Public Services 2023-02-08
2023-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the lack of a devolved government and the necessity for central government support. The context includes a £15 billion block grant provided to address this situation.
What steps his Department is taking to help support public services in Northern Ireland, given the largest funding settlement since devolution through a £15 billion block grant?
The Government are providing the largest funding settlement to the Northern Ireland Executive since devolution through the £15 billion block grant. In the absence of an Executive, we have stepped in to set a Budget and provide millions for public service transformation through New Decade, New Approach.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Police Service of Northern Ireland announced plans to reduce police officer numbers by 309, raising concerns about the adequacy of funding for counter-terrorism efforts as per New Decade, New Approach.
Does the Minister agree that cutting PSNI officer numbers represents a failure to uphold the NDNA commitment to ensure appropriate resourcing for terrorism and paramilitary activity?
The Northern Ireland Department of Justice received a 3.1% budget uplift to £1.18 billion, including £32 million additional security funding for PSNI to tackle terrorism without compromising day-to-day policing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Whether the reduction in police officers undermines NDNA's anti-terrorism funding commitment
This Is A Most Serious Issue.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The European Convention on Human Rights plays a crucial role in the policing of Northern Ireland, raising concerns about potential disruptions to this relationship.
Will the Minister assure the House that the Government will do nothing to disrupt the unique relationship between ECHR and Northern Ireland policing?
The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which includes a commitment to the convention. The hon Gentleman knows perfectly well that there is such a commitment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific assurance about not disrupting ECHR-Northern Ireland relationship
The Hon Gentlemen Knows Perfectly Well...
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Several Cabinet members have pledged to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, raising concerns about compliance with the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
Will he tell the House once and for all that withdrawing from ECHR would break the terms of the Good Friday agreement?
We remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement but also need to address humanitarian issues like boats crossing the channel. The Home Secretary will lead on finding solutions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Whether withdrawal from ECHR breaches Good Friday Agreement
We Remain Committed... Tricky Issue
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK Government have not provided additional resources for NHS pay negotiations, despite their unique position to do so. There is a £660 million funding gap.
What representations has the Minister made or will he make to colleagues to unlock that resource and reach quicker pay settlements for the NHS in Northern Ireland?
We have set a budget covering a £660 million funding gap and issued guidance to permanent secretaries. We expect the Northern Ireland Executive to return and address this challenge.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps towards unlocking resources for NHS pay settlements
We Have Set A Budget... Return
Response accuracy