Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 22 January 2023.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 January 2023.

The arrangements for electoral administration in Northern Ireland are administered centrally by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland who is both the electoral registration officer for all 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland and returning officer for all elections and referendums in that jurisdiction.

Personal Specification

An outstanding individual is sought to become the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland: someone with good judgement, resilience and sensitivity; someone with a track record of achievement at board or senior executive level in the private or public sector; someone experienced in financial management and meeting challenging performance objectives.

The successful applicant will be someone who can give strategic and operational direction to the work of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland, provide strong leadership and build an inclusive organisation. Critically, the successful candidate must be able to command cross-community respect and confidence in Northern Ireland.

Terms of appointment

It is expected the appointment will commence with effect from 1 April 2023 or as close to that date as possible. Candidates may wish to note that:

• The position is based in Belfast;
• The position is full-time;
• Remuneration on appointment will be within the range £74,912 – £84,122 and will be paid monthly in arrears;
• This position is pensionable. If the successful applicant is not already a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme he or she will be able to join
• The term of office will be for a period of five years from the date of appointment; and
• This appointment requires security vetting. If you are appointed to the post, you will need to undergo a Security Check (SC) clearance.

How to apply

Those interested in applying for the post should download the application pack from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website

Completed applications should be sent by email to:ceo2023@nio.gov.uk. by the closing date of 12 February 2023.

Equality of Opportunity

Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 January 2023.

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place at Farmleigh House, Dublin, on Thursday 19 January 2023.

The Government of Ireland was represented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, and the Minister for Justice, Simon Harris TD.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was represented by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker MP, the Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez MP and the Minister of State for Energy and Climate, Graham Stuart MP.

The Conference was established under Strand Three of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement “to promote bilateral co-operation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of the UK and Irish Governments”.

The Conference discussed the following:

Political Stability

The UK and Irish Governments agreed on the critical importance of restoring to full operation all of the political institutions established by the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. The Conference discussed developments in this context and the serious and deepening consequences for people in Northern Ireland arising from the ongoing absence of a fully functioning Northern Ireland Assembly, Executive and North South Ministerial Council.

The Conference agreed to continue close co-operation in accordance with the three stranded approach established in the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement.

British-Irish Co-operation

The Irish and UK Governments discussed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas with a particular focus on cyber security and energy.

With regard to cyber security, Ministers agreed to:

• Intensify engagement on cyber resilience issues;
• Explore opportunities to cooperate in supporting growth and innovation;
• Convene bilateral cyber security policy dialogues to address issues of mutual interest and concern

With regard to energy, Ministers agreed to:

• Explore increased cooperation on offshore renewable energy and security of supply, including in relation to offshore grids, electricity interconnection, and development of hybrid/multipurpose projects combining offshore wind generation with interconnection.
• Continue the policy dialogue between relevant Departments and agencies in the context of the forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on gas security of supply.
• Jointly examine the scope for further cross-border cooperation and coordination in the area of low carbon hydrogen.

Progress made in relation to these two areas would be reviewed at future meetings of the BIIGC.

Security Co-operation

The Irish and UK Governments discussed the current security situation in both jurisdictions. They welcomed the excellent ongoing cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána in tackling terrorism, paramilitarism and associated criminality.

The Conference considered the fifth report of the Independent Reporting Commission, including their recommendations on possible mechanisms to progress the transition and disbandment of all remaining paramilitary groups.

Rights and Citizenship Matters

The Conference welcomed the centenary year of the Common Travel Area arrangements and reaffirmed a clear commitment to the reciprocal rights and privileges it provides for British and Irish citizens.

The Conference discussed UK proposals for the implementation of an electronic travel authorisation scheme, which will not apply to British and Irish citizens, and potential implications for other residents of Ireland and international visitors.

The Conference also discussed recent developments and legislation relevant to the implementation of the rights and citizenship provisions of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement.

Legacy

The UK and Irish Governments discussed the UK Government’s proposed legislation on dealing with the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the Irish Government’s concerns in relation to it. The UK Government raised the amendments it has proposed to the Bill.

The UK and Irish Governments also discussed issues of concern in respect to a number of individual legacy cases.

25th Anniversary of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement

The Conference looked ahead to the range of events and activities planned for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement’s 25th anniversary year and the Irish and UK Governments reiterated their commitment to appropriately and collectively marking, reflecting on, and celebrating this foundational achievement for present and future generations.

The Conference underlined the continuing fundamental importance of the Agreement today in the constitutional principles it enshrines, the institutions that it establishes and the rights that it guarantees for the people of Northern Ireland.

Future Meetings

It was agreed that the Conference would meet again in Spring 2023.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 17 January 2023.

The UK Government  has today formally tabled amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The move comes ahead of the Committee Stage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, scheduled to proceed in the House of Lords next week.

The legislation aims to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans, while helping society to look forward.

The Government amendments seek to address some of the principal concerns raised since the Bill’s introduction, including by victims and survivors.

