Weekly Bulletin 14/06/2025

Record settlement for Executive announced in Spending Review
On Wednesday (11 June), Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP announced the Spending Review 2025, which sets Departmental budgets until for day‑to‑day spending until 2028‑29, and for capital investment until 2029‑30. Northern Ireland received a £19.3 billion settlement, the largest since devolution began. Key funding commitments include an additional £137 million over three years to support tackling paramilitarism and organised crime and PSNI’s Additional Security Fund, £185 million over three years for public services transformation, and £50 million over four years to support the redevelopment of Casement Park. GAA President Jarlath Burns welcomed the “generous contribution” from the UK Government, but there was “much more work to do” to address the remaining £90m funding gap. Finance Minister John O’Dowd said the Spending Review “hasn’t provided the economic stimulus it could have” and warned that “significant challenges remain for our public services.” However, he said it would allow him to bring forward a multi-year Budget, “to create the conditions and circumstances for transformation”.
What Next: Alongside the Spending Review, the UK Government and NI Executive have agreed to immediately begin negotiations on a full NI Executive Fiscal Framework. These will include discussions on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s borrowing powers and the Holtham Review of NI’s relative level of need, which was also published on Wednesday.

NI Fiscal Council warns Executive it may need to bring in water charges
The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council has warned the NI Executive that it will need to raise money from water charges or other sources if it hopes to improve the performance of NI Water. The body said that reforming the structure of NI Water alone will not make a sufficient difference, as the fundamental constraint is a budgetary one. NI Water currently receives a government subsidy which diverts more than £300 million from the Executive budget annually, but chair of the NI Fiscal Council, Sir Robert Chote, told the Financial Times “the trajectory is unsustainable without some more revenue from somewhere.” NI Water estimates it would take 18 years of above average real-terms investment to deal with its infrastructure backlog. Ronan Larkin, NI Water finance director, told the FT the utility was “not advocating for charges — we are agnostic”. Both Sinn Féin and the DUP are opposed to water charges and are instead seeking alternative funding measures.
What Next: The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is currently holding a consultation which could lead to house builders in NI contributing to a wastewater infrastructure fund. Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins said developer payments will not fix all of the problems facing NI Water, but that they would be a “step forward”. The consultation closes on 27 June 2025.

Stakeholder Watch

First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA: “We have secured an additional £600m to invest in health, education, public services, and infrastructure. From day one, I made a commitment to you all that we would have your back every step of the way. We stood strong in our engagements with the British government and delivered more for public services”.

Department for the Economy: “Minister @CArchibald_SF today attended @rspbni’s ‘Embedding Nature’s Recovery in Offshore Development’ event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “It’s a pleasure to be among so many who are committed to protecting our natural environment, while advancing our renewable energy ambitions. The transition to a decarbonised energy system represents a huge economic opportunity for the north and we must work collaboratively to develop the offshore renewable sector, whilst also protecting local marine biodiversity and our coastal communities.” [see full post here]

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA: “With one of the youngest residents of the area in Ballymena, a wee 4 week year old baby girl. I appeal to ALL to listen to the local residents, the community and representatives – they are sending a message – stay away, stay inside and stop the violence. It isn’t wanted. Stop it now.”

Alliance Party: “Those who say they want to protect women and girls are actually perpetuating fear among the community. Those carrying out violence are endangering lives and they need to stop, says @sianalliance”.

David Honeyford MLA (Alliance, Lagan Valley): ” Delighted today to attend the CBI / Ibec Joint Business Council All-Island Annual Conference focusing on “Protecting all-island business in a challenging global environment” @CBI_NI @allianceparty”.

SDLP: “Today [10 June], Sinn Féin, the DUP and the UUP voted against action to save Lough Neagh. They stood on its shore and saw ecological collapse. But still, some would rather side with denial than take action. This is about listening to science and saving our lough before it’s too late”.

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt MLA: “Attacking community facilities after burning people out of their homes? It took time to rid football of hooliganism – the racist thugs responsible for this week’s violence should take note. Time is not on their side. Solidarity with those under attack”

Jim Allister MP (TUV, North Antrim): “Raising the unrest in Ballymena & the issues caused by undocumented immigrants in the Commons #JimAllister #TUV” [see video]

Gerry Carroll MLA (PBP, West Belfast): “In recent months, far right forces have wreaked havoc on our streets, engaging in vile, racist pogroms. We won’t allow migrants and asylum seekers to be scapegoated for years of political failure. Come to the @uarbelfast rally at City Hall [Saturday] at 12pm.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP: “The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people’s homes or property”.

