Diane Forsythe
South Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The Schomberg Society and the staff and pupils of Kilkeel Primary School worked hard alongside the team from Blue Eagle Productions, especially director Rosie McClelland, to deliver a fantastic performance. We saw Northern Ireland's history, heritage and the pupils' great talent shining through.”
“<BR /> <BR />The production was an excellent way to mark that important historic event and for those P7 pupils to bring their time in primary school to a close. It was bittersweet for the year group, as one of their dear classmates was notably missing.”
“As we come to the end of another school term, I pay tribute to some excellent work at Kilkeel Primary School in my constituency, especially by the P7s. I declare an interest, as my son is one of them.”
“Mrs McCabe, the school principal, shared with the children the words of Proverbs chapter 17, verse 17 on how true friends love at all times — through the good times and the hardships of life. I thank Mrs McCabe for her leadership.”
“The Minister will not be surprised by my question on the delay of the accounts certification on SEUPB, as we are in June 2026, 18 months after the end of financial year 2024. Those accounts have still not been certified in both jurisdictions, and a full further financial year has since passed.”
“Minister, you say that you want to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and property owners, but those measures do nothing for existing long-term businesses that are struggling on, already occupy premises and cannot afford to invest in their properties, and there will be consequences for them.”
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“In the late 1950s, he enlisted in the ranks of the Ulster Special Constabulary and served until it disbanded in 1970. He married Eva Perry in 1971, and they had one son, Sammy, in 1972. William was an enthusiastic member of all loyal orders, a staunch unionist and a founding member of Legananny Accordion Band. He seldom missed a parade. <BR /> <BR />William's son, Sammy, grew up to be an amazing man of firm Christian faith. He is a man whom I am proud to call a friend. He has been a tireless advocate in the innocent victims' fraternity in ensuring that the truth of the past is properly conveyed to future generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Sammy and his family today, this weekend and every day as we remember William Heenan and the truth of his story.”
“Further to that, it is a disgrace that Sinn Féin glorifies it and throws salt into the wounds of every innocent victim of the IRA with the South Down MP operating a constituency office just five miles from William Heenan's murder scene called the McNulty-Magorrian Advice Centre, which is formally named after two IRA men: McNulty, killed by his own bomb as he tried to blow up Castlewellan RUC station, and Magorrian, shot by security forces while on active service for the IRA. That is disgraceful from Sinn Féin and is the cause of much hurt and pain to innocent victims locally. <BR /> <BR />William Heenan was born on 17 December 1933 and was brought up in the townland of Legananny at the foot of Slieve Croob. An only child, he worked in a number of manual jobs and then for the DOE Roads Service.”
“As 12-year-old Sammy approached the yard, he saw blood and followed the trail, where he found his father's body. My heart breaks at the image of that little boy seeing that, leaving him an orphan, as his mum had previously died. Sammy ran to the nearest neighbours, half a mile away, distressed. <BR /> <BR />The South Down command of the Provisional IRA claimed responsibility. It was horrific and pure evil, which, we all know, defines the IRA.”
“This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the brutal, devastating and evil murder of William Heenan by the Provisional IRA in my constituency of South Down. On 3 May 1985 at 7.10 am, William Heenan went out to feed his small number of hens at his home near Castlewellan before work. As he approached the top yard, a gunman was waiting, hiding in an outside toilet. The gunman approached him from behind, forced him to his knees and shot him twice in the back of the head at point-blank range. The gunman dragged William by his feet to conceal the body at the side of a barn. The lone gunman made his escape in William's car. <BR /> <BR />The shots wakened William's 12-year-old son, Sammy, who was in bed when he heard his daddy's haunting and dying screams outside his bedroom window, and Sammy witnessed the gunman drive off.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, you noted that you received a report in the Council on the implementation of the 2014-2020 Peace IV and INTERREG programmes. Have you any detail on the schemes that have closed? As a percentage of the total value of the claims that were made on those schemes, what was the value of claims that were found to be fraudulent or ineligible?”
