Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Liz Twist Excerpts
Wednesday 9th November 2022

(2 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Liz Twist Portrait Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)
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4. What recent assessment he has made with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland of the adequacy of resources for tackling NHS waiting times in Northern Ireland.

Tony Lloyd Portrait Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab)
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10. What recent discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland on tackling NHS waiting times in Northern Ireland.

Steve Baker Portrait The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Steve Baker)
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We are acutely aware of the pressures facing the health service in Northern Ireland. A fully functioning devolved Government is the only way to deliver the necessary reforms to transform healthcare. We have made that point repeatedly to party leaders.

Liz Twist Portrait Liz Twist
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Around one in four people in Northern Ireland are on an NHS waiting list and the role of staff is vital. I understand that the outgoing Health Minister in Northern Ireland wrote to the Secretary of State asking him to implement the summer pay award, as Stormont cannot. Will he take that forward?

Steve Baker Portrait Mr Baker
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The hon. Lady will know that we are deeply concerned about the state of the Northern Ireland Executive’s finances and that officials are working urgently with the Northern Ireland civil service to take things forward. Of course we will keep matters under review, but as health is a devolved matter, I have to say that the best way forward would be the restoration of the Executive.