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Almost 5000 mums-to-be and their birthing partners have spent the past 12 months learning about birth education via video link. When the pandemic first stuck last year, our maternity team in the Southern Trust had to consider alternative ways of how they could run their antenatal and parenting education classes. We were delighted to be […]

The Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the contribution made by community pharmacists and GPs to the outstanding success of the vaccination programme. Since they began delivering jabs at the end of March, Northern Ireland’s network of community pharmacies have delivered more than 100,000 doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine. GPs – who began giving jabs […]

The Executive received an update on the progression of the Covid-19 epidemic.  After very careful consideration of a range of factors we are signaling our intention to move forward with relaxations as outlined below.   The Executive has decided that from 26 July, to be ratified on 22 July: Arts and music venues Audiences will be […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Heritage and Climate Action to support greater North-South co-operation in dealing with the impacts of climate change on built and archaeological heritage across the island. Minister Hargey said: “This is […]

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has visited Killyleagh as hundreds of homes and businesses in the area go live with access to next generation access broadband speeds under Project Stratum. Project Stratum represents a £150million investment by the UK government, allocated to the Department for the Economy as part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement, alongside […]

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has launched a public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first ever Rural Policy Framework that aims to create a sustainable rural community where people want to live, work and be active. The Minister launched the consultation during a number of visits to rural dwellers and projects in the Mid-Ulster area. The […]

Following concerns raised by local residents in the area surrounding Heather Park, Sinn Féin Councillor for Newry City, Valerie Harte, has been engaging with Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP to tackle the ongoing anti-social behaviour issues in Heather Park. Speaking about recent incidents Cllr Harte said, “Over the last number of months, my colleague Liz […]

Following a recent meeting with DFI Officials, Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh Liz Kimmins has welcomed confirmation that the department will be implementing traffic calming measures through Park View in Cloughogue. Speaking after the meeting Liz said, “Sinn Féin have been lobbying for traffic calming in this area for many, many years and have carried […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged the public to support health and social care staff as they continue to work through unprecedented pressures. The Minister said hospital Emergency Departments remain under severe strain, reflecting pressures right across the Health and Social Care system. He said the system as a whole is struggling to cope with current […]

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has introduced his Climate Change Bill to the Assembly, after it received approval from the Executive in June. Speaking about the latest development, Minister Poots said: “While introducing the Bill is a formal process in the Assembly, it signals the momentum behind my Climate Change Bill and I am pleased that we […]

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has introduced a Private Tenancies Bill in the Assembly improving protections for tenants living in the private rented sector. Minister Hargey said: “I am putting the needs of tenants at the heart of my approach. Private renters should have access to a good quality, affordable homes with peace of mind over the […]

Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has introduced legislative proposals to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland. The Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill has two core aims: to enhance public safety by implementing certain elements of the Report of the Gillen review of serious sexual offence cases […]