To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment has been made of the impact a vacancy in the ministerial office after 28 October 2022 and the ongoing absence of an Assembly and an Executive will have on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme.

I decided to commence the preparation of contract documents for this important scheme earlier this year in readiness for moving forward to procurement at a future date. The work on the contract documents is currently anticipated to conclude in spring 2023.

A vacancy in the ministerial office and the absence of an Assembly and Executive will have a minimal impact on scheme progression up until spring next year as I have set a clear policy direction; however, impacts beyond this point would depend on the specific circumstances at that time.