Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with Harland and Wolff on their refinancing plans; and what is the current status of their Export Development Guarantee application.
Answered by Lord Offord of Garvel - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
I am unable to comment on ongoing transactions for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to publish directions made under the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024.
Answered by Lord Caine - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Government decisions, including those exercised under the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations, are subject to scrutiny by Parliament. The Government does not routinely publish details of the engagement with officials working under its direction, whether under the terms of those regulations or otherwise.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to allow Multi Role Support Ships to be assembled outside the UK.
Answered by Earl of Minto - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Multi-role Support Ships Programme has entered its concept phase. The Royal Navy and Defence Equipment and Support, will now conduct detailed work on the design and procurement strategy, informed by industry engagement. As announced by the Secretary of State, it is intended that these ships will be built in the UK.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the method for calculating financial support for the Northern Ireland Executive; and what consideration they have given to making changes to ensure equitable distribution of UK resources.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
In the 2024 Northern Ireland Executive restoration financial package worth over £3.3 billion, the UK Government has committed to implement a 24% needs-based factor into the Barnett formula for the Northern Ireland Executive from 2024-25 onwards. The UK Government has no plans to replace the Barnett Formula. It is simple, efficient and provides a clear and certain outcome, which is why it has stood the test of time.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the provision of finance to the three devolved administrations; and whether such provision is adequate to meet demand for public services in each area.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The devolved administrations are well-funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Northern Ireland Executive has requested more financial assistance for its budget for 2024–2025 to meet the growing demand for health services and pay settlements in in the health sector in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) has responsibility for allocating its budget for 2024-25.
The NIE are well-funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities. As part of the 2024 Northern Ireland Executive restoration financial package, the UK Government committed to provide over £640 million of funding to the NIE in 2024-25. This includes £34 million to tackle health waiting lists in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government also committed to agree a Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland as part of the Northern Ireland Executive’s restoration financial package.
On 21 May 2024, the Interim Fiscal Framework was agreed. This is an early and significant step in realising the commitment towards new funding arrangements for Northern Ireland. Included in this Interim Fiscal Framework is the application of the 24% needs-based factor in the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Northern Ireland Executive has requested additional financial assistance for their budget for 2024–2025; and if so, by how much, and for what purpose.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) has responsibility for allocating its budget for 2024-25.
The NIE are well-funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities. As part of the 2024 Northern Ireland Executive restoration financial package, the UK Government committed to provide over £640 million of funding to the NIE in 2024-25. This includes £34 million to tackle health waiting lists in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government also committed to agree a Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland as part of the Northern Ireland Executive’s restoration financial package.
On 21 May 2024, the Interim Fiscal Framework was agreed. This is an early and significant step in realising the commitment towards new funding arrangements for Northern Ireland. Included in this Interim Fiscal Framework is the application of the 24% needs-based factor in the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive pertaining to the budget for 2024–2025; and what was the outcome of those discussions.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) has responsibility for allocating its budget for 2024-25.
The NIE are well-funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities. As part of the 2024 Northern Ireland Executive restoration financial package, the UK Government committed to provide over £640 million of funding to the NIE in 2024-25. This includes £34 million to tackle health waiting lists in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government also committed to agree a Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland as part of the Northern Ireland Executive’s restoration financial package.
On 21 May 2024, the Interim Fiscal Framework was agreed. This is an early and significant step in realising the commitment towards new funding arrangements for Northern Ireland. Included in this Interim Fiscal Framework is the application of the 24% needs-based factor in the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will consult the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive before they begin the review of the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government regularly consults the Northern Ireland Executive on implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. On 6 March, the Minister for Europe chaired the fifth meeting of the Interministerial Group on UK-EU Relations and the first since the restoration of the Stormont Executive. Discussions focused on UK government and devolved administrations' priorities ahead of the upcoming Partnership Council.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the upcoming review of the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement will involve an appraisal of the outworking of the Windsor Framework, and possible amendments to the Framework.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Article 776 of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) requires the UK and EU to jointly review the implementation of the TCA and supplementing agreements and any matters related thereto five years after the entry into force and every five years thereafter. This article does not apply to the Windsor Framework which forms part of the Withdrawal Agreement - a separate international treaty.