Rachel Woods
North Down · Green Party · Northern Ireland
“We have to get it right, but we are not starting from scratch. We only have to look across the water or down the road to the public and private sectors that already offer that type of leave. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to the comments of other Members.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is time to end the coercive control that criminal gangs have over our communities. Victim and survivors' voices must be heard and reflected in our laws and policies. Minority groups should not be sidelined or silenced. We need to educate from a very young age.”
“There is no direct cost to employers from safe leave, and it is needed to deal with the issues related to abuse. We need to destigmatise abuse and tackle root causes, misogyny and toxic masculinity. <BR /> <BR />I agree with Mr Weir's comments. We should not need to have the protections in place.”
“I thank every Member who spoke during the debate for their comments and support for the Bill. I will address the Minister's comments first. I thank him for being here, and I am glad that he is feeling better. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly cares, and we need to work constructively together to help.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said at Second Stage, period poverty must be viewed through the lens of children's rights and how the Bill meets our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).”
“<BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity at Final Stage to thank officials and members of the councils who took the time to discuss with me their policies, the background to them and how they are working in practice: thank you for everything that you are doing for your staff, and I hope that, should the Bill pass, your regional Parliaments an…”
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“I reiterate what I said at Second Stage, however: noting the situation that we find ourselves in, we must never be put in this position again on budgetary matters. <BR /> <BR />There also appears to be an issue outstanding that is important to mention, and it is one that I have been raising since I first spoke on Budgets in the Assembly. It stems from yesterday's events and from some Members' comments today on how we spend our money. It was said that others could bring forward ideas. That is in the context of a motion moved by the Minister's party yesterday afternoon on planning for a just economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis. We in the Green Party welcomed such debate yesterday and recognised the need to deal with the imbalance that we now have in our society and economy and the need to make things fair for everyone.”
“I was not initially intending to speak at this stage, given that most of the points that I had raised were discussed at Second Stage. I will not rehearse them. I want, however, to note the issues that have already been raised by the Chair of the Finance Committee and by my colleague on the Justice Committee, Mr Paul Frew, who rightly and passionately spoke about information not being fully given to some Committee members. He also spoke about the lack of time for scrutiny of this Vote on Account and Budget (No. 2) Bill by the Assembly and its Committees in general, which has also been highlighted. That is not even to mention the lack of New Decade, New Approach priorities. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that the Vote on Account and the Bill are simply about cash release in order for Departments to front-load and stay afloat.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that we need to build back better and that the time is now for the Executive to bring forward a green new deal for Northern Ireland to decarbonise, reboot our economy, create jobs, improve our health, protect our environment and, ultimately, save our planet? Not in the future, but now.”
“In 2019, just over 85,000 homes were managed by NIHE, with much of that stock being in need of significant maintenance or, indeed, replacement. That is not to say that that reduction is down solely to the right to buy, but that has been a major part of it. Therefore, further opportunity exists here. As we look to the governance of housing associations and the changes that are proposed, we can, again, look at the governance of the Housing Executive and the possibility of building new homes.”
“I would be interested to hear of any progress in the development of a new housing strategy and whether any of the issues that I have raised will be addressed in it, perhaps as part of a rolling programme of legislation. <BR /> <BR />The housing waiting list is at an unacceptable level. As of March 2019, nearly 38,000 households were on it. The people who need to be housed are not being housed. Homelessness figures are rising. It is not just about the people who sleep on the streets, for whom it has taken a global pandemic for people to act, but for people who are in temporary accommodation and who do not have secure permanent housing. <BR /> <BR />The social housing stock has been reduced significantly. In the 1970s, there were 155,000 Housing Executive homes. In 2016, there were around 88,000, plus the 40,000 housing association houses.”
“Suitable homes need to be provided for people who need them, as well as bringing the existing stock up to standard through deep retrofitting, tackling fuel poverty, providing green energy sources, and looking at and acting on the conditions of properties. I am sure that many Members have experienced living in homes that are not up to standard or have been contacted about constituents who have to live with, say, serious damp problems, which can cause health issues for them and their young families, only to be told that they need to keep their windows open longer or put on a dehumidifier, when, without serious work, the conditions of the house will never be good enough. That has to be done with the underlying principle of keeping people in their homes.”
