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Campaigns Daisy Hill Government Health Stormont

Almost 600 Social Workers Recruited Into HSC Since Agency Use Ended

Almost 600 social workers have been directly employed by Health & Social Care Trusts in the 18 months since agency recruitment was ceased. This includes both former agency and newly qualified social workers. In July 2023, Health and Social Care Trusts ceased all social work agency usage in Northern Ireland following intensive work between the […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Stormont

Agreement on NHS Pay Parity

STATEMENT FROM HSC TRADE UNIONS NORTHERN IRELAND 17th December 2024 Health Trade Unions have received formal commitment from the Minister and in a Department of Health memorandum that pay parity in AFC pay bands will be maintained for the full year 2024/2025. Implementation of the Pay Review Body Pay award of 5.5% will now be […]

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Banbridge Community Constituency Crime Government Stormont Upper Bann

‘Together We Must Unite and End Violence Against Women and Girls’ – Sinn Fein

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has expressed her condolences to the family of Karen Cummings. Speaking after police launched a murder investigation into the death, Linda Dillon said: “It is absolutely devastating to hear that Karen Cummings was murdered.  “My heartfelt thoughts are with her family as they come to terms with this loss. “This […]

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Community Crime Government Stormont

Since Stalking Act Became Law, 90% of Conviction Cases Dealt With Within One Year

New figures demonstrate the ongoing success of enhanced stalking protections, the Justice Minister has said. Minister Long has welcomed the publication of an addendum to the first report on the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) 2022, which provides additional information on processing times for conviction cases of stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour. The Minister […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

McNulty: Housing Supply Strategy Meaningless Without Funding

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has said the Communities Minister’s Housing Supply Strategy is meaningless without being backed by funding. Minister Gordon Lyons gave a statement to the Assembly on Monday. The plan retains a target to build 100,000 homes in 15 years from the draft strategy. Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty […]

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Armagh Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Stormont

Rise In Patient Deaths While Waiting For An Ambulance ‘Deeply Worrying and Totally Unacceptable’ – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called the rise in patient deaths while waiting for an ambulance “deeply worrying and totally unacceptable.”  The party’s health spokesperson said: “Ambulance waiting times have increased and the demand for emergency ambulance care coupled with ongoing pressures in ambulance handover times show an extremely worrying trend. “Paramedics and ambulance staff […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Politics Stormont

Minister Announces Cross-Departmental Approach to Tackle Housing Issues

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched an ambitious cross-departmental plan to tackle housing issues. Minister Lyons set out the first whole system Housing Supply Strategy at the Assembly. He said: “The housing issues we face are significant, and the current situation is not sustainable. For too long, there has been no joined-up, cross-departmental approach to housing […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Nesbitt Launches Major Three-Year Plan

A new three-year strategic plan for health and social care has today been published by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The plan involves a wide range of initiatives based on three central themes – Stabilisation, Reform and Delivery. The Health Minister said: “Since taking office, I have underlined the need to build hope for all those who deliver, […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

SDLP: Housing Supply Strategy Meaningless Without Funding!

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said the Communities Minister’s Housing Supply Strategy is meaningless without being backed by funding. Minister Gordon Lyons gave a statement to the Assembly on Monday. The plan retains a target to build 100,000 homes in 15 years from the draft strategy. Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: “This strategy […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

‘Upgrades to A1 Will Improve Safety and Cut Journey Times’ – Ennis

Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis has welcomed an announcement from Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to commence procurement for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 this week. The South Down MLA said: “The A1 Junctions Phase 2 is a long-anticipated project for those who travel this road on a daily basis, particularly commuters between Dublin and Belfast. […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Challenges FM on Abysmal Failure to Deliver Promised Legislation

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has challenged First Minister Michelle O’Neill over the Executive’s failure to deliver its 2024 legislation programme. Speaking in the Assembly chamber on the penultimate plenary sitting day of 2024, Mr O’Toole asked the First Minister to explain why less than 50% of the 2024 Executive Legislative Programme […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Education Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Murphy Hails Local WorldSkills Medal Winners

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has congratulated local vocational skills students who have once again showcased their abilities on the world stage. Five local students competed as part of Team UK in the global WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition in September 2024. The Minister held a reception in Parliament Buildings, Belfast, to congratulate the local students who […]