The best way to pay tribute to those who have died of COVID-19 is to continue to follow the public health advice, Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said. Mrs Long was speaking after Alliance MLAs participated in a minute’s silence as part of the Day of Reflection in the Assembly, to remember everyone who […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed an announcement P4-P7 pupils will return to class from March 22. All other pupils in post-primary schools are scheduled to return on April 12 subject to review by the end of the month due to public health guidance. Pupils in P1-P3, as well as nursery and pre-school […]
Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir has cautiously welcomed new business support grants but said concerns remain over who receives the money. Finance Minister Conor Murphy announced the £178 million for the almost 200,000 local firms eligible for it. The money is expected to be paid next month. “There is much to welcome in the schemes […]
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw MLA has urged everyone to abide by the current public health regulations over the St Patrick’s Day holiday and to stay at home where possible. The Alliance MLA said non-residents should avoid the Holyland area over the holiday in particular, saying parties would not only be a nuisance to […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed a major support package which has been announced for travel agents. The £1.175 million scheme will provide support to travel agents for eventual reopening, and adjusting to the challenges of the pandemic. It will include a flat payment of £10,000 for businesses operating from retail premises and […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the roll-out of lateral flow tests in key workplaces, but cautioned that clear communication will be essential to the success of the expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme. The South Belfast MLA stated: “The expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme in line with the rest of the […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed confirmation from the Health Minister ‘do not resuscitate’ notices are issued to patients here on an individual basis, after it emerged they had been given to those with learning disabilities in England during the pandemic. Earlier this year, the charity Mencap said it had received reports from […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed an announcement support schemes covering the cost of COVID restrictions will be extended until the end of the month. Economy Minister Diane Dodds said payments under the COVID Restrictions Business Support Scheme and the Large Tourism Hospitality Business Support Scheme would continue until March 31, to cover […]
Executive Departments need to ensure planned spending is carried out so no money is handed back to Westminster, Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said. Mr Muir was speaking during an Assembly debate relating to a motion on the supply of cash and use of resources by Departments in the current financial year, and […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed publication of data associated with clusters and outbreaks of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland, which confirmed they were mainly associated with workplace settings, including retail. The information showed in a four-week period across January and February, there were 100 outbreaks and 258 clusters identified, mainly associated with workplace […]