Latest news with #TheExecutiveOffice
Belfast Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
The ‘valuable scrutiny' into what the NI Executive is actually doing remains largely hidden behind the lavish Stormont curtains
Our MLAs are turning up for work after so many years of inaction. The wheels of government, we're led to believe, are in motion. All smiles and photo opportunities. But try to ask The Executive Office what exactly it's doing, well, that's when the smiles disappear and the struggles to actually get to grips with the task in hand become all too clear. A government is not in place to showcase all things bright and beautiful. It is there to make the hard decisions that affect all our everyday lives. And not all of them will be popular. For a year and a few months, the current Stormont Executive has been living in the honeymoon of a partnership rekindled – a partnership where outward appearances seem to be more important than answering the tough questions when those answers are sought. A keeping up of appearances, perhaps a belief behind the Stormont facade that if people are shown how everything is running smoothly then they will believe that to be so. A good old Yellow Pages mentality. 'We don't just help with the nasty things in life like a blocked drain. We're there for the nice things too.' There for the nice things in life they may be, but they are supposed to be there to help with the nasty things too... But try to ask relevant questions on the more contentious issues and you're often met by a wall of silence, and an 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all' attitude, as if that will make the ills go away. It's as though those in the house on the hill are happy to sweep everything they don't wish to engage in under the carpet. The Executive Office has 10 dedicated press officers. A major part of that role is answering queries from the media, either through direct responses or by providing information through freedom of information requests. But rather than providing a window for information to flow through, questions to be answered, the 'valuable scrutiny' of what the Executive is actually doing remains largely hidden behind the lavish Stormont curtains. Even our MLAs who seek to question the Office are finding answers tough to come by. Some of the queries naturally need some research before the answers can be provided. It's never going to be an 'ask a question get an immediate answer' situation. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw is the chair of the Executive Committee at Stormont. It's supposed to be the main scrutiny body for the Executive Office. But they, like the media, do not always get the answers they seek. And how can they scrutinise the workings of the top level of government if they too are ignored when they seek clarity? Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics programme earlier this month she said it is 'not acceptable' that responses to questions from the committee are not always being provided and there is 'a real silence on so many fronts'. The silence over so many questions will only add to suspicions that there's something behind all those smiling images that some would rather the watching public would rather not see or hear of — and if it remains behind that wall of silence, we'll all move on and pretend that everything's okay forever. A spokesperson for The Executive Office said: 'Ministers endeavour to ensure all Assembly questions, committee correspondence and media queries are answered within the appropriate timeframe.' At least an answer was forthcoming. Endeavour they might. That doesn't mean they always do. While those asking the questions might not like the answers they receive, they at least deserve the response.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Maze Prison peace centre architect urges Stormont to end stalemate
The architect behind a proposed peace centre at the former Maze Prison site has urged Stormont leaders to end their 12-year deadlock over the jail closed in 2000 and while most of the prison buildings near Lisburn have been demolished, some were listed and £300m regeneration plans for the site have been in limbo since Libeskind told the BBC's The View that claims a peace centre at the former prison site would be a shrine to terrorists were "absurd". "How absurd those statements were, because this was absolutely the opposite of it," he Polish-American architect oversaw the building of the 9/11 Ground Zero memorial in New York and the Jewish Museum in Berlin and says he remains committed to delivering the project in Northern Ireland. The development site stretches to almost 350 acres - one of Northern Ireland's largest in public high-security jail held paramilitary prisoners during the conflict in Northern Ireland known as the was the site of republican hunger strikes in 1981 during which 10 inmates starved themselves to death. Plans for a centre for peace and conflict resolution were blocked in August 2013 by then first minister Peter Robinson from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).It followed pressure from unionists who claimed the site would become a "shrine to terrorism".Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, then deputy first minister, later said that no further development would take place until the dispute was then, most requests to visit the prison buildings have been refused by The Executive Office - the joint department of the first and deputy first ministers. Mr Libeskind told The View: "We cannot continue living with the violence and the ghosts of the past. We have to move forward."I'm surprised personally that Belfast cannot come together, that the conflict is still there in the political levels, which should certainly see that the world is changing around us."And should see that something positive should be done on that site." Stormont stalemate The Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation (MLKDC) was set up to regenerate the site, which it believes could attract £800m of investment and up to 14,000 its work has been restricted due to the continuing political chief executive last month said its role has been "essentially limited to health and safety". Terence Brannigan, who chaired the MLKDC board for more than a decade, said they had tried to take decisions about the former prison "out of politics".He said they had proposed to The Executive Office a set of protocols to manage the prison buildings and peace centre."We were prepared to take that responsibility but unfortunately we weren't given that opportunity," he Brannigan said the site has "massive potential in terms of jobs, in terms of economy, and in terms of bringing prosperity to Northern Ireland".He said it was "shameful for us as a collective, for us, this community" that the site "has not delivered what it is capable of delivering for our people here". The annual agricultural event the Balmoral Show is held at the site and the air ambulance and Ulster Aviation Society (UAS) are also based manager Ray Burrows said it has "absolutely fantastic potential"."I see the potential that has come with us being here and I see no reason why anybody who comes here cannot realise the same potential," he said."If there was a collection of things to come and see, there'd be tens of thousands of people visiting this site annually."You can watch The View on BBC One Northern Ireland and iPlayer on Thursday at 22:40 BST.
