
Gordon Lyons MLA has outlined his priorities after his appointment as Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) after Edwin Poots MLA temporarily stepped aside for health reasons. Speaking about his new portfolio, Minister Lyons said, “I want to wish my colleague Edwin Poots MLA a full and speedy […]
Feb 12 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Seven groups across Northern Ireland have been awarded £840,000 to work with farmers in developing practical solutions to address a particular problem or opportunity for the agri-food industry, Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced. Under the European Innovation Partnership scheme, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has awarded funding […]
Feb 11 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has called for urgent action from the UK Government on parcel deliveries to Northern Ireland. The Minister said, “We are seeing significant confusion in the e-commerce market, both from businesses and consumers. “This can be detrimental for consumers and mean that they may be more vulnerable to […]
Feb 9 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said that those most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis will not be denied access to advice support services. Minister Hargey said, “It is clear that the draft budget presents very significant challenges for the Executive and across departments with a constrained Spending Review outcome. […]
Feb 9 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has reiterated his call for a Common Travel Area for pets as they travel within the UK, urging Westminster and the European Union to adopt a ‘pragmatic and sensible approach’ which retains pet welfare at its heart. After engaging with his officials to find potential flexibilities for pet checks, […]
Feb 5 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has launched a £250,000 fund to help non-statutory training providers meet the additional costs resulting from ensuring compliance with public health regulations as a result of Covid-19. The Minister said, “Non-statutory training providers are a key part of our skills landscape and play a vital role in delivering the […]
Feb 4 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady has welcomed the release of heating grants this month to vulnerable citizens. The Newry and Armagh MP said, “This month has seen the beginning of £200 heating grants being paid directly into accounts of vulnerable citizens. “I want to commend Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey for her […]
Feb 4 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Fisheries Minister Edwin Poots MLA wants NI fishermen to get their fair share of additional fishing quota secured by the UK from the EU. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently closed a consultation seeking views on how additional fishing quota secured from the EU might be distributed […]
Feb 4 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Slieve Gullion Cllr Oonagh Magennis has expressed ‘serious concern’ that DAERA has not bid to the Department for Finance for any of the additional COVID funding which was announced by the Finance Minister. “At the recent committee, Sinn Fein’s Agricultural spokesperson, Declan McAleer MLA, asked what bids the Department had made in response […]
Feb 1 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady has welcomed news of a £2,000 payment for student nurses on clinical placement involved working on the frontline on the fight against COVID-19. The Newry and Armagh MP said, “Student nurses have been key to the fightback against COVID-19, working alongside other health workers to keep people safe […]
Feb 1 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »