https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/ An independent tracker of the questions asked by John Blair, Alliance Party MLA for South Antrim, in the Northern Ireland Assembly – with answers, search, filters and downloads. en-gb Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:46:43 GMT https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/504419/ 504419-tabled Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any consideration her Department has given to the Competition and Markets Authority's recommendations on strengthening oversight of the home heating oil market. Awaiting answer; due by 2 November 2026. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/500574/ 500574-answered Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Sixmilewater River feasibility study, including whether it will be completed in the 2022-27 Assembly mandate. Answer (13 October 2026): The feasibility study into the Antrim Significant Flood Risk Area, which includes the lower reaches of the Sixmilewater River, remains ongoing. Work is continuing to explore every reasonable opportunity to identify a viable flood alleviation scheme for Antrim, including further hydraulic modelling, engineering assessment and the consideration of combinations of flood alleviation measures. The feasibility study is expected to be completed early in 2027, within the current Assembly mandate. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/501211/ 501211-answered Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether any assessment has been made of the importance of One Health Day, held annually on 3 November, in promoting collaboration across human, animal and environmental health. Answer (12 October 2026): My Department is committed to promoting and actively engaging in One Health collaboration across the across human, animal and environmental sectors. The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) are established members of an Irish Government initiative (the All-Island One Health Commission), a round table strategic level group of One Heath partners, from environment, animal health interests based in the Republic Of Ireland. My officials engage routinely across the UK Four Nation One Health interest areas spanning Climate, Environment, Disease Surveillance, Zoonosis… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/500571/ 500571-answered Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions being taken to make the provision of education for special educational needs children (i) fit for purpose; and (ii) more accessible. Answer (12 October 2026): My Department and the Education Authority (EA) are implementing a programme of Special Educational Needs (SEN) reform which aims to improve outcomes for children and young people and to make provision more sustainable, inclusive and responsive. The EA has advised that fit for purpose actions include implementation of the SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan 2025–2030; the Graduated Response Framework to support earlier identification, assessment, planning and review of need; the development of Local IMPACT Teams and multidisciplinary support; reform and digitisation of statutory assessment… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/502540/ 502540-answered Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for an update on the commencement of Part III of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997; and (ii) to detail any anticipated costs associated with this commencement. Answer (9 October 2026): I can confirm that I am committed to addressing concerns around contaminated land. In April 2026 DAERA published a Summary Report produced by external consultants following an exercise commissioned on Identification of Land in Northern Ireland Potentially Contaminated with Mercury. The initial report was conducted by means of a desk-based review using the NIEA Historical Land Use Database and the DOE industry Profiles with no site visits of field work undertaken. That detail has been uploaded to DAERA Open Data to provide increased awareness. However, it is also important to be responsible… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/500573/ 500573-answered Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the reopening of the Knockmore railway line. Answer (8 October 2026): My Department is working in close partnership with Translink to advance plans for the reopening of the Antrim to Knockmore railway line, a project with the potential to deliver significant benefits for communities, businesses and the wider economy. The first phase of development work, together with the key findings of the study, was published in December 2025 through the Shaping the Future document. https://www.translink.co.uk/about-translink/media/pressreleases/shaping-the-future To maintain momentum, I allocated £1 million in the 2025/26 financial year and as a result of the additional… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497212/ 497212-answered Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to ensure that GP practices are provided with clear and consistent information on referral pathways and advice for patients seeking an ADHD assessment. Answer (7 October 2026): My Department is aware of the challenges associated with ADHD service provision across Northern Ireland, including variations in access and pathways between Health and Social Care Trusts. There is currently no commissioned service for ADHD in Northern Ireland. In response, my Department commissioned the ADHD Needs Assessment Report and is using these findings to inform future service planning and to identify measures that can be implemented in the short to medium term to reduce unmet need for ADHD Services. My Department recognises that there is no currently commissioned regional ADHD… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497932/ 497932-answered Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any funding allocated by his Department to each local council, in the last five years. Answer (30 September 2026): The following table sets out the total funding allocated by my Department to each local council over the last five years. Figures may be subject to rounding. Council Area 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Antrim & Newtownabbey District Council 160 243 5 12 2,468 Ards and North Down Borough Council 298 475 396 230 494 Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council 944 254 163 35 72 Belfast City Council 596 191 207 97 332 Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council 249 464 19 103 146 Derry City & Strabane District Council 417 965 169 55 44 Fermanagh & Omagh District… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497211/ 497211-answered Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any funding that has been allocated to implement the findings or recommendations of his Department’s February 2026 ADHD Needs Assessment report. Answer (29 September 2026): Work is currently underway to assess a small number of shortlisted options to inform future decisions on ADHD support in the context of overall affordability and future budget availability. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497210/ 497210-answered Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current waiting time for an adult ADHD assessment in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. Answer (27 September 2026): There is currently no commissioned adult ADHD Service in Northern Ireland. Consequently, my Department does not routinely collect this data and is therefore unable to provide data on waiting times for adult ADHD assessments, including within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/500572/ 500572-tabled Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) how instances of reported special educational needs discrimination are investigated; and (ii) whether any data related to investigations are published publicly. Past due date; due by 12 October 2026. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497482/ 497482-answered Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the number of animals slaughtered for agri-food production, in each of the last five years, broken down by category of animal. Answer (24 September 2026): The Department maintains information collated annually and published on the departmental website. The requested information for animal slaughter is set out below in tables for pigs (Table 1), poultry (Table 2), sheep (Table 3) and cattle (Table 4), with the reference provided to the relevant internet link. Table 1. Number of pigs slaughtered 2021-2025, no sub-category applicable. Reference: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/slaughtering-pigs-2003/ Year Total Pigs 2021 1,938,355 2022 1,944,983 2023 1,840,806 2024 1,907,993 2025 1,960,218 Table 2. Number of poultry slaughtered… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497209/ 497209-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has made any assessment of the inconsistency caused by the new Graduated Driver Licensing, where certain new drivers will face a 45mph restriction for 12 months post-test, while others, under the new rules, can drive at the posted speed limit immediately after passing. Answer (23 September 2026): Those who have passed their test under the GDL system will have been subjected to a longer and more robust learning period, the 6-month mandatory minimum learning period with the logbook app, and they will have learnt to drive at speeds above 45mph. Whereas those who have passed their test before the introduction of the GDL system, will not have learnt to drive above 45mph and will not have went through the longer, more robust, learning process. The 45mph limit has been considered appropriate for ‘R’ drivers in these conditions for decades. The GDL system will introduce a new, separate, ‘R’… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497208/ 497208-answered Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps he is taking to ensure equity in the enforcement of the new Graduated Driver Licensing regulations, considering that during the transition, some new drivers will still face the 45mph restriction for 12 months after passing their test, while others, under the new rules, can drive up to the posted speed limit immediately. Answer (23 September 2026): Those who have passed their test under the GDL system will have been subjected to a longer and more robust learning period, the 6-month mandatory minimum learning period with the logbook app, and they will have learnt to drive at speeds above 45mph. Whereas those who have passed their test before the introduction of the GDL system, will not have learnt to drive above 45mph and will not have went through the longer, more robust, learning process. The 45mph limit has been considered appropriate for ‘R’ drivers in these conditions for decades. The GDL system will introduce a new, separate, ‘R’… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/498389/ 498389-answered Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the introduction of Lucy’s Law. Answer (18 September 2026): Legislation to introduce phase one of Lucy’s Law has been drafted and put forward for consideration by the Executive at its meeting on 24 September, following which it will be scrutinised by the AERA Committee and Assembly. . Subject to securing the necessary approvals, I intend to have the legislation in place by the end of 2026. A lead-in period will then apply before the new requirements take effect, allowing time to prepare for implementation. Phase two which will introduce registration requirements remains a policy objective to be brought forward at a later date. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/497731/ 497731-answered Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether any assessment has been made of the environmental impact of commercial sand dredging at Lough Neagh. Answer (16 September 2026): Whilst DAERA has commissioned a review of the scientific evidence around impacts from sand dredging, recent scientific evidence raises concerns in relation to commercial sand dredging in Lough Neagh, in particular, the potential for the release of previously bound nutrients which may contribute to worsening water quality and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. These potential effects have not previously been fully assessed and may present a potential risk to the integrity of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg ASSI, SPA and Ramsar site. Further detail is contained in the following paper: ‘Sand… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/496586/ 496586-answered Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education