“Women's rights in modern society have been hard fought for. The ruling is important: it is an important step towards ensuring that those rights are not diminished. As a female MLA in the House, I am proud to stand here for women's rights.”
“We need to remove barriers that exist and progress serious issues, including safeguarding, access to fair competition, medical research on women in sports and securing safe single-sex spaces for women and girls to change and shower when accessing sport. For me, a key part of progressing the Bill has been raising awareness of existing laws that are in place in Northern Ireland that protect the integrity of female sports. The sporting bodies should be confident in their application of those laws, even before taking account of this judgement. <BR /> <BR />The ruling of the UK Supreme Court is a victory for common sense, as others have said. It is an important reminder of women's rights across the United Kingdom. I look forward to using it to strengthen the principles in my Bill as it progresses.”
“I welcome the ruling of the UK Supreme Court. It is disappointing, as others have said, that it took this case to go to court to confirm what we already know: the definition of a woman. Over the past year, I have been working on progressing a private Member's Bill on women and girls in sport, because I feel really strongly about that as a woman and a mother of two young girls who are feeling the vulnerabilities and facing challenges in accessing sport. I am taking my opportunity in the House to speak out on that. <BR /> <BR />We need to stand up in this place to support and champion women and girls in sport here.”
“As the chair of the all-party group (APG) on voluntary and community sector, I welcome the First Minister's recognition of the sector's value. As we move to public-sector transformation pieces, will there be an attempt to quantify some of the return on investment from some of our voluntary and community sector organisations? For example, Extern and NIACRO recently gave the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) specific examples of how a small amount of funding to them has significant value in reducing adult reoffending.”
“While we recognise that the Budget is incredibly challenging, we all need to work hard as we see it progress. We need to ensure that value for money is delivered, eliminate any wastage of public funds and see the delivery of real public-sector transformation: improved procurement practices; significant improvement in the management of major capital projects; and improved cross-departmental working. We know that no Minister has received an allocation of all that they wanted, but we need to see value for money for Budget allocations in the delivery of public-sector services across Northern Ireland.”
“While those are likely to focus on baseline budgets, they will be an important planning tool. <BR /> <BR />The Statutory Committees have indicated their understanding of the constrained fiscal context in which we find ourselves. They acknowledge that there are considerable pressures on the public purse and that difficult decisions will need to be made during the 2025-26 financial year. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to hearing Members' comments and the Minister's response. Once again, we are grateful to the Minister for agreeing to respond to today's debate. <BR /> <BR />I will make some brief comments as a DUP MLA. I welcome the progression of the 2025-26 Budget, which, with a Programme for Government in place, will enable priorities to align and funding to flow.”
“We are aware that the UK Government plan to produce multi-annual Budgets going forward. We will know more following the comprehensive spending review later in the year. <BR /> <BR />The Committees indicated that a joined-up, cross-departmental approach with departmental budgets being linked to the Programme for Government (PFG) would help to link funding decisions to policy outcomes and that that would make it easier to assess whether financial allocations were being directed towards the most urgent needs. That has been a consistent theme of the Finance Committee, and it is hoped that the work already under way through the Budget improvement road map will allow Departments to provide longer-term budget plans that are linked to PFG priorities through indicative five-year business plans.”
“The current arrangements do not incentivise the Executive to grow the economy or tax base here, as the current arrangements with the UK Government see us losing any growth in our fiscal base to the Treasury. <BR /> <BR />As per the custom in previous years, the Committee agreed to ask the other Statutory Committees of the Northern Ireland Assembly to review the anticipated impact of the 2025-26 draft Budget proposals on their respective Departments. The Chairs of the Committees will have an opportunity to comment, but I will note the common themes from the Statutory Committees. They include concerns over the lack of a multi-year Budget. They indicated that a multi-annual Budget would assist Departments in their long-term planning, especially for larger capital projects.”
