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

Murphy Announces Data and Analytics Assured Skills Academy with EY

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced an Assured Skills Data and Analytics Academy with EY, providing 20 high quality training places. Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this exciting Academy will provide successful applicants with practical experience, the opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications and access to resources to develop business knowledge and […]

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Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Programme For Government Short on Clear Commitments

The draft Programme for Government (PfG) contains shockingly little by way of specific targets, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said. After seven months of an operational Executive, which came after more than 18 months of advance meetings between Executive parties and civil servants, the 85 page document published today contained barely any […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Politics South Down Stormont

Mason Welcomes Childcare Commitment In Draft Programme For Government

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomed the Executive’s reaffirmed commitment to delivering affordable childcare. Speaking after the launch of the draft Programme for Government, the party’s childcare spokesperson said: “I welcome the launch of the draft Programme for Government which has reaffirmed the Executive’s ongoing commitment to delivering high quality, affordable childcare. “This follows […]

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Government Politics Stormont

Programme For Government Consultation Launched

The Executive has today published for consultation its draft Programme for Government. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have described the draft Programme for Government as an ambitious and realistic vision for the remainder of the mandate. Speaking as the consultation was launched, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The draft Programme for […]

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

McNulty Welcomes New Smart Phone Guidance

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has welcomed new guidance issued by the Department of Education restricting the personal use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including at break and lunch times. The Newry & Armagh Assembly Member has said that the new guidance from the Department of Education is a step towards protecting the development […]

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Community Government International Politics Westminster

SDLP Welcomes Suspension of Arms Export Licenses to Israel

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed confirmation from Foreign Secretary David Lammy that the UK Government will suspend 30 arms export licenses to Israel following the receipt of legal advice that there is a clear risk that exports will be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law. Mr Eastwood has been urging […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

SDLP: Report Spells Out Executive Failure to Deliver

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said that a new report shows how the Executive has failed to deliver since the return of the Stormont institutions. Mr O’Toole was speaking after think tank Pivotal published a report into the first seven months of the restored Executive. He said the report echoes many […]

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Government International Politics Westminster

UK Suspends Around 30 Arms Export Licences to Israel

By Kevin McAteer UK government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in […]

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Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Hanna Confirms She Is Seeking to Be SDLP Leader

South Belfast & Mid Down MP Claire Hanna confirms that she is seeking to be elected as SDLP Leader. In a statement Mrs Hanna confirmed: “In friendship and respect, I thank Colum Eastwood for his service during turbulent times, including 10 elections in just 9 years. His skills and instinct have been invaluable for the […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

TUV Demands Clarity From Alliance on Puberty Blockers

The TUV has slammed the Alliance Party on its recent support on puberty blockers for children. Statement by TUV vice chairman Allister Kyle: “There is an urgent need for the Alliance Party to come clean on where it stands on the clear and unambiguous medical advice on dangerous, life altering drugs being given to vulnerable […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

DUP MP Welcomes Ban On Puberty Blockers For Children

Carla Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Upper Bann, has welcomed the recent decision to restrict the use of puberty blockers for vulnerable young people in Northern Ireland. This decision comes after her continued advocacy on the issue, including her recent interview on the Nolan show and subsequent media engagements. “I am delighted that common sense […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan 2024/25

The Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2024/25 has today been published by the Department of Health. This plan is the third annual delivery plan to be published under the Mental Health Strategy 2021-31. It sets out the key priority actions that will be delivered during 2024/25, as well as details on progress against the 2023/24 […]