Other stories

Executive hosts British-Irish Council meeting
On Friday (13 June), the Executive hosted the 43rd British-Irish Council Summit in Newcastle, County Down. The theme of the meeting was “’The role of AI in Reform and Transformation”. Ahead of the meeting, the First Minister, deputy First Minister, and Northern Ireland Office Minister attended a meeting of the East-West Council. The NIO announced a new initiative, the Connect Fund, which will provide £1m to community and voluntary organisations with objectives such as strengthening East-West connections, developing cultural, sporting and community links, building leadership capability and facilitating constructive dialogue. The Council were also briefed by the new Intertrade UK body. NI Secretary Hilary Benn MP also met Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris TD. According to RTÉ News, they held substantial discussions on legacy issues.

Anti-Poverty Strategy “not fit for purpose”, says charity
Trása Canavan of Barnardo’s NI and chair of the Anti-Poverty Strategy Group has described the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy as “not fit for purpose”, BBC News NI reports. Ms Canavan said she has “serious concerns” the strategy “will not make any difference” to people living in poverty. She said the document lacks “new actions and clear funding commitments”. Mark H Durkan MLA (SDLP, Foyle) said the executive should be “embarrassed to present a document that reads more like a list of vague hopes than a plan of action”. A spokesperson for the Department of Communities said: “The draft Strategy reflects the Executive’s priorities in the context of the ongoing fiscal and other challenges we face.” Answering questions in the Assembly on Monday (9 June), Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said he will publish the draft strategy next week.

Winter Fuel Payments reinstated in Northern Ireland
Following the UK Government’s decision to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment to more than three-quarters of pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed to the Assembly that he plans to reinstate the payment in Northern Ireland and necessary legislation to enable the payments will be in place by the end of July. Those with an income of £35,000 or less will be entitled to £200 annual payment, or £300 for those over 80. All parties welcomed the restoration of the payment. 

 MLAs vote in favour of motion opposing Nutrients Action Programme
On Tuesday (10 June), MLAs voted in favour of the motion ‘Opposing Plans for the Nutrients Action Programme 2026-2029’, put forward by the DUP. The motion calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, to “immediately withdraw” the current public consultation on the NAP to “provide time and space to develop a genuinely multi-sectoral and multi-agency approach”. DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA said the NAP proposals are “dangerously disconnected from the on-the-ground reality”. Responding to the motion, Minister Muir said those calling for him to “scrap the NAP” are “consciously consigning Lough Neagh to becoming a dead lake”. He said he will move forward with the consultation, which closes on 24 July. The SDLP opposed the motion, with Matthew O’Toole MLA saying Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP are “abandoning their commitment to save Lough Neagh”. The motion was carried by 52 votes in favour, with 23 against. 

NI Secretary announces chair of the Patrick Finucane inquiry
On Friday (13 June) the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, announced the appointment of The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry. Baroness Nuala O’Loan and Francesca Del Mese have also been appointed as Assessors to the inquiry. Mr Benn said: “I am confident that this Inquiry will provide answers to the family who have suffered so terribly”. The news was welcomed by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Ms McDonald said: “The British Government must now allow the inquiry team to get on with its work — independently, transparently, properly resourced and without political interference.” DUP leader Gavin Robinson criticised what he called the Secretary’s “hapless” approach to legacy, adding: “Not for the first time, he advances a one-sided, partisan approach to the politics of Northern Ireland.”

Official apologises for delay that prevented Assembly scrutiny of Westminster law
On Tuesday (10 June), the permanent secretary at the Department of Finance, Neil Gibson, said he took “full responsibility” for a delay that has prevented Assembly members from scrutinising Westminster legislation before it becomes law. The Data Use and Access Bill, which modernises laws around the sharing of data, will be passed without the legislative consent of MLAs, who will instead “note” the bill when it comes before the chamber. According to BBC News, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly have already given their consent for the legislation. Speaking to the Finance Committee, Mr Gibson explained that officials had waited two months for an assessment from the UK Government on how the legislation could impact the Windsor Framework. However, he apologised for not informing the committee of the delay. Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA described the delay as “unacceptable”.

Consultation launched on Northern Ireland Climate Adaptation Programme
Today (9 June), Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA launched a public consultation on NICCAP3, the Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme. The document sets out over 250 actions from government departments, councils, academia, NGOs, businesses and civil society which aim to protect the environment, economy and communities from the worst impacts of climate change. Minister Muir said “effective adaptation action to improve our resilience is required”, citing record temperatures, wildfires and severe flooding in recent years. Ciarán Fox, Director of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects and Chair of Climate NI welcomed the inclusion of actions from outside departments and the co-design process used to develop the draft Programme. The consultation will close on 4 August 2025. 

