House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Programme for Government: Northern Ireland

Wednesday 24 April 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

Claire Hanna asked the minister about discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on developing a programme for government.
The minister responded that he met the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister recently to discuss the Executive's priorities.
Claire Hanna noted public frustration over the lack of progress since the restoration of the Assembly.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down

Northern Ireland

Context

The question arises from the need to develop a programme for government following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a programme for government?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I met the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister last week. We had a constructive discussion about the Executive's priorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific details or commitments regarding the development of the programme for government, only mentioning that there was a discussion about priorities.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down

NHS Northern Ireland

Context

The public's frustration with the lack of pace in delivering services following a two-year void. Healthcare staff, people waiting for special educational needs services, and those concerned about Lough Neagh are pressing for urgent action.

Question

The public's relief at the restoration of the Assembly has given way to frustration at the lack of pace of delivery by the Executive. After a two-year void, they are saying they do not want to be hurried to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. Pressed healthcare staff, people waiting for special educational needs services, and those watching Lough Neagh face another summer of algal blooms are very much in a hurry for action. Northern Ireland urgently needs a delivery plan, a programme for Government and a budget. Yes, resources are a part of that, so will the Minister update us on any negotiations on the fiscal framework? Will he impress on the Executive the need for urgent action, not just warm words?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

One thing that I picked up from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister last week is that they too want to act in all the ways the hon. Lady said. Their priorities include developing a programme for government that will enable them to take forward the vital work of public service transformation. They are only 12 weeks in, and I look forward to good results in the short, medium and long term.