Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has paid tribute to the volunteers and organisations providing support to the trans community, as Trans Awareness Week takes place. The week, which ends with Trans Day of Remembrance on Friday (November 20), encourages people to do stuff to mark and raise awareness of trans equality. “Trans Awareness Week provides an […]
There is a pressing need to appoint a new Head of the Civil Service (HOCS), Alliance MLA John Blair has said, after a major report stated the civil service was at a ‘critical crossroads’. The report by the Audit Office stated almost 1,500 vacancies in the civil service have yet to be filled, with sickness […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed news the current Covid-19 self-isolation grant is set to be enhanced. The Alliance Party’s Communities spokesperson was speaking after the Minister revealed the improved scheme will increase the daily allowance payable and extend the number of days for which a grant can be awarded. She said: “Whilst Northern Ireland […]
Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said there is still work to do to bring the Justice system into the 21st century – as he welcomed the proposed changes within the Committal Reform Bill. Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Dickson commended the work Justice Minister Naomi Long is taking forward, continuing to programme of […]
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has pushed the Infrastructure Minister to confirm if her plans to promote active travelling, including meeting the Bicycle Strategy objective, are on target. Raising the issue in the Assembly on Monday, Mr Lyttle pushed the Minister to consider an Active Travel Act, ensuring relative funding was diverted towards the scheme. He […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has pressed the Economy Minister for clarity around when the Covid-19 Business Support Scheme will open to further recipients. To date the roll out of financial aid has been slow, with as yet no access for those to support businesses in the direct supply chain of others required to close or […]
The impending end of the Brexit transition period shows the pressing need for an independent environmental protection agency for Northern Ireland, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said. The South Antrim MLA was speaking after Environment Minister Edwin Poots updated the Assembly on the latest North-South Ministerial Council meeting, focusing on environmental matters. The […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the piloting of a ‘Phone First’ system in a number of local emergency departments, but queried whether it may be enhanced further by the involvement of allied health professionals. The service is designed for patients feeling unwell and considering travelling to an emergency department with an injury […]
Alliance Infrastructure Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said he is “deeply concerned” at impact Covid-19 is having on the DVA, after figures revealed the organisation had suffered multi-million pound losses and confirmation that vehicle testing capacity is at only 30 percent of pre-pandemic levels. A Northern Ireland Audit Office report found that after MOT testing […]
Alliance Ballymena Councillor Patricia O’Lynn has said she is shocked after two men falsely claiming to be from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) attempted to gain entry to the home of an elderly disabled woman. The incident took place yesterday (Friday) around 4pm at Dunclug Gardens in the town. The men stated they were from NIE […]