Ministers reaffirm commitment to €350 million north-south interconnector
 Irish Government Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD and Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald MLA have this week reaffirmed their commitment to the multi-million pound north-south interconnector project linking the north and Republic’s electricity networks. Speaking at the Energy Ireland Conference in Croke Park, Mr O’Brien said it would give “significant benefits” for “consumers and businesses across the island” the Irish News reports. “There is a clear and shared desire to advance this project due to the significant benefits it will deliver for consumers and businesses across the island in terms of electricity costs and energy security,” he said. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the delivery of a decarbonised energy system is a “cornerstone of her four economic priorities”.

New AI and Digital office will “drive innovation and transform services”, say FM and dFM
On Thursday (12 June), both the First Minister and deputy First Minister attended the launch of the Office of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital at the AI Collaboration Centre, a joint initiative between Queen’s University and Ulster University. Speaking at the event, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA said it is important to “harness the potential of the technology, particularly when it comes to transforming public services”. The First Minister added that the creation of this office will place Northern Ireland “at the forefront of AI innovation as part of an economy that works for everyone”. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA said that “Northern Ireland has the talent and the potential to be a world leader in responsible AI” and that the new office will play a “transformation role in public sector delivery”.

DAERA Minister completes engagement in Brussels following EU-UK reset
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA has completed a two-day programme of engagements in Brussels, meeting with politicians, officials and farming representatives. These engagements included discussions on the role of DAERA in supporting the outcomes of the EU-UK Summit, as well as the implementation of the Windsor Framework. Reflecting on his visit, Minister Muir said the recent EU-UK summit and deal, including the Sanitary and Phytosanitary regulations, have been “warmly welcomed” by stakeholders in Northern Ireland and that these were also welcomed by many in Brussels.

£10 million Derry regeneration funding approved by Communities Minister
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA approved a £10 million fund yesterday to regenerate Derry~Londonderry’s historic city centre, according to BBC News. Delivered by Derry’s Inner City Trust, the North West Regeneration Fund will provide government loans for the regeneration of buildings within the city’s walls, and has a specific focus on projects that the private sector does not see as commercially viable. Chair of the Trust, Archdeacon Robert Miller, said the funding will be “transformative” and added: “This investment will breathe new life into the heart of Derry, strengthening our heritage, supporting our economy, and ensuring our built environment serves the needs of future generations”. Minister Lyons said he hopes the funding will make a “significant contribution” to regeneration, and noted that it is an “exciting time for the city” with current key projects including the expansion of the university, public realm works, the City Deal and redevelopment of the Fort George site. 

New CEO appointed to Tourism NI
Laura McCorry MBE has been appointed as new CEO of Tourism NI. Ms McCorry will take over the role in September, with current CEO John McGrillen stepping down following the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. Ms McCorry said: “Tourism NI is a fantastic organisation with a passionate team and I’m excited to work together to grow the tourism economy in a way that benefits communities, businesses and visitors alike.”

Across the border

Rental Pressure Zones extended to entire state as part of major rent reforms
The Government have announced a series of major rent reforms, including capping rent increases at 2% (or inflation, whichever is lower) annually for existing tenancies across the entire country. Landlords will not be allowed to increase rent if they issue tenants with an eviction notice. However, if a tenant leaves voluntarily, landlords will be allowed to bring rent up to the market rate. Apartments which come to the market from 1 March next year will not have to adhere to the 2% cap, but will not be allowed to increase rent above inflation. According to RTÉ News, industry figures are suggesting that any landlord with a property ready for rent will now hold back to rent until that date. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said the measures create “stronger protections and greater certainty for renters” while also serving to “boost supply of new homes and retaining existing landlords in the market”. Opposition parties have criticised the plans, in particular highlighting the impact on students in the private rental sector. Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday (11 June), Leader of the Opposition Mary Lou McDonald MLA said “students and their families will be ripped off even more every year”. The job of responsible Government is to ensure a cut in rents and to ban rent increases,” she added.

Public consultation launched on Ireland’s first maritime security strategy
On Thursday (12 June), Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, launched a public consultation on Ireland’s first ever National Maritime Security Strategy. The Strategy aims to map out Ireland’s approach to maritime security over the next five years, with a focus on “dealing with emerging threats” and “protecting our subsea infrastructure”. According to RTÉ News, Ireland’s maritime area is seven times greater than its landmass. 90% of the country’s trade is transported by sea, and over 95% of international data and voice transfers are routed through undersea fibre optic cables. Mr Harris said the strategy is “a critical opportunity to shape Ireland’s approach to safeguarding our waters”. Mr Harris also said the Government is looking at a new national security plan for Ireland more broadly. 

