https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by Stewart Dickson, Alliance Party MLA for East Antrim, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:47:08 GMT https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/504433/ 504433-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the anticipated timescale for completing roof repairs at Central Integrated Primary School, Carrickfergus. Awaiting answer; due by 3 November 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/504422/ 504422-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any steps she is taking to attract new investment and create high-quality jobs in East Antrim. Awaiting answer; due by 2 November 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/502154/ 502154-answered Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any engagement she has had with employees, trade union representatives and the local community following Glens of Antrim Potatoes being placed into administration. Answer (5 October 2026): I was saddened to learn that Glens of Antrim Potatoes has been placed into administration; my thoughts are with those affected. My Department, through Invest NI, has been in regular contact with Company representatives since the announcement and has sought a meeting with them. Invest NI has also been in contact with the Department for Communities, and Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council. The administrators, Department for Communities and both Councils delivered an employment support workshop on Friday 25th September to help employees understand their rights, benefits… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/501259/ 501259-tabled Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to the Garvaghy Road area over the past 28 years, to detail (i) any Executive Office funding for community groups, programmes and projects; (ii) the number of local young people who have participated in Executive Office-funded summer camps or youth programmes; (iii) any action taken to engage the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents’ representatives to support resolution of the dispute; and (iv) any funding provided to the relevant council for Executive Office projects in the area. Past due date; due by 7 October 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/499752/ 499752-answered Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any action she is taking to provide support following the announcement of the loss of 95 jobs at Glens of Antrim Potatoes in Cushendall and Ballymena. Answer (24 September 2026): I was saddened to learn of the appointment of administrators to Glens of Antrim Potatoes. My thoughts are with the employees affected by this announcement, their families and the wider communities that will understandably be worried by this news. Invest NI has been in regular contact with the Company and their accountants and following this announcement is seeking a meeting with Company representatives. In relation to supporting the affected workers, my Department has been in contact with colleagues from the Department for Communities, Mid and East Antrim Council, the Labour Market… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/499409/ 499409-answered Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health when Northern Ireland's participation in the UK-wide Best4 screening trial is expected to commence. Answer (24 September 2026): I fully recognise the potential value of the Best4 Study and remain supportive of efforts to facilitate participation in Northern Ireland, provided that all legal, governance and confidentiality requirements can be met. To provide context, the proposed recruitment approach would involve the use of prescribing information held on behalf of my Department to identify individuals who may be eligible for the study. As this information was originally collected for the provision and management of healthcare services, any use of identifiable patient information for research recruitment must be… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/497268/ 497268-tabled Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail when he intends to bring the Health and Social Care (Data Processing Bill) to the Assembly. Past due date; due by 23 September 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/493929/ 493929-answered Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether any strategy will be in place to succeed the Diabetes Strategic Framework, including a timeframe for when this will be published. Answer (5 August 2026): The Diabetes Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland was launched in November 2016. Launched in tandem the NI Diabetes Network brings together people living with diabetes, carers, and health and social care professionals working in partnership with Diabetes UK on the design and delivery of better diabetes services. The Network supports the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Diabetes and is one of a series of initiatives which aims to transform Health and Social Care (HSC) services across Northern Ireland. My officials are currently considering next steps in relation to the… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/491175/ 491175-answered Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of allied health professional roles that remain on short-term or non-recurrent funding, broken down by (i) Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) profession. Answer (21 July 2026): The number of whole time equivalent (WTE) allied health professional roles that remain on short-term or non-recurrent funding, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust and profession is set out in Table 1. Profession BHSCTWTE NHSCTWTE SEHSCTWTE SHSCTWTE WHSCTWTE Dietetics 7.9 0 0 0 0 Occupational Therapy 0 0 0 0 0 Orthoptics 0 0 0 0 0 Physiotherapy 15.8 0 0 0 0 Podiatry 0 0 0 0 0 Radiography 0 0 0 0 0 Speech and language therapy 0 0 0 0 0 MDT roles 0 3.5 0 0 0 Table 1: Number of allied health professional roles that remain on short-term or non-recurrent funding. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490910/ 490910-answered Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any impact of EpicCare Link implementation on (i) theatre lists and scheduling efficiency; and (ii) electronic consultations and encounters, including whether a formal evaluation has been carried out. Answer (16 July 2026): My Department does not hold analysis which attributes changes in theatre lists, scheduling efficiency, or electronic consultations and encounters directly to the implementation of EpicCare Link. EpicCare Link provides authorised primary and community care users with predominantly read only access to patient information held within the encompass system. It is designed to support safer and more informed clinical decision making through improved access to information and is not intended to directly influence theatre scheduling, service efficiency or the volume of clinical encounters. The… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/491174/ 491174-answered Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to ensure that allied health professional workforce planning reflects (i) rising cancer incidence; (ii) growing survivorship needs; and (iii) increasing complexity of care. Answer (9 July 2026): The Allied Health Professions (AHP) workforce provides critical input to cancer care pathways, with many of the fourteen Allied Health Professions offering practical clinical and therapeutic support to those requiring cancer treatments. My Department published the Cancer Strategy in March 2022, and it sets out the key steps to achieving the overall vision for improved cancer outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland. It presents a comprehensive and challenging programme of service stabilisation and improvement, reliant on collaborative working and new and innovative approaches to the… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/491173/ 491173-answered Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of allied health professional cancer business cases that have remained unreviewed or unapproved, since 2016; and (ii) the length of time that they have been outstanding. Answer (9 July 2026): My Department does not maintain a central dataset that identifies all Allied Health Professional (AHP) cancer-related business cases submitted across the Health and Social Care (HSC) system since 2016, nor does it gather information on the number of such cases that have remained unreviewed or unapproved over that period. The development, submission and initial consideration of business cases for service developments are primarily matters for individual HSC Trusts. Trusts are responsible for prioritising proposals within their allocated budgets and for progressing business cases through the… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/491177/ 491177-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether any further efficiencies and savings are planned as part of the additional functionality of EpicCare Link. Answer (8 July 2026): My Department does not hold plans for further efficiencies or savings arising directly from the implementation or additional functionality of EpicCare Link. EpicCare Link provides authorised primary and community care users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information held within the encompass system to support continuity of care. It does not schedule or deliver clinical activity and provides only limited additional functionality. It is not designed to directly generate measurable financial savings or efficiencies. While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/491176/ 491176-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any plans to ring-fence recurrent funding, to protect allied health professional cancer posts and ensure service continuity for patients. Answer (8 July 2026): Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are central to delivering cancer care across the entire patient pathway contributing to diagnosis, treatment, patient support, prehabilitation and rehabilitation, management of long-term effects, and palliative and end-of-life care. These roles are also important in supporting the delivery of many key actions within the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022–2032. As I have previously outlined, the delivery of the Cancer Strategy, including funding for AHP posts to support this, will require significant and sustained investment. While recurrent funding… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/493930/ 493930-tabled Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to expand and standardise diabetes prevention programmes across all Health and Social Care Trusts. Past due date; due by 21 July 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/493928/ 493928-tabled Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail when a regional diabetes audit will become fully operational. Past due date; due by 21 July 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490914/ 490914-answered Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether there has been any change in clinical activity since the implementation of EpicCare Link, including (i) elective major surgery within theatre; (ii) paediatric major surgery activity; (iii) outpatient activity and throughput; and (v) oncology services, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust. Answer (1 July 2026): My Department does not hold analysis which attributes changes in clinical activity directly to the implementation of EpicCare Link. EpicCare Link is designed to support safer and more informed clinical decision-making through improved access to patient information. It provides authorised primary and community care users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information held within the encompass system. It does not schedule or deliver clinical activity and provides only limited additional functionality. While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range of clinical and… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490913/ 490913-answered Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any measurable efficiencies or savings that have been achieved since the introduction of EpicCare Link, including how these are being quantified, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust. Answer (1 July 2026): My Department does not hold analysis which identifies measurable efficiencies or savings directly attributable to the implementation of EpicCare Link. EpicCare Link provides authorised primary and community care users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information held within the encompass system to support continuity of care. It does not schedule or deliver clinical activity and provides only limited additional functionality. It is not designed to directly generate measurable financial savings or efficiencies. While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range of… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490912/ 490912-answered Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any administrative support that is currently in place to mitigate any additional data entry burden placed on clinicians following the EpicCare Link implementation, including (i) whether clinicians are routinely required to input data previously completed by administrative staff; and (ii) any plans in place to rebalance this. Answer (1 July 2026): EpicCare Link is a component of the encompass system which provides authorised users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information to support continuity of care. While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range of clinical and operational processes across Health and Social Care, EpicCare Link is a specific component focused on information access and does not in itself drive these activities. encompass system design has focused on supporting integrated