
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 […]
Jan 5 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

A section of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Act 2016 which requires the Education Authority to seek and have regard to the views of the child has come into operation. Education Minister, Peter Weir said, “I am committed to improving the current system of special educational provision and to support pupils […]
Jan 1 2021 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has set out some of her key priorities for the New Year including progressing the development of Casement Park. The Minister also committed to delivering on the biggest transformational housing reform in a generation; ensuring the social security system delivers for people most in need; to drive forward changes […]
Dec 31 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed jury trials and other courts and tribunals hearings will continue to be held within the public health guidelines following the imposition of new Covid restrictions. Following the latest restrictions approved by the Executive and which come into effect from 26 December, the Minister moved to allay concerns […]
Dec 29 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

With just days to go until the Brexit Transition period ends, HMRC is urging traders to complete crucial preparations needed to trade with Europe from 1 January 2021. This month, HMRC has sent 250,000 letters and emails to VAT-registered traders urging them to get ready for the new trading rules. Ongoing […]
Dec 28 2020 | Posted in
Business,
Politics |
Read More »

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has published two guides to help people and businesses navigate the new procedures to follow when moving animals, plants, food and feed from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, after the UK leaves the EU on the 1 January 2021. The Guidance for Authorised Traders (during […]
Dec 23 2020 | Posted in
Business,
Politics |
Read More »

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 […]
Dec 21 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

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. […]
Dec 21 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

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 […]
Dec 21 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the announcement from the Finance Minister that more than £20 million will be made available for the community and voluntary sector from the Dormant Accounts Fund. Liz Kimmins said, “I welcome the launch of the Dormant Accounts Fund by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. “This […]
Dec 21 2020 | Posted in
Politics |
Read More »