Oral Answers to Questions — Finance – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 pm on 16 September 2024.
Alan Robinson
DUP
3:15,
16 September 2024
T7. Mr Robinson asked the Minister of Finance for an update on plans for a baby loss certificate scheme. (AQT 527/22-27)
Caoimhe Archibald
Sinn Féin
The Member has raised that with me on a number of occasions and has considerable interest in the subject. He will be aware that I am committed to delivering the scheme, which will help to recognise the loss that parents feel and, in some small way, to process that loss. I met the Health Minister last Monday to review ongoing work and plans for the next steps for the delivery of a baby loss certificate scheme. I am keen to see that progressed as quickly as possible, and my officials have engaged with officials from the Department of Health on the practicalities.
Alan Robinson
DUP
I thank the Minister for her answer. Can she assure the House that the scheme will be delivered by the end of the mandate?
Caoimhe Archibald
Sinn Féin
It is certainly my intention to ensure that it is delivered by the end of the mandate. At the minute, we are scoping options as to how it can be delivered. It is my intention to make it happen as quickly as possible.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
