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Agriculture Armagh Climate Election 2022 Government Newry Politics South Armagh Stormont

Irwin ‘deep concern’ After Net Zero 2050 Vote

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has said he is shocked that 50 MLA’s voted to amend the Climate Change No2 Bill to a new target of net zero emissions by 2050. The DAERA committee member, who voted against such a move, said the decision was reckless and would cause immense and costly […]

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Education Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Aontú Raise Concerns Over Integrated Education Bill’s Failure to Recognise Diversity.

Aontú’s education spokesperson and East Derry Election candidate, Gemma Brolly, has again raised concerns over the Integrated Education Bill’s failure to recognise the beauty of diversity. Brolly states “Aontú have made their position on Integrated Education extremely clear from the beginning of this process. We believe Integrated Educated is a wonderful component of the pluralist education system. It […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Kelly Welcomes Social Housing for Aghagallon  

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has welcomed the awarding of a Land, Design and Build contract of a social housing scheme in Aghagallon just off Aghalee Road in the lands at Parknasilla Way.    Mrs Kelly said;   “The SDLP have been at the fore front of efforts to deliver more social housing in the […]

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Community Election 2022 Government South Down Stormont

McKevitt: Hargey Must Issue Fuel Support Payment Before Next Planned Gas Hike

The SDLP has written to Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, urging her to take the plight of people here seriously in the face of yet another price hike.  Gas suppliers have contacted customers this week warning of a 33.57% tariff increase in addition to already record high energy costs. SDLP Newry, Mourne and Down […]

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Community Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Reiterates Call for Tax Cut on Energy Bills

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 […]

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Community Government Stormont

Energy Payment Support Scheme Payment is Needed Now! – UUP

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 […]

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Government Health Stormont

No Decision Today on Covid 19 Restrictions

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

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Business Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Boris and the Tories Must Scrap VAT on Energy Bills

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 […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Irish Language Move Will Leave Many Questioning Merit of Devolution

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 […]

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Campaigns Daisy Hill Election 2022 Government Health Newry Stormont

Southern Trust Clarifies Scope of Service Downgrade for Daisy Hill

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 […]

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Business Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Votes to Ban Zero Hours Contracts

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 […]

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Crime Election 2022 Government Legacy Politics Stormont

SDLP Raises Serious Concerns About Patterns of Police Behaviour Following Ombudsman Report

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 […]