Latest releases
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36 releases
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Irish Citizenship is something to be valued, rules must reflect that – Matt Carthy TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson Matt Carthy TD calls for Irish citizenship rules to reflect its significance, proposing a structured pathway with civic integration, language requirements, a citizenship test and statutory good-character guidelines. He also seeks a pathway for those living in the North.
Immigration Original release: Irish Citizenship is something to be valued, rules must reflect that – Matt Carthy TD (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 8 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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The DUP’s Proposed Hard Border between North and South is Impossible – Tóibín
Aontú Leader and Meath West TD says the DUP’s proposed hard border between the north and south is impossible to police, would damage the all‑Ireland economy and risk a return to Troubles‑era controls, and calls on the Irish government to open talks with the UK, pledging to raise the issue at the BI‑
Constitutional affairs Immigration Issue: DUP proposed hard border between North and South Original release: The DUP’s Proposed Hard Border between North and South is Impossible – Tóibín (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP launches integrated 111 service plan to reduce pressure on health service
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath unveils a policy proposal for an integrated 111 service across Northern Ireland, modelled on a Greater Manchester system that triages patients online and by phone. He says it would ease pressure on emergency departments and urgent care, and will be put to the Health Minister.
Health Issue: SDLP integrated 111 service policy proposal launch Original release: SDLP launches integrated 111 service plan to reduce pressure on health service (opens in a new tab)
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The Case for an Integrated 111 Service
SDLP calls for a single, integrated 111 urgent care service for Northern Ireland, offering 24/7 access, clinical triage and direct booking, to ease pressure on emergency departments and support the Department of Health's 'shift left' approach.
Health Original release: The Case for an Integrated 111 Service (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin submits recommendations for new Cancer Strategy to Minister for Health – David Cullinane TD
Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane TD says the party has sent the Health Minister 42 recommendations for a new cancer strategy, citing regional access gaps, scanner and bed shortfalls, and calling for ringfenced funding and all-island cooperation.
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: Sinn Féin submission of recommendations for new cancer strategy Original release: Sinn Féin submits recommendations for new Cancer Strategy to Minister for Health – David Cullinane TD (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin publishes plan for new cancer strategy to tackle slipping standards – David Cullinane TD
Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane TD publishes a discussion paper with 42 recommendations for a new cancer strategy, urging a guaranteed €30 million annual fund, targeted investment to end postcode‑lottery access, equipment upgrades and extended service hours.
Health Public finance and taxation Original release: Sinn Féin publishes plan for new cancer strategy to tackle slipping standards – David Cullinane TD (opens in a new tab)
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Consistent mental health data needed to support those struggling – Flynn
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn says the lack of accurate, consistent mental‑health data in the north hampers service planning and delivery, and calls for a single, standardised data system to help health trusts better plan and support those in need.
Health Issue: Sinn Féin motion for single mental health data system Original release: Consistent mental health data needed to support those struggling – Flynn (opens in a new tab)
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All-island approach to paediatric pathology is necessary – Flynn
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn says an all-Ireland approach to paediatric pathology is needed, after an Assembly motion on all-island collaboration passed. She says families currently travelling to England face extra strain, and that recruitment for specialist vacancies has been difficult.
Health Issue: Assembly motion on all-island collaboration for paediatric pathology services Original release: All-island approach to paediatric pathology is necessary – Flynn (opens in a new tab)
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An all-Ireland health system would deliver better services – Cullen
Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen says two separate healthcare systems on the island are failing people and calls for an all-island national health service. He urges the Irish government to start preparing for such a system, which would make specialist care available north and south based on need.
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Suicide Prevention Training Bill will help equip frontline workers with skills that can save lives – Flynn
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn welcomes strong support for her proposed Suicide Prevention Training Bill after a consultation closed. It would require public-sector employers to train frontline staff in health, education and social care on preventing suicide.
Health Issue: Suicide Prevention Training Bill consultation outcome Original release: Suicide Prevention Training Bill will help equip frontline workers with skills that can save lives – Flynn (opens in a new tab)
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Brolly launches multi-step policy to support bereaved families of baby loss
Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly launches an All-Ireland strategy calling for a cross-border paediatric pathology and bereavement service, so bereaved families in the North no longer have babies and children sent to Liverpool for post-mortems. The plan seeks a national bereavement care standard…
Health Issue: Aontú All-Ireland paediatric pathology and bereavement policy launch Original release: Brolly launches multi-step policy to support bereaved families of baby loss (opens in a new tab)
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World Suicide Prevention Day highlights urgent need for action – Flynn
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn urges the public to respond to the consultation on her proposed Suicide Prevention Training Bill, which would require public bodies to train frontline staff in suicide prevention. The consultation closes on 17 September 2025.
Health Issue: Suicide Prevention Training Bill public consultation Original release: World Suicide Prevention Day highlights urgent need for action – Flynn (opens in a new tab)
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Dillon encourages the public to have their say on breastfeeding bill
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon urges the public to respond to a consultation on her Private Member's Bill that would create an offence for discouraging breastfeeding in public, require premises to be breastfeeding-friendly, and penalise discrimination. The consultation closes on 24 October 2025.
Disability and equality Health Issue: Linda Dillon Private Members Bill breastfeeding consultation launch Original release: Dillon encourages the public to have their say on breastfeeding bill (opens in a new tab)
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Dillon Encourages responses to Breastfeeding Bill Consultation
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon launches a public consultation on her proposed Private Members Bill to give statutory protection to breastfeeding in public spaces and require businesses and service providers to be breastfeeding-friendly. The consultation runs until 24 October 2025.
Disability and equality Health Issue: Linda Dillon Private Members Bill breastfeeding consultation launch Original release: Dillon Encourages responses to Breastfeeding Bill Consultation (opens in a new tab)
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A World-class Health and Care Service for a New Ireland – Mary Lou McDonald TD
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD launches a discussion document calling for an all-island Irish National Health and Care Service, proposing a single hospital waiting list, joint digital health records, all-island workforce planning and a rural health commission.
Health Issue: Sinn Féin discussion document on an Irish National Health and Care Service Original release: A World-class Health and Care Service for a New Ireland – Mary Lou McDonald TD (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin health proposals are positive contribution – McGuigan
Health Constitutional affairs Original release: Sinn Féin health proposals are positive contribution – McGuigan (opens in a new tab)
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Alliance Belfast City Councillors propose free leisure activity for residents
Alliance Belfast City Councillors Hedley Abernethy and Micky Murray propose one free leisure activity for Belfast residents at council leisure facilities, aiming to encourage physical activity. The proposal was put to the People and Communities Committee in May 2025 and is part of Alliance's 100…
Local government Health Original release: Alliance Belfast City Councillors propose free leisure activity for residents (opens in a new tab)
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Suicide Prevention Training Bill will ensure support and timely intervention – Flynn
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn announces a proposed bill that would impose a legal duty on public employers to train frontline staff in suicide prevention, citing high suicide rates and higher risk in deprived areas.
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Tackling cost of division could deliver millions for public services, says Tennyson
Alliance Finance spokesperson and Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson says tackling the cost of division, estimated at over £833 million a year, could fund health, housing and other public services. Alliance's motion in the Assembly on Tuesday calls for an updated assessment and a commitment from all…
Public finance and taxation Economy and employment Issue: Assembly motion on the cost of division action plan Original release: Tackling cost of division could deliver millions for public services, says Tennyson (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP launches plan to reduce pressure on ambulance service and emergency departments
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA launches 'Help Can't Wait', a plan to ease ambulance and emergency department pressure by adopting London's W45 45-minute patient handover policy, which he says could cut handover times by 50% and free up 60,000 operational hours.