Latest releases
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11,735 releases
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Major change in direction needed to tackle skill shortages in Northern Ireland, says Alliance representatives
Alliance Economy Spokespeople Kate Nicholl MLA and David Honeyford MLA say the PAC’s skills report shows Northern Ireland’s skill shortages require a major shift in approach, urging the Economy Minister to refocus spending, boost cross‑departmental and industry collaboration, and better align school
Education Economy and employment Issue: Public Accounts Committee report on skills shortages Original release: Major change in direction needed to tackle skill shortages in Northern Ireland, says Alliance representatives (opens in a new tab)
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OEP evidence indicates pressing need to reduce our impact on natural environment, says Blair
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA says Office for Environmental Protection evidence to the agriculture committee shows wastewater infrastructure and the agri-food sector are placing unsustainable pressure on the environment. He calls for cross-sector collaboration, including on the…
Environment and climate Agriculture and rural affairs Issue: OEP evidence to Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on environmental pressures Original release: OEP evidence indicates pressing need to reduce our impact on natural environment, says Blair (opens in a new tab)
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McGrath: Health Minister must intervene at Belfast Trust
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA urges Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to step in and assume greater authority over the Belfast Trust after alarming reports from the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Cardiac Unit, calling for direct ministerial control to address systemic failures.
Health Issue: Royal Victoria Hospital cardiac unit external review publication Original release: McGrath: Health Minister must intervene at Belfast Trust (opens in a new tab)
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Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe must apologise for denying fact: The British army did bomb and shoot Irish civilians – Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh demands that Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe apologise and correct the Dáil record over his claim that the British army never bombed or shot civilians in Ireland. He cites the Ballymurphy massacre, Bloody Sunday, and the Seán Brown killing.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Cathal Crowe Dáil remarks on British army and civilians Original release: Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe must apologise for denying fact: The British army did bomb and shoot Irish civilians – Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD (opens in a new tab)
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Police Ombudsman’s report points towards collusive behaviour and collusion at the heart of Peter Gallagher’s murder in 1993 – Kearney
Sinn Féin's Declan Kearney, South Antrim MLA, welcomes the Police Ombudsman's report on the 1993 murder of Peter Gallagher in Toome and says its findings point towards collusion by state forces. He cites surveillance being discontinued, the removal of the murder weapon by a British Army officer…
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Police Ombudsman report on Peter Gallagher murder 1993 Original release: Police Ombudsman’s report points towards collusive behaviour and collusion at the heart of Peter Gallagher’s murder in 1993 – Kearney (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin Leader issues progress report on overhaul of governance procedures
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald says a progress report shows Sinn Féin has appointed a new HR Manager, a Director of National Corporate Governance and set up a Governance Hub, updated child‑protection policy, is finalising an employee handbook and a legal review of disciplinary procedures as part
Other Issue: Sinn Féin governance procedures overhaul progress report Original release: Sinn Féin Leader issues progress report on overhaul of governance procedures (opens in a new tab)
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EU-British agreement to reduce trade barriers welcome, but we need to talk about legacy – Kathleen Funchion MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion welcomes parts of the EU-British agreement announced at the May 19 UK-EU Summit but warns of caution, arguing the British government is using the reset to reinterpret agreements. She says the Legacy Act breaches the ECHR and Article 2 of the Windsor Framework, and…
Community relations and legacy International affairs Issue: UK-EU summit on 19 May 2025 Original release: EU-British agreement to reduce trade barriers welcome, but we need to talk about legacy – Kathleen Funchion MEP (opens in a new tab)
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Education Minister cuts first sod at Kilronan Special School
Education Minister Paul Givan cuts the first sod on a £4.9 million School Enhancement Programme at Kilronan Special School, Magherafelt, announcing a single‑storey extension with specialist classrooms and support facilities, and saying the investment will benefit pupils, staff and local families and
Education Disability and equality Issue: Kilronan Special School SEP project start Original release: Education Minister cuts first sod at Kilronan Special School (opens in a new tab)
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Dodds welcomes promise to publish damning report into RVH cardiac unit
DUP MLA Diane Dodds welcomes the Health Minister's agreement to publish an external review of the Royal Victoria Hospital cardiac unit, which found bullying, poor behaviour and a significant risk to public safety. She calls for demonstrable action to restore trust in the Trust.
