It is time to thank the PSNI for their efforts in policing during the coronavirus crisis, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has said. Mr Blair said the recent numbers of deaths related to COVID-19 announced by the Department of Health were a stark reminder of the depth of the pandemic and its affect […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed news teachers have backed a pay deal to bring an end to a dispute over salary and workload. Members of all teaching unions voted in favour of the deal from the Department of Education, which will see a backdated pay rise from September 2017. Negotiations on teachers’ […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has welcomed the extension of statutory sick pay to vulnerable people unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Strangford MLA was speaking after today’s meeting of the Assembly Communities Committee, which agreed the legislation to extend the sick pay, by adding a new category of people defined […]
Alliance Environment Spokesperson John Blair MLA has cautioned against lighting fires on private property, due to the unknown impact excess pollution could have on those self-isolating nearby. With recycling centres closed and people enjoying the better weather, the MLA for South Antrim has raised the issue directly with the Environment Minister, asking guidance to be published as […]
Delays in paying small businesses by the Department for the Economy could lead to some going out of business, Alliance Councillor Amanda Grehan has said. Lisburn South Councillor Ms Grehan said she had been contacted by a number of local businesses in her constituency and beyond who had applied for the Department’s £10,000 one-off grant, […]
Alliance MLA for North Down Andrew Muir has called for car insurance providers to update and refund user premiums as the Coronavirus crisis continues. The MLA and Party Finance & Infrastructure Spokesperson said it was disappointing not all car insurance providers had acknowledged the need to do so – a move already taken by one […]
A targeted extension of a rates holiday is essential as part of a strategic package of tailored measures to help businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said. Finance Minister Conor Murphy has announced the deferral of the issuing of rates for businesses from this month until June. Dr Farry said there […]
The delay and problems in launching the portal for hospitality, tourism, retail and leisure businesses to apply for a grant means some companies will be in even more dire circumstances, Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said. Mr Muir was speaking as the portal, allowing such businesses to apply for £25,000 aid, was launched […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for all care home staff to be tested urgently for coronavirus, and added there should be no requirement for it to be done via a drive-through facility. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after it was revealed there had been 53 care homes which have seen an […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a commitment by the Education Minister that fair teacher pay and conditions is moving in a “positive direction”. The comment by Peter Weir came at today’s Assembly Education Committee, followed by a formal offer to the main teaching unions. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Committee, said he […]