Calls for transparency around cross-border project funds
The Parliamentary Budget Office has published a paper on the Shared Island Initiative. It says there “significant scope to enhance transparency” and that there is currently a “disjointed approach to reporting” how funds from the €2 billion initiative are spent. It states that more than €550 million has been committed to date but the Budget Office stated that it was unclear how much of this funding has been allocated at this point. A Government spokesperson told RTÉ News that all allocations from the Shared Island Fund are reported on in Dáil statements, parliamentary question replies and in the Initiative’s annual reports. However, they said the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Public Expenditure and NDP Delivery and Reform will consider the report’s recommendations.

What we’re reading

Newton Emerson: Grand Stormont strategies are an epic waste of time
In Thursday’s Irish News, Newton Emerson writes that the Executive’s long-awaited anti-poverty strategy has proved to be “waffle”. While the document has yet to be published, the SDLP’s communities spokesperson Mark H Durkan said a leaked copy “reads more like a list of vague hopes than a plan of action”. Emerson says major policy strategies like this draw politicians and civil society “into an epic waste of time”. While mandatory power-sharing requires that the Executive sets out its “vision”, this results in its strategies being “the lowest common denominator of what all its parties can agree”. Emerson argues that the anti-poverty strategy takes this “to an absurd level”. Poverty, he says, is a “vast” cross cutting issue. A “coherent approach” to addressing it requires “an ideological perspective”. Without this “you will have little to say beyond ‘poverty is bad and there should be less of it’, which is pretty much all Stormont’s strategy reportedly does say across its 28 pages”. Emerson notes that while all parties at Stormont have “clumped” around a left-leaning position on poverty-related issues, it is “an oddly conservative position, resisting even minor change to the current welfare state while offering no other ideas”. He cites Stormont’s decision to mitigate against cuts to the winter fuel allowance by “reserving money from its budget to give to better-off pensioners, the wealthiest group in society”. And the 2015 mitigation measures to universal credit that “were meant to be transitional”, but “have become permanent … effectively freezing our welfare system at an arbitrary point”. He says, “there is no prospect” of the Executive “tackling poverty by reducing welfare” nor any sign of it “pursuing a more generous benefits system”, despite having devolved welfare powers. “Nobody at Stormont”, he continues, “wants to talk seriously about any of this, let alone commit to it in a strategy”. This is in part, due to civil society groups campaigning for broad definitions of poverty rather than “focusing on specifics”. Emerson concludes therefore that while “vague strategies may be unavoidable under power-sharing, there is a particular role for civic society to keep a handful of realistic, practical ideas on Stormont’s agenda”.

Forward Look

Monday 16 June
The Assembly will vote on the final stage of the Budget Bill, environmental protection regulations, social security up-ratings, and a Legislative Consent Motion on the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. The Education Minister will answer questions in the chamber. View the full order paper here. 

Tuesday 10 May
The Opposition have tabled motions on Housing and the Programme for Government, Valuing the Arts, A Moratorium on Mineral Licensing, and Justice and the Rule of Law. The Minister for Health will answer questions in the chamber. View the full order paper here

Wednesday 11 June
The Assembly Committees for Infrastructure, Economy, Finance, Education, and The Executive Office will meet – View committee agendas here.  

Thursday 12 June
The Assembly Committees for Agriculture, Health,  Environment and Rural Affairs, Communities, and the Public Accounts Committee will meet – View committee agendas here.  

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

Monday 30 June
Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel to submit its report to the NI Secretary – Read more here.

Tuesday 1 July – Thursday 2 July
ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference, Waterfront Hall, Belfast – Read more here.

Saturday 5 July
NI Assembly summer recess begins

Tuesday 22 July
UK Parliament summer recess
Publication of the Murphy Review of Windsor Framework

Sunday 31 August
NI Assembly returns from summer recess

Friday 5 September
NI Chamber Festival of Business – St. George’s Market, Belfast – Read more here.

Friday 19 September
Centre for Cross Border Cooperation Annual Conference – Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk – Read more here.

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

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

Wednesday 24 September 
NI Energy Summit, ICC Belfast – Read more here.

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

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

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 October
Green Party of England and Wales Conference – Bournemouth International Centre

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

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November
NI Assembly Halloween recess

Saturday 13 December
NI Assembly Christmas recess