Weekly Bulletin. What you need to know this week…

Ministers describe Trump tariffs as “deeply regrettable” and warn that NI must not become “collateral damage” 
This week, NI politicians reacted to Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariff announcement. UK exports to the US will face a tariff of 10%, while EU goods have been hit with a 20% tariff. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA described the tariffs as “deeply regrettable”, adding: “A trade war will only fuel inflation and risk recession.” During engagement with Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP and Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, she outlined five ‘asks’, which are that both governments keep Northern Ireland’s “unique circumstances” in mind during negotiations, “minimise convergence” between the UK and EU, establish a “properly resourced advice service” for businesses, “improve existing tradein itiatives” and to establish an “economic package” which protects Northern Ireland’s “international competitiveness”. BBC News NI reports that DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA both warned that NI must not become “collateral damage” in a trade war between the US and the EU. There are concerns that EU retaliatory tariffs on US imports could pose the greatest threat to the NI economy, particularly to the manufacturing sector. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland firms will be subject to EU tariffs. While there is a duty reimbursement scheme set up by the UK Government to repay NI firms, Manufacturing NI CEO Stephen Kelly told the Irish News the scheme is “too cumbersome” and requires “extreme” levels of administration.
What Next: Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA will meet with businesses and trade unions on Monday to “assess the unfolding situation, and the next steps.”

Executive unanimously agrees Budget for 2025-26
On Thursday (3 April), the Executive agreed its finalised Budget for 2025-26. Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA  announced that all Departments had received an increase from their 2024-25 allocations. Key uplifts in funding, in line with the priorities of the Programme for Government, include £215m to reducing health waiting times, £50m in the Early Years and Childcare Strategy, £15m for Special Educational Needs, £15m for skills for growing the economy. New capital investment agreed in the Budget aims to increase housing supply, with an additional £105.7m for waste water infrastructure and £100m for social housing. First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA welcomed the fact that all four parties in the Executive had signed up to the budget. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA of the UUP) had previouslyexpressed opposition to the draft Budget, but agreed to support the Budget following pledges of increased funding to tackle waiting lists. A spokesperson for the UUP told the Irish News “The Minister adopted a ‘yes but’ approach.”
What Next: Minister O’Dowd said that he intends the 2025-26 Budget to be the last single-year budget and hopes that in future the Executive will agree multi-year spending plans.

Irish language signage at Grand Central Station raised at Executive meeting
On Thursday, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA confirmed that she had raised issues with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins NLA’s decision to install Irish language signage at the new Grand Central Station in Belfast. Speaking at a press conference to announce the Executive’s Budget for 2025-26, Ms Little-Pengelly described Ms Kimmins’ handling of the situation as “utterly shambolic”. Ms Little-Pengelly said she “reaffirmed our clear view that this issue is controversial”, citing the legal responsibility of ministers to bring “all controversial, significant or cross-cutting matters” to the Executive Committee. She noted that she was still not satisfied with the answers provided by the Minister. Meanwhile, Ms Kimmins was at Grand Central Station on Thursday, showing the new facility to members of the British Irish Council. She said it was “unfortunate” that a row had arisen over “something that should be very positive”, and defended her decision, saying “I stand firm in my decision, we followed the process”.
What Next: On Tuesday (1 April), Translink confirmed that work to introduce the signage has been paused due to legal action taken by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson

Stakeholder Watch

First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA: “Today, the Executive is investing £215 million to cut health waiting lists and ensure people receive treatment when needed. No one should ever have to suffer the pain and uncertainty of waiting long periods for treatment. Despite ongoing cuts from the British government, we will continue to do everything we can to invest in our health service and ensure you and your loved ones get the care you need, when you need it”.

