement leave and pay to include miscarriage is estimated to cost a maximum of £3·5 million per annum. In addition, system changes to the HMRC statutory payments framework are estimated at £1·6 million. Those costs will be borne by my Department. <BR /> <BR />To support employers in providing the new right, my Department has worked with HMRC to provide update guides, calculators and forms to support decision-making and record-keeping obligations. The Labour Relations Agency is developing a comprehensive step-by-step presentation for employers that will offer guidance when introducing the new right or when circumstances require its application. Updates to nidirect and Invest NI web pages are forthcoming for both employees and employers to help them to navigate the process effectively.”
“The leave and pay entitlements may be taken at any point within the 56 weeks of the date of the miscarriage or the date on which the woman becomes aware of it. The entitlement may be taken as a single block of two weeks or as two separate blocks of one week. That flexibility recognises the fact that grief does not follow a fixed timetable. <BR /> <BR />As for how the right will be funded, small and medium employers can claim back 109% of what they pay out. That means that they are fully reimbursed and receive a small extra amount to cover their administrative costs. Larger employers can recover 92% of the payment, meaning that they cover only a small proportion. The system is the same as that used for other family-related statutory payments, so the process will be familiar and predictable for employers.”
“Requiring parents to provide medical evidence at such a distressing time would be insensitive and would add an administrative burden to an already stretched health service. This compassionate approach aligns with the rights available under the existing parental bereavement leave and pay provisions. It should also be noted that the rights will be available to the employed partners of women who experience a miscarriage, whether they are the biological parents or intended parents, including those in surrogacy arrangements, and regardless of the partner's gender. <BR /> <BR />It is my intention that employees who experience miscarriage will have the same rights to parental bereavement leave and pay as are currently available to employed parents in cases of child death and stillbirth.”
“As the then Chair of the Economy Committee, I included an amendment that required that right to be extended to parents bereaved through miscarriage. I also put forward an amendment that meant that parental bereavement pay and leave would become a day-1 right. As Economy Minister, I am proud now to give effect to those requirements. <BR /> <BR />The North of Ireland will be the first region in these islands and will lead in Europe in legislating for parental bereavement leave and pay in cases of miscarriage. It is estimated that over 9,000 employees per year are affected by a miscarriage experienced by them or their partner. Those people will now have the right to claim parental bereavement leave and pay. <BR /> <BR />Importantly, the policy and regulations require only a declaration of entitlement.”
“I seek the Assembly's approval for the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay (Miscarriage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The regulations aim to support parents who suffer pregnancy loss through miscarriage. They build on the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act passed by the Assembly in 2022. That legislation gave working parents the right to two weeks of paid leave following the death of a child under the age of 18 or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. That right was subject to a qualifying period of 26 weeks in continuous employment. From April 2026, the amount will be £194.32 per week or 90% of the employee's earnings, whichever is lower. <BR /> <BR />The intention of the legislation was to make it easier for parents to take time off to grieve and support each other during a really difficult time.”
“I am grateful to all the Members who have contributed to the debate. I do not have a huge amount to add, but I thank the Committee Chair and the Committee for their thoughtful and considered scrutiny of the Bill. I also thank the officials who have worked on the Bill, doing so diligently and responsively with the Committee to ensure that the Bill, which is complex and technical, passed its stages smoothly. I commend the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill to the House.”
“They are eager to see these reforms in place, and rightly so. The changes will make our system quicker, clearer and fairer for everyone involved. The Assembly has a strong record of thoughtful and effective action on insolvency. Today, we have the opportunity to build on that record. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill to the House.”
“Remote participation will be the norm. Insolvency practitioners will be freed from outdated formalities that add costs but no value, with the savings redirected to creditors. Small creditors owed less than £1,000 will be paid more swiftly, without having to complete complex claims. The Bill provides extra protections for struggling businesses, guaranteeing access to essential supplies, including IT services, to improve their chances of recovery. My Department's insolvency service will have direct access to all the information that it needs for investigating director misconduct efficiently and comprehensively, eliminating the need to rely on third parties. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the development of the Bill, engagement with insolvency practitioners and stakeholders has been positive and constructive.”