“<BR /> <BR />Through its membership of the Interparliamentary Finance Committee Forum, with counterparts in Wales and Scotland, the Committee has recently engaged with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, as part of the fourth meeting of the forum, which was hosted in Parliament Buildings. With our Scottish and Welsh counterparts, the Committee is keen to engage with UK Treasury to provide greater scrutiny of its actions, which have a direct and significant impact on the UK's fiscal context, not least the Budget for Northern Ireland. With our Scottish and Welsh colleagues, the Committee is working to ensure that our Budget settlements reflect our respective needs and are more adaptive and flexible.”
“<BR /> <BR />With specific reference to the Department of Finance's budget, the Committee has noted that the Department will carry significant capital pressures that it intends to manage down during the year through a range of measures. The Committee will continue to keep those pressures and others identified by the Department under observation. As well as continuing their scrutiny of funds arising from the restoration package, including the public-sector transformation fund, members are heavily engaged with the workaround fiscal framework being taken forward by Professor Gerry Holtham. It is hoped that that will take us beyond the 124% relative need, compared with per head spend in England, which has already been identified in the interim framework.”
“The Fiscal Council highlights that 2025-26 represents the eleventh successive year in which Northern Ireland has operated with a single-year Budget. Many stakeholders have told the council and the Committee that multi-year Budgets would provide a better basis for delivery and for workforce and transformation planning in Departments and arm's-length bodies (ALBs). However, the council suggests that, while that is true, recent experience shows that, even over relatively short periods, initial Budget allocations can be amended significantly as the overall funding position changes and resources are reallocated between Departments.”
“The Fiscal Council has assessed that, because of the large spending increases in the October 2024 UK Budget, it is unlikely that the Executive Budget for 2024-25 will unbalance, but there are significant potential pressures to contend with in 2025-26. As has been discussed with the Committee on a number of occasions, the restoration package contains a funding cliff edge in 2026-27, when the short-term Budget support that is being provided runs out but the 24% Barnett consequentials top-up will not have had time to build up to a similar level. <BR /> <BR />The Committee welcomes the interim fiscal framework signed off by the previous Finance Minister last May, which has delivered considerable benefits for the Executive, not least the recognition of the 124% relative need figure.”
“Until then, Departments will need to manage the additional costs.”
“I also note that, in his written ministerial statement last week, the Minister confirmed that the Executive will only receive approximately £146 million of the £200 million that they identified as needed for the core Civil Service to offset the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions. That £200 million did not include GPs, dentists and all those public-sector employees who are not core civil servants, nor does it include the councils or third-sector organisations that deliver public services. Additionally, that funding will not be available until the Westminster Main Estimates in June, and it will be allocated through our June monitoring round here.”
“That means that the proposed departmental allocations and forecast debt interest costs are covered by a combination of block grant funding, regional rates revenue and capital borrowing. The Fiscal Council notes that the Budget balance is resting on some significant assumptions, most notably in Health, where the position bakes in a reliance on trusts raising £200 million of additional savings. There are also general pressures that the Committee has previously noted arising from public-sector pay and the cost of meeting the UK Government's employers' National Insurance increases.”
“With the final Budget being approved by the Executive on 3 April, it is timely for the House to debate this motion. I thank the Business Committee for scheduling the debate. The debate is informed by the Budget document itself, by the very useful Fiscal Council assessment and by the excellent scrutiny undertaken by Statutory Committees. I thank the Fiscal Council and all the Statutory Committees that were able to respond with their thoughts, on which I will now reflect. <BR /> <BR />The Fiscal Council highlighted the fact that the Executive have delivered a Budget that formally balances each of the distinctive control totals for day-to-day resource spending, capital and financial transactions capital (FTC).”
“The Finance Committee takes it role in leading scrutiny of the Executive's Budget very seriously, with members seeking ways to support and facilitate other Statutory Committees in the scrutiny of their respective Departments' budgets. The Committee is very grateful to the Minister for agreeing to respond to the debate today. <BR /> <BR />I will start the debate by highlighting the extremely difficult Budget envelope that we have for 2025-26. While elements of the Executive restoration settlement are still helping to deliver funding, Finance officials have highlighted to the Committee on a number of occasions the fact that in-year funding from the UK Government will be significantly less than last year and that Departments must live within their budgetary limits.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. In the absence of Matthew O'Toole, the Chairperson of the Committee for Finance, who is on paternity leave, I will speak for the Committee for Finance in proposing its motion. Members will be aware that, in previous mandates, it has been for the Committee for Finance to undertake a round-robin exercise to hear the views of the other Statutory Committees on their respective Departments' budgets, as was the case in 2022. The exercise also takes in the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council's view of the Executive's Budget for 2025-26. The Committee has compiled and published a brief report on those views. Today's debate provides Members and, in particular, Chairs of the Statutory Committees with the opportunity to debate the 2025-26 Budget.”
“We are talking about the most vulnerable people in society. Staff and the people whom they serve will be affected by those policies, as the sector cannot easily absorb the additional, unexpected costs. <BR /> <BR />The Government have presided over chaos and sweeping cuts, whether those are directed at our pensioners, WASPI women — women against state pension inequality — disabled people, businesses or family farms. My party calls on the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Economy to lead a coordinated response across the Executive to help protect businesses, the community and voluntary sector and public services here.”
“As I have said in the Chamber previously, and I will repeat today, the Labour Budget has caused increased anxiety for many of our small business owners and their staff, who make our high streets and town centres thrive, provide essential services to the most vulnerable and are at the cutting edge of manufacturing and food production in our communities. Once again, it is worth highlighting the fact that the increase to employers' National Insurance contributions is making our public services feel the pain, and right at their heart. Today's joint statement from dentists, GPs and community pharmacists once again describes the significant impact that the increase has on them. The community and voluntary sector provides a critical lifeline to so many people who face barriers to seeking support for, for example, their mental health.”
“It does not even include the needs of councils or of organisations in the community and voluntary and sector that provide public services. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that the Minister's predecessor started a rolling process of reviewing the rates system. That is not likely to deliver change in the immediate future, however. This debate provides an opportunity to hear the Minister's perspective, on behalf of the Executive, on the impacts of those issues and any strategic response that there is to them. <BR /> <BR />Having spoken as the Deputy Chair of the Finance Committee, I will now make a few remarks as a DUP MLA.”
“The report on the event has allowed us to share the issues with other Members and to have today's debate so that the issues may be aired and so that we can hear the Minister of Finance's perspective on behalf of the Executive. <BR /> <BR />The Finance Committee has engaged closely with him on UK Government support to mitigate the impact of the changes on the public sector. Unfortunately, as Members will be aware from the Minister's recent statements on the 2025-26 Budget, the UK Government will provide only £146 million of the £200 million that is needed for the core Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to fund the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions. That sum does not encompass the wider public sector, including doctors and dentists.”
“Those tax increases, coupled with higher borrowing costs, have the ability to discourage growth increases in employment and investment. The lack of planning and consultation that is associated with the cost increases, as well as an inability to plan and manage the increases with the knowledge of funding that multi-annual Budgets bring, has exacerbated their impact, leading to concerns about business closures, job losses and weakened consumer confidence. <BR /> <BR />Both Committees agreed that the impacts of the changes were so significant that it was necessary to hear from stakeholders at a dedicated event, rather than through Committee evidence sessions. An event offered the scope to hear many more voices and allowed Committee members to engage more freely in order to get a clear understanding of the views of the stakeholder groups.”