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP: “My point at PMQs still stands. Northern Ireland remains exposed to potential EU retaliation, and local businesses must not become collateral damage. The Government must take urgent steps to protect Northern Ireland’s interests and ensure our place in the UK internal market is fully safeguarded. The Prime Minister committed to act in our National interest”

Alliance Party: “The safety of our young people online and the protection of our democracy should be top of the UK Gov’s priority list. Using the slashing of digital services tax for US tech giants as a bargaining chip for tariff reductions remains reckless and irresponsible. @SorchaEastwood”

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP: “As the US ‘liberates’ itself from a strong economy & basic logic, this is a moment for doing the things in our control to protect people + jobs here. I raised the impact of Big Tech on politics & young people, and ensuring Trump’s ‘inner circle’ don’t get a free ride in all this”

UUP: “Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Chair, @RobbieButlerMLA, has raised concerns over ‘Dairy is Scary’ advert for misrepresenting the dairy industry. Read more.”

Northern Ireland Office: “This government is increasing the National Minimum and National Living Wage from today, putting more money into the pockets of 170,000 workers in Northern Ireland. Read more”.

Other stories

Economy Minister publishes Energy Strategy Action Plan 2025
On Monday (31 March), Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald MLA published the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2025. The document sets out the Executive’s key actions to be taken forward this year as part of their plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. The plan confirms that the Department for the Economy will publish design plans for a new Renewable Energy Support Scheme and for rolling out smart meters by Q2, and for future low carbon heat and energy efficiency support in residential buildings by Q3. The Department for Communities will bring the final Fuel Poverty Strategy for NI to the Executive for approval by year end, along with a consultation on a replacement for the Affordable Warmth Scheme. The Department for Infrastructure’s Regional Strategic Planning Policy is now expected in Q1 this year, having rolled over from last year’s actions. Minister Archibald is also expected to bring forward the initial stages of a draft bill on Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI), a key step in facilitating the development of offshore renewable energy projects in NI.

Assembly Public Accounts Committee says delays and overspends on major capital projects are ‘unacceptable’
The Assembly Public Accounts Committee have said they are “extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address ongoing delays and cost overruns” in the delivery of major capital projects in Northern Ireland. In a new report published on Thursday (3 April), a follow up to the Committee’s previous report on Major Capital Projects in 2020, the Committee found that current arrangements remain “not fit for purpose”, and questioned why their recommendations have not been implemented. Speaking to Business Eye, Committee Chair Daniel McCrossan MLA (SDLP, West Tyrone) said “we have heard a lot in evidence sessions about ongoing, planned actions and future aspirations – but little in the way of real progress and how these projects could be delivered more efficiently and effectively”.

Unions accept revised pay offer for teachers
On Friday (4 April), the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC), which represents the five teaching unions, announced that it had accepted a revised pay offer of 5.5% for 2024-25, after rejecting the previous two offers. BBC News NI reports that “an intervention” by Education Minister Paul Givan MLA on teachers’ workloads had been crucial to getting the deal agreed. The offer includes a 5.5% pay rise for teachers, backdated to 1 September 2024, and an independent review to cover “all aspects of workload”. The pay increase will cost £48.5m in 2024/25 with a recurring full year cost of £83 million. The Independent Review of workload will be taken forward by a three-member panel, comprising an independent chair appointed by the Minister, a member nominated by the unions and a member nominated by management. Minister Givan welcomed the news, and said that “new teachers are now being paid £7,513 more than the salary paid prior to the Executive returning last year”.

Economy Minister announces £600,000 funding to boost access to apprenticeships
On Thursday (3 April), Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA announced funding of up to £600,000 for projects to increase access to apprenticeships. The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund will provide funding for six projects to trial ways to remove barriers to apprenticeships for women, people from disadvantaged areas and people with disabilities. Funding of up to £100,000 over 18 months will go to six successful applicant organisations from across business, community and education sectors. Minister Archibald added that this investment will help to diversify the workforce, while “increasing supply of skills to employers”.