for an update on his engagement with teaching unions following the recent ballots in favour of taking industrial action. Answer (14 September 2026): Mr Givan: I am not directly involved in the engagement with teaching unions, following the recent ballots in favour of taking industrial action. There has been substantial engagement by my officials and the management representatives on the Teachers' Negotiating Committee (TNC) with the five recognised teaching trade unions through the Labour Relations Agency, and further negotiation meetings are scheduled throughout September. I am, however, very closely involved in and informed about those discussions. Significant progress has been made to date through negotiations to resolve issues that… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/494016/ 494016-answered Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any measures being put in place to ensure public leisure facilities can operate safely and at sufficient capacity during periods of extreme heat. Answer (6 August 2026): Responsibility for the safe operation and management of public leisure facilities, including decisions on capacity and operational arrangements during periods of extreme heat, rests with the relevant local council and facility operator. Neither I nor my Department has a role in these operational matters. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493461/ 493461-answered Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that are being taken to ensure that residents in care homes and supported living facilities are adequately protected during extreme heat. Answer (30 July 2026): Providers of care homes and supported living services are responsible for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of residents, including during periods of extreme heat. Services are expected to have appropriate risk assessment, emergency planning and business continuity arrangements in place to respond to adverse weather conditions and to protect individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. The Public Health Agency (PHA) provides advice and guidance to help protect people who may be vulnerable during periods of hot weather. This includes measures to prevent… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493459/ 493459-answered Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps the health and social care system is taking to adapt estates and infrastructure, including hospitals and care homes, to ensure they remain safe and operational during sustained high temperatures. Answer (30 July 2026): The HSC Trusts have been requested to risk assess their operations and develop necessary action plans to adapt their estate as required to the risks arising from climate change including adverse weather such as high temperatures. The HSC Trusts are aware that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and severity of high-temperature events and continue to consider overheating risks in their estate management, maintenance, refurbishment and capital investment planning processes. Immediate actions may include optimising mechanical ventilation systems and Building Management Systems… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493189/ 493189-answered Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any cross-departmental work being undertaken to (i) prepare for; and (ii) respond to, future extreme heat events. Answer (30 July 2026): Extreme heat is one of the 51 risks in the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Risk Register. As such the risk was identified and developed using a multi-agency working group to understand what the key capabilities available locally are and what the likely common consequences of a period of extreme heat would be here. The working group identified that the key departments and agencies in considering the preparations for, and response to, an extreme heat event are Department of Health, Public Health Agency, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs and Department for… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/494014/ 494014-answered Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any engagement that has taken place with the voluntary and community sectors to coordinate support for vulnerable people during extreme heat events. Answer (29 July 2026): The Housing Executive leads on support to those who are homeless. Their existing Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) arrangements will consider any occasions on which there is extreme heat. A SWEP would generally only be implemented due to warm weather on occasions where the temperature forecast results in a weather warning. The Housing Executive engages with partners such as the Welcome Organisation to ensure adequate supply of water and support to rough sleepers via their street outreach service. No engagement has taken place with the wider voluntary and community sector to… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493460/ 493460-answered Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any training or guidance that is provided to frontline health and social care staff on recognising and managing heat-related illness. Answer (29 July 2026): The issue of heat-related illness is covered throughout the various pre- and post-registration healthcare training programmes supported by my Department. In the pre-registration medical degree programmes delivered by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU), guidance and advice is provided to students at various points, including: disorders of temperature regulation, including hypothermia, hyperthermia and malignant hyperpyrexia, are identified as core conditions for final-year medical students at UU, with students expected to develop and consolidate their knowledge and… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493458/ 493458-answered Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans that are in place to issue public health warnings and guidance during periods of extreme heat. Answer (29 July 2026): During spells of prolonged hot weather, the Public Health Agency (PHA) already issues public messaging through both news releases and on social media with advice on: Protecting against sun exposure when UV levels are moderate or high. Use of shade, clothing, and sunscreen. Avoiding peak sun