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.”
The complete record
Every one of 3,774 lines we hold for Caoimhe Archibald, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 76.
“I thank the Member for her question. My officials at Invest NI have been engaging and working with businesses in the sector to engage with the Ministry of Defence. It is my understanding that engagement had been quite slow until very recently but there has been engagement over the past couple of weeks on taking forward a proposition for businesses here.”
“Those interventions are designed to strengthen advanced manufacturing capability and enhance the competitiveness of firms in the North operating within highly regulated global markets.”
“The North’s aerospace and defence sector operates as an integrated cluster characterised by shared supply chains, advanced manufacturing capabilities and cross-cutting technologies, with firms serving both civil aerospace and defence markets. <BR /> <BR />Over the past three financial years, Invest NI has offered financial assistance of £1·04 million of support to companies operating in the defence sector. That financial assistance was provided to two businesses whose activities are solely within the defence sector. No financial assistance was offered in 2022-23. In 2023-24, £2,430 of support was offered, and, in 2024-25, £1,041,344 was offered. That support has contributed to business investment in innovation, skills development and trade promotion.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I am aware that organisers of events across all parts of the North will engage with their local councils on supporting events for the Twelfth. Event organisers will have opportunities to engage with Tourism NI, and, of course, they are free to do that on all the programmes and supports that it puts in place. I encourage people to engage in that regard.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I met Tourism NI last week in relation to the fleadh, and one of the issues that we discussed was accommodation. It is working to ensure that there is enough accommodation for everybody who wants to experience the fleadh. I am happy to take away the Member's question on the specifics of the campsites and get further information.”
“Making the fleadh for everyone was a cornerstone of the city's successful bid. It has a focus on unity and shared traditional cultural heritage, so the celebration is not the preserve of one part of our community; it is for everybody. The Belfast Fleadh Cheoil and associated fringe events will showcase our local culture and heritage, bring people together across all communities and abilities and create an inclusive, welcoming visitor experience that reflects the city and the region's identity. That is something that we would all encourage. In recognising the breadth of the appeal of the Fleadh Cheoil, the bands forum sits on the fleadh's festival programming and cultural offering subcommittee, again bringing in all sections of our community.”
“In fairness, there is a point about ensuring that public transport is available. That will be considered with the organisers, led by Belfast City Council, which is working with all partners, including Translink, in ensuring that we put on the best fleadh possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question to the Minister for Infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />The festival provides a platform for local musicians to perform and for residents to support through volunteering. One of the big successes of the Open last year was the contribution of volunteers. With opportunities for everyone to be part of the fleadh, support will be provided to develop new skills and experiences. Tourism NI is collaborating with Belfast City Council to deliver an industry engagement programme to ensure that businesses understand the opportunities presented from hosting the fleadh and to tailor their products to ensure that they provide an excellent visitor experience. I encourage businesses to engage with that.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Delivering a successful Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast will showcase the city and the wider region at its very best, providing us with a platform to deliver significant cultural, social and economic opportunities. Such major events have a proven track record of driving economic impact, attracting private investment, opening the door for other big events and creating opportunities for local businesses. Businesses will benefit from the influx of visitors as they spend money on accommodation, food, transport and shopping, in addition, obviously, to the substantial boost for our hotels, restaurants, pubs and retail. The fleadh will help to create growth in the local economy and support jobs.”
“<BR /> <BR />Through inclusive, creative events and workshops, the festival fringe programme is designed to encourage visitors to engage with our authentic cultural traditions and local communities. A campaign is already under way by Tourism NI to encourage local tourism businesses to engage with the fleadh programme. That also includes information for prospective accommodation providers to ensure that they get certified and are able to host the many visitors whom we expect to come and enjoy the event.”
“With more than 400 events that will bring together hundreds of thousands of visitors for eight days of music, craic and friendship, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will be a celebration and a showcase of our community and the diverse cultures that it comprises. The fleadh is being delivered by Belfast City Council in partnership with Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Tourism NI will support the event as a strategic partner. That includes enhanced marketing to attract more visitors and dedicated engagement campaigns to encourage participation as a host, volunteer or visitor. Tourism NI will also focus on maximising the benefit that the Fleadh Cheoil will bring by encouraging visitors to travel beyond the city and experience the diverse communities, towns, coastlines and cultural sites across the North.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Utility Regulator's consultation on its review of the electricity guaranteed standards of service and overall standards of performance closed on 15 January. The Utility Regulator is now analysing the responses and preparing its final decision paper to present to the Department by the end of April. My Department will then bring forward without delay any new arrangements, following Executive agreement, with the expectation that they will be in place for winter 2026-27.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The policy intent of the electricity price guarantee scheme has been circulated to my Executive colleagues. I am hopeful that it will be considered by the Executive soon, which will pave the way for the drafting of that legislation. There will then be a consultation on the terms and conditions of the renewable electricity price guarantee scheme. Progress is being made on both matters, and I hope that they will be approved by the Executive shortly.”
