Northern Ireland’s economic recovery will be driven by innovation, investment and a skilled workforce, Economy Minister Diane Dodds says. The Minister was speaking as she launched the Economic Recovery Action Plan which sets out a road map to rebuilding the economy from the impact of the pandemic. The Minister said, “As we move […]
Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has brought forward to the Northern Ireland Assembly new regulations aimed at ensuring the continued smooth delivery of direct agricultural support to farmers in 2021. Speaking in the House on Monday 22 February, Minister Lyons outlined how leaving the EU has provided Northern Ireland with an unprecedented level […]
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has this week released figures on domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period. The aim of the campaign, entitled ‘Speak Out’, which ran from 9 December until 17 January, was to encourage the reporting of domestic abuse incidents and make victims aware they can come forward to […]
SDLP South Down MLA, Sinead Bradley has welcomed a joint meeting of Councils and said that partnership working, led by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, will deliver Narrow Water Bridge. The South Down MLA commented, “I was delighted yesterday to see SDLP Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, meet with elected representatives from Newry, Mourne […]
We are fast approaching No Smoking Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are urging people to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, says, “During the COVID-19 pandemic our health is more important than ever and we are […]
Applications for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme and Entitlement Transfer Service will open on 1 March 2021, Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced. Welcoming the launch, Minister Lyons said, “I am pleased to announce that the 2021 Single Application and Map Service and Entitlement Transfer Service will open on 1 March 2021. […]
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a number of new initiatives to test people who do not have symptoms for Covid-19. This expanded ‘asymptomatic testing programme’ will substantially increase testing for Covid-19 to the benefit of many sectors across Northern Ireland. The programme will use new tests currently available, for example, Lateral Flow […]
The Covid-19 vaccination programme has now reached a milestone of over 500, 000 doses delivered to eligible people in Northern Ireland. 478,825 first doses and 31,345 second doses have now been administered. Health Minister Robin Swann welcomed this week’s landmark figure and praised the dedication of all involved in the vaccination programme. […]
The Minister for Infrastructure met this week with Newry, Mourne and Down Council and Louth Council to discuss the way forward in delivering the iconic Narrow Water Bridge. At the meeting, both councils and the Minister affirmed their commitment to the New Decade, New Approach project and committed to working in partnership to […]
The number of people calling the NSPCC Helpline with concerns about parents’ use of drugs and alcohol has increased by 66% since the start of the pandemic, according to new NSPCC data. The Helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get […]
