AQO 1966/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/04/2021
Answered On Date: 22/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the implementation of New Decade, New Approach.

Answer:

The New Decade, New Approach document sets out an ambitious package of measures covering a broad range of social, economic and cultural issues, and it is important we deliver on all of them.

Whilst the Executive’s priorities recently have been focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic and charting the path for recovery, we are committed to delivering NDNA in its entirety, and excellent progress is already been made including, for example, in relation to:

securing 900 extra nursing and midwifery undergraduate places;

publishing a Mental health Action Plan;

establishing a Graduate Entry Medical School;

achieving parity in financial support to victims of contaminated blood with those in England;

preparing for an independent review of education provision;

establishing an expert group to help tackle persistent educational underachievement;

delivering committal reform;

reforming licensing laws;

developing an anti-poverty strategy;

developing a strategic approach to climate change; and

providing support for victims and survivors of historical abuse.

Moving forward the Executive will have the opportunity to consider the totality of the proposals in the context of the ongoing work to bring forward a new Programme for Government during this Assembly mandate.