Weekly Bulletin 16/08/25

Chancellor meets deputy First Minister and Finance Minister in first official visit to Belfast
On Tuesday (12 August), Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her first official visit to Belfast, and met with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Finance Minister John O’Dowd. According to BBC News NI, Ms Reeves said there was a “huge opportunity” in Northern Ireland to “grow rich sectors of the economy”. In a statement, the deputy First Minister described the meeting as “constructive”, and highlighted the potential of NI’s AI, cyber and RegTech industries. She also raised a number of issues including “the importance of supporting our hospitality sector, particularly in light of a high VAT rate,” increases in national insurance contributions, and “the detrimental impact that Inheritance Tax changes will have on our farming community and agri-food sector”. Minister O’Dowd stressed the need for continued investment in public services and highlighted that fiscal decisions made in London “can have a disproportionately negative impact here”. Ms Reeves also visited Studio Ulster, which received funding from the Belfast Regional City Deal, and the Thales defence facility to speak on the impact of recent UK Government increases in defence spending
What next: Minister O’Dowd said his department will continue to work with the Treasury on a full fiscal framework, including giving the Executive further “taxation levers and borrowing powers”.

Economy Minister launches new Apprenticeship Action Plan to help boost NI’s economy
On Monday (11 August), Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald launched an “ambitious” three-year Apprenticeship Action Plan which set out “a focused vision to enhance skills development and employment opportunities across Northern Ireland”. The plan “outlines a series of practical measures to improve, grow, and make the apprenticeship system more inclusive, ensuring it meets the needs of both employers and individuals of all ages”. Deliverables outlined in the plan include: deliver a revised and streamlined Apprenticeship and Higher Level Apprenticeship programme; pilot locally based Apprenticeship Navigators; co-design a new model for apprentices who had SEN at school; and identify opportunities for cross-border apprenticeships. Minister Archibald said: that her department is deepening [its] partnerships with businesses, colleges and training providers, and communities to support growth, drive innovation, and boost our economy”. Alliance Economy spokesperson David Honeyford MLA welcomed the Action Plan, but said it should “match Skillnet Ireland’s ambition: a permanent, employer-led network linking universities, colleges & business to close skills gaps and create opportunities for all”. The Action Plan was also welcomed by the Edge Foundation UK and supported by the Open College Network NI.
What next: Minister Archibald also said she will continue to call for reform of the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy that affords “greater local control over the levy to ensure funds are used effectively”.

Appointment of expert to ‘scope out’ the prospects for paramilitary disbandment delayed
On Tuesday (12 August), the Belfast Telegraph reported on the delay in the appointment of an interlocutor to carry out a “scoping exercise into paramilitary disbandment” and whether there is support to facilitate a “comprehensive paramilitary group transition” to disbandment. The decision to appoint an interlocutor was made by both the UK and Irish Governments in February, with the purpose of examining the “potential for a formal process of engagement with paramilitary groups”. The position was expected to be filled by the first week of August. The Belfast Telegraph reported that four people had been shortlisted for the position, including with former South African politician Roelf Meyer, who was involved in negotiations to end apartheid, Geoff Loane, former head of mission for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the UK and Ireland, and Dutch expert Annelieke van de Wiel, who provides training programmes for negotiators, mediators and mediation support and has previously worked in Ukraine and Yemen. It was reported that former adviser to Tony Blair, Jonathan Powell, was favoured by loyalists for the role, but as the interlocutor would be engaging with dissident republican groups, Mr Powell was “ruled out at an early stage”.
What next: The Irish Government and NIO are overseeing the appointment process, with an announcement now expected before the end of the month. The person appointed as interlocutor will work within the Independent Reporting Commission’s existing legislative framework.

Dáire Hughes MP (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh): “Powerful few hours at the Meigh Community Association Health & Wellbeing Event. Great to connect with the incredible community, voluntary & statutory organisations who are on the ground every day delivering real change — supporting health, well-being and resilience at the heart of our communities. Sinn Féin will continue working alongside residents, community organisations and statutory bodies to help build safer, more inclusive, and thriving communities — where no one is left behind”.

Diane Dodds MLA (DUP, Upper Bann): [in reference to a story entitled ‘Southern Trust fresh criticism over treatment of 12 women caught up in cervical screening scandal’] “A scandal. Women have been failed terribly by a Health Trust with poor scrutiny and management of its cervical screening service. Women’s lives and families changed forever. The Health Minister needs to set up a fully independent inquiry @Deborah_utv”.

David Honeyford MLA (Alliance, Lagan Valley): “Met with DfI Minister Liz Kimmons today to again press for reopening the Knockmore rail line @CircleLineBT— connecting our rural villages & Airport by train. Report due by end of Sept — hopefully from there we’re talking about delivery! Used the example of the midnight Belfast–Lisburn/Moira train I lobbied for — started as a trial, now permanent, because when service is good, people use it! #KnockmoreLine #circlelinebelfast #laganvalley”.

Sinéad McLaughlin MLA (SDLP, Foyle): [in response to post on the Fleadh Cheoil being held in Belfast in 2026] “It will be fantastic. I will never forget the Derry Fleadh Cheoil. The work starts now to make it a showcase”.

