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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs In Irish Medium Schools Must Be Supported- Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has urged the Department of Education to improve support for Special Educational Needs provision in Irish Medium schools. Speaking after the education committee, the South Down MLA said; “Children with Special Educational Needs who are learning through the medium of Irish face unique challenges and must be supported. “Irish Medium […]

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Community Crime Government Stormont

Justice Minister Allocates £36.7m to PSNI

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced her budget plan following the October Monitoring round. The Department of Justice was allocated an additional £39.3m, which includes £2.75m for the civil disorder which was seen during the summer. The Minister said: “I welcome the recent announcement and allocation of an additional £39.3m by the Executive. This will go […]

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

McNulty:  Respite Service Failures Are Devastating Families

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has spoken out about the “heartbreaking” failures in the North’s respite care system. Mr. McNulty met with the National Autistic Society and heard first hand from parents who are at breaking point due to systemic failures. A recent BBC Spotlight investigation discovered that there are currently no residential […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont Westminster

TUV Leader Warns Unionism Over Protocol Vote

Speaking at the annual TUV central dinner in Cookstown Jim Allister MP focussed on the upcoming  Stormont vote on the continuance of the Protocol, warning it was a defining moment for the future of the Union. In the course of his remarks Jim Allister said:- “The Assembly vote in December will mark the embedding of the […]

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Education Government Health Stormont

Community of Lifesavers App Launched

Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a new app to build children and young people’s confidence in developing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) lifesaving skills. The app complements the Community of Lifesavers Education Programme in schools which provides professional learning to teach vital CPR and AED skills to pupils together with supporting […]

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Business Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Minister Murphy Launches £4million Grant Scheme to Help Businesses Innovate

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has launched the Business Innovation Grant (BIG), a new £4.3million initiative designed to help businesses across Northern Ireland embrace innovation and boost productivity and competitiveness. Developed by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered in partnership with Innovate NI, BIG is aimed at micro-businesses, sole traders, and SMEs and will offer grants from […]

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Business Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Questions Minister’s Failure to Support Small Businesses

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has questioned Minister Conor Murphy’s failure to bid for support for small and medium-sized enteprises (SMEs). He confirmed in the Assembly on Tuesday that he did not bid for any funding in the latest monitoring round. Business groups had asked the Minister to provide support in the context of rises […]

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Government International Politics Stormont

University Belfast and Ulster University Conferred Honorary Doctorates on Joseph Kennedy III

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, has hosted a joint ceremony at Parliament Buildings during which Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University conferred honorary doctorates on Joseph Kennedy III, President Biden’s Special Envoy for Economic Affairs. The Speaker spoke during the ceremony held in the Great Hall on Wednesday. He said: […]

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Business Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont Westminster

Murphy Raises Key Economic Issues For North With British Government

Economy Minister Conor Murphy raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London. The discussions included concerns on the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme, support for renewable energy developments, and the previously paused Enhanced Investment Zone for the north of Ireland. Speaking afterwards Minister Murphy […]

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

‘£350m Investment Underlines Executive’s Commitment to Health’

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed £350 million worth of funding for health which has been allocated by Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald. This means the majority of available funds will go to the health department. The party’s health spokesperson said: “Today’s announcement that £350 million will be going to the health department is welcome […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh Stormont

Boylan Urges Road Users to Stay Safe and Be Vigilant

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has urged road users to do everything in their power to stay safe and be vigilant on our roads. Speaking ahead of the upcoming World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, 17 November, the party’s transport spokesperson said: “Unfortunately many families continue to suffer the tragedy of […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Stormont

Over £62 million In Additional Benefits Sees £21 million Boost For Pensioners

Over £62 million in additional benefits has been generated in 2023/24 by a Department for Communities service which helps people access entitlements they have not been claiming. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the annual Make the Call Wraparound Service results and highlighted an additional benefit uptake of £21.3 million by pensioners. The results also showed […]