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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“Citizens from other EU states who lived and worked here and were part of our communities have made the decision to leave due to uncertainty. However, the true impact will only be felt after January, which is why it is vital that all efforts are put in now to achieve an agreement on a free trade arrangement in the next couple of weeks. <BR /> <BR />The loss of EU funding is also highlighted in the report. Lots of concerns have been raised with me, with the Economy Committee and, I am sure, with all Members about the impact of the loss of funding and the lack of clarity on the shared prosperity fund.”
“There are those in the Chamber who do not agree with the protocol, and, as Kellie Armstrong and Matthew O'Toole referenced, it is an imperfect, least-worst option to mitigate the worst impacts, but it is the reality, and it needs to be made to work. I am sure that the majority of us recognise that it will work best in the context of a comprehensive free trade agreement between Britain and the EU, so it is vital that it comes to a speedy and positive conclusion in a very short while. It is quite ridiculous that, 16 days out from having a new trading reality, businesses and communities here do not yet know what it will be. <BR /> <BR />Brexit has been impacting on us for the last four years. Businesses have lost out on or put off investment opportunities. Researchers here have faced a chill effect.”
“The British Government and the Department for the Economy need to ensure good communication with businesses to ensure that, once arrangements are agreed, they can be operationalised by businesses. There is much to do in that regard given the very poor levels of preparedness among businesses currently, which is, in part, as the Chair of the Executive Office Committee said, due to the lack of bandwidth that businesses have this year due to COVID.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee report highlights the concerns of councils about both those issues. Schemes will be put in place, including the trader support scheme. The operation of that scheme will be important to ensure that businesses can cope once the grace periods end.”
“What has now been agreed to is what the British Government signed up to in the withdrawal agreement last year, so getting to the point of clarity only now is difficult to justify. Detail is needed on what has been agreed. <BR /> <BR />It is also clear that, while the grace periods for qualifying goods and SPS checks offer some short-term relief, there is now a need to use the time to ensure that what comes afterwards is workable, as much as is possible, for businesses. That will require real and meaningful engagement by the British Government with businesses here and with the Executive to reach a definition of qualifying traders and goods. It will be important that the so-called long-term regime referenced in the Command Paper recognises our highly integrated supply chains, particularly in the agri-food sector.”
“I thank the Chair, the Committee and the staff of the Executive Office Committee for this useful report. Our councils are at the fore of working with communities and businesses in local areas, and it is really important to hear from them about the impact of Brexit as we come to the end of the transition period. Many of the themes highlighted in the report will be familiar to us all: loss of funding, the lack of readiness of businesses, the physical infrastructure that is necessary and the impact of the ongoing lack of clarity on future trading arrangements. <BR /> <BR />The Joint Committee agreement last week on aspects of the protocol is to be welcomed. Of course, like the rest of the negotiation, it has taken a long time to get to a stage at which there is any clarity.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. In it, she said that it was noted that work was carried out to prepare for the end of the transition period. A couple of weeks ago, the Committee for the Economy received a briefing from officials on business preparedness. We were told that InterTradeIreland's all-island business monitor for quarter 3 showed that only 9% of firms had plans in place to mitigate the impacts of Brexit. In the light of that, what is being done by both the Department and InterTradeIreland to help businesses to prepare following the announcements last week on the protocol and the ongoing lack of clarity about the overall trade deal?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Tourism is a very important sector in the North, and the pandemic has had a particularly hard impact on it. In the couple of months that the sector was able to open during the summer, there was a large increase in all-island tourism. In the light of that, what work is being done, particularly on marketing and the development of experience packages, because, even though we may have a vaccine online, next summer we are likely still to be dependent very much on domestic tourism to compensate for the loss of international visitors? <BR /> <BR />When do you expect the corporate plan for 2020-22 to be signed off?”
“It is simply not on that the fate of our businesses and communities is in the hands of Tories who appear to be intent on running down the clock and who care not one jot about this place or our citizens and businesses, other than when it serves their interests to use them as a bargaining chip.”
“He has probably had a rethink on that. <BR /> <BR />The British Government have dragged their feet in negotiations over the past year and, instead of engaging genuinely, appear to have tried to wriggle out of commitments that were made in the withdrawal agreement. Back in September, the British Government seriously damaged trust in the process through the publication of the Internal Market Bill, but they have now removed those clauses that breached international law and undermined trust in the negotiations. That was a needless attempt at a delaying tactic in the wider negotiation, and it is not clear what they have achieved by it, because there was simply no logic to it. Deals are secured by agreement, not threats. <BR /> <BR />Deadline after deadline has been missed, but the only real deadline is 31 December.”
