The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much has been spent on publicising the changes to the basic state pension to date.
Justin Tomlinson
The government has spent £661,493 in 2014/2015 to raise public awareness ahead of the introduction of the new State Pension on April 6, 2016. Total costs for 2015/2016 have not been finalised.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent representations she has received on reforms to the Pet Travel Scheme to make it harder to smuggle animals into the UK.
George Eustice
Defra actively shares intelligence relating to abuse of the EU pet travel scheme. Evidence collected by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Local Authorities and welfare organisations has led to investigations in other EU countries.
The UK maintains effective border controls and all the relevant agencies work together to target people who systematically abuse the rules.
The illegal trade is ultimately driven by demand. Defra have published guidance on buying a pet and have worked closely with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group to drive up standards for online advertisements.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-12-15.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with UK Border on the effectiveness of the implementation of the pet travel scheme.
George Eustice
Defra is working closely with Border Force to agree a framework for co-operation to ensure the effective enforcement of legislation relating to biosecurity risks, including the illegal importation of animals.
My officials have advised Border Force that we will be seeking their support in planned discussions with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and local authorities to explore ways in which we can improve enforcement of these controls at the border.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2016-06-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment she has made of the level of corruption in those states and territories in the Middle East which receive international development aid from the UK.
Sir Desmond Swayne
In their most recent report, Transparency International assessed that the risk of fraud and corruption in the region is “high”. We therefore apply a rigorous process of due diligence, where partners must demonstrate accountable and transparent governance structures and financial procedures including compliance with counter-terrorism legislation.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2016-09-13.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on tackling radicalisation of young people by Islamist extremists.
Mr Ben Wallace
Tackling the radicalisation of young people is a key priority for this Government. Prevent is a key part of our counter – terrorism strategy (CONTEST). It safeguards vulnerable individuals by building resilience to extremist ideologies, countering the ideology that terrorists espouse, and removing access to terrorist propaganda online.
Many of the issues dealt with under the CONTEST strategy and the principles it sets out are relevant to the threat in Northern Ireland. We work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, the PSNI and other partners as they respond to those who would seek to undermine peace and prosperity.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what work his Department has undertaken with the devolved administrations on communicating to the public changes to the new state pension.
Justin Tomlinson
Northern Ireland is the only devolved administration for pensions. We have worked closely with officials from the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency and have shared our new State Pension advertising materials for customised use in Northern Ireland.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps are being taken at UK border ports to tackle the illegal smuggling of puppies and other animals into the UK.
George Eustice
Enforcement of the rules governing the importation of animals is the responsibility of Local Authorities. Effective enforcement relies on close co-operation between a number of different agencies and should be intelligence led. As regards the illegal smuggling of puppies, Local Authorities and other agencies carry out targeted interventions at the border. To help build on this, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency are considering what steps can be taken to improve enforcement and is being assisted by the Dogs Trust and RSCPA in this work.
Defra is also working closely with Border Force to agree a framework for co-operation to ensure the effective enforcement of legislation governing the import of animals, including puppies.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2015-12-15.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much has been allocated to Northern Ireland in (a) EU Structural Funds and (b) special initiatives in each year since 2010.
Anna Soubry
The indicative EU Structural Funds and Peace Initiative allocations for Northern Ireland can be found on the Northern Ireland administration’s Department of Finance and Personnel’s website.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2016-06-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what preliminary work her Department has carried out in preparation for the possibility of a vote to leave the EU.
Mr Ben Wallace
The Government believes that the UK is stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU.
The Northern Ireland Office has not undertaken any work in preparation for the possibility of a vote to leave the EU.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nigel Dodds on 2016-09-13.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the counter extremism strategy.
Sarah Newton
The Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland agreed prior to publication of the Counter-Extremism Strategy (October 2015) that the strategy would not extend to Northern Ireland at this stage.
Home Office officials have engaged colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive and Northern Ireland Office, including during visits to Belfast. We remain keen to maintain this engagement to share ideas and discuss all aspects of the strategy.