The Education Minister must give an urgent update on what support services are in place for children with special educational needs (SEN) while special schools remain closed due to the coronavirus crisis, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said. Mr Lyttle has written to Peter Weir requesting he make an urgent oral statement to […]
The Economy Minister needs to legislate to prevent employers giving staff redundancy pay calculated from furlough wages, Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said. The East Antrim MLA was speaking after Diane Dodds confirmed employers could use the wages they are paying furloughed staff – 80 per cent of contracted wages under the UK […]
Alliance Councillor Lauren Gray has said she is extremely disappointed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council won’t resume virtual Committee meetings until August – with a lack of clarity remaining over when all meetings will return. The Council has already resumed full Council meetings, agreeing to an earlier Alliance push to get these up and […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has pressed the Health Minister for details on how his Department will ensure GP services are fully up running to meet the backlog and ongoing demands on primary care as Covid-19 Centres continue to operate. Speaking as the Minister outlined the beginnings of a recovery plan in the Assembly […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for clarity from the Ministers of Health, Education and the Economy for those due back to work without childcare or daycare provision being in place. The Strangford MLA said she had been contacted by many parents and carers concerned by the lack of clarification by Ministers about the impact […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed a commitment from the Health Minister to learn lessons from the impact of the coronavirus crisis on care homes. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after Robin Swann announced a £11.7 million financial package for the sector, including funding for sick pay for staff. He added work […]
Alliance MLA and Infrastructure Spokesperson Andrew Muir has called upon the Ministers for Economy and Infrastructure to work together to bring forward a package of support for local hauliers. The Alliance MLA made the call after it became clear in recent Assembly debates with the Finance Minister that a package of assistance from the Department […]
A social partnership approach involving Government, businesses, trade unions and the third sector can help our economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis, Alliance MLA Andrew Muir has said. The North Down MLA was speaking after the Assembly backed an amendment from his party calling for such an approach to the post-coronavirus recovery, while seeking a […]
Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas has reiterated calls for everyone to think carefully before visiting key beauty spots, after reports a PSNI officer was injured patrolling a packed Ballyholme beach. Speaking after the PSNI released a statement confirming an incident had occurred, Karen said now was the time for everyone to ensure the good work for […]
Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has urged the Economy Minister to give details on what financial support her Department can provide the taxi industry to get through the pandemic. The North Down MLA said guidance relating to social distancing requirements in taxis was also needed. He made the call after the Minister failed to […]