Dickson: Minister must be clear on paediatric congenital cardiac services plans

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has quizzed the Health Minister on his plans for the future of paediatric congenital cardiac services at Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital. The MLA for East Antrim said the Minister must give assurances that Belfast and Dublin will co-operate fully to deliver as good or even better service than currently on offer […]

Cochrane welcomes changes to benefit claim scheme

Alliance Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has welcomed a Welfare Reform decision that will see some benefit claimants remain on fortnightly payments. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith unveiled his new Welfare Reform plans this week, ahead of the launch of Universal Credit – a new benefit system – next year. Universal Credit […]

East Belfast Alliance representatives call for NI Executive action on flooding

Alliance East Belfast representatives have called for the Executive to take action now, ensuring the level of flooding that took place in June doesn’t happen again. In an Assembly Debate Judith Cochrane MLA and Chris Lyttle MLA today highlighted the continued problems facing their constituents following severe flooding last June. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This […]

Long: Government must do more to address Air Passenger Duty

Naomi Long MP has called on the Government to overhaul the Air Passenger Duty system to make it fairer, including removing the double duty levied on Northern Ireland flyers changing flights at GB airports for onward travel. The East Belfast MP questioned the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Sajid Javid MP, in the House of […]

Lunn: Alliance has raised VAT issue at Westminster

Alliance Enterprise spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has questioned why the DUP’s motion aimed at reducing the VAT rate for the Hospitality Sector was brought to the Assembly, when the issue has already been raised by Naomi Long MP at Westminster. Speaking in support of the motion – aimed at pursuing a reduced VAT rate for […]

McCarthy: Suicide remains major public health issue

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has said World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that suicide remains a major public health issue. The MLA for Strangford spoke in the Assembly today, supporting a motion calling for an integrated strategy to assist the community and voluntary sectors in preventing suicide. The motion endorses the recommendations contained […]