
The Executive has agreed further allocations of almost £300 million to tackle Covid-19. This in addition to the £634.8 million already allocated, bringing the total funding for the emergency Covid-19 response to £933 million. Announcing the allocations, Minister Murphy said, “These allocations will help ensure our health service receives the funding it needs, […]
Apr 11 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed that taxi vehicle licences which have expired or will expire during the current health emergency will be automatically renewed. The move ensures that vehicles that have previously been tested and deemed suitable to operate as taxis can continue to operate at this time. The Minister had previously announced all […]
Apr 11 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Guidance has been published relating to vulnerable children and young people and their attendance at school during the Covid-19 crisis. The guidance, which has been developed by the Department of Education and its education partners, is intended to support schools and parents and act as the primary source of information in relation to vulnerable children […]

Health Minister Robin Swann and Finance Minister Conor Murphy have visited Huhtamaki in West Belfast who are in partnership with Bloc Blinds which is producing 13million face shields for frontline health workers. During the visit, both Ministers reiterated the commitment of the Executive to pursuing all supply channels both locally and globally to secure Personal […]
Apr 11 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced “significant financial support” for business in response to Covid-19. Businesses in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors will be eligible to apply for grants of £25,000. Applications to the scheme will open on Monday 20 April and will take around 15 working days to process, subject to verification of […]
Apr 11 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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The Department of Health has published updated guidance for domiciliary care providers in Northern Ireland. The guidance provides clear direction to trusts and independent providers on supply of PPE and staffing arrangements. This includes the provision of a buffer stock; connecting independent providers with PPE suppliers; and supporting staffing arrangements. Speaking today, Chief […]
Apr 11 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Another 15 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland have died in the last 24 hours. The total of deaths in the country has now risen to 107. In the last 24 hours, the Public Health Agency said 860 tests have been carried out. Out of those 860 people tested, […]

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has praised the role of farm supply businesses in providing essential services to farmers and helping to put food on our tables. Minister Poots told Newry Times, “Our farmers are of course a vital part of the food supply chain for us all, especially in this very challenging environment. […]
Apr 10 2020 | Posted in
Community |
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Sinn Féin MLA and Infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan has stressed the need to ensure the logistics sectors’ ability to successfully operate over the course of Covid-19, in order to keep supply lines of vital goods secure. Speaking to Newry Times, the Newry and Armagh MLA stated, “The logistics sector has been playing a vital role […]
Apr 10 2020 | Posted in
Community |
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The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to stay at home over the Easter break, emphasising how important it is to save lives. The agency has thanked people for practising social distancing and following guidelines about only leaving their homes when necessary. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, […]
Apr 10 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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