“The Bill is intended to provide clarity for the Utility Regulator on its ability to assist my Department by providing technical advice and information and to carry out its statutory regulatory functions in a way that will support the transition to the future energy system needed to fulfil my Department’s obligations under the Climate Change Act 2022 and the Executive’s energy strategy. Officials in my Department have worked with the Utility Regulator to develop the Bill. Following consideration of issues raised in the public consultation and further engagement with the Utility Regulator, the draft Bill has been circulated to my Executive colleagues, and I hope to introduce it to the Assembly in the coming weeks.”
“It is technical and detailed legislation, and, as I said, it was brought through Committee Stage with diligence. I recognise the work of officials and the Committee in that regard.”
“I am grateful to the Members who contributed to the debate on the amendment. The amendment is a minor one, but it is, nonetheless, important. Agreeing to it will ensure that all orders that effect changes to primary legislation as a consequence of the Bill's passing will be subject to scrutiny and approval by the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I note the comments of the Committee Chair and other Members, and I recognise the issues that have been highlighted around the Bill's intent: to simplify and keep up to speed with insolvency processes while, importantly, striking a balance in supporting businesses and others impacted on by insolvency proceedings through what is a difficult and challenging time. <BR /> <BR />Like other Members, I record my appreciation of the work of officials.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“That concludes my explanation of why I consider the amendment necessary.”
“Acts of Parliament are primary legislation and can be amended to the extent that they apply in this jurisdiction by an order made under clause 119 powers. Therefore, orders amending Acts of Parliament should be subject to the same form of Assembly control as any other order made under those powers. Accordingly, the amendment that I have tabled will ensure that that is the case. The amendment will do that by inserting the words "or any Act of Parliament" into clause 119(3). <BR /> <BR />The amendment is important, but it does not involve any change to the Bill policy. I have notified my Executive colleagues about it. The Economy Committee was informed about the need for the amendment in a letter sent to it on 30 October 2025. The Committee formally agreed to clause 119, subject to the amendment being made, when it met on 26 November 2025.”
“The main purpose of clause 119 is to enable my Department to make any changes that are required to existing legislation so that it will align with what is in the Bill once it becomes an Act. My Department will be able to do that by making orders to effect the changes required, which may include the repeal, revocation, amendment or modification of any existing statutory provision that applies in this jurisdiction. <BR /> <BR />The intention is that all such orders will have to be laid in draft before and approved by the Assembly. The requirement for that is in clause 119(3). However, it has been identified that, as drafted, clause 119(3) is deficient. That is because it is not stated to apply in the case of orders that make changes to Acts of Parliament made at Westminster.”
“Before I speak to the amendment, I put on record my thanks to the members of the Economy Committee for their helpful scrutiny of the Bill. As you mentioned in your opening remarks, it is a lengthy piece of legislation, with a considerable number of clauses, and relates to procedural issues on insolvency. The legislation, which will ensure that procedures are modernised and fit for purpose, is important for those impacted on by insolvency proceedings. <BR /> <BR />I put on record my appreciation of the Committee's diligent scrutiny, because, while officials were dealing with some of the Committee's queries, they discovered that there is a minor omission in clause 119(3), which is a consequential amendment clause.”
“I thank Members for their contributions today and the Chair and members of the Committee for the Economy for their consideration of the regulations. As has been outlined, they were introduced in an emergency situation in which electricity and energy costs were going through the roof. That highlights the volatility associated with reliance on fossil fuels. As Members on all sides of the Chamber have indicated today, we want a secure, resilient and affordable energy supply for households and businesses, and that is what we are working to deliver over the next months and years. <BR /> <BR />As has been set out, the regulations close the temporary support schemes as intended and ensure parity with Britain. I commend the motion to the House and thank Members for their contributions.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has already enacted similar scheme closures in Britain, including extending the relevant period to 26 months, which enables my Department to amend the regulations and legislatively close the schemes. It is appropriate and necessary that we implement the same approach here. <BR /> <BR />Financially, there are no implications arising from the instrument. The schemes were always intended to be temporary, and their closure simply marks the end of the support period. <BR /> <BR />In summary, following the enactment of similar regulations in Britain, this is a necessary measure, and I would welcome the Assembly's support.”
“I seek the Assembly's approval of the draft Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The statutory rule (SR), which has been made under the Energy Prices Act 2022, seeks to close formally schemes under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022 and the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2023. <BR /> <BR />The British Government introduced the schemes in response to the energy crisis. The purpose of the instrument is to bring us into line with the equivalent amendments already made in Britain, thus ensuring regulatory parity.”