“The cumulative impact of sudden employers' National Insurance increases and wage increases, coupled with rising rates and other cost increases, was described as being a "perfect storm" for many stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />Stakeholders highlighted previous setbacks, including COVID and the resulting supply-side issues and higher costs, describing the autumn Budget as the "final blow" for struggling businesses. Although increasing the national living wage and the minimum wage is always to be welcomed and will deliver some economic benefits, businesses, social enterprises and the community and voluntary sector will struggle to cope with the unexpected nature of the rise when combined with tax increases and other rising costs.”
“<BR /> <BR />Flat funding for the community and voluntary sector and more than 10 single-year Budgets mean that those organisations cannot easily absorb additional unexpected costs, which has led to reduced services, job losses and, in some cases, closure. Protective notices have already been issued to staff. <BR /> <BR />On the issue of business rate relief and rates reform, the stakeholders presented a comprehensive assessment of Northern Ireland's business rate system, highlighting key concerns about fairness, transparency and the broader impact on business sustainability. Stakeholders told us that the current rating system is not fit for purpose. Examples such as higher rate poundages in Northern Ireland compared with in parts of England, including Oxford Street, were cited as evidence of there being systemic issues.”
“They said, however, that that does not significantly offset the broader impact of the other sudden increases in costs, with Northern Ireland having a higher density of small and microbusinesses compared with other regions. The Committees were told that higher costs for businesses will, in most cases, lead to higher prices for consumers, thereby reducing discretionary spending and weakening consumer confidence. It was pointed out that businesses in border areas are already seeing customers shift spending to the Republic of Ireland, further impacting on the economy in Northern Ireland. For some businesses, Christmas 2024 was their last.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committees heard from stakeholders about the direct financial burden on employers due to the increase in their National Insurance contributions. They feel that the burden of filling gaps in the UK Government's finances is being placed on them without proper consideration of the impact. The stakeholders advised that the increase would be significant for businesses, particularly labour-intensive sectors such as hospitality, retail and care. It may limit growth potential and will increase the financial pressures facing businesses and the community and voluntary sector, potentially leading to job losses and reduced investment. <BR /> <BR />The stakeholders acknowledged that the National Insurance cost relief threshold has been increased from £5,000 to £10,000, providing some support for small businesses.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committees and stakeholders welcomed the increases in the national living wage and the national minimum wage as positive. However, the lack of notice and consultation on the increases, combined with the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions at the same time, has created a much more difficult situation for businesses and voluntary and community sector organisations. Phasing in the changes or greater consultation and support would have eased that very difficult situation. The impact of the changes follows on from rising costs due to the effects of the COVID pandemic and wider rises in the cost of living, which have already made it harder for businesses to invest and expand.”
“On behalf of both Committees, I put on record our thanks to all the stakeholder groups that participated in the event — their input was greatly appreciated — and to NICVA for hosting and contributing. I also thank both Committee teams for organising and setting up the event. <BR /> <BR />The round-table discussion considered three topic areas: the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions; the increases in the national living wage and the national minimum wage; and rates relief and reform. The session provided an opportunity for members from both Committees to hear concerns directly from stakeholders regarding the impact of the autumn Budget. The collaborative approach taken by the two Committees underscores members' commitment to ensuring that the voices of stakeholders are heard.”
“While there were a number of announcements on the spending review and increased UK Government spending, there were also a number of proposed UK-wide tax increases, including an increase in employer National Insurance contributions as well as increases in the national minimum wage and the national living wage. <BR /> <BR />Following its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Committee for Finance agreed to host a joint event with the Committee for the Economy to engage with stakeholder groups, across businesses, the community and voluntary sector and social enterprises, to consider the impact of the changes as well as to discuss rates relief and rates reform. The event was held at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) headquarters and attended by 36 stakeholder groups.”
“In the absence of Matthew O'Toole, the Chair of the Committee for Finance, who is on paternity leave, I will propose the motion on behalf of the Committee for Finance and the Committee for the Economy. The Chair of the Committee for the Economy, Philip Brett, will make a winding-up speech on the debate. I thank the Business Committee for scheduling the debate and the Minister of Finance for agreeing to respond to it. <BR /> <BR />On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced significant increases in spending to be financed by a combination of tax rises and higher borrowing.”
“They demonstrated how they use the drones to view and measure the movement of the fire to assist the fire service. That was so impressive, and it gave us a great insight into the importance of resourcing such things to enable our emergency services to respond to such events. It would be great to see DAERA supporting the team's ideas for new drones to carry water up to the fires, which has the potential to make a huge impact. <BR /> <BR />Again, I thank the emergency services, as they continue to fight the fires today. I pray for their safety and call on the public to stay out of the mountains until it is declared safe to return. I call on anyone with evidence of criminal behaviour to come forward to the PSNI.”
“I hope that we see serious sentences and punishments that fit those crimes. <BR /> <BR />Last night, we also met Sky Watch Northern Ireland, which is a Northern Ireland-based search-and-rescue charity that uses specialist drones, high-tech equipment and all-terrain vehicles to assist the police, fire service and other agencies with emergency responses. Its input into dealing with the fires has been critical. Mr Speaker, those on the Sky Watch NI team spoke highly about you and were grateful that, in your time as AERA Minister, when there were horrific mountain fires in 2021, you recognised their need for improved equipment and secured resources for them. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister and I were grateful that those on the team took the time to show us their equipment and how they reach difficult terrain in their vehicles.”
“<BR /> <BR />Two weeks ago, I stood here and spoke about the devastating fires in the Mournes and appealed for people to stop that awful behaviour. I am saddened to have to speak again following the escalation, with a major incident declared on Saturday night and an arrest for arson. It needs to stop. I welcome the fact that the PSNI have made an arrest in connection with Saturday's fire, as well as its excellent coordination on the ground, closing roads and managing safety. I give special thanks to our local Mournes neighbourhood sergeant, Kenny Gracey, who was among those whom we met last night. <BR /> <BR />It is important that the seriousness of the criminal activity that led to some of the fires be recognised. Arson is a dangerous crime that puts many lives at risk, not least the lives of those who go out to fight the fires.”
“Yesterday evening, I was privileged to join the deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, at Bloody Bridge to meet and thank the incredible team that is responding to the fires in the Mournes. We appreciate them so much as they fight the fires to keep us all safe and save nature. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been dedicated and outstanding in its work across Northern Ireland to fight a huge range of fires, especially those in the Mourne Mountains this weekend. Last night, it was insightful to hear about the success of the tactical approaches used across the fire sites, as well as about the professionalism, expertise and hard work in the face of danger. Our Fire and Rescue Service is amazing, and I thank it for all that it has done and continues to do.”
“The people who have been in touch with me today are extremely stressed. Do you support the calls for helicopter support and further support being given to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to deal with the fire as it continues to blaze?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber on this devastating issue, and I join him in expressing thanks to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, our police, the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, the Mourne Heritage Trust and others as they worked together. Over recent weeks, there have been a number of fires, and the escalation at the weekend to a major incident's being declared is incredibly concerning. My phone has not stopped from hearing about Hilltown on Saturday night, and I woke up to hear about Silent Valley and Ben Crom yesterday and heard about Slieve Donard last night. It has not stopped today, as Slieve Bearnagh and Doan are currently blazing. I welcome the progress on all the strategies, Minister, but I ask you to take urgent action, because our mountains are on fire. I will go home to that again this evening.”
“We welcome the introduction of baby loss certificates for families across Northern Ireland. As the Minister mentioned, many people have been in touch and are looking forward to seeing this come forward. The tales that I have heard since the Bill was introduced at First Stage the other week, have been heartbreaking. People are looking forward to this. I urge the Minister to see the Bill progress at pace, with a meaningful consultation. It is important that we take account of the consultation and that we are able to deliver for people in Northern Ireland. The DUP supports the progression of the legislation.”
