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The NI Executive has agreed a draft Programme for Government 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’. It outlines the Executive’s priorities for making a real difference to the lives of people here.

This is an important document which will set the direction for Government and consists of nine immediate priorities which they will work to from 2024-2027 and these are:

  • Grow a Globally Competitive and Sustainable Economy
  • Deliver More Affordable Childcare
  • Cut Health Waiting Times
  • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
  • Better Support for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs
  • Provide More Social, Affordable and Sustainable Housing
  • Safer Communities
  • Protecting Lough Neagh and the Environment
  • Reform and Transformation of Public Services

Initially we welcome the commitment to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and to deliver more affordable childcare.  However, we have concerns that poverty, which we know has greater impacts for women, is not included within these immediate priorities.

The Executive Office still have a couple of online events to discuss the PfG and hear what people think of it and the details of these are available here:  https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/PfG-Consultation

Siobhán will be making a response to the draft Programme for Government on behalf of the Consortium following two focus group sessions with Women’s Centres.

The deadline for responses to the draft Programme for Government is 4th November 2024 and you can find the plan on the Northern Ireland Executive website here:

https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/newnigov/draft-programme-for-government-our-plan-doing-what-matters-most.pdf