
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said that the recent announcement by Firmus Gas of an increase in bills by 17.5 per cent will “drive more people into fuel poverty”. The MP also confirmed that his Party had requested an urgent meeting with Firmus to discuss the increase. Mickey Brady […]
Mar 10 2021 | Posted in
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Slieve Gullion Councillor Oonagh Magennis has welcomed the news that social housing, a number of which will be adapted to meet the need of families with disability access, will be built near Camlough. The Sinn Féin Councillor said, “I am delighted to hear that Belnew Developments Ltd, a registered Newry Company has Outline […]

Health Minister Robin Swann has underlined the impact of drug use on individuals, their families and wider society. The Health Minister was speaking following the publication of the latest Drug-Related Deaths by NISRA which show that in 2019 191 people died from drug related causes. “First and foremost we must always remember that […]
Mar 9 2021 | Posted in
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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the Corporation Tax exemption for the Housing Executive that will result in millions of pounds of additional investment in their homes each year. The exemption has been a long-standing issue and one the Minister has been committed to resolving. Minister Hargey said, “I very much […]
Mar 8 2021 | Posted in
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SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has criticized the latest round of mass closures of bank branches and says that banks are letting down the people and communities who bailed them out and stuck by them for decades. He was speaking as the SDLP launched a petition calling on the Minister for Economy to protect […]
Mar 8 2021 | Posted in
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Economy Minister Diane Dodds has commented on the economic measures announced in the UK Budget this week. The Minister said, “The Job Retention Scheme has seen significant take-up in Northern Ireland, with in excess of 100,000 people furloughed. “I have been clear that, rather than ending on 31 March, the scheme […]
Mar 5 2021 | Posted in
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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has met with Sport NI, the NI Sports Forum and Sports Governing Bodies to discuss the pathway to a safe return to organised outdoor sport. Representatives from football, GAA, rugby, golf and other outdoor sports shared their experiences with the Minister and discussed the protocols they had put in […]
Mar 5 2021 | Posted in
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A formal offer on teachers’ pay for 2019 and 2020 has been accepted by the five main teaching unions. Education Minister Peter Weir said, “I am pleased that the five trade unions which make up the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) have accepted a pay offer on behalf of their members. […]
Mar 4 2021 | Posted in
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Finance Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the extension of furlough, support for newly self-employed, and additional funding for the Covid response. However, money for everyday public spending has only increased by £4.2m and there is no additional Capital funding. Conor Murphy said, “The biggest concern of many employers is wage costs […]
Mar 4 2021 | Posted in
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Health Minister Robin Swann and Education Minister Peter Weir have launched a new joint strategy for care-experienced children and young people. The ‘A Life Deserved: “Caring” for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’ strategy aims to improve the well-being of children and young people, who are already in care, at risk of […]
Mar 3 2021 | Posted in
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