“However, the delay has enabled me and my colleague Paul Frew to recognise the Bill as an opportunity for a legislative vehicle by which to progress baby loss certificates to bring us in line with Great Britain. Our action on this in Committee, for which we had full Committee support, has enabled the potential for baby loss certificates to be introduced in Northern Ireland in this mandate rather than having to wait for stand-alone legislation to be developed at a later date. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is a pro-life party. We recognise and value every life from the moment that it is formed in the womb. In Northern Ireland, we have no recognition of the lives of babies who, devastatingly, were lost before 24 weeks, except for those women's medical records and feelings in their hearts.”
“As I indicated previously, the Committee welcomes the Bill and is supportive of the process today, which should ultimately see the Bill referred to the Committee for Finance for its Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />Speaking briefly as a DUP MLA, I welcome the legislation. Increasing efficiency of a process that is used at a time when compassion is required due to death and stillbirth is very welcome, but, as per my Committee comments, it is disappointing that the legislation, which is on a simple and efficient process note, was not sitting ready to go last February. The coronavirus regulations were to make things efficient in a time of national crisis. To have to extend — repeatedly — and live under coronavirus regulations now is not where we want to be.”
“The powers in those regulations were only meant to be used in a time of national crisis, and the continued use of those provisions is of great concern. <BR /> <BR />The Committee supports the principles of the Bill. The ability to register deaths and stillbirths without having to attend a registration office in person is to be welcomed, and the opportunity for bereaved parents to obtain a baby loss certificate is an important step. The Committee is disappointed at the length of time that it has taken to get to this stage, especially for legislation such as this, which has the support of all parties. If the Bill passes Second Stage today, the Committee will look forward to working with the Department to ensure robust scrutiny of the Bill.”
“The Committee agreed with the intention of the proposal, and the motion for that to be approved by the Assembly will be moved in early May. The Department has expressed to the Committee the hope that the Bill will have completed its legislative process by 24 September 2025 so that no further extensions will be required. However, while that hope is laudable, the Committee must be given appropriate time and space to undertake appropriate scrutiny. The Committee will consider a Bill timetable at its meeting this week, should the Bill be referred, and, at that point, the Committee — the Committee alone — will decide the length of extension that it requires to properly deal with the Bill and report to the House. The Committee expresses its disappointment that the provisions of the Coronavirus Act are still in effect at this stage.”
“The Committee also expressed its view at that time that a baby loss certificate scheme should be included in the legislation, potentially through enabling powers in the Bill. The Committee agreed at its meeting of 2 October 2024 to recommend to the Assembly the extended use of the provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 until 24 March 2025 through SR 2024/172. <BR /> <BR />Minister Archibald told the Committee on 27 November 2024 that the inclusion of a baby loss certificate scheme meant that legislation would require more development, further delaying the process. The Committee welcomed the inclusion of the certificates nevertheless. At its meeting of 26 February 2025, the Committee considered a further extension, with the intent to extend the provisions until 24 September 2025.”
“Members went on to express concerns about the delay, which would inevitably lead to the provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 having to be extended again. <BR /> <BR />It was confirmed to the Committee that the Department had also looked to see whether there was any appropriate upcoming legislation that could be piggybacked on, which the Committee would have supported. However, nothing appropriate was identified, leading to the need for primary legislation. The Committee had an evidence session with the Registrar General on 11 September 2024, when members expressed regret that the changes could not be made through delegated legislation. The Committee again outlined its disappointment over the further extension of the provisions under the coronavirus legislation.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee was notified on 19 June 2024 that the Office of the Legislative Counsel had ruled, and the Departmental Solicitor's Office had subsequently agreed, that there was insufficient scope in the regulations for the changes and that primary legislation would be required to make the changes permanent. Thus, the hope that the changes could be made permanent via delegated legislation was dashed. The Committee received an urgent oral briefing on the issue from the permanent secretary at its meeting of 3 July 2024, when the Committee confirmed its disappointment in the requirement for new primary legislation, having previously outlined its scepticism over that being possible and being reassured that it was.”