Bradshaw welcomes decrease in time between vaccine doses

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the imminent decrease in the time between vaccine doses to a maximum of eight weeks, as the share of the population having received first doses approaches 80 per cent. The Department of Health have confirmed the current gap will be reduced from 12 weeks, offering better protection […]

Interventions should be carried out to tackle ‘rape myths’ in the justice system, says Blair

Alliance MLA John Blair has said interventions should be carried out to tackle ‘rape myths’ throughout the justice system, including in policing. The Policing Board member said incorrect beliefs about sexual crime impact upon policing, adding the police response to sexual assault reports and incidents should be regularly reviewed and assessed as a result. Mr […]

Politicians have a duty to stand up for minorities, says Donnelly, after DUP’s social media post

Politicians have a duty to stand up for the inclusion of minorities, Alliance West Tyrone representative Councillor Stephen Donnelly has said, after a local DUP MLA shared “malicious anti-LGBT propaganda” on social media. DUP West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan shared the post from a woman who claimed she was gay until she became a Christian. […]

We have opportunity to develop local producers into tourist attractions with Licensing Bill, says Armstrong

We have an opportunity to develop more local craft brewers, distiller, cideries and wineries into tourist attractions, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said. Ms Armstrong was speaking ahead of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill reaching its consideration stage in the Assembly. It is designed to extending opening hours for pubs […]

Long: Removing profits an important tool in fight against organised crime

Removing the proceeds of crime is a powerful tool when it comes to disrupting the activities of organised crime groups, Naomi Long has said. The Alliance Justice Minister was speaking as she begins the process of bringing Northern Ireland into line with legislative provisions elsewhere. Four Northern Ireland codes of practice issued under the Proceeds of […]

Exceptional funding will still be required for Health post-Pandemic – Bradshaw

Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has warned exceptional funding will still be required for the health system after the pandemic, upon the second report of the NI Audit Office into COVID-19 spending. The South Belfast MLA said: “While noting that it comes both from the UK Treasury and the NI block grant, the total spend […]

Health Minister can show gratitude to carers by following up previous pledges, says Armstrong

The Health Minister can show gratitude for the work of carers during the pandemic by following up on previous pledges, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said.   Ms Armstrong was speaking as she brought a petition to the Assembly, calling on Robin Swann to support carers by reopening all respite and day centres across Northern […]