Minister's Answer It is anticipated that drafting of the Business Case will be completed by the end of March 2026. The Business Case will then be reviewed by Departmental economists before being issued to the Department of Finance for consideration. It is anticipated that a decision on the Business Case will be issued in Summer 2026.

Ukrainian Refugees in Northern Ireland can now submit Compensation Claims to the Register of Damage for Ukraine The Register of Damage for Ukraine, of which the UK is a member, has opened a new claims category for people that were displaced outside of Ukraine because of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation starting four years ago on 24 February 2022. New Category A1.2 (Involuntary Displacement Outside of Ukraine) enables people who were forced to leave their home

Minister's Answer On 29 January 2026, I outlined my decision to stop further work on the Reval2026 process. In my meeting with the hospitality sector on 29 January, I advised that I was looking forward to engaging with the hospitality sector and other sectors on any proposals that would be brought forward. My immediate focus over the past few weeks has been on advancing the legislation required to facilitate the annual billing exercise for the rating system. Alongside that, I

Minister's Answer The Belfast Trust have a dialysis co-ordinator who assists patients to make arrangement for dialysis if they travel to the Republic of Ireland. They often direct patients and their families to Irish Kidney Association or Freedom, dialysis holiday specialists who can help identify suitable units close to holiday venue and assist in arranging holiday dialysis. The dialysis coordinator can assist patients in making arrangements with that particular centre once

Minister's Answer Recycling offers many benefits to our local economy. It supports our circular economy, keeps materials in use, reduces reliance on raw virgin materials and provides opportunities for companies to handle, process and reuse materials. However, those recycling benefits can only be realised if we accept that the quality of the recyclate is as important as the quantity, and quality relies on reducing contamination through the separate collection of some core mate

Minister's Answer The speeding up justice programme is a five-year programme of work driven by the Criminal Justice Board and aimed at reducing avoidable delay across the criminal justice system. The programme is part of the Executive's Programme for Government delivery, specifically with regard to the safer communities priority and underpinned by the reform and transformation of public services priority. The programme comprises five projects: out-of-court disposals; early en

Community groups and other organisations in East Antrim can now apply for the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme, offering grants up to €100,000 (approximately £87,000) for local projects that build cross‑community or cross‑border connections. The programme has been shaped to make funding easier to access, with clear guidance and one‑to‑one support for applicants. The first general funding round closes in June for 2026, so please register your interest today . Find out

Minister's Answer The inquiry will open as soon as possible after the relevant primary and secondary legislation comes into force. In my initial answer, I outlined how the time frame for the primary and secondary legislation is progressing well at this stage.Victims and survivors have been at the heart of the process from the beginning. There are many things that they would like. We need to ensure that every aspect is independent so that they and, indeed, wider society can ha

Minister's Answer The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 - Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes, has been endorsed as applicable to Northern Ireland. Subsequently, I supported the establishment of a clinical working group to work with relevant stakeholders across Health and Social Care to develop a five-year implementation plan, outlining an appropriate timescale for rollout. Similar to other nations, service del

Minister's Answer Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools. The introduction of part-time 20mph zones at schools across the north is a significant intervention that has helped to ensure that children, parents and staff feel