Asked by: Robert Halfon (Conservative - Harlow)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to increase the number of apprentices in the Northern Ireland Office.
Answered by Conor Burns
I am pleased to say that my Department is meeting the target of having 2.3% of new starts as apprentices this financial year. One is working in my Private Office and the other in our Communications team; both roles offer excellent opportunities to work at the heart of the department, developing a range of skills.
Asked by: Robert Halfon (Conservative - Harlow)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
What discussions he has had with (a) the Northern Ireland Executive and (b) Cabinet colleagues on increasing the number of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Robin Walker
We want Northern Ireland not only to recover, but to prosper, and - to do that - Northern Ireland needs a skilled and productive workforce. This Government recognises, and I know my hon Friend is a champion of the huge benefit of, apprenticeships in helping young people into employment and employers to invest in skills. I have been struck on my visits to Northern Ireland businesses how many already value apprenticeships as a means to recruit and foster new talent.
Apprenticeships are devolved in Northern Ireland and I welcome the steps that the Executive have taken through the Apprenticeship Recovery Package to help the apprenticeship system respond to the impact of the pandemic. I look forward to seeing how they will build on this as they work to maximise the potential of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Robert Halfon (Conservative - Harlow)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much funding he has allocated to civil society and campaigning bodies in each of the last three years.
Answered by Robin Walker
My Department is committed to supporting positive initiatives through the involvement of civil society in Northern Ireland and the funding of a small number of public bodies that work with a wide range of cross-community organisations. Details of the Department's expenditure is published in the Northern Ireland Office's annual report and accounts.
Asked by: Robert Halfon (Conservative - Harlow)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
If she will hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the abolition of hospital car parking charges in Northern Ireland.
Answered by John Penrose
The matter of hospital car parking is devolved in Northern Ireland and it would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to intervene.
In the absence of devolved government it remains for NI Permanent Secretaries to take the decisions they believe necessary in line with the guidance the Secretary of State set out last November, to keep the country running.