UUP: “Stop the ‘White Elephants’: @RobbieButlerMLA Urges Review of Costly Border Control Posts. Read more”.

Jim Allister MP (TUV, North Antrim): “Read my full statement on the combined impact of: 1) the implementation of the second major permanent set of Border Control Posts dividing our country in two at Belfast today and 2) the new Official Control Regulations 2025 here”

Gerry Carroll MLA (PBP, West Belfast): “Standing with Leisure workers at Andersonstown and Falls this morning to show support and speak with those taking strike action. It’s an absolute disgrace to see and hear how undervalued these workers are being treated by GLL”.

Northern Ireland Office: Secretary of State @hilarybennmp reflects on NI’s economic growth in this month’s Ulster Business. With Northern Ireland getting a record £19.3 billion settlement from UK Government for 3 years, there’s ‘no longer a financial cliff edge’. Read more”.

Over £55m to be invested in Mid Ulster economy, creating 450 new jobs across multiple sectors
On Wednesday (13 August), Invest Northern Ireland announced that they have offered over £8m of financial support to Mid Ulster businesses which will lead to a total investment of more than £55m in the local economy, with 179 businesses in Mid Ulster offered support by Invest NI between April 2024 and April 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Ethna McNamee, Western Regional Manager at Invest NI, said: “These ambitious companies are investing in projects to increase production capacity, reach new export markets and become more productive. This significant investment by local businesses will contribute to a resilient local economy and create more opportunities for local people.” Invest NI offered support towards 283 growth projects in Mid Ulster in 2024-25, including 67 businesses investing in green initiatives to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions with a further 20 businesses assisted to begin exporting.

Communities Minister announces £3.3m for Housing Rights
On Thursday (14 August), Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced a three-year £3.3 million core funding package for Housing Rights. The charity provides independent advice, advocacy, and legal representation for those experiencing housing problems. Minister Lyons announced the funding during a visit to the charity in east Belfast, where he said “addressing homelessness and increasing the supply of housing are amongst my top priorities”.

Labour Market Statistics show median earnings increased over July 2025
NISRA’s quarterly labour market statistics report for July 2025 was published on Tuesday (12 August). Overall it shows that payrolled employees and median earnings increased over the month, with earnings data indicating that NI employees had a median monthly pay of £2,377 in July 2025, an increase of £32 (1.4%) over the month and an increase of £141 (6.3%) over the year. The NI seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (the proportion of economically active people aged 16 and over who were unemployed) for the period April-June 2025 was estimated at 2.4%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points (pps) over the quarter and an increase of 0.6pps over the year.

Communities Minister encourages everyone to Move More, Live Better
On Monday (11 August), Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA launched a new campaign to encourage people to ‘Move More, Live Better’. The online resources of Move More, Live Better are designed to “inspire the public, particularly those who are less active, to explore opportunities to move more, in ways that suit them, and to take steps to become more physically active”.

Infrastructure Minister supports economic development in Warrenpoint
On Wednesday (13 August) Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA showed her support for local economic development on a visit to Saica Pack in Warrenpoint. Saica Pack is part of the Saica Group providing sustainable solutions for paper and packaging manufacturing as well as waste management and recovery and employs over 160 people at their Warrenpoint factory. Minister Kimmins said: “I am committed to ensuring that the services I am responsible for do all they can to support economic development. NI Water recently developed an innovative solution to unlock waste-water capacity in the Newry area from which Saica Pack will benefit”.

Economy Minister announces second Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare
On Monday (11 August), Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA announced 20 high quality training places on an Early Learning and Childcare Assured Skills Academy. These places on the ten-week intensive training course will be fully funded by the Department for the Economy and are an “opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications, supervised childcare experience and the skills to take up potential Early Learning and Childcare roles with companies in Belfast and outlying areas”.

Mairead McGuinness withdraws from presidential race for health reasons
Fine Gael presidential candidate Mairead McGuinness has withdrawn from the race due to health concerns. In a statement, Ms McGuinness said the decision was not taken lightly, and followed a stay in hospital last week. “My priority now is my health. Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all,” she said. Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the news came as an “awful shock” to the party, and wished her well in her recovery. Fine Gael’s Director of Elections for the upcoming presidential election, Martin Heydon TD, told RTÉ News the party’s executive council will meet in the coming days “to discuss next steps”. Fine Gael had been the only one of the three largest parties to put forward a candidate, but will now have to go back to the drawing board. One source told the Irish Times that Heather Humphreys, former TD for Cavan-Monaghan, is the “emerging favourite” to become its candidate, despite previously ruling herself out of contention.

