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Making Universal Basic Income a Reality in Northern Ireland

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has come to the forefront of mainstream political and economic debate over the last year as the coronavirus pandemic has exposed and exaccerbated the economic precarity faced by so many in society. A UBI would pay every individual enough money to live on with no strings attached, regardless of their income […]

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Boylan Slams Lack of Support for Taxi Operators

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said it is shocking that only one taxi operator has benefited for one of the Coronavirus Business Restrictions Support Scheme.  Cathal Boylan said: “After meeting with the Department for Infrastructure, taxi operators were denied a sector specific scheme and told that they can apply for support through Part B […]

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LONG ANNOUNCES PLANS TO STRENGTHEN ABUSE OF TRUST LEGISLATION

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced plans to widen the current abuse of trust legislation to strengthen the law protecting vulnerable children. Minister Long indicated her intention today to make the changes through an amendment to the Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill later this year. Naomi Long said: “I am fully committed to protecting the safety of young […]

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SSE ARENA TAKING BOOKINGS FOR COVID-19 VACCINE

People from Northern Ireland can now book their Covid-19 vaccine at the SSE Arena ahead of its opening on 29 March 2021. The SSE Arena will be a regional vaccination centre working alongside Trust centres and GP practices.  Community Pharmacists will also join the vaccination programme next week, bringing vaccinations to many local high streets. […]

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Gosford Parking a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Jackie Coade Alliance Constituency Representative for Newry and Armagh has written to Infrastructure Minister calling for speed restrictions on the main road outside the park entrance. This call follows the continuing problems raised by the Council and the PSNI. There is a critical need for action In the letter to the  Minister, Jackie Coade states ‘I […]

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MALLON ANNOUNCES PART-TIME 20MPH SPEED LIMITS AT 103 SCHOOLS

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has announced that new part-time speed limits on roads adjacent to 103 Schools are now being implemented. Minister Mallon said: “I made a commitment in September last year to bring forward legislation to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits at around 100 schools across Northern Ireland so that parents, children and staff will […]

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POOTS ANNOUNCES A FURTHER £325K SUPPORT FOR AQUACULTURE SECTOR

Northern Ireland’s aquaculture sector is to receive a further financial support package of up to £325,000 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fisheries Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced. In addition to the previous allocation of up to £360,000 in May 2020, this further support package brings the total amount of funding provided […]

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LONG: STRATEGY AIMS TO TACKLE SCOURGE OF ORGANISED CRIME

The Northern Ireland Organised Crime Strategy 2021–2024 has been published. Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Organised crime causes harm, misery and fear within our communities and tackling it is one of my key priorities.  This three year Strategy sets out a refreshed vision for Northern Ireland, with the overarching aim of protecting individuals, communities and businesses […]

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME OPENS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have announced the opening of a Covid support scheme for travel agents experiencing difficulties as a result of the pandemic.  The Travel Agents (Coronavirus) Financial Assistance Scheme 2021 is now open for applications and support offered will be via a one-off grant payment of £10,000 […]

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Statement Following Yesterday’s Protest – Supporting Women Newry

A small number of our group “supporting women Newry “ again stood on Hill Street Newry to oppose the actions of precious life and associates who have been harassing and intimidating women attending a NHS clinic in our city.this clinic provides a range of services accessed by men, women and children.Some of these people insulted  […]

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BIDEN-HARRIS MEETING ‘EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL’ – FOSTER AND O’NEILL

Last weeks meeting with President of The United States, Joe Biden and Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris was extremely beneficial, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have said. The meeting, which was hosted by Vice President Harris, took place as part of the annual programme of St Patrick’s Day engagements in […]

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Alliance Councillor Calls for the Divestment of Pension Funds From Fossil Fuels

22nd March 2021, Downpatrick: Local Rowallane councillor, Patrick Brown, is again raising the issue of divesting councillors’ pension funds away from fossil fuels, following his successfully passed motion two years ago. Cllr Brown said: “After recent findings from environmental activist groups have come to light, it is my understanding that the Northern Ireland Local Government […]