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Community Crime Dáil Éireann Government Louth Politics Seanad Éireann Stormont

Justice Ministers Discuss North/South Cooperation In Criminal Justice Matters

Naomi Long, Northern Ireland Justice Minister, today met with ROI Justice Minister, Helen McEntee TD to discuss North-South co-operation across a range of criminal justice matters. The meeting was held under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters.  During the meeting the Ministers reviewed progress on a range of ongoing […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Months Before NHS Staff Get Pay Rise

The Department of Health has indicated that they may not have the recently negotiated NHS rise implemented until June. Despite Unions accepting the offer in March it seems the Department may take months as opposed to weeks to give their hard working staff the much needed pay award. Speaking to Clanrye News and Sport a […]

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

Murphy Congratulates New DfE Permanent Secretary

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the appointment of Ian Snowden to the position of Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy (DfE). Mr Snowden has been interim Permanent Secretary at DfE since late December last year. Following a recruitment competition he was successful in securing the role on a permanent basis. Minister Murphy said: “Ian […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Education Minister Must Get on With Delivering Fair Pay For All Education Workers – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the Education Minister must get on with the job of paying education workers fairly. The South Down MLA said: “This morning I met with unions who represent workers right across our education system. “These workers keep our schools open every day, they are responsible for school meals, school […]

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Government Politics Stormont

O’Toole Challenges Executive’s No ‘hurry’ Attitude to delivery!

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said it’s time for the Executive to start delivering for people across the North. He was speaking during a debate on the Spring Supplementary Estimates in the Assembly on Tuesday. Mr O’Toole urged the Executive to outline a Programme for Government and the Finance Minister to […]

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

Health Minister Refuses to Meet Council on Daisy Hill Concerns

By Donal McMahon The Stormont Health Minister has refused to meet with a council delegation over concerns a Newry hospital will lose its emergency general surgery. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) had approved a motion in February seeking to meet UUP rep Robin Swann following his department’s approval of the Southern Trust’s decision […]

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Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

No Household Water Charges! – O’Dowd

Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd has ruled out household water charges as solutions for the future funding of NI Water. Speaking ahead of Monday’s Assembly debate on the issue, the Minister said: “This is a complex matter which requires a collaborative approach across the Executive and Assembly along with the appropriate level of funding needed to […]

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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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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 […]