Still no clarity on coronavirus rule changes

Uncertainty surrounding the legal process for changing coroanvirus legislation remained on Friday afternoon, with Health Minister Robin Swann still to receive “clarity” from legal experts.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann, in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings at StormontNorthern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann, in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings at Stormont
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann, in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings at Stormont

The News Letter understands the Minister was still awaiting advice on Friday afternoon from legal counsel on how changes to the coronavirus restrictions could be made following the resignation of First Minister Paul Givan.

Mr Swann said on Thursday that he would be “guided by legal advice and the latest public health assessments” on the possible easing of restrictions.

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The legislation granting the Northern Ireland Executive the authority to implement restrictions, meanwhile, is set to expire near the end of next month unless it is renewed by MPs at the House of Commons.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, a member of Stormont’s health committee, suggested the Executive would also be required to give its approval to the extension of the legislation.

In a statement to the News Letter, he said: “The fact that the First Minister is willing to resign from the Executive without putting any emergency Covid contingency plans in place is again, totally reckless.

“It seems the DUP may get their wish as current COVID legislation is due to expire in March with no Executive in place to extend the legislation.”

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DUP MLA Paul Frew, a vociferous opponent of coronavirus restrictions, suggested Mr Swann does have the authority to make changes without the need for a First and Deputy First Minister to be in place. Writing on Twitter, Mr Frew said: “Make no mistake, no matter what he [Robin Swann] says he has the power to lift these measures today if he wanted.”