“<BR /> <BR />Those who campaigned for Brexit, including those in parties here, have clearly miscalculated and mis-sold the notion of what leaving the EU will mean, despite all warnings to the contrary. Back in 2016, Michael Gove was saying:”
“We need to see serious work done by the British Government over the next six months and for there to be real and meaningful engagement with businesses here. <BR /> <BR />Last week's clarity was welcome, but there remains great uncertainty for businesses and individuals that will be resolved only when there is an outcome to the current negotiations. To be still in the situation in which, in just over a fortnight, new trading arrangements of some description are supposed to be in place but for us, as yet, not to know what they will be is ludicrous. The operation of the protocol will be more or less difficult depending on the free trade deal that is or is not agreed.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle, for accepting the Matter of the Day, which is on a very important issue for us all. There are only 17 days left until the end of the transition period, and, despite ongoing and, we are told, intensive negotiation, there is, as yet, no outcome on the future arrangements for a free trade deal between Britain and the EU. <BR /> <BR />Although it was welcome to get some degree of clarity on the implementation of the Irish protocol last week, four and a half years after the North and our citizens and businesses were plunged into Brexit calamity, it is very clear that the systems and processes needed for businesses to trade seamlessly without tariffs are nowhere near ready and that the grace period that has been provided offers a short-term relief.”
“— the Executive must be afforded additional powers to borrow. I will leave it there. I again thank all those who contributed to the micro-inquiry.”
“To be able to deliver on economic recovery —”
“That can help to deliver lower costs for families and businesses, create warm homes for those in fuel poverty and provide public transport for all, including isolated rural communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />We must support alternative business models, including social enterprises and cooperatives in order to drive community well-being and wealth-building. Our economic strategy must support indigenous SMEs and, in doing so, tackle long-standing regional imbalances by coordinating local economic development in towns and villages in order to create employment opportunities. We need to reimagine our towns and cities as part of the recovery to utilise space through sustainable development where people work, live and socialise. Any economic strategy for recovery must involve long-term planning to deliver a just transition to a net-zero-carbon society. A green new deal should be a core tenet to the recovery, creating high-skilled, well-paid employment by harnessing our abundant natural renewable energy resources.”
“That is based on four principles: supporting workers and families; supporting businesses to create and sustain jobs; delivering on a just transition; and giving the Executive the tools to finance recovery. Prior to COVID-19, our economy was not in good shape. We had the lowest growth, the lowest productivity and the highest economic inactivity in these islands. There were structural challenges that have persisted and that need to be addressed as part of our recovery. Our economic strategy must be one that delivers good jobs, addresses regional imbalance, promotes a zero-carbon economy and improves productivity. We need to deliver on the commitments in the New Decade, New Approach agreement on strengthening workers' rights. Those and skills development are core to improving productivity.”
“Business leaders are concerned that, as we approach the official date for EU exit at the end of the transition period, there remains a lack of information, and, therefore, there is uncertainty about what will happen next. That, along with the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that we are in the mouth of Christmas, makes this a period of great uncertainty. Businesses and consumers urgently need information to make the best decisions that they can. We need to deliver for them not just now but in the longer term through better planning, investment and collaboration across government. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some brief remarks as Sinn Féin's economy spokesperson. Sinn Féin set out our recovery strategy back in June.”
“<BR /> <BR />In order to build a better economy, we need embedded collaboration across all levels of government; delivery on plans to create social progress where people thrive and prosper and where good jobs in indigenous businesses are created; and development of the skills and networks that are needed to raise productivity and earnings. Government procurement also needs a shake-up, with a greater focus on buying locally and support for companies here to build capacity in order to increase employment and earning potential for all our people. How we commission public services should recognise the wider social, economic and environmental benefit and context.”
“Therefore, we need to ensure that the airports survive for the good of our economic future. <BR /> <BR />As highlighted in the Committee's energy strategy debate last month, we must ensure that buildings are made as energy-efficient as possible, that investment is available for our electricity grid and that companies offering renewable technologies are given the support that they need to succeed. Our planning system needs to provide greater flexibility to change landscapes in order to help our health and well-being. We must work to eliminate fuel and energy poverty for our most vulnerable, as well as ensure that energy prices are a draw for businesses to invest here and not a disincentive.”
