Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 September 2023.

The Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of five members to the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of Mrs Aileen Martin, Mrs Linda MacHugh, Mr Ciaran O’Neill, Ms Áine Gallagher and Mr Colin Johnston as new Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Board Members. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, this appointment was made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

The Members have taken up post with effect from 8 August 2023.

These new Members will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the Board of Tourism NI to the benefit of the local tourism sector. The successful candidates have extensive backgrounds in such areas as corporate governance; financial management; strategic thinking; business improvement and the hotel and hospitality industry, and their significant knowledge and skills will play a key role in ensuring that this important sector goes from strength to strength in what promises to be an exciting time for tourism in Northern Ireland.

Biography

Aileen Martin is a Director of Hastings Hotels, Chair of John Atcheson Trust and Rosie’s Trust and President of Northern Ireland Polio Fellowship. From November 2023 she will also be a Non-Executive Director of Action Cancer.

Linda MacHugh recently retired after 18 years as a senior civil servant during which she held a number of positions including Director of Urban Regeneration Strategy, Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister, Director of Water & Drainage Policy and Director of Corporate Support Services in the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). She also led the Local Government Reform Programme and was Acting Deputy Secretary in DfI.

Prior to joining the Civil Service, Linda supported and promoted the textiles and clothing sector as Director of the NI Textiles and Apparel Association and the Irish Linen Guild and was a Board member of the NI Textiles & Clothing Training Council. She also spent 11 years as a Trustee of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Ciaran O’Neill is Managing Director at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel Derry, an award-winning establishment that opened its doors in 2016. Beyond his professional achievements, Ciaran has made lasting contributions to the industry landscape. A decade of service on the Board of Visit Derry reflects his dedication to promoting tourism and its growth. His 14-year tenure on the Board of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation culminated in his role as President in 2016.

Ciaran’s dedication extends to nurturing future talent in the tourism sector through his role as Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Network (HATs) and his commitment to education as Chairperson of the Board of Governors at St Cecilia’s College.

Áine Gallagher is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, having trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Belfast. She is a former Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and Non-Executive Member of the Advisory Group of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and was Director of Operations for Culture Company 2013 Ltd, the company established by the then Derry City Council to develop and deliver the inaugural UK City of Culture in 2013. She was Director of Finance and Corporate Services for Northern Ireland Hospice and worked for Invest NI for two separate terms, most recently in 2021-22. Since 2018, Áine has provided consultancy services to clients in the public, private and voluntary sectors on strategic planning, governance, organisational effectiveness, funding and finance, management reporting, capital and development projects, as well as growth, improvement and cultural programmes.

Colin Johnston has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  Joining Galgorm Collection in 2001, Colin held several senior management roles before taking the helm as Managing Director in 2016.  During this time Colin managed the integration and £60 million development phase at Galgorm as well as spearheading the development of the £10 million renovations of The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and more recently has been involved in the acquisition and development of The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn.   Colin was instrumental in setting up Galgorm’s Spa Scholarship in 2018 and was a founding member of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School which launched in 2021.  More recently Colin has been appointed onto the Board of Hospitality Ulster and is chair of the Careers & Skills Group.

Details of body

Tourism NI has responsibility for the development of tourism product and experience across Northern Ireland and is also responsible for the marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland.

Tourism NI’s primary responsibility remains the marketing of Northern Ireland on the Island of Ireland and working with partners to attract visitors from across the globe. However, it also continues to play a vital role in supporting recovery of the tourism and hospitality industries from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and setting them on the path back to sustainable growth. Going forward the organisation will make an important contribution to the Department for the Economy’s 10x economic vision and aims to ensure that tourism contributes to the creation of a dynamic, competitive economy.

Tourism NI Homepage

Terms Of Appointment

The appointments will be for 3 years commencing on 8 August 2023.  Members are expected to attend Board meetings, sub-committee meetings and other events, amounting to at least 1 day per month. In addition, Members will be expected to attend occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £5435 per annum. Non pensionable.

Regulation

In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022, and in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.

Political Activity

None of the appointees have declared any political activity in the last five years.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 August 2023.

Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses will be showcased to more than 100 global investors at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit this September.

• Over 100 global investors confirmed to attend the Northern Ireland Investment Summit with just four weeks to go.
• Investment Summit will promote local opportunities to one of the largest groups of global investors and businesses ever seen in Northern Ireland.
• Speakers and sponsors confirmed for the Summit on 12-13 September.

Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses will be showcased to more than 100 investors from the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific regions this September.

The Summit marks a significant opportunity to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths across its internationally renowned sectors, including advanced manufacturing, software and technology, financial and professional services, and emerging health and life sciences.

It will build on the opportunities of the Windsor Framework outlined by the Prime Minister earlier this year and forms a key part of the UK government’s programme to create a sustainable and inclusive economy, boosting growth and generating higher-paying jobs for communities across Northern Ireland.

Speakers at the event will include Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove alongside US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy III.

Kennedy visited the UK in July to discuss the opportunities for US businesses at the Summit and will also lead a delegation of US investors to Northern Ireland as part of a trade mission in October.

US multinational financial group Citi has been confirmed as the event’s principal partner with CEO of Citi EMEA David Livingstone giving a keynote speech at the Summit.

Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson said:

As the UK’s second largest tech hub outside London, we are witnessing a great transformation of business and communities as overseas investment floods into Northern Ireland.

This September’s Investment Summit will provide the rocket fuel for Northern Ireland businesses to launch into new frontiers across technology, finance, and more.

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

In just four weeks, leading investors and international businesses from around the globe will see first hand the talent and expertise Northern Ireland has to offer.

The Summit is a fantastic and exciting event which will support the UK Government’s vision for a prosperous Northern Ireland 25 years on from the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Keith Farley, SVP Individual Voluntary Benefits at Aflac, said:

Northern Ireland’s best-in-class educational system, paired with hard-working, curious people creates the perfect environment for software development and cyber security.

Aflac has found the region to be a top talent hub, supporting our global business. We’re excited to have the opportunity to tell Aflac’s story at September’s Investment Summit.

Panel sessions at the event will focus on why global investors should choose Northern Ireland with breakout sessions for each of the key growth sectors. In addition, An Irish Goodbye directors and youngest ever Oscar recipients Tom Berkeley & Ross White will host a session on Northern Ireland’s thriving creative sector.

Northern Ireland is one of the most cost-competitive places to do business in Europe, attracting £19.2 billion in inward investment in 2021, making it an ideal location for businesses seeking an optimal location for growth.

The Summit precedes the second major Global Investment Summit in late autumn which will bring together over 200 of the world’s highest profile CEOs, investors, and financiers to showcase the whole of the UK as a leading investment destination. The inaugural Global Investment Summit in October 2021 raised nearly £10 billion of investment on the day, leading to at least 30,000 new jobs across green energy and tech.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 August 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of four Commissioners to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney, David Lavery and Stephen White will take up their appointments with effect from 1 September 2023 for a term of three years.

A competition will be held shortly for one further Commissioner vacancy details of which will be advertised on the Public Appointments website.

Background

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

Terms of appointment

• These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2026.
• The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
• The positions are not pensionable.

Biography of Appointees

Helen Henderson has a background in global education, community development and peace building within the third sector. She is managing Director of St Columb’s Park House, a peace and reconciliation centre and is a former board member with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority

Jonathan Kearney is an independent consultant with a focus on policing and human rights. He has undertaken research into international policing and worked as a sessional academic.

David Lavery is currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

Stephen White is currently a self-employed freelance Security Sector Reform Specialist.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. All of the appointees have declared that they have not been politically active in the last five years.

Regulation

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) regulates appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 7 August 2023.

The Secretary of State met the K9 Search and Rescue dogs and their handlers at the Northern Ireland Office’s headquarters in Belfast.

Secretary of State, Chris Heaton Harris MP, has praised the efforts of the K9 Search and Rescue dogs and their handlers following a meeting at the Northern Ireland Office’s headquarters in Belfast.

Mr Heaton-Harris personally thanked the team for the work they do to highlight the issue of missing people in Northern Ireland and further afield, and heard more about the services they provide to those in need.

The Secretary of State hailed the “incredible” and “vital” actions of the dogs and their handlers.

 

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 18 July 2023.

Today sees the return of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill to the House of Commons.

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

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place at Mansion House, London, on 19 June 2023.

The Government of Ireland was represented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD and the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee 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 and the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker MP.

The Conference was established under Strand Three of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement “to promote bilateral cooperation 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 the Northern Ireland Assembly, Executive and North South Ministerial Council to full operation. The conference discussed the impact of the Windsor Framework on Executive formation, and agreed it presented a sound foundation for progress in Northern Ireland. The UK and Irish Governments agreed that the Windsor Framework provides certainty and stability for the people of Northern Ireland. The Conference discussed the serious and deepening consequences for people in Northern Ireland arising from the ongoing absence of fully functioning institutions.

