Public Services 2025-02-26
2025-02-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Policy Exchange estimated the cost to the PSNI of the repeal of the legacy Act might stretch to hundreds of millions of pounds, potentially reducing frontline policing.
Police numbers in Northern Ireland are at their lowest ever. Two weeks ago, Policy Exchange estimated that the cost to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of the repeal of the legacy Act might well stretch to hundreds of millions of pounds. If that is the case, will the Government step in to support the PSNI, or are they content to see a reduction in frontline policing and national security?
The Government have provided additional funding to the PSNI through the autumn statement via the additional security fund. The Policy Exchange report contains speculation about numbers but it is clear that legislation supported by the previous Government was flawed and found to be unlawful, necessitating a fix.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the government will provide financial support beyond current funding allocations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Pharmacies across Northern Ireland are facing financial difficulties, threatening reduced opening hours and service reductions.
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland are in a declared state of crisis. Pharmacists are having to dip into their savings just to stay afloat, and they are cutting staff numbers and opening hours. The National Pharmacy Association has warned that its members may have to further cut opening hours, halt home deliveries and reduce local support services. What conversations has the Secretary of State had with the Northern Ireland Executive to safeguard access to crucial pharmacy services across rural and urban regions? Does he agree that an urgent impact assessment on pharmacy underfunding is required to highlight the scale of the crisis?
That issue did not figure in the discussions I had recently with the NI Health Minister, but it will be addressed in future conversations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an urgent impact assessment on pharmacy underfunding.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about the level of expertise in the Northern Ireland civil service, particularly following admissions during an inquiry.
Many ministerial decisions are important in getting public services delivered, but so too is back-up by the civil service. There is some concern about the level of expertise in the civil service in Northern Ireland. In the inquiry into the renewable heat incentive, the permanent secretary admitted that the civil service was not able to give timely advice to Ministers and had not given accurate advice. What can the Secretary of State do to ensure that the gap in expertise in the Northern Ireland civil service is filled?
The Northern Ireland civil service is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Ministers in the Departments—it is not my responsibility to deal with.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps for addressing expertise gaps within the civil service.
Response accuracy