Latest releases
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4,116 releases
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Dolan welcomes launch of public consultation Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan welcomes the launch of a public consultation on a proposed Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who suffer pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. She urges parents and the public to share their views and says she looks forward to the scheme being introduced later this year.
Health Issue: Baby Loss Certificate Scheme public consultation launch Original release: Dolan welcomes launch of public consultation Baby Loss Certificate Scheme (opens in a new tab)
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Ratcliffe Slams Appalling Abortion Decision
TUV chairman Councillor Keith Ratcliffe condemns the Commons vote to decriminalise women who end their own pregnancies at any stage, calling the decision morally repugnant and claiming it was rushed through without serious debate.
Health Issue: Westminster vote on abortion amendment in Bill, June 2025 Original release: Ratcliffe Slams Appalling Abortion Decision (opens in a new tab)
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All-island approach needed to tackle air pollution – Finnegan
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan calls for an all-island approach to tackle air pollution on Clean Air Day, arguing it harms health, worsens health inequalities and contributes to hundreds of deaths each year. She pledges support for the Executive and the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and…
Environment and climate Health Original release: All-island approach needed to tackle air pollution – Finnegan (opens in a new tab)
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International cooperation key to addressing major global Issues – Hughes
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes says international cooperation is essential to tackling global challenges facing workers and families, after addressing the inaugural gathering of the European Left Alliance in Porto. He calls on the Irish government to begin planning for Irish reunification.
International affairs Constitutional affairs Issue: European Left Alliance inaugural congress in Porto Original release: International cooperation key to addressing major global Issues – Hughes (opens in a new tab)
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Maternity Hospital scandal demands urgent action and accountability –…
DUP MLA Diane Dodds says the revelations about the delayed Royal Maternity Hospital constitute a scandal and demand immediate ministerial action, an overhaul of capital health project oversight and clearer solutions to the cost‑overrun and timeline failures.
Health Infrastructure and transport Issue: Belfast new maternity hospital further 28-month delay Original release: Maternity Hospital scandal demands urgent action and accountability –… (opens in a new tab)
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Tóibín appeals to SDLP members after Westminster abortion vote
Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín urges SDLP members to leave the party after its two Westminster MPs, Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood, voted for a Commons amendment permitting abortion until birth. He says the vote breaks with the SDLP's founding principles and invites dissenters to join Aontú.
Health Issue: Westminster vote on abortion amendment in Bill, June 2025 Original release: Tóibín appeals to SDLP members after Westminster abortion vote (opens in a new tab)
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Alliance Belfast Councillors bring blood donation motion to Council, highlighting importance of donating
Alliance Councillor Tara Brooks is giving blood at Belfast City Hall to encourage donations, and has tabled a council motion on blood donation inspired by her father's treatment for a rare blood cancer. She thanks the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.
Health Local government Original release: Alliance Belfast Councillors bring blood donation motion to Council, highlighting importance of donating (opens in a new tab)
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McGrath: Maternity hospital delay totally unacceptable
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA says a 28-month delay to opening the new Belfast maternity hospital is unacceptable and welcomes the Health Minister's plan to appoint an independent expert to scrutinise the Belfast Trust's options.
Health Issue: Belfast new maternity hospital further 28-month delay Original release: McGrath: Maternity hospital delay totally unacceptable (opens in a new tab)
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O’Toole: Speaker’s rebuke underlines importance of constructive Opposition
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA endorses the Speaker's rebuke of MLAs over the standard of Assembly debate, accusing Executive parties of treating the Chamber as an inconvenience. He points to Sinn Féin and other parties failing to vote or attend at an Opposition Day.
Constitutional affairs Issue: Speaker Edwin Poots rebuke to MLAs over Assembly debate standards Original release: O’Toole: Speaker’s rebuke underlines importance of constructive Opposition (opens in a new tab)
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Further delay to maternity hospital ‘deeply disappointing’ – McGuigan
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan says he is alarmed that the Health Minister has confirmed a further 28-month delay to the new Belfast maternity hospital, a project already years behind and costing almost £100 million. He urges the minister to act urgently to resolve the problems.
