Weekly Bulletin 02/08/25

Northern Ireland’s first regional clinical director for elective care to address waiting list announced   
On Monday (28 July), Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA announced that Professor Mark Taylor, a consultant surgeon and member of the Bengoa panel, will be Northern Ireland’s first Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care. The role is central to “overseeing, leading and supporting” the Department’s plan to reduce hospital waiting lists. It will provide “specialist clinical leadership and advice to the Minister and Department”, including on the transformation of services and ensuring collaboration on best practice. In a statement, Professor Taylor said current waiting lists are “nothing short of a national shame”. SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA questioned why it had “taken so long for such an intervention” and that the announcement lacked “meaningful detail” on the scope of the role. UUP Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA said the role was “hugely welcome” and that the position was “innovative”, whilst Assembly Health Committee Chair Philip McGuigan MLA also welcomed the appointment. DUP Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds MLA said she hoped the appointment “will bring renewed focus and urgency to tackling waiting times and improving access to care”.
What Next: The Irish News reports that the Executive has established a delivery unity, which is designed to “drive reform and transformation across government and wider public services”. And deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that waiting lists are an Executive priority and that the delivery unit will help “drive forward urgent improvements”.

DAERA vetoes alternative Mournes gondola project
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) vetoed Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s revised plan for a gondola project in the Mourne Mountains, known as the Mourne Mountains Gateway project. On Tuesday (29 July), the Irish New reported that the Department said it would be unable to support the proposal for a cable car and visitors’ centre in Rostrevor, which would require use of land from the Forest Service, which is a DAERA agency. The Council proposed the Rostrevor site after the National Trust blocked a similar £50 million project on the slopes of Slieve Donard, following widespread opposition to the plans. According to the Irish News, DAERA cited “serious concerns about the potential impact the project would have on environmentally sensitive areas”. Also in the statement, DAERA Minister Muir MLA said he “values highly” the work undertaken by the Council, but cannot ignore environmental, ecological and aesthetic concerns.
What Next: In a statement to BBC NI, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said it remained committed to securing the £30 million Belfast Regional City Deal investment and it is “actively exploring options with our partners in BRCD, Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy”.

Health Minister sets out primary care expansion plans
On Wednesday (30 July), Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA published an implementation plan for the expansion of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Programme. An MDT is a group of health and care staff who are members of different organisations and professions that work together to make decisions regarding the treatment of individual patients and service users. The MDT model introduces new physiotherapy, social work and mental health roles into general practice. The implementation plan is broken into Phase 1 (2025/26 to 2028/29), and will see the MDT model completed in the seven existing GP Federation areas where implementation has already commenced, and expansion to a further five Federation areas, and Phase 2 will run for four years from 2029/30 and will cover the roll-out of the model to the remaining five GP Federation areas. Phase 1 is currently being funded from an allocation of £61 million of the Executive transformation funding.
What Next: Minister Nesbitt acknowledged that GPs are “frustrated at the current serious pressures and budget shortfall”, as GPs began collective action over funding allocations to primary care on Monday (28 July). Furthermore, Minister Nesbitt urged BMA’s GP leadership to “take up” his offer of “detailed talks on a new GP contract for next year”. He added: “The fact that available funding this year falls far short of all our requirements should not stop us working together on longer-term solutions”.

Órlaithí Flynn (SF, West Belfast): “I invited the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to @west_wellbeing to see the vital work they do to support people who are struggling with their mental health. We must ensure that organisations like this receive the long-term investment they need to continue their crucial work”.

Department for Communities: “To continue our work in building communities, supporting people and shaping places, over the past month Minister @GordonLyons has: Met with @NIPSA representatives; Seen exciting expansion plans for @TheAmateursFC; Discussed @LibrariesNI’s draft 2025-30 Corporate Strategy; Heard ideas to strengthen communities across Tyrone”

Sorcha Eastwood MP (Alliance, Lagan Valley): “Thanks to the Nolan Show for giving me time to talk about the need to support our hospitality & retail sectors- if the UKG are genuinely concerned about society and community etc, support our high streets and small businesses! VAT cuts for hospitality, end the NI hikes, give people the chance to grow small businesses and people to take a bit of pride in their local area!”

Cllr Malachy Quinn (SDLP, Mid Ulster District Council): “Attended an emotional #EndViolenceAgainstWomen event today [Tuesday 28 July] in Armagh. 28 women murdered in NI in 5 years, more than anywhere else in Europe. That should shame us all. We need change. Better education, stronger laws — but most of all, men need to step up”.

Robin Swann MP (UUP, South Antrim): “It was great to visit @belfastairport [Belfast International Airport] today [Tuesday 29 July] to see the significant investment into the site including the security hall & duty free, and to discuss the recent investments, road infrastructure, rail connections and the economic contributions of the airport with CEO Dan Owens”.

Jim Allister MP (TUV, North Antrim): “Delighted @GBNEWS has today [Wednesday 30 July] highlighted my motion to annul new regulations that express @UKLabour determination to foist EU regulatory burdens on new GB cars as already in NI. EU attempt to divide and rule the UK. Ask your MP to sign the motion: http://bit.ly/46yvQwT”.