Health Issue: Royal Victoria Hospital cardiac unit external review publication Original release: Dodds welcomes promise to publish damning report into RVH cardiac unit (opens in a new tab)
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UK Prime Minister must take diplomatic steps to tackle worsening situation in Gaza – Beattie
UUP MLA Doug Beattie says the UK Prime Minister must take diplomatic steps over the worsening situation in Gaza, and the party has written to him urging action. He calls for a long-term ceasefire, the release of hostages and unconditional humanitarian corridors, and says Israel must ensure aid…
International affairs Original release: UK Prime Minister must take diplomatic steps to tackle worsening situation in Gaza – Beattie (opens in a new tab)
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Lavery welcomes Pride approval for Lurgan Park
Alliance Lurgan Councillor Peter Lavery welcomes the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council vote, passed 16 to 14, allowing Lurgan Pride to hold its August event in Lurgan Park. He criticises DUP and TUV opposition as shameful and discriminatory.
Disability and equality Local government Issue: Lurgan Pride event approval in Lurgan Park by ABC Council Original release: Lavery welcomes Pride approval for Lurgan Park (opens in a new tab)
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Bronagh Magee selected as Alliance Councillor for Castlereagh South
Alliance has appointed Dr Bronagh Magee as its councillor for Castlereagh South, chosen by local association members to succeed Nancy Eaton, who is stepping aside to pursue further study. Magee says her priorities include securing a community hub and grants for local entrepreneurs.
Local government Issue: Bronagh Magee appointed Alliance councillor for Castlereagh South Original release: Bronagh Magee selected as Alliance Councillor for Castlereagh South (opens in a new tab)
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Follow up action needed by Health Minister to avoid continued crisis in dental sector, says Donnelly
Alliance health spokesperson Danny Donnelly MLA welcomes the Health Minister's funding for general dental services, including support for dentists treating NHS patients and a fee increase, but says further action is needed to prevent the sector's crisis from deepening.
Health Issue: Health Minister's general dental services funding announcement following Alliance Assembly motion Original release: Follow up action needed by Health Minister to avoid continued crisis in dental sector, says Donnelly (opens in a new tab)
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Communities Minister’s painfully slow progress on delivery frustrating, says Armstrong
Alliance's Kellie Armstrong MLA says the Communities Minister's slow progress on social strategies, including anti-poverty, disability and LGBTQI+ plans, is delaying their outcomes. She questions the 'phased approach' used and calls for urgency before the multi-year budget.
Disability and equality Original release: Communities Minister’s painfully slow progress on delivery frustrating, says Armstrong (opens in a new tab)
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McGrath: Lack of clear CAMHS waiting list data is unacceptable
SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA expresses serious concern that incomplete data on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services waiting times, linked to the encompass system rollout, is hindering planning. He calls on the Health Minister to lead urgent action.
Health Issue: NISRA quarterly CAMHS waiting list figures publication May 2025 Original release: McGrath: Lack of clear CAMHS waiting list data is unacceptable (opens in a new tab)
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Patsy McGlone: Incentives and clarity for farmers needed amid nutrients action programme changes
SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA calls on DAERA to match nutrients action programme regulation with increased financial support and a realistic lead-in time for farmers. He cites Irish Government low-emission slurry spreading and advisory supports as a model.
Agriculture and rural affairs Environment and climate Issue: DAERA consultation on Nutrients Action Programme review and 2026-2029 programme Original release: Patsy McGlone: Incentives and clarity for farmers needed amid nutrients action programme changes (opens in a new tab)
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West Tyrone SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has welcomed progress to legislate to replace the Northern Ireland General Teaching Council
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan welcomes progress on legislation to replace the Northern Ireland General Teaching Council, after Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed he submitted a paper to the Executive and may introduce a Bill later this year. He says the SDLP will scrutinise the legislation when…
Education Issue: Education Minister Givan's paper to replace the General Teaching Council Original release: West Tyrone SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has welcomed progress to legislate to replace the Northern Ireland General Teaching Council (opens in a new tab)
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Hunter Applauds Landmark Vote by Camogie Association
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter welcomes the Camogie Association special Congress vote, which overwhelmingly backed letting players choose between shorts and skorts in matches. She calls it a long-overdue win for camogie players and for women in sport.
Disability and equality Issue: Camogie Association special Congress vote on shorts or skorts Original release: Hunter Applauds Landmark Vote by Camogie Association (opens in a new tab)
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McCrossan expresses deep sadness following A5 tragedy
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan expresses sorrow after a fatal crash on the A5 near Omagh that left one person dead and another seriously hurt. He sends prayers to the bereaved family and thanks emergency responders for their quick response at the scene.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: Fatal A5 crash near Omagh, May 2025 Original release: McCrossan expresses deep sadness following A5 tragedy (opens in a new tab)
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Hanna calls on UK Government to recognise State of Palestine ahead of UN conference
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP calls on the UK Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine before the UN conference in New York on 17 June, citing the Gaza violence and humanitarian blockade as reasons to act now.
International affairs Issue: UN Conference on Palestine statehood recognition call by SDLP Original release: Hanna calls on UK Government to recognise State of Palestine ahead of UN conference (opens in a new tab)