“It prevents the misuse of winding-up petitions to block the appointment of administrators and allows creditors to extend an administrator's term more easily to enhance the potential for rescue. Administrators will gain powers to pursue directors who are guilty of fraudulent or wrongful trading to provide compensation to those who have suffered financial loss. Crucially, the Bill takes a new route for those actions to be taken forward with the support of specialist firms. That will remove the financial risks that often deter administrators or creditors. That means that misconduct can be tackled more consistently, sending a clear message that wrongdoing will have consequences. <BR /> <BR />We are modernising processes, too. Creditors will no longer need to attend physical meetings unless they choose to.”
“<BR /> <BR />While insolvency levels remain modest here relative to the size of our economy, the consequences of insolvency always ripple far beyond the business or individual involved, affecting employees, customers, suppliers and the wider economic landscape. That is why a modern, streamlined system is so important. The Bill introduces around 30 targeted improvements. Each may appear modest in isolation, but, together, they deliver meaningful modernisation. <BR /> <BR />I will not elaborate on every modification, but I will address several of the key provisions. For example, for companies in administration, the Bill helps to ensure that the process genuinely supports rescue, where possible.”
“It is now entirely free for those who qualify, relieving the stress of problem debt and allowing a fresh start. In 2016, the Assembly enacted a further major reform by reshaping the authorisation and regulation of insolvency practitioners, strengthening the standards, oversight and professionalism of those working in that critical field. The Bill takes a different approach. It does not create new schemes or make significant changes that require additional expenditure; instead, it fine-tunes and updates existing law so that insolvency procedures, whether for individuals, companies or partnerships, can be carried out more efficiently and effectively, with better outcomes for creditors.”
“Today marks an important moment. By bringing the Bill to its Final Stage, the Assembly and my Department demonstrate our shared commitment to keeping our insolvency framework modern, responsible and fully equipped to meet the evolving needs of our economy. <BR /> <BR />Over the years, the Assembly has always acted with purpose in this important area that supports our local citizens and economy. In 2010, Members supported the creation of our debt relief scheme, an invaluable route for people facing burdensome debt. It removed the need for costly court proceedings for those with lower levels of debt. Latterly, and in recognising the cost-of-living pressures faced by many, we have abolished the application fee for that scheme altogether.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Member for that question. Our strong offering continues to translate into high-quality jobs and sustainable growth across many of our key sectors. The announcement that I mentioned is one such example. That investment is providing well-paid and high-value roles and is being supported by Invest NI. The work that Invest NI does, supported by our universities and colleges, ensures that we have a pipeline of skilled people to continue to support our priority sectors.”
“In Los Angeles, I was pleased to promote our world-class screen sector directly to senior figures from studios, including Netflix, HBO and Amazon MGM, to whom we had the opportunity to highlight our skilled workforce and cutting-edge facilities, such as Studio Ulster. We are promoting that sector as one of our priority sectors and ensuring that it has the skills to enable us to continue to encourage its development. The visit also delivered tangible outcomes, including the announcement that mobile security company iVerify will double its headcount in Belfast. That investment underlines international confidence in our talent base and innovation ecosystem. It demonstrates the economic value of proactive international engagement.”
“I thank the Member for that question. As with all international engagements, my recent visit to the west coast of the US was an important opportunity to promote our economic strengths. I positioned the North as a competitive, innovative and strategically positioned economy. We have really strong capabilities not only across trade but when it comes to our tourism and screen sectors. There is huge potential there for inward investment. <BR /> <BR />The US remains one of our most significant international partners. It was vital to engage directly with decision-makers across those sectors. In San Francisco, alongside Invest NI, I met a number of major investors and industry leaders. I officially opened Invest NI's new office on the west coast, which strengthens our on-the-ground presence there.”
