Written questions by Swann.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of City Growth Deals in Northern Ireland for implementing outcomes aligned with the UK Science and Technology Framework.

The UK Science and Technology Framework provides a holistic picture of the ten critical levers that the UK Government can use to drive growth and improve the lives of citizens through science and technology. We remain committed to the Framework and to applying these levers to ensure science and technology supports the delivery of core priorities, such as the Plan for Change and the Industrial Strategy.All Northern Ireland City Growth Deal project business cases are reviewed by UK Government departments to ensure strategic alignment with wider government priorities. This includes officials in both DSIT and UKRI, who assess strategic alignment with the UK Government’s priorities for science and technology, including the UK Science and Technology Framework.This process helps to ensure that City Growth Deals across Northern Ireland have taken account – at a local delivery level – of the UK Government’s priorities across science and technology, as set out in the Framework.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the lack of Legislative Consent Motion from the Northern Ireland Assembly on the progress of the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

We have engaged with the Northern Ireland Assembly throughout the Bill's progression.The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently considering a Legislative Consent Memorandum laid by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending Cyber Local 2025-26 to Northern Ireland.

As of April 2025, the way that Devolved Administrations (DAs) receive funding for cyber security has changed. Previously ringfenced cyber budgets will be absorbed into departmental baselines and provided directly to DAs in their overall HM Treasury settlement.The revised funding arrangements further support DAs, including the Northern Ireland Executive, to make their own choices about how to champion the cyber sector in each part of the UK. DSIT will continue to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on how to assist the cyber sector, including through the Cyber Local programme.DSIT continues to support the successful cyber ecosystem in Northern Ireland with key investments such as the Cyber AI Hub programme at Queen’s University Belfast.

Innovation and Technology, which Northern Irish companies received funding from the £1.8m for regional cyber skills projects.

Cyber Local is a UK government scheme to deliver tailored support for the cyber security sector. It is part of the government’s work to make the UK more resilient against cyber threats, support economic growth and develop digital skills.£1.9 million of funding will be shared by 31 projects, details of which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-local-projects-2025. The downloadable spreadsheet indicates the project location and whether the project focuses on skills, resilience or innovation.