To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 3079/22-27, what factors contributed to his assessment that a statutory right to time off work for people undergoing fertility treatment is not a priority at this time.

Many factors, including financial; legal; resource; and time inform the prioritisation of policy making and implementation. In the present case, my Department is under a statutory obligation to introduce regulations which will deliver a statutory right to miscarriage leave and pay and domestic abuse safe leave.

In the case of miscarriage leave and pay, regulations must be introduced by my Department no later than 6 April 2026. I gave a commitment during the last Assembly mandate I would endeavour to do so by April 2024. I remain committed to achieving this target.

The Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI) 2022 commenced life as a private members Bill. Much of the policy development work which would otherwise have been undertaken by a departmentally sponsored bill before it undergoes the legislative process and receives Royal Assent now needs to be undertaken.

In both instances, stakeholder engagement and formal consultation will be required. It is for these reasons that I have asked officials to prioritise these important pieces of work at this time.