“There have been some examples in England and Wales that we should look to assess. That is likely to be considered as part of that research. Unfortunately, the issue will, I think, continue. We will have opportunities to continue to discuss it through forums such as the NSMC.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That issue was raised by other Ministers who were present and I, because, as you have highlighted, it is common across the island. Its impacts include the housing challenges that we face north and south; people's ability, particularly in the private rented sector, to maintain their tenancies; and challenges with tourism accommodation. There are balances to be struck there. The Minister for Communities, who has just walked into the Chamber, is doing important work on the housing strategy and research that is being undertaken on the impact of short-term lets, which will be hugely beneficial in providing us with an evidence base on which to make interventions. It is also important that we learn from experiences elsewhere where actions have been taken.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That issue does not really fit into the NSMC's remit, so it was not discussed at the meeting. However, we obviously want to support our local tourism industry, so I am happy for the Member, if he wants to, to write to Tourism NI or me on that issue.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That was not discussed at the meeting, but I am happy to engage with the Member, Executive colleagues and others to look at how we do that. It is, obviously, hugely disappointing that we are not in a position to be part of Euro 2028, and that we will not have Casement Park built in time for it. That project is moving ahead, and we are keen to look at future opportunities for such events.”
“That often translates into what makes it so successful. <BR /> <BR />Tourism Ireland has completed analysis of the return on marketing and has calculated a return on investment of around 25:1 for the top four markets, which are the US, Britain, Germany and France. While those are really positive figures, we need to build on them and support tourism providers in showcasing our tourism offering across the island. As Minister, I have also had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of Tourism Ireland at a number of its events and promotions overseas, and I have had the opportunity to meet travel trade and media personnel in New York, Berlin, Boston, London and Shanghai. It is so positive to hear how highly people speak of, and their enthusiasm for, our beautiful island.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will know this because his constituency has a hugely strong tourism offering, but tourism is really important to the island as a whole and is a major part of our economy. It spreads prosperity across the region. It is vital that we continue to support that. One of the really important ways in which we do that is through Tourism Ireland's marketing activity. The tourism industry makes a huge contribution to our economy and provides around 70,000 jobs across the North. Importantly, over 70% of those jobs are outside the Belfast area, so it impacts across the region. That shows how integral tourism is to the fabric of our cultural and social life, as well as to our economy. People really care about the tourism product and offering in their own areas.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am sure that he appreciates the fact that we have many attractions across the North and that we do not mention every single one of them at every meeting, because, if we did, we would be there for a very long time. If the Member believes that there are opportunities to amplify that attraction, I am happy for him to write to me, and we can look at the issues.”
“Thank you, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Member. Fair play on getting your attractions in there. In all seriousness, there is an opportunity to look at how we build upon the scheduled completion of Narrow Water bridge and the tourism offering down the whole of the east coast. There are significant attractions and things that we want to showcase there. Fáilte Ireland is doing the evaluation of the brand, but I certainly see the opportunity to incorporate Narrow Water bridge, the whole of south Down and the wider area in Ireland's Ancient East to build upon the offering that is there.”
“I thank the Member for his question. That was one of the issues that was discussed at the NSMC. Obviously, Minister Lyons was in attendance. Tourism Ireland is looking at the opportunity to market the island as part of the America250 celebrations. I will be out in the States in early March, so I will have an opportunity to engage, as I always do, with Tourism Ireland when I am out there. I will look at the opportunities to market the island as a whole and at how to bring American visitors back for the America250 events here, so that we can showcase that heritage and history, which people often want to experience when they come here. If they have family or roots here, they are even more inclined to do so. We are keen to build on that.”
“We have shown expertise in the delivery of big events, and I am certainly keen to work with Tourism NI on how we can bring more major events here to build on what we have had already and to attract visitors. When visitors come for an event, see everything that we have to offer and experience the amazing hospitality and welcome that they get, they are inclined to come back. That is exactly what we want.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Open provided an opportunity to market our amazing coastline and everything that we have to offer. It was seen by a global audience. That is one of the things that those global events do: they put us on the global stage. We can continue to build on the success that we have seen in the delivery of the two Opens, as well as the further opportunities that we will see in coming years.”