“Now is the time to plan ahead in order to ensure that the public transport network will be ready for a return to operations when there is greater demand and that it will better support our communities in getting their goods to market and people across our island. An overarching transport strategy needs investment, particularly when getting people to airports, universities and manufacturing sites. That will require long-term solutions for the major road networks and the development of a high-speed rail link connecting all our towns and cities. Airports are essential to our economic development, as they provide access to airlines. Just this morning, the Economy Committee had an informal meeting with the chief executives of our three airports. Moving passengers and transporting cargo are very important to our local businesses.”
“With an increase in unemployment forecast, we must have a strategy to encourage and support start-ups and entrepreneurship. The development of indigenous businesses with higher earning capacities is key. In order to get this right, there must be a proper framework to support entrepreneurship, along with new thinking on how to get more people trained with professional and technical qualifications. That must be supported by a new, realistic childcare strategy that gives parents more and better opportunities to work. <BR /> <BR />With fewer staff travelling to work and fewer tourists and with schools closed for several months at a time, transport operators have experienced a devastating blow to their income.”
“Many individuals and families are facing very difficult circumstances at this point. It is important, therefore, that there are supports put in place for those people, and there have been, via the Department for Communities and the supports that have been made available through the Economy Department. Those have been really important to ensure that people have the support that they very much need. It is important, therefore, that we have the strategies to move forward in the economic recovery. Young people and those on lower incomes are often those most badly affected by the pandemic, re-emphasising inequalities that already exist. <BR /> <BR />Unemployment, underemployment, low-paid work and lack of skills have blighted communities and held back our economy.”
“We must create strategies to ensure that people have the skills that they and businesses need for us all to prosper. There are clear patterns of intergenerational, low-paid, insecure employment and worklessness within more-deprived communities. The impact of COVID-19 caused the Committee's stakeholders to highlight the fact that we are experiencing greater disparities between the haves and have-nots.”
“To support that, we need to make it easier for telecom companies to improve rural connections by setting up mast-sharing agreements. Communities need to see 5G rolled out to provide the best online technology available. <BR /> <BR />Having a workforce that is flexible, agile and skilled to help local businesses to prosper is essential to economic recovery. Increases in unemployment have had a knock-on impact on high streets, with businesses in real distress, especially in hospitality, retail and transport. Members have concerns about the gap between the skills that workers possess and those that businesses say they need, with a deficit in workers with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects. The result is lower wages, lower productivity and unemployment.”
“With that comes the challenge of how we will replace EU funding on a like-for-like-plus basis through the shared prosperity fund. We must deliver on the policies needed to help to stabilise the economy right now and develop an overarching plan to make sure that our economy is rebuilt in a way that improves its responsiveness to the needs of communities and businesses. One of the most vital ingredients in building our economy back better is improving technology and digital infrastructure. There has never been a time when we, as a society and economy, have been so reliant on technology. In fact, we have suddenly become reliant on services that allow us to work, shop, access services and learn from home. The Committee welcomes the appointment of a contractor to Project Stratum.”
“However, some businesses are still growing and have had opportunities due to COVID-19. There have also been business start-ups during this period, whilst other businesses remain in survival mode. While the pandemic is primarily a public health emergency, the economic risks are real and impactful. Many businesses are bracing themselves for more job losses in the months to come. Rather than managing our economic decline, we must focus on rebuilding. Economic disruption looks set to continue into the new year. Nine months into this crisis, however, we can reflect on what has worked well and adapt good policies accordingly. <BR /> <BR />We should continue to push forward to the recovery phase, directed by a realistic plan, specific to our needs, to start building back better as we prepare for our next challenge, which is Brexit.”
“The Committee has undertaken a micro-inquiry to seek views from a range of stakeholders on what we need to do to support the recovery and rebuilding of our economy following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has produced a special report highlighting a range of themes. I thank those who participated in the inquiry, and the Committee has shared the report with the Economy Minister. <BR /> <BR />The business, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality sectors in particular told us that they have yet to see the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis. They feel that the longer we remain in a survival or stabilising phase, the greater the negative impact on their sectors in the longer term. Academics highlighted the likely prospect of a deep recession, with an even tougher recovery.”
“I thank the Member for his answer. It is welcome to hear about those resources. Does the Member agree that the Commission has a duty to ensure that staff are looking after not only their physical health but their mental health and well-being, especially given the added pressure that many have faced as a result of the pandemic and the extra workload that they have been carrying?”
“The fact that that scheme will go to the Executive this week, hopefully, will be welcome news for the sector. All these schemes are very welcome. Last week, the newly self-employed criteria were published. When that scheme opened, it became apparent that some people will still be excluded on the basis of the criteria, particularly in relation to the requirement for 50% of the trading income to have been from self-employment in 2019-2020, which will exclude those who became self-employed later in the year. Will the Minister commit to looking at that criterion to ensure that those people who previously missed out get paid?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. That is useful information. Can the Minister provide any assurances about participation in Job Start programmes?”