“Whilst I understand that the establishment of one is not within the scope of the Bill, safeguards are needed not only for the tenant but for the public interest in housing associations and to ensure that there is a regulator that is separate from public policy responsibilities and located outside government. That would follow best practice in the field, as has been established in Scotland. I hope that the Minister considers that seriously and implements it at a later date. <BR /> <BR />Additionally, a new housing strategy has been discussed and was part of the Executive's commitments in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document.”
“If so, could it be considered for future legislation alongside repeal of the statutory house sales scheme with regard to Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties? <BR /> <BR />Clauses 1 and 2 change the relationship with regard to regulation between the Department and housing associations. Whilst I understand that that is a required part of the reclassification requirements with the ONS, I would like to get assurances that that reclassification would not result in the deregulation or regression of departmental oversight. Also, does the Minister support calls for an independent housing regulator to be set up here, similar to that which exists in the rest of the UK?”
“Does the Minister consider that that could incentivise housing associations to continue to operate a right-to-buy scheme by a different route, which would increase the pressure on social housing? Where is the oversight? Does she agree that that may reduce the number of homes that are available to meet housing demand for people who need it? It is quite unclear as to why that condition is necessary or appropriate in the context of the well-documented pressures on social housing supply. Perhaps, the Minister will address that. Is that a requirement from ONS? <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, has any consideration been given to the removal of clause 8? Would the conditions that are required for the reclassification of housing associations be met now?”
“I think that the Member has made his point. We will leave it at that. <BR /> <BR />When does the Minister envisage this will be? The matter was consulted on in June 2018. Does she think there is need for another public consultation? <BR /> <BR />Clause 8 allows a housing association offering a voluntary scheme to receive compensation from the Department in the form of a grant. As Mr Allen has asked, will the Minister outline how this will work and what it will look like?”
“Over 100,000 social homes were lost to private ownership, and they have not been replaced. As of March 2019, more than 123,000 homes have been removed from the social housing stock since 1979. Social housing does not exist to provide private homes. <BR /> <BR />There is a reference to the right to buy scheme in clause 7 of the Bill. I ask the Minister whether she is minded to bring additional legislation to the House in order to extend the cessation, or voluntary nature of it, to NIHE properties, bearing in mind that there is no voluntary scheme in Scotland or Wales. If so —.”
“Many tenants in social homes aspire to home ownership, and the right to buy is often their only hope of fulfilling that aspiration. However, administering the social housing allocation system is difficult. Could this change allow a route to home ownership for some tenants, and not for others, depending on the landlord? Will it contribute to some tenants consciously turning down a reasonable offer of accommodation, when there is no possibility of future home ownership? If that proves to be the case, it will not reduce housing stress or the housing list. <BR /> <BR />The right-to-buy scheme has been much discussed and debated previously in the Chamber. It has been abolished in every other part of the UK, and rightly so. Because of it, we have seen the privatisation of social housing.”
“Whilst I appreciate the need for the reclassification, and what this means for the future of social housing in Northern Ireland within our current system, we need to get back on target and provide stimulus for at least 2000 new social homes per year. I hope that this Bill does everything that it says on the tin, and that it forms a part of what we need to do to get out of the housing crisis that we have been in for years. <BR /> <BR />I would like to raise a few concerns and bring them to the attention of the Minister, if she would not mind addressing them later. <BR /> <BR />There is an issue with the potential to create inequality in access to social housing and home ownership, as has been mentioned by some in the Chamber.”
“We have a choice. We can raise our voices and join against the systemic and institutionalised racism across the world and push for those in power to do the same.”
