Category: Uncategorized

Following concerns raised by Aontú, with regard to extortionate school uniform costs, Aontú Representative for East Derry; Gemma Brolly welcomes the Minister of Education‘s vow to review  School Uniform costs and School Meals criteria. “Having recently raised the issue of the huge financial burden school uniforms place on families, particularly at this time of year, it […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has invited the public to have their say on a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland. The draft strategy for 2021-2031 aims to place Northern Ireland at the forefront of world class cancer prevention, treatment and patient experience. Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We will all feel the impacts of cancer […]

The future direction of farming support in Northern Ireland has taken a step forward as Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, publishes a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio for Northern Ireland. Publishing the Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio Minister Poots said: “Farming has changed significantly over the past 100 years, with changing methods and investment in technologies […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a new regional Mental Health Crisis Service in line with a commitment in the Mental Health Action Plan (MHAP).   The MHAP contained the commitment to reconfigure mental health crisis services and in late 2020, the Department commissioned a review of crisis services. The review report, which was received […]

The Department of Justice is inviting voluntary and community sector organisations, registered charities, and statutory bodies delivering projects in community settings in Northern Ireland to apply for funding aimed at preventing crime. The Assets Recovery Community Scheme allows monies received from the payment of confiscation orders following a criminal confiscation to be diverted into community […]

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a multi-million pound support programme for the local tourism sector. The Experience Development Programme will provide financial assistance to existing tourism providers to create experiences that echo the Northern Ireland ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ experience brand as well as stimulate demand for local tourism. With capital grants of up […]

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Mickey Brady has called for steps to be taken to ensure that planned band parades in Newry on the 27th and 28th of August do not cause unnecessary inconvenience to local residents.  The Sinn Féin MP said: “There are to be two band parades in Newry this weekend […]

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Murphy has welcomed the meeting that took place in Jonesborough between members of the community and the PSNI.  Councillor Murphy explained that: “This meeting was called on the back of considerable fear in the community over recent, serious incidents in the village. It gave the chance for the community to voice […]

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon today launched a Call for Evidence to seek views that will inform a decision on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles.  Currently private cars and motorcycles are first MOT tested at four years old and light goods vehicles under 3,500kg […]

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Criminal Investigation Department in Newry have welcomed the sentencing of 3 men at Newry Crown Court today, Friday 25 August, for their part in the vicious assault of a 36 year old man in the City on 19 October 2019. Detective Sergeant Johnston said: “The victim was […]

Alliance Councillor, Patrick Brown was thrilled to visit Harry’s Place CIC (Community Interest Company) at 24 High Street in Ballynahinch, which is supporting adults with learning/physical disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges. Cllr Brown said: “It was wonderful to get the chance to try out Harry’s Place for lunch with Alliance activists. We were blown […]