To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Data Protection: Northern Ireland
Friday 2nd October 2020

Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, after the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, Northern Ireland will be subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation rules on data transfer even if the rest of the UK decides to introduce new rules.

Answered by Baroness Barran - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

At the end of the transition period, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (EUWA) will incorporate direct EU legislation into UK law, as well as saving EU-derived domestic legislation – collectively referred to as 'retained EU law'. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will become retained EU law for the whole of the UK.

We have made Regulations under the EUWA to make necessary and appropriate changes to the GDPR, which will become the UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 so that the UK’s data protection law continues to function effectively after the transition period.

In respect of data transfer rules, the EU has an established mechanism to allow the unrestricted transfer (subject to GDPR compliance) of personal data to countries outside the EU, called ‘adequacy decisions’. At the end of the transition period, the UK will recognise EEA countries as continuing to be adequate for the purpose of the UK GDPR, so data can continue to flow from the UK to the EEA. In order for the free flow of data from the EEA to the UK to continue at the end of the transition period, we are seeking adequacy decisions from the EU under both the GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED). Adequacy talks between the UK and the EU began on 11 March and continue to progress.


Written Question
Mobile Phones: Northern Ireland
Tuesday 3rd November 2015

Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when and where the Mobile Infrastructure Project will be rolled out in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Mobile Infrastructure Project is being rolled out in Northern Ireland up to the end of March 2016.


There are currently 7 masts in build phase. These are located in:

• Derry and Strabane District

• Fermanagh and Omagh (2 sites)

• Lisburn and Castlereagh

• Mid Ulster (3 sites)


Planning permission was received for 4 sites. These sites are located in:

• Mid Ulster (3 sites)

• Newry, Mourne and Down


Planning applications were submitted but decisions awaiting for 5 other sites. These are located in:

• Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

• Derry and Strabane District

• Fermanagh and Omagh (2 sites)

• Mid Ulster


Written Question
Gaelic Athletic Association
Tuesday 3rd March 2015

Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have paid any grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association in England.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

Sport England can only award grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association if it is recognised as a governing body for Gaelic sports in England. Sport England is currently working with the Gaelic Athletic Association to explore how an English body can be established to seek recognition and be eligible to apply for Sport England grants.


Written Question
Gaelic Athletic Association
Tuesday 3rd March 2015

Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to recognise the Gaelic Athletic Association in England as a body to which grants could be paid.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

Sport England can only award grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association if it is recognised as a governing body for Gaelic sports in England. Sport England is currently working with the Gaelic Athletic Association to explore how an English body can be established to seek recognition and be eligible to apply for Sport England grants.