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Business Constituency Government Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Minister Announces Consultation on Good Jobs and Improving Workers’ Rights

Economy Minister Conor Murphy launched a consultation on proposals to strengthen employment rights legislation which will help deliver his good jobs agenda. One of the key objectives in the Department’s economic vision is to increase the number of working age people in Good Jobs. The consultation covers a wide range of possible enhancements to employment […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Education Government Health Politics Stormont

“Children will go Hungry over Government Decision on Food Vouchers” – Aontu

Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry candidate Gemma Brolly has said that the latest decision that government funding cannot support our most vulnerable during the school holidays is another example of how the needs of the most vulnerable are being ignored. Speaking today, Ms Brolly, herself a school teacher and special needs coordinator, said: “Free […]

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Agriculture Armagh Community Constituency Election 2024 Elections Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh

Prefix Code Update for Livestock Owners – Dáire Hughes

Sinn Féin’s Dáire Hughes is advising livestock owners to be aware of changes to the prefix code on livestock tags here in the north for cattle, sheep and goats, required under EU animal health law. The Newry Armagh candidate said: “The use of ‘XI’ prefix codes on livestock will become mandatory in January 2025. The […]

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Community Constituency Education Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Unions Consulting Teaching Support Staff on Pay Resolution ‘Positive Development’ – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said news that unions will consult teaching support staff on a pay resolution is a positive development. The Newry/Armagh MLA said: “News that a number of trade unions representing teaching support staff will consult with workers on a resolution on fair pay is positive. Sinn Féin has been resolute […]

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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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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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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 […]

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Election 2024 Elections Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Long Excuses on Unity Event Not Credible: SDLP

The Alliance leader’s claim that she cannot find time to participate in an event on Irish unity during the general election campaign but can remain as full-time Justice Minister is taking voters for fools, SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole has said. Naomi Long confirmed today she would not be participating in the event at the […]