“I thank the Member for her question. She will know that that is recognised in the tourism vision and action plan. There is a significant similarity between our strategy in the North and the strategy in the South and in the conversations that we have had about skills. I have had those conversations with Ministers across the Administration in the South such as Minister Burke and his counterpart Minister Lawless, because the issue sits across Departments there. We are looking at areas in which there are opportunities to collaborate North/South; at things that we do well, such as apprenticeships, from which they can learn; at things that they do well from which we want to learn; and at areas where we can share expertise and in which there are opportunities across sectors. That work is ongoing.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As I mentioned in the statement, we had a presentation on the opportunities of golf tourism. They are significant; we know that. As announced just before Christmas, the economic impact of the Open exceeded the expected benefits, and, clearly, we want to build on that. <BR /> <BR />The R&A has committed to three Opens coming here. We are in conversations and engagement with the R&A to tie down exactly when the Open will come back, as it has committed to bringing it here for that third time. Of course, we will look to bring the Open back again beyond that third time.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Fleadh Cheoil coming to Belfast provides us with a huge opportunity. We have seen the success that it has been in other towns and cities across the island, and we are excited about it coming to Belfast in August. Tourism NI is working closely with Belfast City Council and Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring it to Belfast. Fleadh Cheoil will be an unprecedented and inclusive event that will celebrate Irish music and culture. It is expected to attract in the region of 700,000 people, with an estimated economic boost of over £50 million. It will have a significant economic impact. As I said, my Department, through Tourism NI, is working with the other partners to deliver the event. I anticipate it being a huge success.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have continued to monitor the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). We have asked tourism providers to share with us their experiences and data, and we are collating that. We have asked Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre to do work on the ETA to provide us with an evidence base, and that work continues. Obviously, it has to be in place for a bit of time in order for the impact to be seen. That is where we are with it. Businesses report a strong summer, which is positive, but we will look at the actual data to understand what the impact might be and how it compares with previous years.”
“I thank the Member for raising those important issues. As she will know, I recently engaged on the issue of VAT in particular with the hospitality sector through Hospitality Ulster and the NI Food To Go Association. The Finance Minister and I committed to engaging with Treasury, with the organisations themselves, to make the case. The Member will know from her involvement in the all-party group (APG) that there is broad support for the initiative from hospitality organisations in Britain, which see an opportunity to have a pilot here. We continue to make the case to Treasury, and I am happy to stand alongside the sector to do so. It will become more of a challenge in the summer when the VAT rate in the South is further reduced. We need to put a particular focus on the issue now.”
“As I said, I believe that Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand is an example of something that we can build on and that it will be a success for the businesses in Fermanagh. We have put additional funding into the campaign to support it in its first year. We will seek to take further steps on that. I am happy to write to the Member with some more detail on the time frames.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, we have set up the all-island tourism steering group to align the work North and South. It includes officials from both Departments and all the tourism agencies, and it will look at how we can build on the tourism vision and action plan in the recently announced strategy in the South; there are many synergies between them. There are, of course, conversations about how we can build on the initiatives that have already been taken. As I mentioned to Ms McLaughlin, Fáilte Ireland owns the brands, and we are engaging commercially to extend them. We continue to pursue those conversations, and we have done that through all the fora that you would expect us to use.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to point out that the announcement of the extension of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand into the North clearly states in the guidance that eligible companies will continue to be able to use the Embrace a Giant Spirit branding that markets the North to the South, importantly, and to Britain, our two closest markets, where a lot of our visitors come from. It is important that we continue to promote the region as a whole. However, there are huge and significant opportunities to be had from marketing the island as a whole and including the North in those globally renowned and successful brands. Visitors from other countries do not see borders; they see the island as a whole, and we should capitalise on that.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Of course, the statement refers to the NSMC and the work of Tourism Ireland, which markets the island as a whole and does so successfully. We seek to build on that to attract more visitors across the island and to the North specifically. There are some important targets in the business plan and corporate plan whereby Tourism Ireland seeks to increase visitors by 6% across the island over the coming years. However, in the North, the target is 6·5%, reflecting the huge opportunity to build on the offering that we have.”
“The announcement of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand being extended into Fermanagh demonstrates my commitment to developing the value of tourism across the island and across all regions to support prosperity for local communities.”
“Yes, and I thank the Member for her question. At the NSMC tourism sector meeting, my nominee, Barry Flanagan, was appointed to the Tourism Ireland board. My nomination of Barry to that important position reflects his commitment to the tourism sector in the Fermanagh lakelands region and to running his own business. The Member will know Erne Water Taxi well. He has chaired the Cuilcagh Lakelands Regenerative Tourism Network, working in collaboration with industry and government partners to develop that beautiful area for visitors. He will bring important experience and expertise to the board of Tourism Ireland.”
“The brands are owned by Fáilte Ireland, and we continue to engage with them on progressing that collaboration. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands provides us with a real opportunity to look at what the benefits of collaboration are for the businesses in Fermanagh that are able to take part in that brand. That will give us something to point to in relation to building on that for the other routes and brands across the island. We look forward to the engagement on Ireland's Ancient East when they have concluded the review of that as a brand and we can seek to further incorporate that into the North.”