Latest releases
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2,488 releases
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More must be done to tackle inequalities facing people with disabilities, following report, says Donnelly
Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly says more must be done at Westminster and Stormont to tackle inequalities facing disabled people after a UN committee report on UK compliance with the UNCRPD. He calls on the Executive Office and Department for Communities to act and urges Assembly action on…
Disability and equality Social security and welfare Issue: UN UNCRPD committee report on rights of persons with disabilities in the UK Original release: More must be done to tackle inequalities facing people with disabilities, following report, says Donnelly (opens in a new tab)
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McCrossan: A5 cannot be allowed to claim anymore lives
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan says the A5 cannot claim more lives after two young people died in a crash on the Doogary Road near Omagh. He urges the Infrastructure Minister to release the PAC report and commit to a start date for work on the road before year end.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: Fatal collision on the A5 near Omagh killing two teenagers Original release: McCrossan: A5 cannot be allowed to claim anymore lives (opens in a new tab)
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MOT exemption certificates must be stepping stone towards long-term…
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine, Chair of the Assembly's Infrastructure Committee, welcomes one-year temporary MOT exemption certificates but says they are only a short-term step. She calls for a long-term fix to the MOT backlog and questions the planned consultation on biennial testing.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: MOT exemption certificates to reduce testing backlog Original release: MOT exemption certificates must be stepping stone towards long-term… (opens in a new tab)
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Sheehan welcomes half of one billion plan for special schools
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan welcomes the education minister's announcement of £500 million to prioritise building special educational needs facilities. He says children with additional needs deserve first-class facilities and calls for every child with special educational needs to have a school…
Education Disability and equality Issue: Education Minister announces SEN Capital Investment Programme Original release: Sheehan welcomes half of one billion plan for special schools (opens in a new tab)
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Education Minister’s support for children with Special Educational…
East Antrim DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee welcomes Education Minister Paul Givan's announcement of a Special Educational Needs Capital Investment Programme, saying the four‑strand plan on maintenance, equipment, specialist provisions and new schools will create a fairer, more inclusive environment for SEN
Education Disability and equality Issue: Education Minister announces SEN Capital Investment Programme Original release: Education Minister’s support for children with Special Educational… (opens in a new tab)
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Investment programme in school facilities will support children with…
Education Minister Paul Givan announces a SEN Capital Programme for special schools, including up to eight new special schools over 10 years, new builds, extensions, specialist classes and £5million a year in maintenance plus £4million in equipment grants.
Education Disability and equality Issue: Education Minister announces SEN Capital Investment Programme Original release: Investment programme in school facilities will support children with… (opens in a new tab)
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Mason welcomes planning green light for Knockevin Special School
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason welcomes the education minister's announcement that planning for a replacement Knockevin school in Downpatrick will start immediately. She says the project will transform provision for pupils with special educational needs across South Down.
Education Disability and equality Issue: Knockevin Special School planning go-ahead announced by education minister Original release: Mason welcomes planning green light for Knockevin Special School (opens in a new tab)
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Belfast can become more inclusive, says incoming Alliance Lord Mayor
Alliance's South Belfast Councillor Micky Murray, incoming Lord Mayor, says he wants Belfast to become a more inclusive, livable and caring city during his term from 3 June. He pledges to meet people across the city, prioritise supporting vulnerable people and represent the LGBTQ+ community.
Disability and equality Local government Original release: Belfast can become more inclusive, says incoming Alliance Lord Mayor (opens in a new tab)
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Durkan welcomes MOT test temporary exemptions
SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan welcomes Department for Infrastructure one-year temporary MOT exemption certificates for certain private cars, saying they ease 72-day test waiting times but calling for longer-term streamlining of the process.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: MOT exemption certificates to reduce testing backlog Original release: Durkan welcomes MOT test temporary exemptions (opens in a new tab)
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Harkin: Reject Far-Right Divisive Abuse Of New Derry Mayor
Derry People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin condemns racist and divisive abuse aimed at Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr after her selection as incoming mayor of Derry City and Strabane, and says the party stands in solidarity with black and minoritised communities.