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

Security Co-operation

The Conference examined the current security situation in both jurisdictions looking ahead to the summer. They welcomed the excellent ongoing cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána in tackling terrorism, paramilitarism and associated criminality.

The Conference gave further consideration to the Independent Reporting Commission’s recommendations on potential mechanisms to support the transition of paramilitary groups to disbandment and agreed to continue close co-operation to make further progress on the issue.

Legacy

The UK and Irish Governments discussed the UK Government’s 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 to the Bill it has tabled ahead of Report Stage in the House of Lords.

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

Rights and Citizenship Matters

The Irish and UK Governments reaffirmed their commitment to the identity, citizenship and rights provisions of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement.

The Conference noted that 2023 marks the centenary of the Common Travel Area, and reiterated their shared commitment to protecting and upholding the reciprocal rights of UK and Irish citizens to live, work and travel in either jurisdiction.

The Conference noted the recent visit of the Minister for Justice to London and his meeting with the Home Secretary, which saw a productive discussion across a range of areas of cooperation. The Conference also discussed the potential implications of the UK Government’s forthcoming Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement for visitors to the UK. It noted the announcement of the scheme’s roll out published in March 2023 that confirmed those legally resident in Ireland will not need an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area.

British-Irish Cooperation

The Irish and UK Governments discussed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas with a particular focus on education cooperation. The Conference discussed the joint support the UK and Irish Governments already extend to Integrated Education in Northern Ireland reflecting the commitments made in the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. The Conference underlined the importance of integrated education and tackling educational disadvantage as being essential aspects of the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland and committed to exploring further opportunities to work together in support of progress in these areas. The Conference also noted the importance of ongoing student mobility and supporting research cooperation between Ireland and the UK.

Ministers also received an update from the Secretariat with regard to progress to deliver the actions on cyber security and energy that were agreed in January.

Future Meetings

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

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 14 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures that could generate further public revenue locally, or otherwise improve the sustainability of public finances in Northern Ireland.

Using new powers provided through passage of  the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 for the first time, the Secretary of State has requested information on measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges, and tuition fees.

All of these may be options available to a restored Executive to help to make the budget more sustainable and to ensure public services in NI are affordable on an ongoing basis.

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

“Public finances in Northern Ireland are not currently on a sustainable footing.

“The UK Government stands ready to work with a restored Executive, but we have a responsibility to ensure the delivery of public services and management of public funds can continue in its absence.

“I remain firmly of the view that the right people to take these decisions are locally elected and accountable Ministers sitting in a fully functioning devolved government.

“I once again call on the Executive to get back up and running so that they can progress much needed and long promised public service transformation and address the systemic issues that are facing public services in NI.

“Simply spending more is not the answer to transforming NI’s public services and does not serve the best interests of the people of NI.”

In the 2021 Spending Review the Government announced that the total block grant for the Northern Ireland Executive would be £15bn per year, on average, over the next three years. This is the largest settlement since devolution in 1998.

The UK Government has provided around £7bn in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. Northern Ireland Executive public spending per person is around 20% higher than the equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK.

Through this commission, the Secretary of State is seeking to ensure that work progresses towards a more sustainable budget position in Northern Ireland that better reflects the balance between locally generated revenue and UK Government funding that is happening across the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Secretary of State will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Civil Service departments on the detail of their responses.Any final decisions for implementation should be taken by Northern Ireland’s elected leaders.

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

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has appointed The Rt Hon Lord Turnbull as Chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

In February, the Secretary of State announced the government’s intention to establish an independent statutory inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh Bombing. The Real IRA-perpetrated atrocity in August 1998 killed 29 people and two unborn children, and injured 220 others.

The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Lord Turnbull has had a distinguished judicial career in Scotland, serving most recently in Scotland’s Supreme Courts. His appointment to the role of Chair of the Omagh Inquiry follows a recommendation made by the Lord Chief Justice for England and Wales, in conjunction with his counterparts across the rest of the UK.

Confirming the announcement via a written ministerial statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris said:
“Lord Turnbull’s long-standing judicial career and his previous experience of working on terrorism cases will provide the highest levels of knowledge and professionalism. I have no doubt that Lord Turnbull will bring to the Inquiry the required rigour, independence, and impartiality, and I am grateful to him for accepting this important job.”

