Category Archives: Public Accounts Committee

Mr Beggs is Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee

Beggs welcomes assurances from DVA on Ukrainian Driving Licenses

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Party Infrastructure Spokesperson has welcomed assurances from the Department for Infrastructure that qualified Ukrainian refugees will be able to drive for up to 12 months on their Ukrainian licences with plans in place to introduce a new Designation Order to allow for the exchange of Ukrainian driving licenses. Roy Beggs had written to Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon to urge for a change in regulations. Roy Beggs, East Antrim UUP Assembly candidate said, “Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and the exodus of millions of refugees, the UK Government has sought expressions of interest from residents who wish to house Ukrainian refugees. Commendably, to date tens of thousands of people have responded to this call. In Northern Ireland, it has been brought to my attention that clarity was needed related to driving in NI utilising Ukrainian driver licences. If licensing arrangements are not changed, then … Continue reading

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Beggs Writes to the UK Transport Secretary & DP World about P&O

East Antrim UUP representative Roy Beggs, has written to the UK Transport Secretary Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP in relation to P&O. He has also written to DP World to ask that they review the performance of their Senior Management Team, following the decision to sack 800 UK staff, including those who operate the Larne – Cairnryan domestic sailing. A copy of Mr Beggs correspondence with the Transport Secretary is as follows: “I am contacting you in relation to the ongoing situation at P&O, specifically at the Port of Larne, within East Antrim. Recent reports have indicated that replacement staff for P&O could receive lower than the UK minimum wage for working as seafarers on the Larne to Cairnryan UK domestic route. I would ask that you ensure that any staff operating this domsetic route for P&O are subject to the minimum wage requirements of the United Kingdom. In addition, … Continue reading

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P&O has brutally cast its workforce aside – Roy Beggs MLA

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA, has questioned the Economy Minister in relation to P&O redundancies and asked that he contact the UK Government so that nothing like this can ever expose NI again. Speaking at Stormont Roy Beggs MLA said “P&O has brutally cast its workforce aside in a Dickensian fashion. There was no consultation or notice, and the company delivered a live message by video link. Will the Minister clarify whether the P&O redundancy announcement is covered by maritime law, Northern Ireland employment law or GB employment law? There seems to be a variety of thoughts on that. Regarding disruption to trade, our supply chain is exposed because no replacement crew has been approved to operate that passenger vessel safely. Will the Minister get in touch with Her Majesty’s Government so that nothing like that can ever expose Northern Ireland again? Mr Lyons: The Member … Continue reading

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Beggs Queries Infrastructure Department Pothole Repair Policy

East Antrim UUP representative Roy Beggs MLA has questioned the Infrastructure Minister on her Departments pothole repair policy, during Question Time at Stormont. Roy Beggs MLA, UUP Infrastructure Spokesperson said: “I acknowledge that it is important that there are widespread resurfacing schemes, but it is equally important that potholes are repaired on a timely basis to remove the risk that they present to road safety. Along with that, there is the significant cost of having to repair such a deep gouge in a road and the possible cost of damage to vehicles. What assessment has been made of the overall cost of allowing potholes in rural roads to get to 50 millimetres before they are repaired?” Minister Mallon MLA responded stating “The Member knows, particularly as he is a member of the Infrastructure Committee, that the Barton report, which was carried out a number of years ago, identified a minimum … Continue reading

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Beggs supports reduction in fuel duty and VAT for petrol and diesel

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs, who serves as Party Spokesperson for Transport, has written to the Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA asking “ What discussions he has had with the UK Government to identify the feasibility of reducing fuel duty and VAY for petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland.” The UUP MLA added “I believe there needs to be a concerted effort across the UK to address the cost of living crisis, as inflation continues to soar. A temporary reduction in fuel duties and VAT for petrol and diesel would be a starting point. I have pressed the Finance Minister on this idea and I will be a taking a keen interest on Wednesday as Chancellor Rishi Sunak presents his Spring Statement to the House of Commons. We need to be doing more to support households! In response to East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs, the Finance Minister … Continue reading

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