Businessman Gareth Sheridan enters announces intention to seek Áras nomination
On Thursday (14 August), businessman Gareth Sheridan formally launched his presidential campaign. Mr Sheridan cofounded pharmaceutical company Nutriband while studying at the Technological University Dublin, which is now valued at around US $70 million. Mr Sheridan said his campaign is focused on housing, and that he wants to “make Ireland home again”, according to RTÉ News. He pointed to article 45.2.1 of the Constitution which requires the State to direct its policy towards securing that citizens may “through their occupations, find the means of making reasonable provision for their domestic needs”. At 35 years of age, Mr Sheridan would be the youngest ever president if he was to be elected. He plans to run as an independent candidate, and is seeking to get on the ballot paper through the backing of at least four local councils. Mr Sheridan claimed he already has the support of Tipperary and Laois County Councils, and said he is confident he will be proposed and seconded by four others

Ireland could be “the AI island”, chair of Oireachtas committee says
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, has said that Ireland could position itself as “the AI island”, but must move quickly to establish an AI office and an AI observatory, the Irish Times reports. The AI office would oversee the implementation of the European Union’s AI Act, while the observatory would gather data, carry out research and make recommendations to prepare the State for changes coming because of the technology. Mr Bryne said he wanted to see both “up and running” by next year, adding “if we’re not showing that level of ambition now, this technology is going to bypass us”. He highlighted changes in employment and education as priority areas. Byrne welcomed plans by Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth to host an AI summit next year during Ireland’s presidency of the European Union. In response to a parliamentary question, she said AI and the role it can play “in our societies and economies will be a central theme” of the presidency, which begins next July

Why Northern Ireland is now lagging behind when it comes to renewable energy switch – Steven Agnew
In Tuesday’s Belfast Telegraph, Steven Agnew, outgoing director of RenewableNI and soon to be head of policy at RenewableUK, writes about the failure of the Executive to make significant progress towards achieving its target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, ’80 by 30’. He says this has left him “gravely concerned about the Northern Ireland Executive’s ability, or possibly willingness, to deliver on projects vital to our economy, people and environment”. He notes that meeting the 80 by 30 target would have significant positive implications for NI’s environment and economy; for example, investment in onshore wind and solar could support 1,500 to 2,000 jobs, and provide clean energy 1.2 million homes, saving consumers €120m a year on energy bills. He adds that offshore wind development offers “even greater rewards”, but that it will be after 2030 before any projects are connected. Despite the opportunities, Agnew says that “rather than a restored Executive creating a new impetus it has served only to procrastinate and delay”. He focuses on two specific challenges, planning and a renewable energy price guarantee (REPG). On planning, he says that while there has been some signs of progress, “it seems as though the Infrastructure Minister is not being helped by her Executive colleagues”. A consultation report on a revised planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy, he notes, has been “sitting with the Executive since September last year”. Meanwhile, on the REPG there had been “optimism” in February this year when “it seemed publication of the final design was just weeks away”. But “weeks have turned to months and there is now radio silence on the reasons for delay”. Agnew bemoans the fact that NI “was once a leader in renewables, but we have become laggards as our near neighbours race ahead”. If these policies “are published by the end of summer and new legislation quickly follows”, Agnew concludes, “hope will return, and the 80 by 30 target can still be achieved.” However, he cautions that the Executive “must demonstrate that it can deliver,” or else “investment will continue to go elsewhere, and we all lose out”.

Monday 1 September 2025
NI Assembly returns from summer recess
UK Parliament returns from summer recess

Monday 8 September 2025
First sitting of NI Assembly
Question Time: The Executive Office; Education

Tuesday 9 September 2025
Question Time: Finance

Wednesday 17 September 2025
Houses of the Oireachtas return from summer recess
Festival of Business 2025, St George’s Market, Belfast – read more here.

Friday 19 September 2025
Centre for Cross Border Cooperation Annual Conference, Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk – read more here.

Saturday 20 September 2025
DUP Conference, La Mon Hotel, Belfast

Saturday 20 – Tuesday 23 September 2025
Liberal Democrats Party Conference, La Mon Hotel, Belfast

Saturday 20 –  Friday 26 September 2025
Belfast Tech Week – read more here.

Wednesday 24 September 2025
Belfast Business Show, Clayton Hotel – read more here.
Northern Ireland Energy Summit, ICC Belfast – read more here.

Thursday 25 September 2025
Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference, Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast – read more here.
Northern Ireland Green Skills Conference, Europa Hotel, Belfast – read more here.

Sunday 28 September – Wednesday 1 October 2025
Labour Party Conference, Heathrow Lounge, ACC Liverpool

Sunday 28 September 2025
The Northern Ireland Reception at the Labour Party Conference, Heathrow Lounge, ACC Liverpool – read more here. 

Wednesday 1 October 2025
InterTradeIreland Trade Conference 2025, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – read more here. 

Friday 3 October- Saturday 4 October 2025
SDLP Conference, Crowne Plaza Belfast

Sunday 5 October – Wednesday 8 October 2025
Conservative Party Conference, Manchester Central Convention Centre

Thursday 9 October – Friday 10 October 2025
NIFHA Annual Conference, City Hotel, Derry~Londonderry – read more here. 

Saturday 11 October 2025
UUP Conference, Crowne Plaza, Belfast

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
NI Assembly Halloween recess 

Friday 12 December 2025
NI Assembly Christmas recess begins

Friday 24 – Saturday 25 April 2026
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Waterfront Hall, Belfast