Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said she is disappointed but not deterred after a Conservative Party backbencher objected to a Private Member’s Bill seeking to introduce equal marriage to Northern Ireland. Labour MP Conor McGinn’s Bill will now be delayed, receiving its second reading in the House of Commons on October 26. “I very […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on Departments to help improve identification of autism earlier after a report showed its prevalence within young people here had grown. The Department of Health’s survey, which looked at school age children in Northern Ireland, stated autism’s occurrence increased from 1.2 per cent in 2008/09 to 2.9 per cent […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed publication of the UK Government’s consultation on legacy aspects of the Stormont House Agreement but warned vital aspects of dealing with the past are still to be resolved. Mr Ford was speaking after the Government announced the document, entitled Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past, will be released […]
Alliance Councillor Michael Long has said two new Council language officers will help improve communication for ratepayers. Councillor Long was speaking after Belfast City Council advertised for a dedicated Irish language officer and a minorities language officer. They will both develop and promote the languages within the Council and to the public. “Alliance welcomes this […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for urgent action on the back of a report showing concerns about lack of training and communication around growing eye care waiting lists. The South Belfast MLA stated: “Waiting lists for eye care are already at a totally unacceptable level, with people being left with huge uncertainty […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said recommendations from a review of vaginal mesh surgeries here should only be the start of more thorough reform. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after the review found 78 per cent of surgeons did not carry out the 20 annual surgeries required by the National Institute for […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said it is vital the UK Government proceeds with its proposed consultation on the legacy aspects of the Stormont House Agreement. Dr Farry said a renewed discussion around a potential statute of limitations for soldiers accused of illegal killings here during the Troubles was inappropriate and at odds […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has reiterated his party’s call for a second referendum on the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU, as the last Europe Day before Brexit is marked. Mr Dickson said while the day was being celebrated across the continent, in the UK the future of our co-operation with the EU […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed clarity over extra allocation of money to transforming the health service, saying the focus must be on primary care and community services to ensure successful transformation. The Department of Health said it will spend the £70 million in various areas – primary care, including GP practices, community […]
Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb has condemned those behind a pipe bomb found during a security alert in the area. The viable device was discovered after a resident reported the suspicious object in their front garden in the Arthur Avenue area. Locals were moved to the Valley Leisure Centre this morning while the alert was […]