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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Consultation Into School Uniform Costs Positive Step – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the launch of a consultation on school uniforms is a positive step to reducing costs for parents and families. Cathy Mason said: “It is welcome that the education minister has launched into school uniform costs. “Any step towards making school uniforms more affordable for parents and families is […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

New Support Guides For Adults With Sensory Disabilities Launched

The Department of Health has launched two new guides to support adults with sensory disabilities in Northern Ireland. Known as ‘care pathways’, the new resources map out the care and treatment users can expect from professionals and support organisations to help them manage their conditions. They are aimed at those who are deaf, have hearing […]

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

Murphy Says Investing In Heat Pump Sector Will Generate Significant Economic Prosperity

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said developing and investing in the local heat pump sector will not only drive the net zero agenda but generate significant economic prosperity. The Minister was speaking as he opened the heat pump Knowledge X-Change and Networking event co-hosted by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Ulster University. The […]

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Government Politics Stormont

Assembly Caucus Puts Spotlight on Young Female Leaders

The Northern Ireland Assembly Women’s Caucus held an event in Parliament Buildings on Tuesday 18 June with young female Members from the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly. The event was an opportunity for both groups to share their experiences of interacting within the local political sphere and to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities for women. Speaking […]

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Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Sport Stormont

Grassroots Soccer Clubs In Newry Deserve First-Class Facilities’ – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said grassroots soccer clubs in Newry need more investment to ensure children and young people can avail of first-class sports facilities in the area. Speaking after raising the issue in the Assembly directly with the minister, the Newry and Armagh MLA said: “For too long our local grassroots soccer […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Housing Executive: Concern With Increase In Damp and Mold Complaints

The surge in instances of damp, mold, and condensation within Housing Executive properties across Northern Ireland has been a cause for concern. During the 2023/24 financial year, a staggering 17,198 reports were registered, marking a notable escalation from the 7,776 reports in 2020/21. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons gave a breakdown of damp reports across each of Northern […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Boylan Welcomes Protection of Concessionary Fares Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd’s announcement to protect free public transport for over 60s across the north. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “I welcome the announcement by Minister O’Dowd to protect the SmartPass scheme for over 60s to ensure they can continue to avail of free public transport. […]

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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

Communities Minister Lyons Addresses Labour Market Conference

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has acknowledged the contribution of the voluntary and community sector in supporting employability provision for those facing barriers to employment. The Minister was speaking at the ‘Building an Inclusive Labour Market: The role of the Voluntary and Community Sector’ conference organised by NICVA, the representative body for the sector. The conference, […]

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Government Legacy Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP: ‘Soldier F’ Anonymity Is Astounding

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that the treatment of Bloody Sunday families seeking justice for the murder of their loved ones has been disgraceful. Mr Eastwood was speaking after the family of William McKinney confirmed that the PPS has failed to challenge anonymity for ‘Soldier F’ who is charged with the murder of two […]

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Government Politics Stormont

Executive Legislative Programme ‘Thin’ After Big Promises!: SDLP

The Executive’s legislative programme for 2024 is anti-climactic compared to the promises made by Executive parties, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said. O’Toole was speaking as the Assembly debated its legislative programme for this calendar year, much of which includes measures that were already in train while the Assembly was collapsed. There […]

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Crime Government Stormont Westminster

SDLP: PSNI Surveillance Allegations Must Be Investigated

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that allegations from a former Assistant Chief Constable that the PSNI monitored journalists and lawyers phones on a dedicated laptop to avoid scrutiny must be independently investigated.  Mr Eastwood submitted a series of parliamentary questions on authorisations granted to police to monitor the phones of journalists and lawyers in […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Concessionary Fares and Community Transport Protected In Budget Allocations

Concessionary fares, community transport funding and planned improvements to the Coleraine-Derry rail line are among the areas being protected by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd following consideration of the department’s budget allocation. Speaking as the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), which sets out the initial assessment of the impact of the budget on spending proposals for the […]