Latest releases
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3,515 releases
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Coroner and PSNI should investigate neurology deaths – Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín says a report into 44 deaths of patients treated by ex-neurologist Michael Watt poses more queries than answers, and calls on the PSNI and Coroner to investigate.
Health Justice and policing Issue: Neurology review of Dr Michael Watt patient deaths Original release: Coroner and PSNI should investigate neurology deaths – Ní Chuilín (opens in a new tab)
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Muir seeks action on MOT chaos
Alliance Infrastructure Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA says he has contacted the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Infrastructure over MOT booking backlogs, which leave drivers unable to renew certificates or road tax and facing fines. He calls for swift improvement and firm measures from…
Infrastructure and transport Original release: Muir seeks action on MOT chaos (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood opposes cuts to BBC Radio Foyle at PMQs
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to raising proposed BBC Radio Foyle cuts with BBC leadership, after Eastwood raised the Breakfast Show and news staff reductions at PMQs. He argues the cuts breach the BBC charter.
Other Economy and employment Issue: BBC Radio Foyle shutdown plans Original release: Eastwood opposes cuts to BBC Radio Foyle at PMQs (opens in a new tab)
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McGrath: Increase in suicides highlights need for funded mental health strategy
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath says tackling the mental health crisis is impossible without a functioning Stormont, calling for an Assembly and Executive to fund a robust mental health strategy after NISRA figures showed 237 suicide deaths last year.
Health Issue: NISRA suicide statistics showing 237 deaths last year Original release: McGrath: Increase in suicides highlights need for funded mental health strategy (opens in a new tab)
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Radio Foyle cuts a blow to local journalism: Middleton
DUP MLA Gary Middleton says the BBC’s cuts to Radio Foyle staff and programming deal a blow to local journalism in the north‑west, urges the corporation to explain how axed services will be replaced and calls for the breakfast show decision to be reversed.
Other Issue: BBC Radio Foyle shutdown plans Original release: Radio Foyle cuts a blow to local journalism: Middleton (opens in a new tab)
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O’Neill challenges governments’ inaction on restoring the Executive
Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill asks the British Secretary of State to set out what steps he is taking to restore the Executive, and urges Chris Heaton-Harris to confirm when energy support payments will reach workers and families.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Original release: O’Neill challenges governments’ inaction on restoring the Executive (opens in a new tab)
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Victims of Michael Watt must be focus following report
DUP South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron calls the RQIA expert review of 44 deceased patients treated by former neurologist Michael Watt harrowing, says victims need bespoke wraparound care, and will urge Trusts and the Department of Health to provide it. DUP North Belfast MLA Brian Kingston calls for a…
Health Issue: Neurology review of Dr Michael Watt patient deaths Original release: Victims of Michael Watt must be focus following report (opens in a new tab)
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“British Court of Appeal Permits Abortion Up Until Birth on Grounds of Down Syndrome For North of Ireland” – Cllr Doyle
Aontú Cllr Emmet Doyle criticises a British Court of Appeal ruling that allows abortion on grounds of Down syndrome up to birth, saying it will apply in Northern Ireland. He calls on Stormont to oppose abortion in the North and accuses Sinn Féin and the SDLP of supporting the change.
Disability and equality Health Issue: Court of Appeal rejects Heidi Crowter challenge on Down's syndrome abortion law Original release: “British Court of Appeal Permits Abortion Up Until Birth on Grounds of Down Syndrome For North of Ireland” – Cllr Doyle (opens in a new tab)
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Neurology review still leaves questions unanswered for huge numbers of people, says Bradshaw
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA says a review of 44 patient deaths under Dr Michael Watt leaves huge numbers of people with unanswered questions. She calls for wider access to services for bereaved families and survivors, and says she is meeting the Royal College of Physicians.
Health Issue: Neurology review of Dr Michael Watt patient deaths Original release: Neurology review still leaves questions unanswered for huge numbers of people, says Bradshaw (opens in a new tab)
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Stop the shutdown of BBC Radio Foyle
The SDLP calls on the BBC to halt its plans to shut down BBC Radio Foyle, arguing the station's local service should be protected for audiences in the north west.
