CLANRYE NEWS 
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has reiterated calls on the British government to scrap VAT on energy bills to help families tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The Upper Bann MLA said: “Rising living costs and out of control energy prices are placing a huge burden on already struggling workers and families. “The British government should scrap […]
East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Communities spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE, has called on the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, to expedite the energy payment support scheme payment. Mr Allen said: “Yesterday (Thursday) the Department for Communities committee approved the statutory rule for the energy payment support scheme payment. “The statutory rule overview […]
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I can confirm I have now received detailed legal advice on the factors that need to be considered when seeking to amend Executive Covid regulations in the absence of an Executive. “This advice is now being given careful consideration and it is my intention to engage with Ministerial colleagues.” ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said ‘extortionate hikes’ to gas prices are crippling workers and families. Speaking after Firmus announced another 34% price in areas of the north this week, the Upper Bann MLA said: “News that Firmus are again set to increase gas prices by almost 34% is another huge blow to workers […]
Aontú Cllr for Derry, Emmet Doyle, and Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD have welcomed the extension by the Oireachtas Good Friday Committee of an invite the Chief Constable of the PSNI to testify before the Committee, on foot of a request by Aontú. Cllr Emmet Doyle: “It is very welcome development that the Oireachtas Good […]
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “Comments by NIO Minister Conor Burns indicating that Irish language legislation will be introduced at Westminster before the Stormont elections will leave many Unionists questioning the point of devolution. Why should Unionists accept a form of devolution which gifts a party committed to the destruction of Northern Ireland places […]
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has said the Alliance Party’s Integrated Education Bill will see many local schools in the controlled and maintained sectors discriminated against when it comes to funding, new school builds, and other forms of investment in children’s education. Carla Lockhart said: “I spend considerable time engaging with local schools […]
Sinn Féin council group leader Liam Mackle has said that cruel transfer tests should be ‘scrapped’ to remove unnecessary stress from children. The ABC representative said: “Over the weekend many children endured the anxiety of waiting for their results from the transfer test. It is unacceptable at any time to select and reject young children […]
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has expressed concern that upwards of 1,000 local patients a year will still have to travel to Craigavon for emergency operations despite a clarification by the Southern Trust today that only general abdominal surgeries are to be removed from Daisy Hill. The revelation came after a meeting today between the Southern […]
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed progress on a Sinn Féin bill to Ban Zero Hour Contracts being imposed on workers and instead introducing banded hours. The Bill is designed to ensure no worker is forced to work zero hour contracts unless they explicitly state the arrangement suits them. Speaking in the Assembly during the Bill debate Mr O’Dowd […]
SDLP representatives have raised serious concerns about patterns of police behaviour which obstructed justice and prevented effective investigations into sectarian murders following the publication of a Police Ombudsman report into police handling of loyalist paramilitary murders in South Belfast. Policing Board Member Dolores Kelly MLA said that the report, which includes an investigation of the […]
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said the Infrastructure Minister must urgently address the driving and vehicle backlog. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “People are continually frustrated with trying to get vehicle and driving tests across the north. “Long waiting times for driving tests has totally stressed learner drivers, especially those who may need […]
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