Emirates 24/7
26-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai delegation explores Shenzhen's investment, innovation experience
A delegation of Dubai leaders from 14 government entities continued their strategic visit to Shenzhen, organised by The Executive Office in collaboration with Dubai Chambers. The visit, which concludes tomorrow, aims to explore best practices in advanced facilities and globally leading Chinese companies. The delegation conducted field visits to institutions specialising in investment, innovation, technology, and urban planning. They met with officials, examined pioneering achievements, and discussed opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, institutional innovation, sustainability, smart cities, and emerging sectors. These efforts align with Dubai's vision to strengthen its position as a global hub for talent, business, and technological advancement. The visit also seeks to establish long-term strategic partnerships with key institutions in Shenzhen, deepening bilateral relations between Dubai and China while fostering knowledge exchange and economic cooperation. Additionally, the delegation is working to attract multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and high-growth startups from China to Dubai, expanding trade and investment opportunities for both markets. Shenzhen is recognised as a global leader in innovation and advanced technology, with a strategic location and world-class infrastructure that has made it a hub for major companies. Dubai's leadership delegation aims to leverage Shenzhen's expertise to enhance economic and technological collaboration. During the visit, the delegation toured the Shenzhen Investment Promotion Agency, which facilitates local and foreign investments by providing market insights, streamlining legal procedures, and offering economic incentives. They explored Shenzhen's strategies for attracting startups and advanced technology firms while discussing investment opportunities between Dubai and Shenzhen. The delegation also visited Tencent, a global leader in internet and technology solutions. Founded in 1998, Tencent has a strong presence in Gulf markets, particularly in gaming. The delegation reviewed the company's latest advancements in artificial intelligence, smart city technologies, and digital transformation, as well as China's experience in unifying service delivery channels through the WeChat super app. At the Shenzhen Institute of Urban Planning and Design, a state-owned consultancy founded in 1990, the delegation gained insights into sustainable urban planning. The institute has contributed to over 7,000 projects in 400 cities, specialising in policy development, urban studies, transport, and infrastructure. The delegation also explored the 'Sponge City' model, an innovative concept for flood prevention through sustainable urban design. The visit included a tour of the Phoenix Wings Smart Logistics Centre, which integrates artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into logistics solutions. The delegation explored Shenzhen's experience in launching a comprehensive low-altitude aviation management ecosystem to enhance logistics efficiency and discussed the potential application of these technologies in Dubai. Additionally, the delegation visited the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Centre, one of the largest exhibition venues globally, covering 1.6 million square metres, including 500,000 square metres of exhibition space. Its strategic location near Shenzhen International Airport and smart infrastructure has positioned it as a prime venue for global trade, technology, and business events. The delegation reviewed its modern facilities and discussed opportunities for collaboration in hosting international events. The delegation includes representatives from The Executive Office, Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Economic Security Centre, Digital Dubai, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, World Governments Summit Organisation, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Department of Finance, Dubai Holding, and TECOM Group. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
26-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai delegation explores Shenzhen's investment, innovation experience
A delegation of Dubai leaders from 14 government entities continued their strategic visit to Shenzhen, organised by The Executive Office in collaboration with Dubai Chambers. The visit, which concludes tomorrow, aims to explore best practices in advanced facilities and globally leading Chinese companies. The delegation conducted field visits to institutions specialising in investment, innovation, technology, and urban planning. They met with officials, examined pioneering achievements, and discussed opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, institutional innovation, sustainability, smart cities, and emerging sectors. These efforts align with Dubai's vision to strengthen its position as a global hub for talent, business, and technological advancement. The visit also seeks to establish long-term strategic partnerships with key institutions in Shenzhen, deepening bilateral relations between Dubai and China while fostering knowledge exchange and economic cooperation. Additionally, the delegation is working to attract multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and high-growth startups from China to Dubai, expanding trade and investment