Minister's answer The Department of Health facilitates access for patients to clinical trials through the work of the Health and Social Care (HSC) research and development division in the Public Health Agency (PHA). The division oversees participation in UK-wide clinical governance and trial approval processes. In addition, it funds core research infrastructure, which, in turn, supports access to clinical trials. That includes the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network, a

Minister's answer The consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan recently closed and I want to express my gratitude to the 224 individuals, businesses and organisations who provided consultation responses and to the approximately 700 people who attended the wide range of consultation events across Northern Ireland. It is important that we take the appropriate time to consider these valuable insights and that the views of consultees are incorporated into the

Minister's answer Further Education Colleges have provided data which indicates that since 31 January 2020, 796 FE students have secured a place on the Turing Scheme and 203 students have participated in the Irish Government Mobility Scheme. It should be noted that the colleges have stated that some figures are unavailable for the year 2021/22 and so the actual number could be higher. Higher Education Institutions have provided data to my Department which indicates 1,185 high

Minister's Answer That is one of the reasons why there are higher standards for HMOs. It is set out in the Act, and landlords are subject to more stringent standards because of the nature of those who may need to use HMOs. Additional concerns can come from local residents in those areas about the proliferation of HMOs. That is why higher standards are already in place. Of course, they can be reviewed if necessary.

Minister's Answer Just last year, we led an academic delegation to North Carolina. As part of the new international relations strategy, there will be an opportunity for us to work more collaboratively. We are in a small part of the world where we all know one another. Our strengths include our connectedness and agility. For example, where industry has a need, we can work with our local universities and have a partnership between academia, government and industry. That needs t

Minister's Answer My Department has not carried out an assessment of the impact of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. Following the implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 employing authorities (Education Authority (EA) and Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)) and Board of Governors were required to review their recruitment and selection procedures, ensuring that they address the implicatio

Rachael is just twenty-three years old and the mother of a two-year-old child. Last year she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain...

Minister's Answer The climate action plan is out for consultation, and part of that is on agriculture. However, agriculture is only one...

Minister's Answer I want people to be assured that robust mechanisms are in place for law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively...