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LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO STRENGTHEN LAW ON SEXUAL OFFENCES AND TRAFFICKING

Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has introduced legislative proposals to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland. The Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill has two core aims: to enhance public safety by implementing certain elements of the Report of the Gillen review of serious sexual offence cases […]

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KEEPING HUNDREDS MORE OUT OF HOSPITAL – WHY EVERY JAB COUNTS

A drive to increase Northern Ireland’s vaccine take-up rate could reduce hospital admissions by as much as 50% this summer. That’s the message from public health officials, as mobile walk-in vaccination clinics are rolled out across NI. In addition to the mobile walk-in clinics, a number of NI’s regional vaccination centres will now be offering […]

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Food Banks: part of the’ ‘new normal’ – Workers Party

It is only a few years ago that the concept of Food Banks as we currently know them, was almost unheard of. Now there are estimated to be more than 30 foodbanks in Northern Ireland. Last year the Trussel Trust alone prepared and distributed around more than 78,000 emergency food parcels; in excess of one […]

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New Tidy Villages South Armagh Competition Launched

The Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working with local community groups to launch an exciting new initiative; Tidy Villages South Armagh. Many village communities are already carrying out village improvement work in the South Armagh area, but the partnership members want to encourage, expand and reward these […]

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Newry DEA Forum Thanks Young Volunteers for Litter Pick of Newry Towpath

Newry District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum has recognised the incredible work of local young people who have successfully completed a number of litter picking activities throughout May at Newry Towpath. Young volunteers from the Inclusion in the City Group and Newry Youth Forum with support from The Education Authority Northern Ireland (EANI) have helped to […]

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National Minimum Wage Rate Reminder for Summer Staff

Students and seasonal staff working in Northern Ireland are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check that they are being paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW). All workers are legally entitled to be paid the NMW. This includes temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses […]

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ABC Council ‘Spots’ Banbridge Gym’s Economic Recovery

Local Banbridge gym, Apollo Fitness, sees investment of nearly £6,000 thanks to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council’s Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Grant Scheme. Led by ABC Council, in conjunction with the Department for Communities and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the grant scheme launched last summer and offered local businesses […]

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Wellbeing @ the Library

A new project aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing and professional development needs of Southern Trust staff and students has been launched. ‘Wellbeing @ the Library’ was developed by the Promoting Wellbeing team in partnership with staff in the Health Care Library and with the support of the Trust’s Psychology Department. It aims to […]

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Council Launches New Campaign to Tackle Littering in the District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched a new public awareness campaign to tackle the issue of littering and raise awareness of ‘Your Waste, Your Responsibility’. Litter is perhaps one of the most significant low-level environmental crimes affecting our district. Whilst there is no official statutory definition of litter, it can be anything that […]

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Prosecutions Over Crimes Committed During Northern Ireland Troubles to End

The British Government has announced it is effectively ending all prosecutions related to crimes committed during the Northern Ireland Troubles. Described as an amnesty for former British soldiers and former paramilitaries, the new statute of limitations will apply to incidents prior to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. It was confirmed in parliament on Wednesday (14th […]

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UK Government Amnesty Proposals Assault on Rule of Law and Human Rights, says Farry

UK Government proposals on legacy are an assault on the rule of law and human rights, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MP has said. Dr Farry was speaking as the Secretary of State announced the statute of limitations, designed to end all prosecutions for Troubles-related cases pre-1998. The North Down MP said it was an […]

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Two Men Assaulted in Newry

Police are appealing for information following an assault in the Sugar Island area of Newry in the early hours of Sunday (11 July). Shortly after 2.30am, officers received a report that two men, aged in their 20’s had been assaulted by two unknown males as they were making their way towards a taxi depot. The […]