Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has approved adjustments to public transport services during the period of new Covid-19 restrictions. From Monday 11 January 2021, Translink Bus and Rail Services will operate a reduced timetable of essential services. Minister Mallon says, “As we continue our fight against the Covid-19 outbreak and people are […]
The flu vaccination programme in Northern Ireland is being further expanded to include those aged 50-64. The expansion of the programme will help protect more people from flu and relieve further pressure on the health service. Those who will be aged 50-64 by 31 March 2021 can avail of the jab […]
Local natural gas supplier firmus energy has marked a significant year of investment in the Newry and Mourne area. The local gas company has invested £2.6m in the area to bring natural gas to even more homes and businesses across the City. Established in 2006, firmus energy supplies natural gas to […]
Education Minister Peter Weir has announced his intention to establish an Independent Review of Education. The Terms of Reference for the Review, which is an Executive commitment in New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) have been published. Speaking in the Assembly the Minister says, “The ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement sets out […]
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has published the 2019-2020 Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report. The Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report is an integral part of the rural needs monitoring process as it provides a formal record of all Rural Needs Impact Assessments undertaken by public authorities. Publishing […]
A charity supporting nursing and midwifery staff is urging those working in Northern Ireland to seek help this winter. Cavell Nurses’ Trust helps nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants all over the UK who are facing a personal or financial crisis, often due to illness, disability, domestic abuse or the impact of the Covid-19 […]
Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced the next stage of the ‘Forests for Our Future’ programme by launching a new £4million grant scheme. The scheme aims to encourage and help landowners plant their own native woodlands. Successful applicants to the Small Woodland Grant Scheme will receive a standard establishment grant […]
Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a public consultation on a new, ten-year Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. The draft Strategy sets out a new vision for mental health in Northern Ireland as well as 29 high-level actions designed to take forward significant strategic change over the next decade. The […]
In what has been a particularly difficult 2020, Health and Social Care services are now facing unprecedented pressures in the face of a global pandemic, combined with traditional winter pressures. Sharon Gallagher, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board, urges the public to continue to support efforts to keep the service […]
The Department of Health COVID-19 Statistical Reporting Team has won a prestigious UK-wide Analysis in Government Award for its work on the COVID-19 Dashboard. The awards celebrate the achievements of the Analysis function within Government across the UK. One hundred and eighteen nominations were received across five categories. Against stiff competition […]