Lord Turnbull said:
“I am honoured to be appointed to chair this important Inquiry. I am very conscious of the devastation brought to the lives of so many by the atrocity which took place in Omagh in August 1998. I understand the determination of those who lost family and loved ones, and of those who were themselves injured, or whose family members were injured, to learn whether the attack could have been prevented.
“As soon as is practicable I shall be seeking views from those affected about the Inquiry. Once the Inquiry’s terms of reference are finalised I shall conduct an independent and robust Inquiry in order to establish the truth.”

As required by the Inquiries Act 2005, the Secretary of State will now undertake a consultation exercise with the Chair on the proposed Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. These will be agreed and published in due course.

Note to Editors:
Lord Turnbull was appointed as a judge of the Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary in Scotland in 2006. He was appointed to the Inner House of the Court of Session and Court of Appeal in 2016. Whilst in practice at the Scottish Bar he was instructed as one of the two Senior Counsel for the Crown in the Lockerbie Bombing case conducted at the Scottish Court in the Netherlands. For the five years preceding his appointment to the Bench he served as the Principal Crown Counsel for Scotland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 June 2023.

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

The move comes ahead of the Report Stage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, scheduled to proceed in the House of Lords later this month.

The legislation aims to deliver better outcomes for all those most affected by the Troubles, while helping society to look forward.

The latest amendments seek to address a number of key concerns raised since the Bill’s introduction, including by victims and survivors.

They include:

• Allowing ongoing criminal investigations, inquests, the consideration of prosecution decisions, and the publication of reports, to continue until May 2024, ensuring a smooth transition between the ending of the current mechanisms and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) taking on full responsibility for dealing with legacy cases.
• Placing the ICRIR under a new duty to offer victims and their families the opportunity to submit personal impact statements. These statements must be published if the person making the statement so wishes, subject to limited exceptions.
• Placing the ICRIR under a new duty requiring it to take reasonable steps to secure information relevant to the assessment of the truth of a person’s account as part of their application for immunity.
• The revocation of immunity if an individual is subsequently convicted of terrorism offences or offences connected to terrorism committed after immunity was granted .
• Expressly confirming that the Commissioner for Investigations, when exercising operational control over the conduct of reviews, must comply with obligations imposed by the Human Rights Act 1998.
• Placing a new duty on the ICRIR to publish a statement explaining how each review was conducted as part of its final report, thus enhancing the transparency of its work.
• Placing a duty on the ICRIR to produce guidance which is related to determining a request for immunity. This will replace a power which currently sits with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

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

“The Government has consistently stated that it would continue constructive dialogue in order to alleviate concerns and strengthen the Bill. That is why we have published a number of significant amendments that directly address a number of key concerns raised by interested parties.

“This includes amendments on the conduct of reviews, compliance with Convention Rights, the independence of the Commission, conditional immunity, and ongoing legal processes.

“We remain absolutely committed to making legislative progress so that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) can be established, and begin delivering better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles, as swiftly as possible.”

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 6 June 2023.

The UK Government is updating the requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today (Tuesday 6 June).

The Secretary of State is under a statutory duty under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to implement recommendation 86(d) of the Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW).

The Regulations will amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in relation to Key Stage 3 and 4.

They will make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents.

They will also place a duty on the Department of Education to issue guidance on the content and delivery of the education to be provided by 1 January 2024.

The Department will also be under a statutory duty to make Regulations about the circumstances in which at the request of a parent, a pupil may be excused from receiving that education, or specified elements of that education.

Consultation with parents on Relationship and Sexuality Education is already common practice in Northern Ireland and we expect the Department of Education to ensure schools afford parents the opportunity to review relevant materials.

The Regulations, in practice, will result in educating adolescents on issues such as how to prevent a pregnancy, the legal right to an abortion in Northern Ireland, and how relevant services may be accessed.

This should be done in a factual way that does not advocate, nor oppose, a particular view on the moral and ethical considerations of abortion or contraception.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

“It is fundamental for their wellbeing that adolescents in Northern Ireland have access to age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights that covers access to abortion and contraception.

“Today I have made Regulations that will amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 to introduce compliant education, in line with recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

“I look forward to working with the Department of Education to ensure the delivery and implementation of these measures, which will include meaningful engagement with young people, teachers and parents.”