Other Issue: BBC Radio Foyle shutdown plans Original release: Stop the shutdown of BBC Radio Foyle (opens in a new tab)
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Executive needed to support women struggling with mental health conditions post pregnancy – Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín calls for an Executive to fund a specialised mother and baby unit for women with mental health conditions after pregnancy, citing around 70 annual hospitalisations for post-partum psychosis. She also urges the DUP to engage so a three-year health budget can be set.
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Secretary of State should intervene immediately on workload and workforce pressures affecting GPs
Alliance calls on the Secretary of State to act urgently on GP workload and staffing pressures in Northern Ireland, following a meeting with the British Medical Association. Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw says the Secretary of State should use his new budgetary powers to ease these pressures…
Health Issue: Alliance meeting with British Medical Association on GP pressures Original release: Secretary of State should intervene immediately on workload and workforce pressures affecting GPs (opens in a new tab)
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Access to PrEP key to ending HIV stigma, says Bradshaw
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw says broader access to PrEP and PEP would help end HIV stigma, following 76 new cases recorded in 2021. She calls for more work to change attitudes and make treatments more widely available.
Health Issue: 76 new HIV cases recorded in 2021 Original release: Access to PrEP key to ending HIV stigma, says Bradshaw (opens in a new tab)
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‘DUP talking out of both sides of their mouth on Protocol’ – Finucane
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane accuses the DUP of inconsistency on the Protocol, citing MLA Edwin Poots lobbying to amend the Protocol Bill to protect farm benefits, and calls for an end to the Executive boycott.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Original release: ‘DUP talking out of both sides of their mouth on Protocol’ – Finucane (opens in a new tab)
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Hazzard discusses Newry Rail Services with Translink Chief
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard says he met Translink CEO Chris Conway about rail services in Newry and asked Translink to work with Iarnród Éireann to expand Dublin connections. He calls for at least two direct morning trains reaching Belfast before 9am.
Infrastructure and transport Original release: Hazzard discusses Newry Rail Services with Translink Chief (opens in a new tab)
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Executive needed to invest in health services – Gildernew
Sinn Féin spokesperson for health Colm Gildernew says an Executive is needed to tackle growing pressures in health and social care and invest in services, responding to remarks by Health Permanent Secretary Peter May. He points to a three-year budget proposed by Conor Murphy with an extra £1…
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: Health Permanent Secretary Peter May comments on health system pressures Original release: Executive needed to invest in health services – Gildernew (opens in a new tab)
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Termination of Ballymena GPs contracts a sad state of affairs and indicates need for institutional reform, says O’Lynn
Alliance North Antrim MLA Patricia O'Lynn says she is saddened by the termination of two Ballymena GP practice contracts, which could close services for over 7,000 patients, and blames the DUP's boycott of the institutions for stalling health decision-making and calling for institutional reform.
Health Constitutional affairs Issue: Ballymena GP practices terminating contracts and potential closure Original release: Termination of Ballymena GPs contracts a sad state of affairs and indicates need for institutional reform, says O’Lynn (opens in a new tab)
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Tennyson echoes calls for justice for communities at the frontline of the climate emergency
Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson, speaking as COP27 closed with a deal on loss and damage funding for vulnerable nations, says wealthy industrialised countries bear disproportionate blame for climate harm and calls for justice for affected communities. He welcomes the new fund and points to Alliance's…
Environment and climate International affairs Issue: COP27 agreement on damage and loss financial assistance Original release: Tennyson echoes calls for justice for communities at the frontline of the climate emergency (opens in a new tab)
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Reid expresses concern over GP surgery closures
SDLP councillor Eugene Reid expresses concern over two Ballymena GP surgeries handing back their contracts, affecting around 7,000 patients. He calls on the Department of Health to find doctors to take over the practices and links the situation to GP workforce planning shortfalls.
Health Issue: Ballymena GP practices terminating contracts and potential closure Original release: Reid expresses concern over GP surgery closures (opens in a new tab)
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Immediate funding needed to tackle delays in discharging patients – Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín calls for immediate additional funding for social care to tackle delays in discharging patients from hospitals, and for mileage costs to be met for domiciliary care workers in rural areas. She also urges the DUP to end its boycott so an Executive can be formed.
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: Meeting between five main parties and Department of Health Permanent Secretary on discharge delays Original release: Immediate funding needed to tackle delays in discharging patients – Ní Chuilín (opens in a new tab)