Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said the scientific evidence around checking arrivals into Northern Ireland to restrict spread of the coronavirus needs to be clarified publicly, after it was revealed the advice stated travellers from the rest of the UK present the greatest risk of bringing it here. Media reports suggest the advice […]
The Executive needs to produce its own local economic package focusing on skills and a green new deal as soon as possible, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said. North Down MP Dr Farry was speaking after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a range of measures in a bid to prevent mass unemployment after the coronavirus crisis. […]
Sinn Féin need to reflect, accept and apologise for the damage done to the Executive’s pandemic messaging, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said. Alliance Chief Whip Ms Armstrong was speaking after a cross-party motion challenging Sinn Fein’s actions was debated in the Assembly. The motion passed this evening. “Many of us have made sacrifices during […]
Alliance MLAs have secured all-party support for an Assembly motion calling for the resumption of carer services suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. The motion, which will be debated in the Assembly chamber tomorrow (Tuesday), recognises the significant impact of the pandemic on children and adults with a disability, and the contribution of family carers […]
It is vital money promised from the UK Government gets to the arts sector as quickly as possible, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. Local arts will receive £33 million as part of a support package for arts venues aimed at theatres, music, museums and galleries. Arts leaders had previously warned the sector […]
An explanation from Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill is needed, after a large number of mourners gathered for the funeral of republican Bobby Storey, Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said. Mr Storey was laid to rest in Milltown Cemetery following a service in St Agnes’ Church in West Belfast. Hundreds lined the […]
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has called for additional benefit support provided during the pandemic to be extended for a further three months. A number of benefits provided by the Department for Communities during the coronavirus crisis are due to end, with weekly food parcels for those without a shielding letter already stopping last […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA and Infrastructure and Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA have called on Stormont Ministers to consider major new legislation in response to changes in working patterns that have been accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst key workers have continued to keep commuting, the number of people working from home in […]
It is unacceptable a dispute between the DUP and Sinn Féin is resulting in a lack of funding for free school meals payments, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said. Executive Ministers did not sign off on the funding at their meeting yesterday (Monday). It is understood the DUP refused to do so following […]
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has questioned why it took so long for the Health Minister to get up to speed with the extent of frustrations within the watchdog responsible for oversight of care homes, which led to the resignations of all board members earlier this week. She said: “While I am glad the Minister didn’t […]