AQW 23581/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/02/2025
Answered On Date: 01/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any consideration that has been given to the development of a research institute to advise Executive departments on policy development that would operate in a similar fashion to the Wales Centre for Public Policy.

Answer:

The NICS’ guide to policy work, “Making a Difference”, highlights that the involvement of partners is critical to person-centered policy, and strongly encourages it in considering and advising on what works best. Policy officials in Departments regularly engage with external sources of information, insight and ideas, including universities, and foster close relationships with researchers, practitioners, and representative bodies.