Categories
Business

High Street Voucher Scheme Closes on the 14th of December

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has urged all Spend Local cardholders to “spend it now, spend it all and spend it local”. The Minister said: “To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use. Already over £50m has been injected into our retail, hospitality and service sectors […]

Categories
Politics

Victims and Survivors of the Glenanne Gang Meet With the Taoiseach

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD, Aontú Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Mullen, and survivors and families of the victims of the Glenanne Gang, met with an Taoiseach Micheal Martin at government buildings today to discuss justice for the victims of British collusion, and efforts to oppose the proposed amnesty for British crimes in the North. Cllr […]

Categories
Health

Minister Underlines Importance of Vaccine After Discovery of New Variant

Please keep following the basic steps that help prevent variants of COVID-19 spreading. That’s the appeal to the public from Health Minister Robin Swann, as public health measures are activated in response to the Omicron variant’s emergence. Mr Swann also underlined the continuing importance of vaccination in the battle against all strains of the virus. […]

Categories
Crime

Car Attacked at Dobson’s Way, Bessbrook

Police received a report of criminal damage at the Dobson’s Way area of Bessbrook last night (Sunday 28th November). At around 10:40pm, it was reported that three men arrived in a silver Toyota Corolla car into the area and then exited the car. The men then damaged a red Citroen Berlingo and a silver coloured […]

Categories
Uncategorized

Protecting and Preserving our Natural Environment for Future Generations is our Responsibility

The NI Executive’s draft Green Growth Strategy is a vital milestone in the fight against climate change, but we all must play our part to ensure a greener, cleaner environment for generations to come. Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots, MLA made the comments as he presented the draft Strategy during an […]

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Uncategorized

Increase to NI Carrier Bag Levy Announced

Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced that the Carrier Bag Levy charge in Northern Ireland will increase from 5 pence to 25 pence from 1st April 2022. The Minister made the announcement during an Oral Statement to the Assembly on Northern Ireland’s first overarching Environment Strategy. In addition to the rise in the Levy, […]

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Uncategorized

UNISON to Launch Pay Consultation

UNISON Northern Ireland is soon to launch a consultation with their members in the HSC. Following a report back from recent meetings with the Health Minister and Department of Health Workforce Directorate officials, their health committee has decided to inform and consult members. Speaking from their Facebook page: “Without an opportunity for collective bargaining denied […]

Categories
Health

Minister Unveils Support Package for Care Sector

By Kevin McAteer Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a support package of up to £23million for domiciliary care and the wider social care sector. The funding will enable employers to offer improved rates of pay and attract more staff into the domiciliary care and care home workforces. An escalating workforce shortfall in domiciliary care […]

Categories
Armagh Banbridge Health Lurgan Newry Politics Portadown South Armagh South Down

Southern Trust Silent on Domiciliary Care Pay Rise

The Southern Trust has come under fire after it was revealed that £23 million from the Department of Health would be used to help the social care sector. This investment has now been used by Independent care companies to increase their pay bands for Care Assistants. A move welcomed during these difficult times. However despite […]

Categories
Crime Politics

Loyalist Murderer Given 15 months Custodial Sentence For Threatening Aontú Deputy Leader Denise Mullen

Today Loyalist murderer Garfield Beattie has received a 15 months custodial sentence for threatening Aontú Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Mullen. Garfield Beattie was a member of the British Army’s Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve. He was also a member of the Glenanne Gang that murdered Denise’s father at their family home in 1975. Garfield Beattie had […]

Categories
Education

McIlveen Launches New Safer Schools NI App

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has launched a new app for schools to safeguard children and young people when online. The Safer Schools NI app is a one-stop-shop digital library of age-appropriate safeguarding resources for teachers, parents/carers and children and young people. The app, designed and created by online safeguarding experts, INEQE Safeguarding Group, also provides […]

Categories
Armagh Election 2022 Newry Politics South Armagh

Coade Selected for Newry and Armagh

Newry and Armagh Alliance representative Jackie Coade has been selected to contest the upcoming assembly election for the Alliance Party in the Newry and Armagh constituency. Speaking from her social media Ms Coade said: “It is such an honour & privilege to have been selected as a candidate for Newry and Armagh for next year’s […]