Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland 2024-04-24
2024-04-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question relates to the economic and political impact of restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly, which had been suspended.
I am concerned about the assessment made on the impact of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Northern Ireland. With a funding package worth over £3 billion, how will this benefit people in their daily lives?
My hon. Friend welcomes the fact that Northern Ireland has local politicians taking decisions in a local Assembly accountable to local people, with a funding package worth over £3 billion delivering vital work on public service transformation and sustainable finances for better outcomes.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
This question addresses the support provided by the UK's Home Civil Service to Northern Ireland for modern public services, and how this benefits all four nations.
The commitment shown in pushing for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is clear with £3.3 billion for transforming public services. What help are the home civil service providing to their colleagues in Northern Ireland to make sure that people there have modern and efficient public services?
The UK Government collaborate with and support the Northern Ireland Executive in transforming public services, aiming for quick delivery on transformation board setup commitments. The Minister of State has noted success from a Northern Ireland investment summit last September, welcoming 180 business investors.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about benefits to all four nations was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the potential for further private investment in Northern Ireland given the stability provided by the restored assembly.
Does the Secretary of State agree that restoration of the Assembly provides stability for further private investment? How does he intend to capitalise on this opportunity?
My hon. Friend is correct, restoration provides certainty and stability for business allowing us to harness energies and expertise to make Northern Ireland a fantastic place to live, work and invest. The Minister of State has reminded the House of success from a Northern Ireland investment summit last September and recent visit to Washington DC.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question seeks a commitment to resolving outstanding issues in Northern Ireland following the restoration of devolution.
Will the Secretary of State commit today to seeing further moves in coming weeks towards resolving all outstanding issues? This is particularly important as some issues remain unresolved despite devolved government's return.
The hon. Gentleman can have my commitment for delivering at great pace on all pledges made in the Command Paper, committed to delivering best outcomes for everyone across Northern Ireland because that is what it deserves.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
This question discusses the growing number of people in Northern Ireland identifying as Northern Irish rather than British or Irish.
The restoration of devolved government is welcome. Polling evidence shows a growth since the Good Friday agreement in those who identify as Northern Irish. What implications does this have for how devolved government conducts itself going forward?
The right hon. Gentleman asks a genuinely interesting point about growth in number of people declaring themselves Northern Irish, which I believe is reflected positively in how First Minister and Deputy First Minister go about their business.
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Assessment & feedback
The response does not provide specific implications for governance practices going forward.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the status of stadium construction for the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, specifically Casement Park.
UK's successful bid to host 2028 Euros with Ireland is a fantastic opportunity. However, Executive have yet to invite tenders three years before deadline. Given this delay, how does Secretary of State intend to honour the guarantee that all partners will provide money for stadium construction?
I am passionate about football, really want to see Euro games played at Casement Park, but latest costs are significantly higher than a year ago. Any taxpayer contribution needs value-for-money basis; no blank cheque here yet due to lack of contractor appointment.
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Assessment & feedback
The response does not specify when the guarantee will be honoured or how tenders will be invited on time.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will end all civil cases and inquests related to the troubles on a specific date. Families have been denied information for years.
I am concerned about the continuing legacy of the troubles affecting institutions. The Act ends civil cases and inquests in seven days, despite widespread opposition. Does the Secretary of State believe confidence will be affected by the commission's legal challenges to coroners' disclosures?
The Secretary of State believes that people can use the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) in good faith when it opens on 1 May. He cited Denis Bradley, former co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past, who stated that those involved with ICRIR are good people and that anything helping some people get out of the legacy 'swamp' is positive.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific legal challenges to coroners' disclosures were not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Devolved government has been restored in Northern Ireland, and the speaker pays tribute to Frank Field for his long service. The question addresses the principle of consent in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The return of devolved government is welcomed across this House. Will the Government reaffirm their commitment to the principle of consent in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales? The peoples should be able to choose the form of government best suited to their needs, inside or outside the UK.
The Secretary of State welcomes the restored institutions and respects referendum results, including the one in Scotland. No further details were provided.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to consent principle was not reaffirmed
Referring To A Past Referendum Result
Response accuracy