“I also extend my good wishes to Edwin to get well soon. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that the UK-Japan agreement largely replicates that between Japan and the EU. Does she accept that, due to the fact that no new tariff rate quotas (TRQ) were agreed, some exporters could be at a disadvantage under the agreement?”
“Particularly given that there are younger people for whom face masks are now mandatory, I urge the Minister to continue to look at that. <BR /> <BR />Given the correlation between areas of higher deprivation and higher incidences of COVID, what learning has been gained by the Department of Health and by the interdepartmental work on high levels of COVID in more deprived communities?”
“Finally, the climate does not recognise borders, so, on this small island, there needs to be strong cooperation. Our energy market is already integrated, and we must ensure that our energy strategy takes account of that. It must harness modern technologies to assist in achieving our emissions reduction targets. An energy strategy based on those principles, with ambitious targets that are reviewed regularly and sectoral plans, would go a long way to achieving the progress towards decarbonisation that we need to see in the short, medium and longer term. <BR /> <BR />I thank those who shared their views with the Committee. The report is available on the Committee's web page on the Assembly's website. I encourage anyone with an interest in the subject to read it and to continue to engage with the development of the energy strategy.”
“Democratising our energy market not only gives communities a financial stake but increases the awareness and buy-in from the public towards the goal of decarbonisation. The third is rural and urban equality. Tackling regional imbalances in energy supply must be part of the energy strategy. On the basis of the principles of just transition, the barriers faced by rural communities — for example, the lack of public transport — must be taken account of. The fourth is a green new deal, which was a commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach'. As I have said, it must be one of the key facets of our economic recovery strategy. The potential of our renewable resources provides huge opportunities for the creation of green-collar jobs through investment in research and innovation, infrastructure and skills development.”
“As we seek to move rapidly away from fossil fuel dependency, there is an opportunity to tackle the economic status quo that has caused and exacerbated the climate crisis and to reshape our economy, creating a fairer, more equal and sustainable society. The COVID crisis has brought into sharp focus economic inequalities. As we plan our recovery, it is critical that a just transition approach is core to economic rebuilding. The second is public and community ownership of energy and renewable resources. Across the island, we have the resources that can be harnessed to provide the energy that we need. Communities and the public should have the opportunity to benefit directly from those abundant resources.”
“It is an issue that we have discussed a number of times in the Chamber. In January, the first motion that Sinn Féin brought before the Assembly was to declare a climate emergency. Since then, a climate change Bill has been submitted with cross-party support. That is an important basis for dealing with the challenge of climate change. However, the strategies underpinning the legislation will be key to achieving the targets. The energy strategy is one of the most important. It cuts across Departments and sectors. It is also a real opportunity to lay down a marker about the approach that we want to take to the decarbonisation of our economy and society. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin believes that the energy strategy must be based on a number of principles. Foremost of those is a just transition.”
“As, I am sure, you will recognise, the energy strategy has the capacity to be one of the biggest issues that our economy can gain from right now. The energy strategy has a considerable role to play in making the North a place that is investable, particularly through having the levers to keep manufacturing facilities here and being able to expand them. The Committee's primary concern, while meeting the carbon net-zero target, is to make energy affordable, so that businesses and consumers can thrive and enjoy higher levels of health and well-being. We have to get this right. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some remarks on behalf of Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin made submissions to the DFE call for evidence and the Economy Committee's micro-inquiry. Tackling the climate emergency is one of the fundamental challenges of this century.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some sectors will be able to make a bigger contribution than others to lowering carbon emissions; for example, agricultural practices. The main opportunities for reducing emissions from agriculture are evidenced in crop and soil management and measures to reduce livestock intensity. However, there is a role for increased energy efficiency. To achieve all that, we need the local workforce to develop a suitable skill set to take forward new technologies and infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />An effective strategy should identify key areas of work for government, local government, educators, businesses and communities and, preferably, should be co-produced to maximise the available expertise and ownership of the changes to take place. There is so much to do.”
“<BR /> <BR />Careful adjustment is necessary for the planning system to succeed in allowing forms of energy production such as wind turbines and energy storage areas. Additionally, smaller companies wishing to install renewable energy technology may need to access funding support schemes to help to cover the initial outlay and to reduce financing risks. The ability to store energy will play a significant role in bringing more renewables on to the system. To that end, we need a separate action plan to encourage large-scale storage, localised storage and biogas. In relation to the natural gas network and its expansion, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a green fuel for the future that could replace natural gas. We note that plans are under way for gas networks to transition to hydrogen over the coming three decades.”