Minister Kimmins highlights pivotal role of planning at roundtable event
On Wednesday (2 April) Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA hosted a roundtable event called ‘Plan to Improve: Pathway to Progress’ in Belfast. Participants of the event included those from business, education, public sector, environment sector, legal sector and Councils, with the aim of encouraging “open and collaborative dialogue” on the planning system. Speaking at the event, Ms Kimmins said that Plan to Improve is one of seven Foundations for a Better future. She added that the planning agenda must have a “more focused and prioritised approach” and that the next phase of the Planning Improvement Programme will involve collaboration with professional and educational institutions to create apprenticeships and graduate schemes.

Funding for City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow flights continued
On Wednesday (2 April), Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced that funding had been secured to ensure the continuation of flights from City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow. The route is jointly funded by the Department for the Economy and Whitehall’s Department for Transport and provides “critical connectivity” from the North West region to London. The Departments allocated £4.626m for the next two financial years from 1 April 2025 to 31st March 2027. Minister Archibald welcomed the funding and its facilitation in connecting the region to Europe and the Rest of the World. The Economy Minister added that the airport acts as a “catalyst for the local and regional economy”.

Across the border

Taoiseach confirms that a ‘Housing Czar’ is to be appointed imminently
On Friday (4 April), Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD confirmed that a “housing czar” will be appointed by the end of April to oversee housing policy. Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, the Taoiseach confirmed that a strategic housing office within the Department of Housing will be established to address any “barriers or blockages” which are stopping developments. During the interview, he also said that a decision on rent pressure zones would be made “very shortly”, following a review on the issue. He also said that the National Planning Framework will be presented to the Cabinet in the next two to three weeks, which will allow the Government to “instruct local authorities to rezone” additional land for housing. Mr Martin also discussed the implementation of the Planning Act, which was passed late in the term of the previous Government. He said the Government was acting on key provisions, including the establishment of  An Coimisiún Pleanála, a national independent planning body, which is expected in the next two to three months.

Tánaiste assesses impact of Trump tariffs
On Wednesday evening (2 April), President Trump announced 20% tariffs on imports from the EU. The Irish Times reported that the announcement was “no worse than expected”, despite the exclusion of pharmaceutical imports from tariffs. However, Tánaiste and Trade Minsister Simon Harris TD has warned that based on his engagement with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, further tariffs on pharmaceutical goods could be introduced “within the next few weeks”. When asked about EU invoking retaliatory tariffs on digital services, the Tánaiste said such this was the “nuclear option”, adding “what we should be doing is looking to de-escalate”. The Tánaiste also confirmed that over twelve EU countries will participate in strategic engagement with the industry organised by the European Commission next Tuesday (8 April).

Some Opposition members stage Dáil walkout as new speaking arrangements begin
On Wednesday (2 April), Independent TD Carol Nolan asked the first leaders’ question for “other members”, following their controversial introduction as part of the recent controversy over Dáil speaking rights. The new rules allow Regional Independents and Government backbenchers to raise issues with the Taoiseach, similar to Leaders’ Questions. According to the Irish Times, as Deputy Nolan raised the question, Sinn Féin, Labour and Independent Ireland TDs left the chamber. The Social Democrats present at the time of sitting remained in the chamber. Many of those who walked out returned after the segment of leaders’ question for “other members” concluded. The Taoiseach, Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) nor Ms Nolan commented on the walkout. On Tuesday evening (1 April) Ceann Comhaile Verona Murphy TD survived a motion of no confidence by 96 votes to 71.

What we’re reading

Tariffs require “pragmatic solutions” – Stephen Farry
In Friday’s Irish News, former Alliance MP and co-director of Ulster University’s Strategic Policy Unit Professor Stephen Farry explains how Northern Ireland can navigate the fallout from Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and the global trade war that appears to be brewing. He writes that the UK and Ireland, in particular, have made “deep connections” with the US economy. For Northern Ireland, “the US link has been to the forefront for both the peace process and opening up new economic opportunities”. He notes that tariffs do not mean the end of trade with the US, and advises that governments should show “patience and reinforced resilience” as they wait to see how the trading situation may evolve in the short to medium-term. And dual market access, Farry continues, has contributed to Northern Ireland “becoming the fastest growing UK region” and it  “could become even more attractive” under the new tariffs. He cautions, however, that while “successive UK governments and the European Commission have displayed considerable pragmatism in seeking to accommodate the interests of Northern Ireland”, there is now a danger that NI becomes “an afterthought or collateral damage” in how they respond to the Trump administration. That is why “almost all local parties are asking for the interests of Northern Ireland to remain uppermost in the minds of the UK Government and European Commission”. He concludes that despite the ”major blow” of US tariffs, the region still has the opportunity to continue to build on the “underlying indigenous strengths” of its economy.