digital workflows, enabling information to be captured once and reused across care settings, thereby reducing… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490911/ 490911-answered Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration has been given to the use of Artificial Intelligence-assisted tools, such as Copilot, to reduce clinician workload and improve productivity as part of the EpicCare Link system. Answer (1 July 2026): EpicCare Link is a component of the encompass system which provides authorised users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information to support continuity of care. While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range of clinical and operational processes across Health and Social Care, EpicCare Link is a specific component focused on information access and does not in itself drive these activities. Consideration is being given to the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tools, including solutions such as Copilot, across the wider encompass programme and… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/490563/ 490563-answered Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 40637/22-27, whether he has any plans to introduce a Bill of Amendment to the Health and Social Care (Control of Data Processing) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, given it was due to be introduced by April 2026. Answer (25 June 2026): Work to progress the proposed Health and Social Care (Data Processing Amendment) Bill is ongoing. The timing of introduction remains subject to the Assembly’s legislative timetable and Executive processes. Subject to these dependencies, the Bill is expected to be introduced later in the current Assembly mandate. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/480700/ 480700-answered Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any public health information programmes promoted by the Public Health Agency, in each of the last five years, including (i) the reason for undertaking the campaign; and (ii) a breakdown of any budget spent, including on the media used. Answer (25 June 2026): The public health information programmes promoted by the Public Health Agency, the associated expenditure, and reasons for undertaking those campaigns, are set out in the table below. Campaign Media (included in total campaign spend) Total campaign spend 2025-26 Reason for undertaking the campaign Mental health/Lifeline £ 290,000 £350,000 Promote the Lifeline crisis helpline and increase help-seeking behaviour among those experiencing emotional distress. Flu £49,641 £69,652 To encourage those eligible for the free flu vaccine to take up the offer and get vaccinated… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/492163/ 492163-tabled Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 44325/22-27; (ii) AQW 45595/22-27; (iii) AQW 38086/22-27; and (iv) AQW 34879/22-27. Past due date; due by 8 July 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/492162/ 492162-tabled Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 32505/22-27, to detail when the most clinically appropriate time for potential implementation of capsule sponge testing will be determined for the region. Past due date; due by 8 July 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/483304/ 483304-answered Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the injectable form of pembrolizumab will be made available for cancer patients. Answer (20 June 2026): Northern Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust, South Eastern HSC Trust and Western HSC Trust have already rolled out injectable pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in April 2026 as part of a managed transition involving a substantial programme of work to update existing clinical protocols and minimising waste of the existing infusion product Southern HSC Trust have informed my Department that they are managing this transition and will move to provide injectables in approximately two weeks. Belfast (HSC) Trust are also managing this transition to injectables and plan to switch at the start of June 2026. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/484933/ 484933-answered Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health whether durvalumab, known as Imfinzi, is available for patients who have been diagnosed with certain types stomach cancers. Answer (3 June 2026): My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Technology Appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here, and where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. In practice, this means that treatments that have been recommended by NICE for routine use in the NHS in England are also available in Northern Ireland. On 14 May 2026, NICE published its final draft guidance recommending the use of durvalumab (Imfinzi®), as an option… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/484752/ 484752-answered Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any assessment that has been made on the disparity in access to weight management medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK; and (ii) any steps he is taking to address this. Answer (3 June 2026): Obesity remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing Northern Ireland, with serious consequences for population health and growing pressure on our health and social care system. The Department is aware of the disparity in access to specialist weight management services and associated medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK. With regard to weight management medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/487708/ 487708-answered Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for his response to the report on the Independent Review of Teacher Workload in Northern Ireland. Answer (1 June 2026): I am committed to tackling the issue of workload and ensuring that teachers can focus on what matters most – teaching, learning and supporting pupils. That is why I commissioned an Independent Panel last May to look specifically at teacher and school leader workload. In response to the Panel’s report, the Department published a Workload Action Plan on 28 April 2026, translating the Panel’s recommendations into practical, deliverable and time-bound measures. The Workload Action Plan forms a key part of my wider TransformED programme, which is focused on modernising education, strengthening… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/480497/ 480497-answered Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, since the publication of the High Street Taskforce Report in March 2022, to detail any action (i) taken by their office to deliver a 21st Century High Street; (ii) taken to deliver on the report, including areas of success and areas of failure; (iii) they plan to take to deliver on the report, given the current economic environment in our high streets. Answer (21 May 2026): The High Street Task Force’s Report “Delivering a 21st Century High Street” was submitted to The Executive Office and published on 22 March 2022. Junior Ministers who chaired the Task Force publicly accepted the report. Since then, a number of the recommendations have been taken forward by Ministerial colleagues at the Department for Communities, Department for the Economy, Department of Finance, and Department for Infrastructure. Further detail can be sought from those departments. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/485350/ 485350-answered Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any engagement he has had with businesses on the economic benefits of decarbonising the economy. Answer (19 May 2026): I engage regularly with businesses and business representative bodies on the opportunities and economic benefits from decarbonising our economy. I recently participated in EY’s Four Futures event, which brought together a range of stakeholders to consider the actions required to deliver a more sustainable and competitive economy. I continue to engage directly with industry, including a recent visit to Encirc, to discuss decarbonisation options and the opportunities associated with lowcarbon innovation and investment. I also attended the Business in the Community Top Environmental Performers… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/485291/ 485291-answered Mon, 18 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will renew and update the targets in the Housing Supply Strategy 2024-2039 to take account of the lack of funding for new builds and issues impacting NI Water’s ability to meet wastewater demands. Answer (18 May 2026): The Housing Supply Strategy states an ambition to deliver 100,000 homes of all tenures over a 15-year period, providing a clear framework for delivery. This is an Executive Strategy, and the Executive has therefore committed to collectively identify actions to deliver the strategy, through a series of action plans. Ongoing collaboration between Executive Departments is essential to address whole system barriers to supply. To give an example this includes the issue of wastewater constraints, with my officials engaging closely with the Department for Infrastructure to unlock capacity for new… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/483305/ 483305-answered Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how a Stage 4 cancer patient, with a time limited prognosis, who had specifically paid for a seat on an Enterprise service from Connolly Train Station on 5 May 2026 was left standing in the aisle and was not provided any assistance. Answer (15 May 2026): This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows: The train due to operate the 1650 hours from Dublin on Tuesday 05 May 2026 experienced mechanical issues (door fault) whilst in service earlier that day. In an effort to provide continuity of service to passengers, and not cancel the service, an alternative train was sourced albeit a non-Enterprise train with reduced capacity and facilities. This information was posted on Irish Rail social media from 1249 hours and reposted by Translink social media to give passengers… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/480499/ 480499-answered Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any engagement he has had with home heating oil suppliers and distributors to ensure there will be no price gouging, and that small loads can be delivered without price penalty; and (ii) whether he will promote the use of oil buying clubs. Answer (8 May 2026): My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders to inform the practical delivery of the home heating oil support scheme. This has included discussions with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation representing local oil distributors, National Energy Action, the Fuel Poverty Coalition, and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. Further engagement is planned throughout the process to help protect consumers against price gouging. The Oil Savings Network, part of the NI Energy Advice Service, funded by my Department and delivered by the Housing Executive offers support and advice on… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/480498/ 480498-answered Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps he is taking to ensure that those in receipt of £100 home heating oil grants will get value for money when purchasing oil. Answer (8 May 2026): My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders to inform the practical delivery of the home heating oil support scheme. This has included discussions with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation representing local oil distributors, National Energy Action, the Fuel Poverty Coalition, and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. Further engagement is planned throughout the process to help consumers get value for money. The Oil Savings Network, part of the NI Energy Advice Service, funded by my Department and delivered by the Housing Executive offers support and advice on purchasing oil.… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/479699/ 479699-answered Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the reason why the recent road resurfacing work, at the junction of Old Carrick Road and Monkstown Road, Newtownabbey, failed to include a significant subsidence dip in the Monkstown Road, less than one meter from the end of the resurfacing work; and (ii) any action her Department will take to address this road issue. Answer (29 April 2026): The resurfacing works at the Monkstown Road were targeted at improving the condition of the junction itself, where turning movements place the greatest stress on the carriageway surface, to provide the best overall improvement to the junction. My officials have assessed the area around the tie-in point for the junction resurfacing scheme and advise that the minimal difference in level does not present a concern, and no further remedial works are required at this time. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/479697/ 479697-answered Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any (i) action he is taking to protect the closed FLAME Gasworks Museum in Carrickfergus, including ensuring that the building, equipment and artefacts are preserved; and (ii) plans his Department has to secure the future of the museum and reopen it to the public. Answer (29 April 2026): My Department continues to fulfil its statutory responsibility to maintain Carrickfergus Gasworks State Care Monument. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have responsibility for the gas appliances and artefacts; they remain in situ at the Gasworks. There are currently no plans to reopen the site to the public. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/479698/ 479698-answered Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail the availability of scalp cooling for patients in receipt of certain types of chemotherapy, in each Health and Social Care Trust. Answer (22 April 2026): Scalp cooling treatments are not currently commissioned within Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, and are not part of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended care pathway for managing hair loss during chemotherapy. The routine commissioning of this treatment can only be considered based on the long-term evidence of efficacy, available funding and the relative priority of this service in the context of other service development proposals and the overall financial position. My Department’s position can be reviewed if new or updated NICE recommendations… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/480781/ 480781-answered Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the work of the Housing for All Ministerial Panel - Housing Thematic Sub-Group. Answer (20 April 2026): The “Housing for All” Ministerial Panel Housing Thematic Sub-group is chaired by NIHE and acts as an advisory body to help guide the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The sub-group shares experience in delivery of shared communities and progress on good relations outcomes. The latest meeting took place on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, and included: Discussion of the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme for 2025/26, which incorporated six new developments across Northern Ireland. the importance of connectivity between new and existing shared housing schemes, as well as the… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/478685/ 478685-answered Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) how the professional photographs taken during the St Patrick’s Day programme in Washington D.C. will be distributed and used; and (ii) any assurances that they will not be made available for personal or party political purposes. Answer (16 April 2026): Photography is an essential part of government and ministerial communications. Photographs taken during a series of events to mark St Patrick’s Week in Washington D.C. were distributed via the department’s social media channels and to media via press releases. Once published, they are in the public domain. As with all ministerial engagements, photographs taken during the series of events in Washington D.C. are held by the department and may be used for future communication purposes. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/478684/ 478684-answered Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any public benefit derived from expenditure of almost £5,000 on professional photography during the St Patrick’s Day programme in Washington D.C. Answer (16 April 2026): We were able to secure professional, press-quality images capturing the wide range of events attended by the deputy First Minister. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/477825/ 477825-answered Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education, given that the feasibility review for the Carrickfergus Academy new build concluded in November 2025, to outline when the business case is expected to be complete. Answer (25 March 2026): 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. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/474868/ 474868-answered Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Finance To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on his engagement with hospitality businesses in relation to the methodology used to calculate their rates. Answer (16 March 2026): Mr O'Dowd (The Minister of Finance): With your permission, a LeasCheann Comhairle, : I will answer questions 1, 6 and 10 together. 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 am… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/473516/ 473516-answered Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the benefits of recycling for the local economy. Answer (9 March 2026): Mr Muir: 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 materials. Good-quality recyclate can be reprocessed locally, keeping economic value in Northern Ireland. The high level of waste… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/473499/ 473499-answered Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Speeding up Justice programme. Answer (9 March 2026): Mrs Long: 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 engagement; committal reform; remit of the Magistrates' Court; and digital. The early engagement and out-of-court disposals… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/466067/ 466067-answered Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail how dialysis patients, who wish to travel to the Republic of Ireland, arrange dialysis treatment. Answer (4 March 2026): 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 they have their dates and destinations planned. They will normally reach out to the team in the destination centre to discuss the… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/474140/ 474140-answered Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the relocation of Islandmagee Primary School on the Low Road, whether the part-time 20mph speed limit will be applied at the new school location. Answer (3 March 2026): 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 safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis and in recognition of this intervention I announced a third tranche of 40… https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/472456/ 472456-answered Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQO 2931/22-27, whether stronger arrangements used in local government, requiring members to leave the room where conflicts arise, have been considered. Answer (2 March 2026): The member is referred to the answer for AQW 41102/22-27. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/472455/ 472455-answered Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQO 2931/22-27, whether the Executive Office plans to review guidance on ministerial conflicts of interest, to strengthen public confidence. Answer (2 March 2026): Relevant guidance is kept under regular review as to its continuing effectiveness. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/472454/ 472454-answered Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 36484/22-27, to detail any organisations in East Antrim involved. Answer (2 March 2026): Pursuant to the answer provided for AQW 36484/22-27, organisations that have been involved in projects to address issues around racial and social cohesion in East Antrim are Larne YMCA and the Inter-Ethnic Forum. https://askedbystewart.nidata.fyi/questions/474302/ 474302-answered Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health when his Department will publish further details on the funding and implementation of hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose in type 1 diabetes. Answer (2 March 2026): 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 delivery will be phased over a 5-year period in response to the guidance, owing to the scale and scope of this recommendation. Work has…