Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the Prison Service’s decision to run a number of virtual visits on Christmas Day – a first for the Service. The Minister also commended prison staff for their work to support people in their care through the pandemic with over 25,000 virtual visits taking place since their […]
‘Paws for Thought’ before considering buying a puppy… that’s the message set out in a new campaign to raise awareness of what to look out for when buying a puppy. The multi-agency campaign aims to raise awareness ahead of potentially increased demand for puppies coming up to Christmas. It is being supported by […]
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to remember the basic steps to help reduce their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 – wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, and practise good hand hygiene – as well as keeping rooms well-ventilated, over the festive period. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of […]
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has urged the public to travel safely over the festive period. While travel by car and across the public transport network has decreased since March because of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are expected to be out on the roads and in towns and cities over the coming days. […]
Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts have stood up their staff vaccination clinics from the beginning of this week as part of a phased programme. Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said, “All staff working in Health and Social Care will be able to get the vaccination in line with the advice […]
Omniplex Cinemas have teamed up with Blue Peter and Pantomime Legend, Peter Duncan, to bring the panto to your local Omniplex in Northern Ireland from 19 December 2020. The Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, was filmed on socially distant sets during the summer with a cast of 35 seasoned professionals– in Peter’s back […]
Education Minister, Peter Weir, has said that all schools and other education settings will reopen in the first week of January. The Minister said, “My main priority has always been to protect our children’s education, mental health and well-being. “I believe that this can best be achieved through face-to-face learning and […]
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called on the Education Minister to listen to the calls from parents, teachers and teaching unions and cancel transfer tests planned for the New Year. The Newry and Armagh MLA said, “Academic selection transfer tests are unfair and place huge stresses on children every year. […]
With Brexit just around the corner, The Consumer Council is concerned with reports of retailers and parcel operators withdrawing deliveries between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at The Consumer Council, said, “In the last few days, some retailers and parcel operators have announced plans to […]
The Executive last night said it took “the difficult decision” to limit the arrangements for people to come together over Christmas. Christmas bubbling will now be reduced to one day only on a date between 23 and 27 December, to ensure flexibility for those working on Christmas Day to choose an alternative day […]