The amendments will:

• Confirm that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR) established by the legislation will be able to conduct criminal investigations where it judges that to be appropriate.
• Ensure that individuals who knowingly or recklessly provide false information to the ICRIR can be prosecuted and have their immunity revoked.
• Disapply the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 so that individuals who choose not to tell the Commission what they know and are then convicted of an offence are liable to face a full, rather than reduced, sentence.
• Increase the financial penalty for non-compliance with the Commission.
• Strengthen the Commission’s independence by making clear that the Secretary of State should consult individuals before appointing the Chief Commissioner.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:

“These amendments reflect the extensive engagement that has taken place, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to working with all interested parties regarding their concerns, and how these might be addressed.

“The Government remains absolutely committed to delivering better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles.”

The press release issued by Northern Ireland Office on 12 January 2023.

Secretary of State Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris met Micheál Martin TD, Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence today in Hillsborough.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 January 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP and the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP have met NI political leaders to discuss the issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In attendance were the Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Gordon Lyons MLA of the DUP, Andrew Muir MLA and Paula Bradshaw MLA of Alliance and Doug Beattie MC MLA and Robin Swann MLA of the UUP.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland highlighted the serious situation that the current governance gap is having on the people of Northern Ireland, especially in terms of the delivery of public services, and laid out the next steps in the legislation passed to manage Executive formation.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary also met with business groups, and toured the Saintfield Garden Centre and Nursery to hear about some of the specific difficulties caused by the Protocol.

Providing an update on talks between the UK Government and the European Union, the Foreign Secretary reflected on the agreement reached earlier this week regarding the EU’s access to UK IT systems that provide live information about what goods are moving across from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

While a range of critical issues need to be resolved on the Protocol, this agreement provides a basis for further constructive discussions with the EU to come to a negotiated solution.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

In conversations with NI political leaders today, I stressed that while an agreement on the Protocol is incredibly important, it remains my view that the devolved institutions must return as soon as possible.

This is particularly crucial in the face of current budgetary challenges and economic pressures. The people of Northern Ireland are best when governed by their locally elected representatives, who should deliver public services at the level the public need and deserve.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 5 January 2023.

Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker MP, has announced that Belfast Distillery Company has secured an historic distribution agreement in South Korea.

The agreement, which will see almost 10,000 bottles of McConnell’s Irish Whisky shipped to South Korea, has been signed with Korean distributor Goldenblue and has been supported by Invest Northern Ireland’s new team in Seoul.

The announcement follows Minister Baker’s visit to Invest NI’s South Korean offices last month where he met with Invest NI South Korean team, learning how they have helped facilitate the deal as £8 million funding from the New Deal for Northern Ireland has helped Invest NI to expand its presence from Seoul to Paris.

Congratulating the company, Steve Baker MP said:

With its ambitious export plans, Belfast Distillery Company is now selling its products in over 30 countries, with its latest success showing how UK Government funding is helping Invest NI support Northern Ireland businesses on the world stage.

Invest NI’s new Korean presence has been instrumental in helping to secure this distribution agreement and I am delighted to see the hard work of the Invest NI team paying off for NI businesses.

New Deal funding is helping to promote some of the unbelievable talent and expertise that Northern Ireland has to offer and I hope the brilliant success of the Belfast Distillery team can help inspire others to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Invest NI’s new international locations.

This entry into another overseas market follows an announcement by Belfast Distillery Company in August of a multi-million investment to transform A Wing in Crumlin Road Gaol into a Whiskey Distillery and Visitor Experience, creating 49 new jobs in the heart of north Belfast.

Dessie Roche, Commercial Manager at Belfast Distillery Company said:

This Korean agreement marks a significant milestone for our business. Relationships and personal connections are a very strong part of the Korean culture and we utilised the in-market knowledge of Invest NI’s team in Seoul to build a relationship with Goldenblue which has helped us secure our first entry into Korea and ultimately bring our product to this significant new market. We very much look forward to building on this success in Korea and other international markets in the future.

Welcoming Belfast Distillery Company’s success, Steve Harper, Invest NI’s Executive Director of International Business said:

We are supporting Belfast Distillery Company to realise its global export plans and with a foothold in the Korean market, it is in a very good position for further growth. Its success showcases the scale of opportunities available to Northern Ireland businesses which is why we have chosen this as an area to expand our presence. Our in-market team in Seoul are ready and on-hand to work in partnership with Northern Ireland companies to help grow their exports and I would encourage local companies to get in touch and see how we can support.

For interested companies who want to explore Korea further, Invest NI is offering a ‘Spotlight on Korea’ tutorial on 8th February 2023 which will feature an expert panel of speakers who will offer insight and advice on key commercial opportunities in South Korea. For more information go to Spotlight on South Korea.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 30 December 2022.

The UK government today (Friday 30 December) sets out how around 500,000 households in Northern Ireland will receive support with their energy bills, with new vouchers starting to be issued from mid-January.

On Monday 19 December the UK government announced all households across Northern Ireland will receive a single £600 payment, consisting of £400 through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP).

Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart today confirmed that for customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, this will take the form of vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.