“I will continue to ensure that tourism remains a powerful driver of growth.”
“Those new statistics show that investment in our tourism offering and product is delivering positive supports. I will continue to focus on that and ensure that tourism remains —.”
“<BR /> <BR />Since the start of my party's stewardship of the Department, funding from Tourism Ireland has been increased. That has supported a really strong focus on marketing and promotion. Tourism NI's marketing activity is also delivering significant reach and showcasing the breadth of what we have to offer, from our fabulous landscapes and cultural events to our food, drink and accommodation. The recent announcement on the use of the Hidden Heartlands tourism branding is also a significant development for all-island tourism and one that I want to capitalise on and develop further. Having County Fermanagh as part of that regional brand will encourage more visitors from the South to come and see the beautiful waterways of the Erne and the wider Fermanagh region. <BR /> <BR />As I mentioned, we have a number of events coming up.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I agree that growing and sustaining our tourism sector across the North is really important. It is part of our economic vision. Last year, we published the 'Tourism Vision and Action Plan', which was co-designed with industry and published in partnership with Tourism NI and the broader tourism sector. One action coming out of the vision and action plan is the aviation policy that was mentioned earlier in Question Time. Work is under way to implement that action plan and build on the positive momentum that we see across our tourism sector. Over the past year, we have seen a number of really positive moments, such as the Open in Portrush last summer. Obviously, we look forward to the Fleadh coming in August.”
“The statistics show that our tourism offering is resonating strongly with visitors from across the island, delivering real economic benefits and supporting growth in our hospitality sector at a difficult time, while doing the same in other sectors, including retail and the wider visitor economy.”
“The tourism statistics that were published last week indicate a strong performance. I very much welcome the Central Statistics Office data, which reinforces the importance of tourism to our local economy, as well as the strength of the all-island market. The statistics show that there was a 15% increase in trips by visitors from the South to the North in 2025. Overnight stays increased by 9%, reaching 2·7 million nights. Visitor spending also increased significantly, up by 31% to almost £317 million. That growth is hugely positive for local businesses and communities right across the North, because tourism is one of the sectors that is truly regional.”
“International investors show strong interest in that unique trading arrangement, which gives local firms and those that are investing here from a manufacturing perspective access to the British market and all 27 EU member states' markets. Alongside that, I continue to make the case for stability and certainty for local firms as geopolitical uncertainty continues to have an impact on businesses here. The latest data, however, from HMRC and from the statistics that NISRA published the week before, demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses are supported to grow trade and to compete confidently. We will continue to support businesses to navigate not only existing markets but new and diverse markets.”
“My Department is focused on ensuring that local businesses are well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities reflected in the figures. Supporting local businesses to take full advantage of our unique dual market access remains a key priority. Alongside Invest NI, my Department is working closely with local firms and industry partners to deliver targeted business support. That includes helping local businesses navigate export markets, diversify their supply chains and build resilience. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of having dual market access is also a key message when we are undertaking international engagements, such as my recent visit to the west coast of America.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I welcome the latest trade statistics, which are for the 12 months ending December 2025. The latest figures show that goods exports from here have grown over the year and are up by 1·1% from 2024, with a notable increase of 4·3% in exports to the EU and continued growth in trade with the South. Trade with Britain is up by 0·7% over the year. Over the same period, Britain's exports to the EU declined. The statistics show that, despite a very difficult global context, our businesses and workers are resilient. The value of dual market access is evident in our exports statistics. There continues, however, to be a challenge with exports to the global market, given the headwinds that our businesses are facing.”
“It is a policy that has been developed in collaboration with the sector and our broader tourism sector. It has the support and buy-in of the sector. I am meeting representatives on Wednesday of this week, and publication will follow.”
“I thank the Member for her question. We will be publishing the consultation on the aviation strategy within the next number of days.”
“We can look at supports that can be provided, but, when the funding comes across, it is very often tied to a particular funding pot or line within a Department, and we do not have the ability to switch things around.”
“I accept the Member's point to an extent, but, when British Ministers make decisions about schemes to be implemented in Britain, it is very often the counterpart Departments here that are responsible for implementing them. I have made the case that there needs to be engagement so that any schemes that are developed can be implemented here, in order to ensure that people here benefit as quickly as possible. The funding that was announced last week, for example, is being delivered through the household crisis and resilience fund in Britain. The direct read-across for that is the discretionary support scheme. That is why the Minister for Communities will lead on it, with the support of other Departments here. As I have said, some of it is within my control.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Keeping an open mind does not mean that I have ruled anything out. I want to ensure that any decisions that we take in that space will have a positive impact. We have had consistent engagement with our counterparts in Britain and the South to ensure that consumers here are protected. I have made the case consistently to the British Government that we need to see financial support, and that there needs to be proper engagement with officials and Departments here so that any schemes that are being implemented there can be implemented here as expeditiously as they are there, so that people here are not waiting for supports to come along at a later stage. Some of that is outwith my control, but we will do what is within my control as quickly as we can.”
“When I met its representatives last Thursday, we again discussed the issue. We have agreed that my officials will provide data to support its study. We will carefully examine any recommendations that come out of the study. Our oil suppliers make the case that they are price takers. I want to see transparency in that supply chain so that we can understand where costs are being applied. It may well be the case that regulation needs to happen at British Government level, but I am open to looking at the recommendations that come out of the CMA study.”
“I thank the Member for the question. I am on record as saying that I have ruled nothing out on the issue. However, economic regulation of the home heating oil market has never operated here or, indeed, anywhere in Europe. Around two thirds of the cost of what consumers pay is the wholesale cost. That is out of our control, and regulation would have no direct impact on it. Our heating oil market is very competitive. We have over 200 suppliers. There is a risk that any benefits arising from regulation could be outweighed by the cost of regulation itself. However, when I spoke to Minister McCluskey on 14 March, we discussed those issues and the study that the Competition and Markets Authority was, at that point, likely to undertake and, as it has confirmed, is now undertaking.”
“The Consumer Council provides invaluable information for consumers by monitoring heating oil prices and publishing weekly average prices. Consumers are encouraged to use its website to compare suppliers and find information on oil buying clubs and fuel stamp schemes.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have consistently pressed Minister Shanks and Minister McCluskey for urgent support for consumers, and I will continue to do so, as the £17 million confirmed on Monday 16 March is clearly inadequate to help those struggling with rising energy prices. My officials and I have engaged with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). I welcome its review of the conduct of oil suppliers, intermediaries and brokers to ensure that pricing reflects genuine cost pressures and that behaviour is consistent with consumer protection law. <BR /> <BR />The Trading Standards Service plays a key role in protecting consumers from illegal trading practices, including unfair pricing, while supporting legitimate businesses. It also provides guidance to oil retailers on their obligations and advice to consumers on raising complaints.”
“I am very concerned about the impact of the rise in heating oil prices here following the Israeli-led attacks on Iran. It particularly affects our lower-income and vulnerable households. Approximately 60% of our homes — more than half a million — use home heating oil as their primary source of heating. In recent weeks, I have met representatives of the heating oil and natural gas sectors, National Energy Action (NEA) and the wider business community to understand first-hand what cost pressures are in the market and the impact that those are already having on our lower-income and vulnerable households and businesses.”
“I thank the Member for his question and his continued focus on tourism. He will know, because I have given the answer at previous Question Times, that Ireland's Ancient East is under review by Fáilte Ireland, which owns all the brands. Once it has evaluated that, I will be keen to engage with it. He will also be aware that there is a Shared Island project on the connection between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway coastal route that I continue to keep a focus on. I continue to make the case to Fáilte Ireland that we should see better incorporation of those brands.”
