Public sector leaders must be empowered to address levels of sickness absence in the Northern Ireland public sector, Alliance MLA John Blair has said, following a report on attendance in central and local government released today. The report from the Audit Office found the Northern Ireland Civil Service lost almost 13 days per employee to […]
Alliance MLA Andrew Muir has welcomed the latest financial aid package from the Executive, adding additional staff should be put in place immediately to ensure the quick roll out of payments for people and businesses. Speaking after the Finance Minister announced the package, designed to help those affected by the latest set of restrictions, Mr […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said she has sought clarification on testing for domiciliary care workers in Northern Ireland, after the UK Government said weekly testing will begin in England. From today, care workers working for the Care Quality Commission and looking after people in their own homes will be offered weekly tests. […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has pledged her support to a campaign trying to prevent pubs going out of existence during the pandemic. The party’s Communities spokesperson said CAMRA NI’s Save Our Pubs campaign, which is calling for a long-term financial support package from the Executive to support pubs, breweries and local producers, as well as […]
The Alliance Party’s John Blair has called for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. The MLA for South Antrim said his party didn’t believe the animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life – which can involve regular transport; cramped, temporary housing; forced training and performance; loud noises and […]
The former British Prime Minister David Cameron acknowledged ‘shocking levels of collusion’ in the killing of Pat Finucane, a much-loved brother, husband and father at his family home in North Belfast on 12 February 1989. Pat was also a distinguished human rights lawyer. In February 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that all previous investigations were […]
North Down Alliance Party representatives have urged SERCO to rescind planned redundancies in North Down saying they are appalled at the treatment of staff employed by the SERCO run leisure facilities across the borough, with many facing redundancy. Andrew Muir MLA and Councillor Connie Egan have said the company is “acting completely out of line” […]
Alliance Belfast City Councillor Kate Nicholl has welcomed a cross-party commitment to supporting local organisations aimed at tackling poverty and helping those in need throughout the festive period. Speaking after a special meeting, which saw a proposal pass to enable the Council to direct funds to leading charities struggling to cope with demand this Christmas, […]
Alliance Vice Chair, Councillor Glenn Finlay has encouraged men to speak out this International Men’s day if the stresses and strains of 2020 are simply getting too much. “Today reminds us that more than ever we need to support each other,” said Glenn. “2020 has been a year none of us will forget in a […]
Alliance South Antrim MLA John Blair has said he is shocked after a shooting in his constituency. A man in his 50s was shot in the knee in New Mossley around 7:05pm yesterday (Wednesday). He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which police have said are not life threatening but may be […]