Written questions by Swann.

What the Barnett consequentials applicable to Northern Ireland are from the pay rises for (a) consultants, (b) specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors, (d) junior doctors and (e) train drivers.

The Barnett formula applies to all increases or decreases to Departmental Expenditure Limits, rather than when policies or funding are announced. When UK Government departmental budgets change, the Barnett formula will apply in the usual way.Any Barnett consequentials for the Northern Ireland Executive resulting from the recent public sector pay awards in England in 2024-25 would be confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024 or Supplementary Estimates 2024-25.

Who is responsible for discharging the (a) responsibilities and (b) functions of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner while that post is vacant.

The Government is committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland, including through the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office will continue to support veterans across Northern Ireland by acting as a crucial link between veterans and the various support services available to them, including while a new Veterans Commissioner is appointed. We will set out steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department provides on whether the EU Deforestation Regulation will apply to Northern Ireland.

Ministers are currently considering our approach to Regulation 2023/1115 in Northern Ireland, and the Government will communicate relevant arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Veterans Welfare Service NI has taken to support veterans.

The Veterans Welfare Service in Northern Ireland (VWS NI) delivers professional one-to-one support to veterans and their families, Service leavers and the bereaved families of Service personnel. Their role focuses on providing information, guidance and support to members of the Armed Forces community. This includes, but is not limited to, transitioning from service, bereavement, or changes affected income, finance, or housing. VWS NI also work alongside voluntary organisations, Service charities, other Government Departments, the devolved administrations and local authorities to ensure a joined-up approach which ensures our veterans, and their families receive the information and assistance they need.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has taken to support veterans in Northern Ireland.

Since 2021 the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has provided £2.9 million funding for projects supporting veterans specifically in Northern Ireland (NI). In addition, £9.4 million has been provided for UK-wide projects, most of which have also benefitted veterans in NI. Together, this funding has supported 48 projects in NI and a further 68 UK-wide.

What assessment she has made of the impact of hauliers in supporting trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Hauliers play a very important role in supporting trade within the UK. The Government meets regularly with stakeholders involved in trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including representatives of the road haulage industry, particularly in view of the implementation of the Windsor Framework.