“He said that to see those tweets coming through in the middle of the night, with the police station and the city burning, was reproachable. <BR /> <BR />We call for justice for George Floyd and justice for all who have been wronged by those who were sworn to protect them, as this is not the first time that this has happened. We must honour his memory and that of others by continuing to work harder than ever to end racism, tackle inequalities and build a better future for all. <BR /> <BR />I wish to mention some of the last words recorded from Mr Floyd:”
“What Minnesota has never seen before, however, is the level of violence. <BR /> <BR />We in the Green Party stand in solidarity with all those, including the Black Lives Matter movement, who campaign against endemic institutional racism, fascism and police brutality. We have seen images of police in the US using cars as weapons, firing tear gas, beating protesters and targeting journalists. That is all the result of systemic racism, inequality and a populist, neo-fascist regime in the form of the Trump Administration. A friend in Minneapolis emailed me on Saturday night, stating:”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. I had risen at the start. <BR /> <BR />I thank my colleague for bringing the matter to the Chamber today. Racism thrives in the company of silence. The tragedy of the death of George Floyd, who suffered after a police officer kneeled on his neck for seven minutes, in spite of his pleas to stop, has rightly caused anger and protest in Minneapolis and across the world. I stood on the same streets that people are protesting on not nine months ago, as part of the global climate strike outside Saint Paul City Hall. I visited many of the shops that have been looted. People whom I keep in touch with who live in the city tell me that the protests are generally supported and understandable, touched off by some things that had been brewing for a while.”
“Will he commit to investing in a green recovery, a just transition, using a green new deal to reboot our economy, create jobs, warm our homes, make new homes sustainable, boost revenue, strengthen public service and increase prosperity and save our planet? Dealing with climate breakdown and our biodiversity crisis is not separate from our economic issues; they are all intrinsically linked. The Executive must step up to the plate and show leadership when it comes to the climate emergency, and we need a clear long-term strategy. There is no time for further reactionary policies or sticking plasters on the serious issues ahead.”
“By focusing yet again on reactionary policies we avoid implementing forward-thinking, innovative and positive solutions to all of the difficulties that face us. We have little, if any, information on the Department's expected savings or services that they will not be able to provide. The second Budget Bill, of course, is a practical solution to the short-term cash issues faced by some departments, but we still have no longer-term view of this year's budget. <BR /> <BR />The Minister wrote today for the 'Irish News'. In conclusion, he mentioned that we face the existential threat of global warming, which requires a transition to a zero-carbon economy, which I, of course, welcome. What is the Minister and the Executive's vision?”
“I remind Members, yet again, that the Executive parties committed and agreed to this in 2011. What is still missing from the Executive is the vision of what kind of world we want to return to and how we build back better.”
“Instead of refurbishing a system that has shown inherent weakness, we need to revitalise the economy through legally binding targets and targeted investments. We cannot keep supporting a system that abuses our planetary and environmental boundaries. We need a just transition and a green new deal. <BR /> <BR />As I have mentioned many times before in this Chamber, a green recovery presents us with a short- and long-term vision of sustainable jobs for life, with simultaneous improvements socially, environmentally and economically. It is not about getting back to business as usual, where many struggled to get by in a world endangered by escalating pollution and waste. A green recovery aims to reduce waste, cut bills for participating households, sustain employment through recession and modernise our housing stock.”
“In the words of my green colleagues in the European Parliament:”
“Thank you. Good to know. <BR /> <BR />We need a sustainable, fair and just recovery to get out of this. We need a plan, especially as we face economic recession, and not a plan like that implemented by Governments after our last social and economic disruption caused by the crash in 2008 when we bailed out the banks, but to provide stimulus through components of the green new deal and bail out our people. It will not have quick fixes, but we need a long-term plan that does not penalise people by entering into austerity politics. If we believe the Tories, who have said that austerity is not an option, this will require huge public expenditure. Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of England, wrote last month:”
“We know that not all businesses will survive and that this is an extremely difficult time. Therefore, what work is happening now to deal with the future of the economy? <BR /> <BR />We were promised an economic recovery plan weeks ago, as was mentioned earlier. The Minister indicated that it will be discussed by the Executive this week, which is welcome. I ask the Minister, has he seen it and, if he has, what is his assessment of it and can it be resourced from the proposals before us today? What happens in the autumn if it turns out that the Departments no longer have adequate resources to deliver such a plan? Will we in the Back Benches get to see it or is it confined to the five-parties who sit at the Executive table?”
“What are the Executive doing to deal with serious mental health and addiction issues that many of our constituents are facing right now? <BR /> <BR />We knew that these things would all be difficult, so why were no adequate financial resources allocated to comprehensive preventative strategies to deal with them. The Executive response to these issues is still lacking, and it is certainly something for the Minister to consider when making bulk-Budget allocations. <BR /> <BR />How does the Bill and the budgetary process now pursued by the Executive prepare us for what is coming down the line? I asked the same question about the Budget allocation on 5 May. I do not believe that I got a proper answer and nor has it been answered here today. We know that an economic recession is inevitable.”