“I thank the Member for her question. A number of those issues stem from the previous leadership of the Department. We are working to address the issues that she has highlighted. For example, significant progress has been made on the accounts, as recognised by the Audit Office. As she will know, they are complex accounts, and a number of the issues that led to the opinion that was given by the Audit Office were outwith the Department. Those issues are being addressed, and a programme of work has been undertaken. Of course, there is always room for improvement. I will keep a focus on delivery, because that is what everybody wants us collectively to do for them here.”
“We have already made significant and targeted investments to address priority skills gaps, and we continue to make progress on our long-standing commitment to the expansion of university provision at Magee, with more investment there in the past two years than in the previous 10. We have clear plans to grow our priority sectors, raise our productivity and better deliver regional balance. That all requires a continued focus, and that has to come from the top.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As I have indicated, the performance and culture of any organisation is likely to improve when that organisation has clear and strategic leadership, direction and a focus on delivering the things that matter most for people here. My predecessor, Conor Murphy, and I have provided that throughout this shortened mandate. <BR /> <BR />I have already pointed to some of the examples of our delivery. We are also pursuing an ambitious programme for the rest of the mandate, including an ambitious legislative programme — a once-in-a-generation reform of employment rights.”
“In the NICS people survey, my Department performed best in class across all nine Departments, including having the highest level of employee engagement. It is important, however, that we keep a focus on delivery and having a positive culture, and, in any Department, that has to come from the top.”
“Just about. <BR /> <BR />I base my assessment on what the Department delivers and the outcomes that we achieve. We see improvements in key areas, including our overall objectives of having more good jobs, improved productivity, greater regional balance and lower emissions. It is important that we see the culture coming from the top — the leadership of the Department. Every day, I work with officials whom I see as being dedicated public servants with a real focus on delivering for people here. <BR /> <BR />I also understand that the Department went through a programme of organisational development in the recent past, in which there was a clear focus on improving the culture and on efficiencies and leadership development.”
“The growth of the all-Ireland economy and our relatively impressive economic output and export statistics are positive signs of change.”
“Under its previous political leadership, the Department for the Economy did not have clear strategic objectives. It paid lip service to the need for regional balance, for example, and did not embrace the potential of the all-Ireland economy. Its key delivery agency, Invest NI, lacked proper oversight. Those issues have been tackled over the past two years. The progress delivered by my Department includes a 22% increase in the number of students at Magee; a significant funding boost for St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College, both of which were previously in a financially precarious position; the extension of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands into Fermanagh; more affordable grid connections for rural households and businesses; and increased investment in InterTradeIreland and Tourism Ireland.”
“We will make revisions to paternity leave that will afford families greater flexibility. We will extend redundancy protections for pregnant employees and those returning from family leave, which will further strengthen workforce participation by women. <BR /> <BR />Women will benefit from the full range of enhanced rights that my Bill will introduce, which include the right to move from a zero-hours contract to a banded-hours contract and enhanced trade union rights. It is often women who are in zero- or low-hours roles, so they will very much benefit from those provisions. Together, the provisions are designed to foster a more inclusive, supportive and adaptable workplace culture in which women are empowered to balance their professional and personal responsibilities with confidence.”
“I thank the Member for that feedback. Many of our employers want to ensure that their workers are supported, which is why there is support for the measures. My Bill will provide many benefits for women by enhancing rights that support work-life balance. The right to request flexible working will become an employment right on day 1 rather than after 26 weeks, as happens at present. Employees will be able to make two statutory requests for flexible working within a 12-month period instead of only one. <BR /> <BR />We will introduce carer's leave, which will support the many women who are in caregiving roles for relatives. Eligible parents will benefit from improved neonatal care leave and pay, ensuring that, when a parent has a newborn who requires extended medical attention, they are better able to focus on their child and their own needs.”