Health Infrastructure and transport Issue: Belfast new maternity hospital further 28-month delay Original release: Further delay to maternity hospital ‘deeply disappointing’ – McGuigan (opens in a new tab)
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Dodds calls for answers over fire safety issues at RVH
DUP Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds MLA says the Health Minister has confirmed fire safety concerns at the Royal Victoria Hospital, including beds blocking emergency exits, and questions why Belfast Trust leaders denied other concerns at committee. She asks when the Department was aware, what…
Health Issue: Royal Victoria Hospital fire safety concerns raised by NIFRS Original release: Dodds calls for answers over fire safety issues at RVH (opens in a new tab)
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Donnelly condemns continued delays as Minister confirms 28 month wait and millions more needed for maternity unit
Alliance Health spokesperson Danny Donnelly MLA raises concerns in the Assembly after the Health Minister said the Belfast Trust Maternity Hospital will not open for at least 28 more months, needing millions in extra safety and infrastructure work. He calls for a decision on the best way forward.
Health Infrastructure and transport Issue: Belfast new maternity hospital further 28-month delay Original release: Donnelly condemns continued delays as Minister confirms 28 month wait and millions more needed for maternity unit (opens in a new tab)
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Independent EPA key to strengthening environmental governance, says Blair, following publication of report
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA welcomes the interim report of the Independent Panel on Environmental Governance, backing its recommendation for an independent Environmental Protection Agency. He urges Executive parties to fully support the final recommendations expected this…
Environment and climate Issue: Independent Panel on Environmental Governance interim report publication Original release: Independent EPA key to strengthening environmental governance, says Blair, following publication of report (opens in a new tab)
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O’Dowd ignoring crumbling water infrastructure: O’Toole
SDLP Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole says Finance Minister John O'Dowd refuses to acknowledge a funding crisis at NI Water, despite Fiscal Council warnings, and calls for a funding plan, citing Lough Neagh pollution and social housing targets.
Infrastructure and transport Environment and climate Issue: NI Water funding crisis and Finance Minister's refusal to acknowledge it Original release: O’Dowd ignoring crumbling water infrastructure: O’Toole (opens in a new tab)
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Allister calls on Government to tighten border controls
TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister calls on the UK Government to address unfettered access to Northern Ireland via the Republic of Ireland, claiming freedom of movement has effectively continued and that border controls are not being exercised. He says the Protocol could worsen this.
Immigration International affairs Original release: Allister calls on Government to tighten border controls (opens in a new tab)
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Mathison Welcomes the British Heart Foundation to Stormont
Alliance MLA Nick Mathison welcomes the British Heart Foundation to Parliament Buildings, where it showcased its Classroom RevivR tool to the Education Committee, and urges local businesses to register defibrillators.
Health Education Original release: Mathison Welcomes the British Heart Foundation to Stormont (opens in a new tab)
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Brooks welcomes progress on proposals for new South Belfast greenway
Alliance Balmoral Councillor Tara Brooks says she is pleased a feasibility study has been commissioned for a proposed greenway in Belfast's Blackstaff area, which followed a 2023 Alliance council motion. The study will consider links to Adelaide Train Station and alternatives such as a walking…
Infrastructure and transport Local government Issue: Blackstaff area South Belfast greenway feasibility study commissioned Original release: Brooks welcomes progress on proposals for new South Belfast greenway (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood calls for urgent introduction of Hillsborough Law
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood urges the UK Government to quickly bring forward a Hillsborough-style Duty of Candour Bill, saying the promised April deadline was missed and warning that any weakened legislation would fail families.
Justice and policing Health Issue: Missed April deadline for Duty of Candour Bill Original release: Eastwood calls for urgent introduction of Hillsborough Law (opens in a new tab)
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Comprehensive Spending Review sees increased funds for NI but significant pressures remain - Aiken
UUP Finance Spokesperson Dr Steve Aiken says the Comprehensive Spending Review appears to recognise Northern Ireland's underfunding, with DEL rising by about £1.5bn, but warns of pressures including a £600M health shortfall and £250M for policing. He calls on the Executive to prioritise and asks…
Public finance and taxation Health Issue: UK Government first Spending Review 2025 Original release: Comprehensive Spending Review sees increased funds for NI but significant pressures remain - Aiken (opens in a new tab)
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Newry, Mourne and Down Council backs Alliance motion calling for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Alliance says Newry, Mourne and Down Council has backed its motion calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, making it the first Northern Ireland local authority to do so. Cllr Jill Truesdale and Cllr Cadogan Enright also criticise public subsidies for gas and call for grid investment in…
Environment and climate Local government Issue: Newry, Mourne and Down Council backs Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty motion Original release: Newry, Mourne and Down Council backs Alliance motion calling for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (opens in a new tab)