“Perhaps it is time to have an open and honest conversation about it. There are less than two years left in this mandate and we cannot have everything contained in it, and it will not be delivered this year or next. <BR /> <BR />I turn now to some of the inevitable issues arising from the lockdown to deal with the COVID pandemic. These are not pressures that came to light only with the benefit of hindsight. The Executive were well warned and aware of the worrying prospect that lockdown could lead to a rise in domestic violence and abuse, an increase in mental ill health, mental health issues and, of course, the devastating economic impact of shutting down businesses and industry. That begs the question, why is there no dedicated strategy with appropriate resources and funding allocated to deal with domestic abuse at this time?”
“<BR /> <BR />During the Budget scrutiny processes, Committees were told that the Executive are facing pressures in departmental budgetary needs and in delivering New Decade, New Approach priorities. There is simply not enough funding to do all that we aspire to do. This raised questions from many about New Decade, New Approach. As others outlined, there have been some gaps in producing the estimated budgets that are aligned to NDNA priorities in some Departments as well as commitments that were made in the House. I surmise that NDNA is something of a wish list: uncosted and, therefore, subject to being reprioritised not just because of COVID, but just to be kicked down the line further. <BR /> <BR />This Assembly declared a climate emergency earlier this year, but there is certainly no emergency fund here for that.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many Members have been contacted by local charities that are eager to find out where they fit into the Government support, and we welcomed the announcement on 7 May of £15·5 million to support them. Minister Hargey also announced that it would be launched very shortly after that — on 20 May. It is now 26 May, and we are now in our ninth week of lockdown, during which many traditional forms of fundraising for charities have been impossible. Are all charities and social enterprises in Northern Ireland supposed to avail themselves of funding from that one pot to maintain key services? It will not be enough. Are the same organisations that help our most vulnerable and other organisations, like those that work with animal welfare, to be the last to be given support?”
“If we are not at the appropriate stage of the plan, do the Executive, in recognising the importance of the hospitality sector, amongst others, envision helping businesses financially if they cannot open safely and are facing the only choice they have of making their staff unemployed? <BR /> <BR />As we know, not all businesses have received the same support. Some, like sole traders, that were not eligible for other Government grant schemes were told that a hardship fund was on the way, only to find out that it did not apply to them. Yet again, they are waiting to hear if there is anything else for them to keep their business afloat or if they should just make the minimum payments to keep them operating after this. I ask the Minister this: is there anything left in the Budget to help those who have been left out?”
“There are many businesses still falling through the gaps, and the impact on them will be much greater. The furlough scheme, which I mentioned earlier, has been welcome, of course, to keep as many people in employment as possible, and it has been a lifeline for some sectors. However, if employers who have not had any income since March are told to either bring their staff back to work if they can, safely, if that is even possible, or on a part-time basis and to contribute to their wage packet, there will not be many businesses left. What if we are not at that stage of the Executive plan? Will we have more people feeling that they are being forced back into the workplace before it is safe to do so? Will the Executive be able to help those employees and the employer, should that happen?”
“Will large schemes be put on the long finger? How will that affect the provision of public services? Communities must not see cuts or closures as we come out of this pandemic. Local authorities across GB have received funding commitments, and councils here need to be in the same position. <BR /> <BR />The Minister stated that the Executive intend to absorb the cost of councils' lost income, but how? We do not have any details of that, and figures published in the COVID-19 allocations document do not add up, so how, Minister, do the Executive intend to manage this? <BR /> <BR />The economic impact of this pandemic is being felt without us having entered into recession yet. This, on top of the uncertainty of Brexit, will be felt for years to come.”