opportunities for both markets. Shenzhen is recognised as a global leader in innovation and advanced technology, with a strategic location and world-class infrastructure that has made it a hub for major companies. Dubai's leadership delegation aims to leverage Shenzhen's expertise to enhance economic and technological collaboration. During the visit, the delegation toured the Shenzhen Investment Promotion Agency, which facilitates local and foreign investments by providing market insights, streamlining legal procedures, and offering economic incentives. They explored Shenzhen's strategies for attracting startups and advanced technology firms while discussing investment opportunities between Dubai and Shenzhen. The delegation also visited Tencent, a global leader in internet and technology solutions. Founded in 1998, Tencent has a strong presence in Gulf markets, particularly in gaming. The delegation reviewed the company's latest advancements in artificial intelligence, smart city technologies, and digital transformation, as well as China's experience in unifying service delivery channels through the WeChat super app. At the Shenzhen Institute of Urban Planning and Design, a state-owned consultancy founded in 1990, the delegation gained insights into sustainable urban planning. The institute has contributed to over 7,000 projects in 400 cities, specialising in policy development, urban studies, transport, and infrastructure. The delegation also explored the 'Sponge City' model, an innovative concept for flood prevention through sustainable urban design. The visit included a tour of the Phoenix Wings Smart Logistics Centre, which integrates artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into logistics solutions. The delegation explored Shenzhen's experience in launching a comprehensive low-altitude aviation management ecosystem to enhance logistics efficiency and discussed the potential application of these technologies in Dubai. Additionally, the delegation visited the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Centre, one of the largest exhibition venues globally, covering 1.6 million square metres, including 500,000 square metres of exhibition space. Its strategic location near Shenzhen International Airport and smart infrastructure has positioned it as a prime venue for global trade, technology, and business events. The delegation reviewed its modern facilities and discussed opportunities for collaboration in hosting international events. The delegation includes representatives from The Executive Office, Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Economic Security Centre, Digital Dubai, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, World Governments Summit Organisation, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Department of Finance, Dubai Holding, and TECOM Group.
The Independent
26-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
First and deputy First Ministers pause to remember Holocaust
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister have paused to remember the Holocaust. Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly attended an event in Belfast to remember millions of victims and survivors. The event at Belfast City Hall also marked the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia and was attended by members of the local Jewish community and representatives of other faith groups and minority ethnic communities. I am honoured to be part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration. As we pause to remember the past, we resolve to shine a light on suffering and injustice wherever it occurs today Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill Around 300 people gathered on Thursday evening for the Regional Commemoration, hosted by The Executive Office in conjunction with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Belfast City Council. They heard from Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos who was a child in 1944 when, along with his family, he was deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. He urged a message of hope that even in the darkest of times people should not lose faith in a better future. Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly also spoke at the event. The First Minister said: 'I am honoured to be part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration. As we pause to remember the past, we resolve to shine a light on suffering and injustice wherever it occurs today.' The deputy First Minister said: 'Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that we must not be complacent in the face of prejudice. 'Sadly, we see the same hate and prejudice that fuelled the evil acts of the Holocaust in too many places today. We must stand united against this.' Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said they were delighted to work again with the Stormont Executive in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day in this significant anniversary year. 'This year's theme, 'For a Better Future', reminds us that building a world free from hate and intolerance is our responsibility,' she said. 'As we gather in communities across the country, let us remember our duty to honour the victims and survivors by taking action – challenging prejudice and fostering understanding across generations and communities. 'By learning from the horrors of the past, we can create a present where freedom is cherished, protected, and enjoyed by every single person.'
