Times like these require leadership and determination to make a difference. In the Executive, that is exactly what we have seen from Emma, Paul and Gordon.
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly has been at the forefront of efforts to secure additional resources from the Government. She has worked closely with senior ministers, including through Cobra meetings, to push for urgent action, not taking no for an answer or undue delay as acceptable. Emma helped secure over 50 extra engineer teams from Great Britain, who have worked all week to assist NIE, along with additional crews from as far away as Finland. This has significantly boosted efforts to restore power as quickly as possible. She has also helped ensure that urgent action was taken to restore water supplies to those impacted by securing significant numbers of additional generators from GB. Emma has fronted up, and made a huge difference.
Meanwhile, our Education Minister, Paul Givan, has made it a priority to get schools reopened as quickly as possible. Every school that was forced to close has now reopened, ensuring that pupils are back in their classrooms and reunited with their friends where they belong. We are deeply grateful to school leaders, teachers, and staff for their dedication in helping to make this happen, and to parents for their understanding when unexpected school closures impact on employment.
Our Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has also stepped up, working with local councils to provide vital support. With funding provided by Gordon’s department, Community Assistance Centres have been established to help those most in need with a warm space, hot food and a place to charge devices, while additional funding has been secured to provide food and essential supplies to those facing the cold due to power outages who cannot leave their homes. This practical support has made a real difference to many families during this difficult time and we thank Council staff for their endeavours this week, and indeed those community groups, Orange Lodges and sports clubs who have served their community in this way too over the last week.
