Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has questioned why it took so long for the Health Minister to get up to speed with the extent of frustrations within the watchdog responsible for oversight of care homes, which led to the resignations of all board members earlier this week. She said: “While I am glad the Minister didn’t […]
Alliance Councillor Patrick Brown has expressed his condolences after a teenager died in a car crash in Co Down. The 18-year-old was killed followed a two-vehicle collision near Killyleagh. The incident took place in the Coily Hill Road area shortly after midnight. The teen was a passenger in one of the vehicles. Six other people […]
Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation for a proposed Adult Restorative Justice Strategy. The consultation will consider the development of a strategic approach to restorative practices at all stages of the criminal justice system, from early intervention in the community, formal diversion by statutory agencies, court-ordered disposals, custody and reintegration. Naomi Long […]
Alliance MP Stephen Farry has expressed concern over reports the UK Government is due to scrap plans to allow people to change their legal gender by self-identifying as male or female. Media reports suggested Equalities Minister Liz Truss was ready to sign-off on the plans, which reverse measures by the previous Conservative Government allowing people […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said it is extremely concerning the board of the watchdog responsible for oversight of care homes has resigned en masse. The nine board members of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) claimed they were not consulted on a number of decisions taken by the Department of Health, […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has asked why so many parts of the health service transformation programme are being delayed. Health Minister Robin Swann last week launched a strategic framework for rebuilding health and social care services, designed to reconstruct in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said […]
Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has hit out at Belfast City Council’s attempts to hold a virtual meeting, calling it a “farce and a complete let down” as all other Councils in Northern Ireland have moved forward successfully with the format. Speaking after a special meeting held to decide if Committee meetings would take place before […]
Alliance Councillor Patricia O’Lynn has condemned those behind a burglary at a jewellery store in Ballymena on Saturday afternoon. Police have confirmed arrests have been made. Patricia said: “I welcome news that progress has been made in this case. It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone thinks they can act like this in broad daylight. “Our […]
Alliance Councillor Ross McMullan has said Belfast City Council’s Covid-19 response and long-term recovery plan must deliver on the Council’s commitments to be inclusive of disabled people and older people calling on the Local Government authority to commit to being a globally leading city on inclusion and accessibility. The East Belfast Councillor was speaking as […]
Alliance Infrastructure and Finance Spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has called on a joint approach from the Infrastructure and Economy Minister to deliver a support package for Private Bus and Coach Operators who face a bleak future without assistance. Speaking after he help a meeting with operators on Tuesday, Mr Muir said this “key part of […]