Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said she is looking forward to tackling a range of issues in a new role supporting Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA.

The South Belfast MLA has been asked by her party leader to be her Assembly Private Secretary. The unpaid role will see her supporting the Minister on day-to-day matters, while being briefed on the main issues in the Department. Ms Bradshaw will remain as Alliance’s Health spokesperson.

“As the new Minister, Naomi Long recognises the many ways the areas of Health and Justice imapct on each other. That includes domestic violence, mental health in prisons, the need for reform of our family courts and deaths through illegal drug use, to name but a few,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“Therefore, as this Executive moves into delivering its Programme for Government through an outcomes-based accountability approach, with the focus on outcomes and opposed to Departmental outputs, the need for cross-sectoral working has become ever more important.”

“Paula has proven herself to be an excellent elected representative and having been Alliance’s health spokesperson for a number of years, she is well-placed to build on important work she has already been doing on many issues such as mental health, substance abuse and adverse childhood experiences,” added Naomi Long.

“She has also campaigned extensively on other justice matters such as domestic and sexual violence, and reform of our family courts. I am confident Paula will be a superb addition to the Justice Department team and will play a major role in helping tackle the challenges we face.”