“In that regard, it is crucial that energy efficiency targets be identified and set, together with new building regulations that future-proof the energy efficiency of new developments. Above all, the most vulnerable must be protected during the energy transition. <BR /> <BR />Investment is urgently needed in a number of areas. With regard to transport infrastructure and the rise in the number of electric vehicles, there is clearly a need for investment in car-charging infrastructure. That, along with a modal shift to encouraging walking, cycling and using public transport, will have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Investment is also required in the electricity grid, with the successful deployment of large-scale renewables projects. That is becoming urgent, as it is needed to allow renewable energy to enter the system.”
“The energy strategy should implement policies towards those targets while moving towards a target of net zero carbon before 2050. To that end, consideration should be given to establishing an NI climate Act along the lines of those already designed in Scotland and Wales. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is alive to the fact that the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) family expenditure survey shows that households in the North spend a higher percentage of their income on energy than those in other regions. More than one in five households here is in fuel poverty, so they cannot afford to spend more on energy bills. To tackle that, we must turn our attention to enhancing the existing energy efficiency schemes to ensure that homes and businesses are as energy-efficient as possible. That will lower consumption and, therefore, bills.”
“We are about to go through a massive upheaval of the whole energy system through the electrification of heat and transport systems, and it is important that stakeholders are involved in shaping the design along with government. <BR />First, the energy strategy must have a statutory footing and binding targets that are clear, measurable, ambitious and in line with both the Programme of Government outcomes and the UN sustainable development goals. From looking in more detail at the current targets, we see that there may be scope to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% by 2030 on the basis of the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) recommendations, with a view to assessing the feasibility of a 70% reduction by 2030.”
“The Committee received over 180 responses from across energy organisations, consumers, individuals, businesses and academics. I put on record my thanks to those who took the time to respond. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has produced a special report summarising the themes that have emerged. It has shared the inquiry report with the Economy Minister, and it is that report that we are discussing today. In addition to the inquiry, the Committee heard evidence from departmental officials on the energy strategy and has, on the whole, relayed its encouragement of the process for the development of the new energy strategy, the progress of which the Committee will continue to monitor regularly. <BR /> <BR />Through the micro-inquiry, the Committee identified issues that will need to be addressed in the energy strategy.”
“The Committee recently undertook a micro-inquiry to seek views from stakeholders on what they wanted to see in the energy strategy being developed by the Department for the Economy. That is in the context of the British Government's legislative target of net zero carbon by 2050. The energy strategy will determine the future priorities and potential changes needed to achieve that and other targets. During the inquiry period, earlier this year, the Committee asked stakeholders a range of questions about what they would like to see as the key elements of the energy strategy, what the future holds for the renewables industry and whether there would necessarily be a difference in the price of energy for business and consumers in the future.”
“Similar to Mr Allen, I know that there is some frustration among businesses and individuals about slower payments. Have you looked at, or will you look at, allocating additional resources, particularly personnel, to ensure that schemes get out quickly, particularly as there are new schemes coming on board to help the newly self-employed? When is that scheme expected to open?”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. I think that the point that you made to Mr Muir about the allocation of resources is an important one. There has been some lag time between the allocation of funds from you, as Finance Minister, and schemes being opened and delivered by, for example, the Economy Minister. It is important that resources are put in place to ensure that that happens as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />Is the £20 million that has been allocated for company directors in addition to previous announcements of allocations to the Department for the Economy, for example, for the newly self-employed?”
“Managers need to have guidance on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond to a staff member's disclosure and support workers who face those circumstances. As I indicated, I raised those issues, including through the Economy Committee, and I am hopeful that the Economy Minister will take speedy action to make provision to support victims of domestic abuse.”
“Such provision would enable victims to take the necessary time off work to seek support, find accommodation or attend court proceedings, as has been outlined in some of the amendments in this group. It would also address unpredictable absenteeism and reduced productivity for employers. Earlier today — yesterday now — my party colleagues Mary Lou McDonald and Louise O'Reilly introduced legislation in the Dáil to make similar provision for 10 days' annual special leave for victims of domestic abuse. It is important that victims, whether or not they choose to access that leave, know that it is there. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to my final point. It may seem obvious, but, in addition to the provision of special leave, there needs to be workplace policy and guidance.”