Former police officer Jon Burrows selected as new UUP MLA for North Antrim
On Tuesday (29 July) it was announced that Jon Burrows was selected to replace Colin Crawford as UUP MLA for North Antrim. The Irish News reported that Burrows, a former PSNI superintendent and media commentator on security matters, was among three candidates who also included Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon deputy mayor Sam Nicholson and Glen Miller, a former Westminster candidate for East Londonderry. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph, Suzanne Breen noted the significant coverage of Jon Burrow’s appointment, adding that he “hasn’t even signed in at Stormont and he’s already been spoken of as a future UUP leader”. This followed media coverage of current UUP leader and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt’s appearance on a podcast, where he said that he would confirm whether he would lead the UUP into the next election in 2027 by “no later” than January 2026.

UK Government to discontinue funding for International Fund for Ireland in 2024-25
On Wednesday (30 July), it was reported that the UK Government had confirmed it will not continue its £1 million contribution to the International Fund for Ireland in 2024-25, due to a “very challenging fiscal position”. Originally set up by the Irish and UK Governments in 1986 as an independent international organisation, the fund delivers peace and reconciliation initiatives across Northern Ireland and Ireland border counties. The UK Government had committed to paying £4 million to the fund between 2021 and 2025 in four instalments of £1 million. John Finucane MP (Sinn Féin, North Belfast) said the announcement was “extremely concerning” and called for the UK Government to increase funding following US withdrawal from the fund. He confirmed he will be writing to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, to call for the decision to be reversed.

Departments met seven times to discuss climate legislation obligations that led to ruling against A5
Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) met with officials from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) seven times between December 2023 and May 2024 to discuss “the factual and legal position around emission targets, carbon budgets and the Climate Action Plan”, the Irish News reports. DAERA also assisted DfI in preparing its response to recommendations made in a Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report in 2023. This required DfI to ensure that road development schemes were consistent with the targets set out in the Executive’s Climate Change Act. In June, a high court judge ruled that the A5 redevelopment project could not go ahead because it did not meet the obligations set out in the Act. Daniel McCrossan MLA (SDLP, West Tyrone) said it was “inconceivable” that the Department did not take its climate targets into consideration when bringing forward plans for the project and called on Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA to “immediately” appeal against the court’s ruling. Minister Kimmins has previously told the Assembly “everything is on the table” with regard to advancing the redevelopment of the road.  

Economy Minister welcomes report into NI’s social enterprise sector
On Wednesday (30 July), Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA published a report on Northern Ireland’s social enterprise sector. The report finds that the social enterprise sector contributes an estimated £933 million in turnover to Northern Ireland’s economy and supports over 17,000 jobs across Northern Ireland, with a “strong presence” (44%) in the most deprived communities. Other findings from the report were: nearly 60% of enterprises earn over £85,000 annually, with an approximate median turnover of £200,000, which is double the UK average; over a third of social enterprises have implemented energy efficiency measures; and 44% are women-led, and 75% of leadership teams include individuals with lived experience of the issues they address. Recommendations in the report include enhancing support for growth and scaling, improving access to public sector procurement and increasing access to repayable finance. Minister Archibald welcomed the report’s recommendations and noted that the report’s findings are a “key step forward in growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy” in Northern Ireland. 

Domestic and global pressures affecting NI’s economic growth
The latest outlook from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) shows that business confidence in Northern Ireland is declining in response to domestic and global pressures. The report finds that rising labour costs, driven by increases in the minimum wage and National Insurance contributions, are placing strain on businesses. US trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are further exacerbating the situation, weakening the labour market and stalling economic growth. Discussing the findings, UUEPC principal economist Dr Myles Patton said the business environment is “under significant pressure” and that “wider economic concerns are mounting”. However, he added, ”conditions are anticipated to slowly shift in a more positive direction, paving the way for a more growth-friendly environment”. Additionally, while economic growth is expected to remain slow this year, the rate of growth is expected to pick up in 2026 and beyond.

Councillors call on Finance Minister to vary levels of business rates
Ards and North Down Borough Councillors are calling on the Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA to provide new powers to councils to vary non-domestic rates between big and smaller businesses to address high street vacancies, reports the Belfast Telegraph. The Council has agreed writing to the Finance Minister to request that he amends the Administrative and Financial Provisions Bill, currently at Committee Stage in the Assembly, to provide local councils with the powers to vary the level of rates increases between SMEs and larger businesses. According to UUP Councillor Philip Smith, “the principle for targeting rates at small businesses is well established” in GB.

Communities Minister announces funding to transform Antrim town centres
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced Phase 3 of the Revitalise town centre regeneration programme, which aims to support local businesses and high streets. The latest phase will provide £670,000 in funding for improvements to 20 shopfronts each in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne, enhancing the appearance of commercial premises. Revitalise 3 will also provide outdoor street furniture to create accessible public spaces, alongside a programme of animation activities designed to drive footfall. Minister Lyons said the scheme had “already demonstrated its value in supporting local businesses” and that the next phase will “build on that momentum”. According to the Department for Communities, the Revitalise programme has so far supported over 115 businesses.

