
The Finance Minister has called on the British Government to give the Executive greater control of its finances. Responding to the British Secretary of State’s call for the Executive to “take greater responsibility for its finances” Conor Murphy said, “The British Government recently abandoned its commitment to a three-year budget which would have […]
Oct 26 2020 | Posted in
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A bespoke package to provide financial assistance to the taxi, private bus and coach sectors will be brought forward, Ministers have announced. The First Minister and deputy First Minister have conferred the necessary powers on the Infrastructure Minister to administer the schemes, which will be developed urgently. The funding package will […]
Oct 26 2020 | Posted in
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Economy Minister Diane Dodds has encouraged businesses across Northern Ireland who receive personal data transfers from the EU to prepare for the end of the transition period. A recent survey by the Department for the Economy of local businesses who receive data from the EU showed that 66% advised that EU data was […]
Oct 23 2020 | Posted in
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Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed financial support for over 1,000 artists as a support scheme is rolled out today by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. The Sinn Féin Culture, Arts and Sport spokesperson said, “Today over 1,000 artists in the arts, heritage, culture and language sector received financial support to assist […]
Oct 19 2020 | Posted in
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Newry Councillor Roisin Mulgrew has highlighted ‘frustrations’ in accessing broadband. Embed from Getty Images The Newry City Sinn Féin Councillor said that broadband was “an essential utility for households”. “It is a poor reflection on the state that basic utilities like broadband are still out of reach for rural dwellers and […]
Oct 16 2020 | Posted in
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Education Minister Peter Weir has announced decisions on proposals for changes to the awarding of qualifications during 2020/21. Embed from Getty Images The focus of these changes is to protect and support our pupils in their progress towards future study and employment. The changes include a reduction in the number of exams that […]
Oct 15 2020 | Posted in
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Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the extension of jury trials to other court venues across Northern Ireland. A total of six courthouses are accommodating trials, which are taking place in the Laganside courts complex in Belfast, in Antrim, Craigavon, Newry, Coleraine and Dungannon courthouses. Laganside, which in August became the first […]
Oct 15 2020 | Posted in
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that changes to legislation to exempt private vehicles of historic interest from annual MOT testing come into effect from 12 October. The change applies to private vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago and aligns Northern Ireland legislation with that in GB. […]
Oct 14 2020 | Posted in
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Education Minister Peter Weir has welcomed the appointment of Mrs Faustina Graham to the post of Chief Inspector of the Education Training Inspectorate (ETI) in the Department of Education, following an open recruitment competition. Mrs Graham brings a wealth of experience to the post having previously held the position of Assistant Chief Inspector […]
Oct 13 2020 | Posted in
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A new surveillance protocol for Brucellosis will benefit farmers and industry, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots, MLA, has said. The revised surveillance protocol will help NI retain its Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status and will result in the cessation of routine testing for all herds that have had a Brucellosis test completed within the […]
Oct 12 2020 | Posted in
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