Standard credit customers with no direct debit arrangement and prepayment keypad customers will receive the voucher from their supplier which they can redeem at a Post Office, either by depositing it in a bank or credit union, or, where needed, as cash.

Customers with a direct debit arrangement with their energy supplier will receive the payment directly to their bank account and will not be provided with vouchers.

Vouchers will start to be issued from mid-January, with every eligible customer receiving them in time to feel the benefit this winter.

It comes on top of the Energy Price Guarantee which has so far saved each household in Northern Ireland using electricity around £65 and a further £75 for those using gas.

Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said:

We are determined to ensure that whatever their circumstances, every customer in Northern Ireland gets the support they are entitled to.

Those without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment meters, will from January start to get these important vouchers which will provide vital help with their bills. Those already paying by direct debit will get the support straight into their bank accounts.

I would urge those customers getting vouchers to look out for them, and to use them swiftly so they can benefit, and see the impact on their bills as soon as possible.

Welcoming the detail, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said:

This is welcome news for many Northern Ireland households who do not pay for their electricity via direct debit and I hope provides further reassurance as we enter the new year.

I appreciate the hard work from officials and NI stakeholders to overcome the difficulties presented by NI’s energy market, and the absence of the NI Executive, to ensure NI households receive this much needed support this winter.

While today’s news should give peace of mind to customers in Northern Ireland, Mr Stuart also urged them to beware scams which the government is already aware are being attempted.

He warned customers that vouchers will come in the form of letters, will carry badges of the relevant electricity supplier and the UK government, and will contain a barcode. Customers will not be asked to go online or to provide any details.

The easiest way people can redeem their voucher will be paying the money directly into their bank account by taking their bank card to the Post Office and requesting to deposit. For those without a bank or credit union account, going to the Post Office and redeeming for cash will be an option – but that will be subject to the branch having the cash available.

Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said:

Our 500 Post Offices across Northern Ireland are at the heart of their communities and Postmasters are preparing for the vital role they will play in getting people the £600 support they are entitled to from mid-January.

It’s vital that anyone who doesn’t pay for their energy usage by direct debit, or have a prepaid meter, looks out for their voucher in the post. Before coming to the Post Office, make sure to bring your letter, the correct proof of address and photo identification as this will speed things up in branch.

We know how difficult the rising cost of energy has been for many. In Great Britain, we are administering the Energy Bill Support Scheme on behalf of six energy providers and each week hundreds of thousands of people are coming into our branches to get cash support. Our ability to move cash around the whole country is a national infrastructure asset and we will be using our experience to deliver this payment to people in Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 December 2022.

• Northern Ireland Office announces free Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement educational package based on official records and primary source materials.
• Classroom exercises and assembly packs for young people in NI and across the UK to be made available online in early 2023.
• Resources developed by The National Archives, working with teachers and other academic experts.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today (Monday 19 December) announced the development of a new educational package telling the story of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Northern Ireland’s transformation over the past quarter century. This is part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the landmark peace treaty.

The new education package will include lesson plans and activities for young people, and a school assembly pack suitable for all ages featuring an animated video. The optional resources will be made available to teachers, parents and youth workers across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK next year.

The Secretary of State visited The National Archives in London to meet the historians and educators who are developing the package in conjunction with teachers and other educational experts. The forthcoming free, optional resources will explain the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement to school children and young people in an age appropriate, factual manner.

The resources will allow them to reflect on Northern Ireland’s journey since its signing, including how Northern Ireland has moved from a period of conflict to the peace and vibrancy that it enjoys today.

As part of its work, The National Archives will create an advisory board made up of academics and teachers who have experience and understanding of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and will be working with young people in Northern Ireland who will tell Northern Ireland’s story.

Speaking after viewing an original signed copy of the Agreement and other related official records at the The National Archives, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

“Peace is precious, and it’s immensely important that young people in Northern Ireland and right across the UK learn about the significance of the internationally renowned agreement.

“Young people will write the next chapter in Northern Ireland’s story and these resources will enable them to engage with the anniversary and appreciate the gains made from the Agreement.

“The 25th anniversary of the Agreement offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together to look to the future, and consider how we can build on the remarkable progress Northern Ireland has made this past quarter century.

“I’d like to thank The National Archives, the advisory board, and young people who will be involved in this project for their dedication to telling Northern Ireland’s story over the past 25 years.”

Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives said:

“This education project offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together in partnership to look to the future. These resources will be created by people who have lived through the process for those young people who are the future of Northern Ireland. They will have a key role in supporting and maintaining peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and it’s right that they learn about the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement’s significance to their communities.

“Archives sit at the heart of our collective understanding: who we are, where we came from, and where we are going and this project illustrates the potential in archival collections to enrich our collective understanding.”

Education Minister Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP said:

“The 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is significant not just in the history of Northern Ireland, but for the whole of the UK.

“This new education package is a valuable optional resource, and it is absolutely right that young people right across the UK have the chance to learn more about the Agreement and the journey towards peace and stability that Northern Ireland has made since 1998.”

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 8 December 2022.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today written to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) informing them their pay will be reduced by 27.5% from 1 January 2023.