“Those matters are relevant to the Bill, which sets in law the release of funds to the Departments based on the COVID-19 allocations published on 19 May. <BR /> <BR />With regard to our councils, £20·4 million allocated by the Minister for Communities is welcome in order to initially cover losses and the pressures experienced by local authorities because of COVID, but there must be more. This is a drop in the ocean of what is needed. Our councils cannot become insolvent, but some are dangerously close to that. Questions will need to be answered about not only the future of local government institutions, but what this will mean for schemes and plans that had been agreed and on which work had begun. What will it mean for large capital projects? Will councils have to re-profile finances that were allocated to something completely different?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Health Minister stated in the Executive briefing on COVID this afternoon that a second wave of this virus is widely expected in the months ahead. Do we have either enough in reserves or contingency plans built in to deal with that? I would like to ask the Minister what plans he has. If we are in a second wave of this virus, with similar PPE requirements and similar lockdown requirements and with the business closures that we have now, are those being developed? <BR /> <BR />I will turn to some of the gaps in the COVID-19 spending and to a green economic recovery, which I mentioned in my earlier speech. Some Members might have heard this before, but I do not apologise. As an opposition MLA, I feel that it must be continually raised.”
“Is it the case that we are in that position because of the limited number of Assembly sitting days now, or is the preferred option of the Executive to avoid difficult questions when Members have had a proper chance to look at what is in front of them? It would be helpful to hear from the Minister about what precedent is set for the work of Assembly by voting on legislation just after it has been published. It should not happen again. <BR /> <BR />I have raised some of the issues around the fact that we will not have the Main Estimates and a comprehensive evaluation of departmental spending until the autumn. That was also raised in the main Budget debate earlier this month, so I will not labour the point any further than is necessary.”
“We have already discussed the issues around the process that the Executive have pursued with the Budget and the Vote on Account earlier today. Another important issue needs to be raised regarding the procedure of the Bill, which has just been published and made available by email to Members, and is now being debated at Second Stage. The reasons for such a rushed process have been put forward by the Minister. However, the issue of why the Assembly is expected to vote on the principle of legislation on the same day that it has been laid before the House remains apparent to me. <BR /> <BR />To ensure that legislation that is put forward by the Executive is adequately scrutinised, we should not accept such a procedure lightly. It must not be the case that Ministers feel that they have the power to rush things through in that manner.”
“I thank Mr Allister for bringing the question for urgent oral answer, given the seriousness of what has happened. The First Minister outlined the recruitment process for the new permanent advocate, and that will be advertised next week. Is there any clarity on when a new advocate is due to be appointed, and whether if the timescale has been delayed due to COVID or any other matters?”
“The Minister, after being asked on the radio this morning about the pending recession, stated that it would be severe for Northern Ireland, but how do we know that the Executive's approach to the problems is the best one? We do not have any of the details here. It would be helpful to hear from the Minister what other options were considered and what his expectations are come the autumn. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the debate on the second Budget Bill, during which there may be greater opportunities to discuss the allocations, the allocations to other budgets and what is missing. I know that the Minister appreciates Members' feedback, but there needs to be a plan, with ideas and solutions for moving forward behind it, and that plan should be to build back better through a green, just recovery.”
“It was stated, however, that many political parties supported it. All the Executive parties supported a green new deal in 2011, but, despite commitments, no strategy was adopted and no resource allocated. Those are the same Executive parties as are in office today. <BR /> <BR />Higher government borrowing is also spurring public fears of a new age of austerity in which public services suffer as a result of fiscal restraint that is justified by the COVID response. What assurances can the Minister provide to the House and to the general public that that will not be the case in Northern Ireland? Some in Westminster may have given assurances that austerity is off the table, but how much austerity can be avoided is uncertain without a plan.”
“Many other sectors — those dealing with mental health and support for addiction problems, the community and voluntary sector and so on — required huge resources and financing regardless of COVID, but their situation has now been compounded by it . We are yet to see a comprehensive economic recovery plan. As the Chair of the Finance Committee stated, it is somewhat overdue. I would welcome the Economy Minister attending the Chamber to outline her plan. We will need to know what it is so that funding can be allocated, but we also need to know what the document looks like. Will we get to see it, let alone scrutinise it? I reiterate: the economic recovery must be a green recovery. It must be a just transition for our people, our economy and our society. I am glad to hear the need for a green new deal being raised in the Chamber again today.”
“Otherwise, many businesses will not reopen after this. We must also be very aware of the continuation of the furlough scheme. Any changes to it must be carefully considered. For example, if the hospitality business — one that I have acute knowledge of — cannot reopen safely, adhering to current social-distancing guidelines and the furlough scheme stops or is significantly altered, we will see mass redundancies, unemployment and closures. That is a fact. I am more than happy to explain to any Members from great personal experience how working in a kitchen, a restaurant or a bar cannot be done safely under the current social-distancing requirements. It is not possible. <BR /> <BR />Our councils, too, face huge financial pressures and will continue to do so. Much more will need to be done.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand the need to get resources urgently to cash-strapped Departments that are under serious pressure arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in unprecedented times. I understand that many of the budgetary allocations that might have been in place for the start of the year may not be a priority now or come the autumn and that Departments need cash now. We will not stand in the way of that. <BR /> <BR />We welcome the support granted so far to our businesses, communities and vulnerable individuals, but we know that gaps remain. Many businesses and people in our communities are falling through the very nets that are designed to support them. We need to do more. As the Minister will be aware, we need to support those not eligible for any current fund supplied by Westminster or by the Department for the Economy.”
“We have not been able to make a proper assessment of departmental pressures, some of which relate to the New Decade, New Approach commitments, because the information supplied prior to the Budget vote on 5 May included so many "TBCs" and "not applicables". We still do not have any clarity on what that means, let alone any clarity on Brexit, which is equally unclear and for which details of what is going on are required. Is this a case of "Spend now and ask questions later", or are the Executive acknowledging here that Departments' spending might be in a mess but they intend to clean it up later on? It would be good to hear from the Minister directly on that point. If, after an unprecedented health crisis, spurring an economic recession, we are in a mess, how will we get our questions answered?”
“I also wonder whether the Minister can address the fact that the Assembly will not have an opportunity to debate and scrutinise properly the budget allocations for this financial year until we are already halfway through it. Is that a good way of spending public money?”
“If today's votes are successful, Departments will have already had access to over 80% of the allocations, based on last year's allocations, as well as their COVID resources. What happens then? What happens after the autumn and for the remainder of the financial year? Clearly, the June and September monitoring rounds will be extremely important to monitor what is going on with departmental spending, and I hope that Committees and Members will be given the full details of what we need to scrutinise the spend. <BR /> <BR />Listening to the Finance Committee last week, I noted that questions were asked about the announcements of rates holidays for certain sectors and from where they were going to be funded. Is there a reliance on the June monitoring round for this business support?”
“As we know, and as many have said in this Chamber, these are extraordinary times, and that is reflected in the Vote on Account proposals before us today. We were due to get the main Budget Estimates for the 2020-21 financial year. It was in my calendar, in fact, until last week. I was looking forward to offering some scrutiny on Budget proposals and departmental priorities, which we have not actually had the chance to do so far. However, because of the spending pressures relating to COVID-19 and the inevitable reallocations between Departments, the Minister and Department of Finance are telling us that it is not possible, and will not be so for another couple of months. <BR /> <BR />We are told that we will not get the Main Estimates until the autumn, halfway through the financial year.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, particularly the ongoing recognition of the need for a green recovery and a just transition. If councils are not involved in doing the work or piloting projects now on the reallocation of road space, how can communities that want to look at specific areas in their town and village communicate that to the Department?”
“Promises were made: it is absolutely time to deliver. Otherwise, our post-conflict political system will yet again fail to assist the very people who have suffered and suffered greatly.”
“<BR /> <BR />I echo the call of colleagues in the Chamber: we need answers from Executive Ministers, from the First Minister and deputy First Minister. I urge them to attend the Chamber to take our questions and give us some solid answers. What conversations have happened with Westminster? What of the Secretary of State? What conversations have happened with the various Departments and Ministers here about the setting up of the structures? Why is no clarification being given to anybody? For years, many have said that they would do all that they could and that there was a determination to get this through: let us see it. Let us see the determination to get it sorted for the sake of victims. I expect that a quick resolution of the matter is to be found with the Executive and the Treasury.”
“I thank the Member for bringing the matter to the Chamber and giving me the opportunity to speak. I share the concerns about the process failing to be up and running as promised. It was supposed to launch at the end of May. The delay to the opening of the pension application is yet another harsh setback for the victims. The lack of clarity on who will fund the scheme is stalling the process again. That represents another setback for the very people whom it is for, not to mention the scheme's inclusion in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document, the agreements made and the commitments given. As others have said, this is not new. The pension was agreed in 2014 and signed into legislation in January.”
“Thank you for your answer, First Minister. Will the Executive commit to take responsibility for the implementation of the guidance that is issued to businesses?”