It is time for reform of how major capital projects are delivered in Northern Ireland, Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said, after the publication of the Assembly Public Accounts Committee’s report into the issue. The PAC report follows a review by the Audit Office in December, which found £700 million of overspend and […]
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said the submission of a Climate Change Bill to the Assembly marks a key milestone for climate action in Northern Ireland. South Antrim MLA Mr Blair was speaking after the cross-party Bill – sponsored by parties including the Green Party, Sinn Féin, SDLP, UUP, People Before Profit and […]
Alliance Infrastructure Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA described as “totally unacceptable” the news that last year only 31 percent of DFI Rivers responses to planning applications were on time. Statutory Consultees are required to respond to planning application consultations within 21 days. In response to a question from Mr Muir, the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) revealed […]
It is disappointing legislation to ban so-called gay conversion therapy is unlikely to come before the Assembly in this mandate, Alliance MLA Andrew Muir has said. The North Down MLA has received correspondence from Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who is taking forward the matter as part of the Executive’s Sexual Orientation Strategy. However, she […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has announced her intention to strengthen the existing law to provide greater protection for children from sexual exploitation, and to introduce a specific offence banning upskirting following the Review of the Law on Child Sexual Exploitation. Naomi Long said: “The sexual exploitation of children is an issue which is, and […]
The Health Minister must urgently clarify the position around supplies of flu vaccines, after the Public Health Agency (PHA) said vaccination would be paused for under-65s. The PHA said the shortage was the result of ‘phenomenal’ demand during the pandemic, with it potentially being weeks before more vaccinations are available, due to a worldwide shortage. […]
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said Stormont must do all it can to ensure much needed funding lifelines get to those most in need. Mr Muir was speaking as the Assembly begun its budget setting process for the year ahead, adding Northern Ireland’s departments need the legal authority to spend for the best […]
There should be serious consideration given to abolishing transfer tests for post-primary admissions, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said, after a major survey showed a significant percentage of respondents felt it should be scrapped. The survey, launched by the Assembly’s Education Committee in July to collect the views of parents/guardians, teachers and others […]
The Alliance Party has selected David Reid to replace Muriel Burnside, who has resigned as Councillor for Braid. A long-time resident of the area, David has a background in helping others and is currently employed as a community advice liaison, aiding those with growing debt. The selection took place at a special meeting of Alliance […]
The definition of an elite athlete should be altered to allow for those under 16, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said. With new coronavirus regulations coming into effect today, indoor sporting activities are not allowed and outdoor contact sports will be limited to elite athletes, for the next four weeks at least. However, the definition […]