Disability and equality Immigration Issue: Lilian Seenoi-Barr Derry Mayor appointment Original release: Harkin: Reject Far-Right Divisive Abuse Of New Derry Mayor (opens in a new tab)
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Finucane welcomes opening of York Street station
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane welcomes the opening of York Street station in north Belfast, saying it is now fully operational for passengers and will support the area's regeneration and local workers, students and community.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: York Street station opening in Belfast Original release: Finucane welcomes opening of York Street station (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP makes history selecting Barr as next Mayor of Derry and Strabane
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood says he is proud the party has chosen Councillor Lilian Barr as its nominee for Mayor of Derry and Strabane, which would make her the first black Mayor in the North. Eastwood praises her community work with migrants and her role in the council.
Local government Disability and equality Issue: Lilian Seenoi-Barr Derry Mayor appointment Original release: SDLP makes history selecting Barr as next Mayor of Derry and Strabane (opens in a new tab)
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Kearney urges DAERA Minister to address the pressures on Lough Neagh’s fishing industry
Sinn Féin's Declan Kearney, South Antrim MLA, has written to the DAERA Minister urging action on financial pressures facing Lough Neagh's commercial freshwater fishermen after last year's shortened eel season. He calls for contingency planning and a communication strategy before summer.
Agriculture and rural affairs Economy and employment Original release: Kearney urges DAERA Minister to address the pressures on Lough Neagh’s fishing industry (opens in a new tab)
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SEN children must be placed suitably and on time – Baker
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker calls on the Education Minister to ensure pupils with special educational needs are placed in suitable schools on time this September, after the Department warned schools of a shortfall in SEN places.
Education Disability and equality Issue: Department of Education warning on SEN places for September Original release: SEN children must be placed suitably and on time – Baker (opens in a new tab)
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Time to deliver on potential of Maze Long Kesh site, says Alliance representatives
Alliance MLAs Sorcha Eastwood and David Honeyford call for no further delay on the Maze Long Kesh site, saying the development corporation has existed for over a decade without agreed plans. Eastwood welcomes groups using parts of the site and cross-party backing to act, and Honeyford says…
Infrastructure and transport Economy and employment Issue: Stormont debate on the future of the Maze Long Kesh site Original release: Time to deliver on potential of Maze Long Kesh site, says Alliance representatives (opens in a new tab)
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Councillor Brian Smyth has voiced his concerns over the language used by DAREA Minister
Green Party Councillor for Lisnasharragh Brian Smyth says he is worried DAREA Minister Andrew Muir is shifting responsibility for Lough Neagh by citing possible lack of funds. He calls for stronger action against polluters and an independent environmental protection agency.
Environment and climate Issue: DAREA Minister Andrew Muir's Lough Neagh recovery plan funding remarks Original release: Councillor Brian Smyth has voiced his concerns over the language used by DAREA Minister (opens in a new tab)
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Blair commends disposable vape ban on Earth Day 2024
Alliance's environment spokesperson John Blair MLA backs the DAERA Minister's proposed ban on disposable vapes on Earth Day, arguing they add plastic waste that litters streets and harms oceans and wildlife.
Environment and climate Issue: DAERA proposed ban on disposable vapes in Northern Ireland Original release: Blair commends disposable vape ban on Earth Day 2024 (opens in a new tab)
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Parties need to be clear on “gender-affirming healthcare”
DUP MP Carla Lockhart calls on parties to state their position on gender-affirming healthcare and asks the Health Minister to clarify the Department of Health's approach following the Cass Report. She accuses Alliance and Sinn Féin of silence since its publication.
Health Disability and equality Issue: Cass Report publication on gender-affirming healthcare Original release: Parties need to be clear on “gender-affirming healthcare” (opens in a new tab)
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Urgent action needed to ensure victims and survivors not left behind
Alliance MLA Connie Egan, Executive Office Committee Deputy Chair, says urgent action is needed so victims are not left behind, calling for a trauma-focused Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme process, a backdated payments deadline extension, and a bereavement payment scheme.
Community relations and legacy Disability and equality Original release: Urgent action needed to ensure victims and survivors not left behind (opens in a new tab)
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Mason calls for action on costs of transport for schools
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason says rising school transport costs, including bus hire hikes, are forcing schools to cut services and leaving children unable to attend activities such as swimming. She says she challenged the Education Authority and will follow up for an explanation and resolution.
Education Infrastructure and transport Issue: Rising school bus hire costs and Education Authority transport communication breakdown Original release: Mason calls for action on costs of transport for schools (opens in a new tab)