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Community Election 2022 Government Health South Down Stormont

McGrath: Health Reform Must Be Key Focus of Next Executive

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said that reforming the health service must be a key priority of the next Executive. Mr McGrath was speaking ahead of taking part in a health discussion panel at the SDLP Spring Conference on Sunday. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “The past two years have really taught everyone […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Stormont

Minister Freezes Housing Executive Rents

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced a freeze in Housing Executive rents in order to support residents in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. Announcing the move, the minister said: “As Communities Minister my priority is to support people, particularly the most vulnerable, who are facing soaring fuel and household bills. “So today I am announcing […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Vaccine to be Offered to 5-11 Year Olds

Children aged 5-11 who are not in a clinical risk group are now to be offered the opportunity to receive a covid vaccination following updated Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice. JCVI has advised that all children aged between 5 to 11 will be offered two 10 mcg doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 […]

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Election 2022 Government Infrastructure Newry Stormont

Kimmins Supports Bill to Prevent Increase in Motor Insurance Prices

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said the passing of the Motor Insurance Bill will help prevent workers and families from facing further financial pressure.  The Newry and Armagh MLA said:  “We need to help people against additional pressures that are hurting those least able to pay the most.   “Sinn Féin supported this bill to […]

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Armagh Banbridge Community Downpatrick Election 2022 Government Health Kilkeel Louth Lurgan Newry Politics Portadown South Armagh South Down Stormont Upper Bann

ALL Covid 19 Restrictions in Northern Ireland to be Removed!

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland will be replaced by guidance from February 15 2022. He also strongly emphasised the continuing need for caution and vigilance in relation to the virus. He stated: “Today’s announcement follows consideration of legal advice from the Attorney General and consultation with all […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Politics South Down Stormont

McKevitt: Parties Cannot Whitewash Bedroom Tax Record

SDLP Crotlieve Councillor Karen McKevitt has said that parties that voted for the bedroom tax cannot whitewash their record which has hurt struggling families. Cllr. McKevitt was responding after Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill claimed the party had “binned the Bedroom Tax”. Sinn Féin, the DUP and the Alliance Party voted to introduce Tory […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Election 2022 Government Health Newry Stormont

Irwin Says Long Term Daisy Hill Solution Needed

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has said that a long term solution is required to ensure Daisy Hill Hospital can build resources as opposed to what he described as being continually subjected to “service disruption”. Mr Irwin stated, “The Health Minister has responded to my official question and I am concerned by […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Health South Down Stormont

McGrath Welcomes Support for Dáithí’s Law 

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed the passing of Dáithí’s Law in the Assembly on Tuesday. The legislation will see deemed or presumed permission of organ donation from anyone who hasn’t explicitly opted out. It comes following a campaign from the family of five-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí MacGabhann who is currently awaiting a heart […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Welcomes Parental Bereavement Law

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed the passing of a new law in the Assembly which will entitle workers to paid leave following the death of a child, a stillbirth, or miscarriage.  Mr O’Dowd said: ‘The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay bill has passed its final stage in the Assembly and will now become law. “This […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Infrastructure South Down Stormont

McKevitt Welcomes New Campaign on Careless Driving

SDLP Crotlieve Councillor Karen McKevitt has welcomed a new road safety public information campaign highlighting the dangers and consequences of careless driving. The campaign was announced by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon on Monday. It is due to launch by the autumn on TV, radio, social media and bus rear advertising. Cllr. McKevitt said:  “I […]

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Banbridge Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Unionist Consent Needed to Restore Stormont – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations between the UK and EU over new arrangements to succeed the current Northern Ireland Protocol, and said the decision by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to withdraw the First Minister from post was one that was regrettable but necessary. Carla Lockhart […]

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Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Stormont Needs to be Reformed to Prevent the DUP Holding it to Ransom – Aontu

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín TD stated; “Aontú condemns the DUP collapse of the democratic institutions in the north of Ireland.  We condemn their threat to prevent a new Executive being formed until they get their way on the North of Ireland Protocol. We are appalled that this has happened 44,000 people […]