Menu
19/11/2002
Murphy reveals legislative priorities for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said that priority will be given to children's issues, infrastructure investment and the environment in the government's coming legislative programme.
Mr Murphy told members of the East Belfast Rotary Club today that the work of the executive prior to suspension would "not be wasted". He said that the 22 Bills which were still in train when suspension was called on October 14 had "the potential to affect - for the better - the day-to-day lives of every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland across a very wide spectrum of issues".
He continued: "This good work cannot be allowed to be wasted. If the devolved institutions are not restored in the interim, I and my Ministerial colleagues will do our utmost to deliver the bulk of this programme at Westminster in a timeframe as close as possible to that envisaged by the Assembly.
"One of our highest priorities will be the legislation to establish a Commissioner for Children and Young People. I know that the establishment of a 'champion for children' was at the heart of the Assembly's legislative programme and aims to ensure that Northern Ireland is at the leading edge of international best practice".
Mr Murphy also noted that the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill was "important legislation" which will provide crucial mechanisms to safeguard some of the most vulnerable in our society.
On other legislation, the Secretary of State said that the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, which is designed to address the substantial deficiencies in infrastructure, would see an immediate cash injection of £200 million. The bill also held the prospect, said Mr Murphy, of further low-cost borrowings which could accelerate the pace of infrastructure investment here.
Other planned legislation includes the Housing Order, Planning (Amendment) Order, a composite Environment Order and Marriage Order. However, Mr Murphy added: "I freely acknowledge that the Order in Council process at Westminster is not as satisfactory as scrutiny of legislation in the Assembly.
"It is, however, a regrettable necessity and highlights once again the importance of restoring the devolved institutions."
(GMcG)
Mr Murphy told members of the East Belfast Rotary Club today that the work of the executive prior to suspension would "not be wasted". He said that the 22 Bills which were still in train when suspension was called on October 14 had "the potential to affect - for the better - the day-to-day lives of every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland across a very wide spectrum of issues".
He continued: "This good work cannot be allowed to be wasted. If the devolved institutions are not restored in the interim, I and my Ministerial colleagues will do our utmost to deliver the bulk of this programme at Westminster in a timeframe as close as possible to that envisaged by the Assembly.
"One of our highest priorities will be the legislation to establish a Commissioner for Children and Young People. I know that the establishment of a 'champion for children' was at the heart of the Assembly's legislative programme and aims to ensure that Northern Ireland is at the leading edge of international best practice".
Mr Murphy also noted that the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill was "important legislation" which will provide crucial mechanisms to safeguard some of the most vulnerable in our society.
On other legislation, the Secretary of State said that the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, which is designed to address the substantial deficiencies in infrastructure, would see an immediate cash injection of £200 million. The bill also held the prospect, said Mr Murphy, of further low-cost borrowings which could accelerate the pace of infrastructure investment here.
Other planned legislation includes the Housing Order, Planning (Amendment) Order, a composite Environment Order and Marriage Order. However, Mr Murphy added: "I freely acknowledge that the Order in Council process at Westminster is not as satisfactory as scrutiny of legislation in the Assembly.
"It is, however, a regrettable necessity and highlights once again the importance of restoring the devolved institutions."
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 October 2014
Unionists Accused Of Holding All-Party Talks To Ransom
Sinn Féin has accused Unionists of holding all party talks to ransom over an Orange Order parade in north Belfast. MP Conor Murphy said to date there is no agenda, no timetable, no programme of work or no structure for chairing. Mr Murphy said: "We told the two governments that we are concerned that we don't have a credible talks process.
Unionists Accused Of Holding All-Party Talks To Ransom
Sinn Féin has accused Unionists of holding all party talks to ransom over an Orange Order parade in north Belfast. MP Conor Murphy said to date there is no agenda, no timetable, no programme of work or no structure for chairing. Mr Murphy said: "We told the two governments that we are concerned that we don't have a credible talks process.
28 June 2024
Remarkable Marketing Award Winners Revealed At Industry Event
The inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards recognised 20 experts across the industry recently at a glittering awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel. Sponsored by Card Group Research, the awards were created by the team behind the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference.
Remarkable Marketing Award Winners Revealed At Industry Event
The inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards recognised 20 experts across the industry recently at a glittering awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel. Sponsored by Card Group Research, the awards were created by the team behind the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference.
01 July 2024
Connswater McDonald's Restaurant Reopens After Refurbishment
The McDonald’s restaurant in Connswater, East Belfast, has reopened after undergoing a £1 million refurbishment. The substantial investment in the newly renovated restaurant is expected to create over 20 additional jobs in the coming months, increasing the total number of employees at the Connswater location to 180.
Connswater McDonald's Restaurant Reopens After Refurbishment
The McDonald’s restaurant in Connswater, East Belfast, has reopened after undergoing a £1 million refurbishment. The substantial investment in the newly renovated restaurant is expected to create over 20 additional jobs in the coming months, increasing the total number of employees at the Connswater location to 180.
04 February 2004
Health Minister launches Protection of Children legislation
Health Minister, Angela Smith announced that child protection legislation under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order (2003), has been brought forward by the Department. The legislation aims to offer greater protection to children and vulnerable adults by placing specific requirements on certain organisations which work with them.
Health Minister launches Protection of Children legislation
Health Minister, Angela Smith announced that child protection legislation under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order (2003), has been brought forward by the Department. The legislation aims to offer greater protection to children and vulnerable adults by placing specific requirements on certain organisations which work with them.
05 November 2024
Economy Minister Seeks Clarity On Go Succeed Initiative
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is seeking clarity on the continued support of the Go Succeed service. Go Succeed is the council led business start-up service for the north of Ireland and is majority funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Economy Minister Seeks Clarity On Go Succeed Initiative
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is seeking clarity on the continued support of the Go Succeed service. Go Succeed is the council led business start-up service for the north of Ireland and is majority funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