hours where possible. Staying cool. Reducing the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. A recent example of this published on 23 June 2026 is available at www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/hot-weather-advice. Further information on how to stay safe in the sun is available on the Care in the Sun website at… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493641/ 493641-answered Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether extreme heat risk is now integrated into transport infrastructure design standards and maintenance schedules. Answer (28 July 2026): The integration of extreme heat risk into transport infrastructure design and maintenance is dependent on the asset type and the relevant design standard. For highway structures, thermal tolerances are included within the Eurocodes (European Standards) used for structural design. These standards require designers to take account of temperature fluctuations during both the construction and operational life of a structure. The temperature ranges used in design are updated as necessary through the Eurocode review programme, ensuring that new designs reflect the most appropriate temperature… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/494017/ 494017-answered Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any engagement that has taken place with sporting and cultural governing bodies regarding contingency planning for extreme heat. Answer (27 July 2026): Neither my Department nor its arm’s length bodies have had any engagement with sporting or cultural governing bodies on this issue. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/494015/ 494015-answered Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any guidance provided to organisers of festivals and large events on protecting attendees and staff during extreme heat. Answer (27 July 2026): The organisers of festivals and large events are responsible for providing appropriate guidance. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/481492/ 481492-answered Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities whether he would consider introducing a policy to ensure that swift bricks are included in all new build social housing. Answer (27 July 2026): A policy on the inclusion of swift bricks on new housing would be for Planning Service/Building Regulations to consider https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493639/ 493639-answered Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessment that has been made of the vulnerability of Northern Ireland’s (i) road; (ii) rail; and (iii) public transport, infrastructure to extreme heat. Answer (22 July 2026): My Department has not undertaken a standalone assessment of the vulnerability of the road, rail and public transport infrastructure to extreme heat. However, the Department and transport operators routinely monitor and manage heat-related risks as part of ongoing asset management, maintenance and operational planning activities. During the recent period of warmer temperatures, Roads officials experienced a small number of isolated cases of surface bleeding, which were addressed promptly with minimal disruption to road users. Translink also monitors weather conditions and rail temperatures… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493860/ 493860-answered Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any assessment has been made of the potential economic costs to businesses and workers in Northern Ireland, as a result of extreme heat events. Answer (21 July 2026): The extreme heat events experienced recently in parts of Europe are a timely reminder of the impacts arising from climate change and the importance of continuing to decarbonise our economy and energy system. It is vitally important that we build resilience to the effects of climate change while supporting the transition to a more sustainable, resource-efficient and low-carbon economy. While my Department has not assessed the specific economic costs of extreme heat events for businesses and workers in the North, we recognise that climate change poses significant risks to the economy. The… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/492099/ 492099-answered Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Health To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to reduce and prevent corridor care in Antrim Area Hospital. Answer (21 July 2026): I fully recognise the significant pressures currently being experienced within emergency departments (EDs), including Antrim Area Hospital, which result in patients receiving care in inappropriate clinical environments. My Department continues to work closely with all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts to improve patient flow through hospitals and reduce overcrowding in EDs. Corridor care in our hospitals is a direct consequence of sustained pressures across the HSC system, and I am acutely aware of the risks it poses to patient safety and dignity. These risks have been clearly highlighted… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493188/ 493188-answered Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether any plans exist to improve the resilience of school buildings to extreme heat. Answer (20 July 2026): Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are incorporated into the planning and construction of all new school buildings to control and monitor temperature, air flow and heat retention. The Education Authority (EA) plans to develop a BEMS Strategy and Action Plan that will include a commitment to review current provision of BEMS in the schools' estate and to plan phased provision of BEMS for existing schools, subject to available funding. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493862/ 493862-answered Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any guidance for farmers on protecting livestock during periods of extreme heat. Answer (16 July 2026): DAERA regularly issues guidance on NI Direct and its own social media platforms during periods of prolonged hot weather in relation to protection of livestock. Such guidance is mainly in relation to protection of livestock during transport, which, in line with the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, is under the direction and control of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493861/ 493861-answered Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any guidance for animal owners on protecting companion animals during periods of extreme heat. Answer (16 July 2026): My Department regularly issues guidance on NI Direct and its own social media platforms, encouraging companion animal owners to be mindful of their needs, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather. This includes advising owners not to leave pets unsupervised in cars and to walk dogs at cooler times of day. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493859/ 493859-answered Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any support is available to small and medium-sized enterprises to help adapt business premises and operations, during extreme heat. Answer (16 July 2026): The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland provides guidance (available on their website) on measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact of extreme heat in the workplace. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493642/ 493642-answered Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail how extreme heat risk is considered in the Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Answer (16 July 2026): In response to the latest UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, which identified risks associated with high heat to public health, infrastructure, water supply, agriculture, energy supply and the natural environment, the Third Northern Ireland Climate Adaptation Programme (NICCAP3) includes a range of actions to strengthen resilience to these impacts. These actions include measures to reduce overheating risks in buildings, strengthen the resilience of transport and water infrastructure, improve preparedness for wildfires and support climate-resilient agricultural systems. NICCAP3 also promotes… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/494013/ 494013-answered Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities whether any assessment has been made of the impact of extreme heat on people experiencing homelessness. Answer (15 July 2026): This issue is an operational matter for Northern Ireland Housing Executive, they have advised me as follows: “The Housing Executive has not carried out any specific assessment regarding the impact of extreme heat on people experiencing homelessness. The Housing Executive’s existing Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) arrangements consider any occasions on which there is extreme heat. A SWEP would generally only be implemented due to warm weather on occasions where the temperature forecast results in a weather warning. There has only been one such occasion over recent years and in this… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493858/ 493858-answered Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work that is being undertaken with the tourism and hospitality sectors, to prepare for and manage occasions of extreme heat. Answer (15 July 2026): Assessments of heat, light and ventilation are undertaken as part of Tourism NI's certification and grading of visitor accommodation. While there are currently no specific criteria relating exclusively to extreme heat, establishments are encouraged to adopt good operational practices that enhance visitor comfort, staff wellbeing and business resilience during periods of unusually warm weather. More generally, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland provides guidance (available on their website) on measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact of extreme heat in the workplace. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493191/ 493191-answered Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of the impact of extreme heat on (i) pupil health; (ii) concentration; and (iii) exam performance, in schools. Answer (15 July 2026): Schools are responsible for managing any health and safety risks and are best placed to take proportionate, contextappropriate measures to address the impact of increased temperatures. My Department’s Building Handbook provides guidelines on temperature control in classrooms, emphasising the importance of maintaining comfortable and consistent temperatures for learning and is used when designing and building schools as well as being used as a reference for existing schools. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has advised that no examination centres contacted… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493640/ 493640-answered Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any contingency plans that exist to manage disruption to public transport services during periods of extreme heat. Answer (10 July 2026): This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows: Translink teams proactively monitor periods of severe weather, via various forms such as meteorological reporting, network weather stations, railhead temperature gauges, air conditioning performance, along with staff and customer feedback. Translink enacts protocols and contingency arrangements, such as lowering operating speeds on the network to reduce heat impact on track infrastructure and associated operational service amendments. Prior to the summer period the… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493192/ 493192-answered Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any guidance issued to schools on managing extreme heat, particularly (i) classroom temperatures; (ii) outdoor activities; and (iii) school uniform arrangements. Answer (9 July 2026): My Department’s Building Handbook provides guidelines on temperature control in classrooms, emphasising the importance of maintaining comfortable and consistent temperatures for learning and is used when designing and building schools as well as being used as a reference for existing schools. In terms of outdoor activities, schools are responsible for managing any health and safety risks and are best placed to take proportionate, contextappropriate measures, including promoting the use of sun protection and adapting outdoor activities in response to weather conditions. Schools governing… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/492696/ 492696-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans she has to review the current three-year restriction for Ukrainian driving licence holders, to align Northern Ireland with Great Britain. Answer (8 July 2026): I am aware that, on 29 June 2026, the British Department for Transport announced the outcome of their recent consultation on this matter and their intention to extend the eligibility period for Ukrainian driving licences in Britain by a further 24 months. My officials will consider this announcement and provide me with further advice regarding the way forward here in due course. