Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has highlighted the importance of small businesses to the Northern Ireland economy. Mr Lunn was speaking during an Assembly debate. He said “As the owner of a small business for over 25 years I know the importance this sector makes to our economy. Northern Ireland has a great entrepreneurial […]
Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said the Justice Minister has not said where she will find the money to keep open six courthouses that were to close. Trevor Lunn was speaking after the Justice Minister advised the Assembly she has decided to reverse the decision taken by the previous Justice Minister to close […]
Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has said that the accountability deficit between the Assembly and the Executive is deepening. Stephen Farry said: “Prior to the Finance Minister outlining the budget reallocations I raised a Point of Order with the Speaker regarding a lack of consultation and engagement by most Departments with their Assembly committees around their […]
Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has welcomed the announcement that a third runway is to be developed at Heathrow airport. Kellie Armstrong said: “Much has been written and said about the need for greater airport capacity around London. I recently wrote to the Prime Minister urging approval for a third runway at Heathrow and […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has asked the Executive when it will create a better action plan on paramilitarism, after it was revealed the UK Government had withheld funding for it due to its lack of detail. The revelation came as part of the unveiling of the October Monitoring Round by the Finance Minister in today’s […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said her party will oppose any delays in the implementation of the Health Minister’s plan to reform the health service. Michelle O’Neill’s action, based on recommendations from the Bengoa Report, outlines a series of reforms for Northern Ireland’s health service, moves Ms Bradshaw said were much-needed. She added […]
Alliance’s health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for immediate concrete action to address the number of vacant nursing posts across Northern Ireland. Ms Bradshaw was speaking during an assembly debate on the pressures in the health system caused by a shortage of nurses. Paula Bradshaw said: “The nursing profession is one of many areas […]
Alliance’s Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has highlighted the challenges of being a parent in the digital age. Ms Armstrong was speaking at the start of Parents’ Week when the theme is “Parenting in the Digital Age.” Ms Armstrong said: “Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling roles, but at times […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has cautioned the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting on Brexit today will have limited impact on addressing the special circumstances faced by Northern Ireland. Dr Farry said there were a number of weaknesses in the divided approach being taken by both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, […]
Alliance MLA Stephen Farry says he hopes lessons are learnt after the Ashers bakery firm lost its appeal against a ruling its refusal to make a cake backing marriage equality was discriminatory, adding it was regrettable the case ended up in court in the first instance. Court of Appeal judges ruled the company was not […]