Belfast and Derry~Londonderry to receive £30 million to “unlock” regional innovation
Belfast and Derry~Londonderry are among 10 regions in the UK set to receive at least £30 million from the UK Government to “unlock” new locally-led innovation in “industries of the future”, such as green energy and artificial intelligence. According to the Irish News, the funding is also designed to strengthen the cities’ existing assets by supporting the growth of the cyber security sector and developing high-tech applications in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing. The announcement, made on 29 July by UK Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle MP, is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, designed to grow the economy. Speaking after the announcement, Secretary of State for NI Hilary Benn MP said: “Belfast and Derry are already renowned for their innovative technology and highly skilled workforce, so this new innovation funding will provide a great boost to help fully capitalise on these capabilities”. The funding will commence in April 2026

Ireland “regrets” 15% tariff but welcomes certainty of EU-US trade deal
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD said “Ireland regrets the baseline tariff of 15%” included in the EU-US trade deal agreed on Sunday (27 July) by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, he welcomed the fact that the deal “provides a measure of much needed certainty” for businesses, noting that the Ireland-US economic relationship is valued at more than €1 trillion. His party colleague Neale Richmond TD, a junior minister in the Department of Foreign Affairs and , told BBC Radio Ulster that the Irish Government is “not exactly celebrating this”, but said it was “probably the least bad option based on what we were facing a couple of days ago, the prospect of a 30% tariff”. He added that the “EU is a tough negotiator but this isn’t like any trade deal I have ever experienced before, in my 15 odd years of working on EU trade deals”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the deal as a “framework” agreement, with further technical details to be negotiated “over the next weeks”.

Oireachtas Committee publishes report on Defence Bill
The Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security published its report on its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025. The legislation would overhaul the ‘Triple Lock” system that governs the deployment of Irish troops abroad. Under current law, a contingent of more than 12 soldiers cannot be deployed without the approval of the Government, the Dáil, and the United Nations. The Committee did not oppose the proposed legislation, but nor did it recommend the removal of the Triple Lock. Its recommendations included exploring the opportunity for the Defence Forces to provide “protection and support” to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Journal reports. It also recommends giving the Dáil increased oversight over deployments, such as requiring a Dáil vote to continue deployments at least every 12 months. Committee Chair Rose Conway-Walsh TD (Sinn Féin, Mayo) said in her foreword to the report: “Opposition members and several witnesses and hundreds of submissions received from the Irish public were deeply concerned that this proposed legislation would present a threat to our neutrality while Government members and other witnesses stated it would have no impact”.

New Garda Commissioner appointed
On Tuesday (29 July), Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD announced the appointment of Justin Kelly as Garda Commissioner. He will replace Commissioner Drew Harris on 1 September. Mr Kelly has served over 30 years with An Garda Síochána and most recently served as Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance. Minister O’Callaghan described him as “a very appropriate and good choice”, highlighting his extensive experience both on the ground and in leadership positions. The Garda Representative Association welcomed the announcement, with General Secretary Ronan Slevin saying Mr Kelly has had “a long and distinguished career”. Mr Slevin urged the incoming Commissioner to tackle recruitment and retention issues, telling RTÉ that the Gardaí are currently losing 400 to 500 members a year, but that “certain small changes to the current policy and direction… could address at least 100 to 200 of those”.

Workers’ voices need to be put front and centre for economy in Northern Ireland to truly thrive – Dr Lisa Wilson
In Tuesday’s Belfast Telegraph, Dr Lisa Wilson, a senior economist at the Nevin Economic Research Institute, writes about the Executive’s role in shaping Northern Ireland’s economy. She says that as a devolved region the NI Executive has little control over taxation, and does not control interest rates. Therefore, “while the Executive can steer, it doesn’t always control the tides”. This is why, she says, “getting the most out of the powers it does have matters”. The Executive is focusing on productivity, good jobs, regional balance ad decarbonisation to help the economy grow. And efforts to boost productivity, Dr Wilson writes, often focus on “sectoral change”, creating more jobs towards higher value-added sectors such as advanced manufacturing, professional services or life sciences. However, she notes that productivity also depends on “how well we do with what we have”, which is “where the good jobs agenda comes in”. Productivity, she argues, depends not just on capital and skills, but also “on how work is experienced and structured”. This is supported by the 2024 UK Skills and Employment Survey, which shows that business outcomes are strongly linked to “where workers felt they had genuine influence over organisational decisions”. Concerningly, however, employee influence “now sits near its lowest point in nearly 30 years”, she says. This is despite a growth in participation structures, such as consultative committees. But these fora, according to Dr Wilson, “primarily serve as channels for downward communication rather than true levers for employee voice and impact”. She concludes, therefore, that if the Executive’s forthcoming Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill is “to deliver fair, secure, and productive workplaces, it must prioritise enhancing trade union rights and independent worker voice as the foundation for real participation”.