Forward Look

In the Assembly
Monday 7 April Plenary Session
Question Time: Education, Finance
Committee Business: Motion: Core Grant Scheme (Chairperson, Committee for Health)

Tuesday 8 April Plenary Session
Executive Committee Business: Final Stage: Child Support Enforcement Bill; Legislative Consent Motion: Employment Rights Bill; Motion: The draft Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
Question Time: Health
Committee Business: Motion: Impact of the 2024 Autumn Budget Statement (Chairperson, Committee for Finance, Chairperson, Committee for the Economy); Motion: Reports on the 2025-26 Draft Budget (Chairperson, Committee for Finance)
Adjournment Debate: Lack of respite provision in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (Michelle Guy MLA)

Wednesday 9 April Assembly Committees
Infrastructure: Bus Transport in Northern Ireland – Departmental briefing
Economy: Ministerial evidence session
Finance: NI Banking and Financial Services Landscape – Oral Briefings: Building Societies and Commercial Banks
Education: Surestart

Thursday 10 April Assembly Committees
Environment, Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Ministerial evidence session
Communities: Oral briefing from Housing Policy Panel
Justice: Justice Bill – Northern Ireland Youth Assembly oral evidence; Justice Bill – Police Service of Northern Ireland oral evidence
Health: Committee Inquiry: Access to Palliative Care Services – Foyle Hospice; RCN & RSPCNG
Public Accounts Committee: Inquiry into Reducing Adult Reoffending in Northern Ireland – Oral evidence from Extern and Niacro

Events and Conferences
Monday 7 April: NI Chamber In Camera with MPs, Waterman House, Belfast

Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 April: Health Tech Spring Conference 2025, Titanic Belfast

Tuesday 8 April: Northern Ireland Environment Forum 2025, Europa Hotel, Belfast

Wednesday 9 – Thursday 10 April: Conference on Parity of Esteem as a Constitutional Principle in Northern Ireland and Beyond, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)

Wednesday 30 April: Taking Control of our Energy Future via Mutualisation in Northern Ireland – Canada Room, QUB

Thursday 1 May: Belfast Chamber Business Awards Launch, Custom House, Belfast

Friday 16 May: Insider Made in Northern Ireland Awards 2025 Titanic Museum Belfast

Wednesday 4 June: Healthy Working Lives Conference 2025, Galgorm Resort, Ballymena

Friday 13 – Saturday 14 June: Scottish Conservatives Party Conference, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Friday 27 – Sunday 29 June: Welsh Labour Party Conference, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

June 2025: British Irish Council hosted by the NI Executive

Friday 5 September: NI Chamber Festival of Business 2025, St. George’s Market, Belfast

Thursday 19 September: Centre for Cross Border Cooperation Annual Conference, Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk

Friday 19 – Saturday 20 September: DUP Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

Saturday 20 – Tuesday 23 September: Liberal Democrats Party Conference, Bournemouth International Centre

Sunday 28 September – Wednesday 1 October: Labour Party Conference, ACC Liverpool

Friday 3 – Saturday 4 October: SDLP Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 October: Green Party Conference, Bournemouth International Centre

Sunday 5 – Wednesday 8 October: Conservative Party Conference, Manchester Central Convention Complex

Thursday 9 – Friday 10 October: NIFHA Annual Conference, City Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

Friday 7 November: NI Social Enterprise Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

Thursday 11 December: NIFHA Housing Finance Conference, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Templepatrick