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/492098/ 492098-answered Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Infrastructure To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider installing a bus shelter at the Killbegs bus stop, Ballymena Road, Antrim. Answer (8 July 2026): This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows: Translink have no current plans to install a new a bus shelter at the Killbegs bus stop, Ballymena Road, Antrim. Bus operations within Translink undertake assessments for each individual shelter request. You can make requests directly via feedback@translink.co.uk or 02890666630. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493462/ 493462-answered Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Justice To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any steps the Prison Service takes to protect staff and prisoners during extreme heat periods. Answer (7 July 2026): The Northern Ireland Prison Service has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of both staff and prisoners. During periods of extreme heat, prison establishments implement a range of proportionate measures, based on local operational circumstances and dynamic risk assessment, including maximising ventilation, reviewing work and physical activities, providing advice to staff and prisoners on maintaining hydration, and ensuring those individuals more vulnerable to the effects of heat have appropriate access to healthcare where required. All heating systems are fully deactivated, and… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/492100/ 492100-answered Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for the Economy To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps that are being taken to make Northern Ireland an attractive destination for transatlantic flights, in order to improve connectivity with the rest of the world. Answer (3 July 2026): Transatlantic connectivity is a key priority given its importance for tourism, trade and investment. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to work with the British Government on the potential for US pre‑clearance facilities here, although this is dependent on regular transatlantic services first being in place. I met with Belfast International Airport’s senior leaders earlier this year to discuss ambitions in this area, and my officials continue to engage with stakeholders. Additionally, Tourism Ireland in partnership with our local airports, are attending multiple route… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/493190/ 493190-tabled Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT The Executive Office To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any engagement they have had with the (i) UK Government; and (ii) Irish Government, regarding coordinated planning for extreme heat events across these islands. Past due date; due by 16 July 2026. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/471046/ 471046-answered Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department for Communities To ask the Minister for Communities when he will answer AQW 30409/22-27. Answer (24 June 2026): AQW 30409 22-27 was answered on 19 September 2025. https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/489679/ 489679-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to detail any additional youth work provision being set up to ensure young people do not take part in racially motivated violence. Answer (23 June 2026): Statutory youth services, which include the Education Authority (EA) and community and voluntary sector (CVS), are working tirelessly within local communities following recent events. Youth centres have been open and youth workers have been out on the streets, seeking to reduce tensions. EA youth centres have extended their hours within safety guidelines, as I’m sure have some CVS providers. In areas most affected outreach is ongoing. A Community Safety Group has been set up by the Department of Justice and the PSNI. The EA Youth Service attends. The PSNI, through district command… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/489829/ 489829-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Assembly Commission To ask the Assembly Commission when it last reviewed its energy efficiency policy with a view to value for money and better environmental outcomes. Answer (23 June 2026): Ms Ennis: I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission last reviewed its environmental and sustainability policies, which relate to energy efficiency, as part of its annual environmental management review. That review, which forms part of the Assembly's ISO 14001:2015 accredited environmental management system, is presented to and considered by the senior management team each year. The most recent review included consideration of energy efficiency in the context of value for money and improved environmental outcomes. As part of that process, a continuous improvement plan was… https://askedbyjohn.nidata.fyi/questions/491951/ 491951-answered Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Department of Education To ask the Minister of Education to outline any additional youth work provision being set up to support those who have been victims of racially motivated violence. Answer (23 June 2026): Statutory youth services, which includes the Education Authority (EA) and community and voluntary sector (CVS), are working tirelessly within local communities following recent events. Youth centres have been open and youth workers have been out on the streets, seeking to reduce tensions. EA youth centres have extended their hours within safety guidelines, as have some community and voluntary youth providers. In areas most affected, outreach is ongoing. A Community Safety Group has been set up by the Department of Justice and the PSNI. The EA Youth Service attends. The PSNI, through…