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

Murphy – “Innovation Is Central to Increasing Productivity”

Economy Minister, Conor Murphy has highlighted the importance of innovation in driving higher productivity. The Minister was speaking today as he met with representatives from Innovate NI, and with local businesses who have received their support. Innovate NI is a Department for the Economy initiative, delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, in partnership with local councils, […]

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Business Community Constituency Dáil Éireann Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Seanad Éireann South Armagh Stormont

Time to Grasp All-Island Economic Opportunities – Murphy

Economy Minister Conor Murphy was in Dublin today where he discussed his economic vision and intention to grasp all-island economic opportunities. Minister Murphy held meetings with Catherine Martin, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.  The Minister also met […]

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Dáil Éireann Government Politics Seanad Éireann Stormont Westminster

SDLP Calls for restoration of North-South Ministerial Council

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council to advance all-island cooperation following the resumption of devolved government earlier this year. Mr Eastwood has raised concerns that the NSMC, an institution of the Good Friday Agreement, has not yet been convened following the restoration of power […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Health Minister Delays Removal of All Hospital Parking Charges

Health Minister Robin Swann is seeking a deferral to legislation that would remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May this year. The Minister will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period. His intervention reflects practical obstacles with the planned introduction date as well as deepening budgetary pressures on health. While the total […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

Justice Minister Gives Police a Pay Award of 7%

Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the 2023-24 pay remit for police officers at Federated and Superintending ranks has been agreed. The award is consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body. The Minister said: “I am pleased to announce approval for a pay award of over 7% for police officers, in recognition […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Kimmins Remains Hopeful of Successful Outcome on Nursing Pay Talks

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins said she was ‘hopeful’ a successful outcome can be found in talks between the Department of Health and the Royal College of Nursing on pay after other health unions have agreed a pay offer. The party’s health spokesperson said: “I welcome the announcement from health unions that they have reached […]

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Government International Politics Stormont

Michelle O’Neill Meets US President Joe Biden

Following a very successful week of engagements in the US where she engaged with US investors to set out the stall and make a compelling economic pitch; meeting with the Irish diaspora in both Washington and New York; the Administration, including President Joe Biden at the White House, Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said: “Today […]

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Community Government International Politics Stormont

O’Neill Urges President Biden to Play Constructive Role In Securing Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

Leas-Uachtarán Shinn Féin Michelle O’Neill has urged the US President to play a constructive role in securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid. In her first opportunity to talk with President Biden on her US tour, Michelle O’Neill also called for an end to illegal settlements […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

Swann Sets out Priorities to Health Committee

Health Minister Robin Swann has told MLAs that health and social care services can be turned around “with the right combination of ambition, funding and joined up political leadership.” The Minister also reiterated his warnings about the year ahead being largely about “damage limitation” due to severe budgetary constraints. Mr Swann met with the Northern […]

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

Kimmins Welcomes Discussions on Junior Doctors Pay

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed news that the health minister and trade unions are in discussions over fair pay for junior doctors.  The party’s health spokesperson said: “It is welcome that the health minister and trade unions are in discussions to reach an agreement on a fair pay increase for junior doctors.  “Our […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

Time to Build a Better Future For Everyone – O’Neill and Little-Pengelly

Delivering a better shared future for everyone is the key priority for the new Executive, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have said. Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly were speaking as they delivered the keynote address at the NI Bureau breakfast event in Washington. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Last year marked 25 years since the Good […]

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Climate Community Constituency Council Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Politics

Council Invites Applicants for Flooding Hardship Scheme

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting applications to a Flooding Hardship Scheme, which is part of a package of funding from the Department for Economy (DfE). The purpose of the Flooding Hardship Scheme is to provide support to businesses and some other non-domestic premises that were impacted by the flooding in October/November 2023 […]