Menu
30/03/2017
Other News In Brief
SDLP Calls For Talks To 'Intensify'
The SDLP has called for all-party talks to intensify if a resolution to outstanding issues is to be reached in the weeks ahead.
North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said the party is "deeply frustrated" with the slow pace of dialogue so far.
She said: "Over the past number of days, we've heard the Secretary of State refer to the urgent need to bring parties back around the table to deliver a resolution to outstanding issues in the 'short window' available.
'Yet when the SDLP has requested meetings, including an urgent round table involving all parties even on the less contentious issues, we’ve been told that these cannot be facilitated until the talks recommence formally. It is astounding and deeply frustrating that the pace of negotiations is so slow when the time available is so limited.
"From tomorrow, community and voluntary sector organisations are being left with no choice but to look at having to let staff go because we have no government in place and no budget agreed. Meanwhile the number of people left languishing on hospital waiting lists is growing. For these people time is critical."
Work Begins On Resurfacing Scheme In Belfast
Construction work has begun on footway and carriageway resurfacing projects in Belfast.
The schemes, in Hillside Drive, Hillside Park and Hillside Gardens, are expected to be completed by 26 May 2017.
Local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the scheme.
Call For Review Of Autism Assessments For Adults
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for a review of the assessment process for adults with autism.
She said: "It is clear PIPs assessors have not received appropriate training or have any understanding of autism. In a number of cases, carers are being prevented from helping young adults respond during interviews. In other situations, carers who have been appointed or who are already registered legal guardians are being ignored, leaving the young adult with autism unable to respond to the complex questions.
"In other circumstances, PIPs has been refused because the assessor has not fully understood autism or how people with autism can mask the condition in order to comply with social conventions.
"We need an Executive up and running so the Department for Communities can urgently review its assessment process, train its assessors and reveal how many applications have been refused due to the failure of assessors to understand the disability."
(CD)
The SDLP has called for all-party talks to intensify if a resolution to outstanding issues is to be reached in the weeks ahead.
North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said the party is "deeply frustrated" with the slow pace of dialogue so far.
She said: "Over the past number of days, we've heard the Secretary of State refer to the urgent need to bring parties back around the table to deliver a resolution to outstanding issues in the 'short window' available.
'Yet when the SDLP has requested meetings, including an urgent round table involving all parties even on the less contentious issues, we’ve been told that these cannot be facilitated until the talks recommence formally. It is astounding and deeply frustrating that the pace of negotiations is so slow when the time available is so limited.
"From tomorrow, community and voluntary sector organisations are being left with no choice but to look at having to let staff go because we have no government in place and no budget agreed. Meanwhile the number of people left languishing on hospital waiting lists is growing. For these people time is critical."
Work Begins On Resurfacing Scheme In Belfast
Construction work has begun on footway and carriageway resurfacing projects in Belfast.
The schemes, in Hillside Drive, Hillside Park and Hillside Gardens, are expected to be completed by 26 May 2017.
Local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the scheme.
Call For Review Of Autism Assessments For Adults
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for a review of the assessment process for adults with autism.
She said: "It is clear PIPs assessors have not received appropriate training or have any understanding of autism. In a number of cases, carers are being prevented from helping young adults respond during interviews. In other situations, carers who have been appointed or who are already registered legal guardians are being ignored, leaving the young adult with autism unable to respond to the complex questions.
"In other circumstances, PIPs has been refused because the assessor has not fully understood autism or how people with autism can mask the condition in order to comply with social conventions.
"We need an Executive up and running so the Department for Communities can urgently review its assessment process, train its assessors and reveal how many applications have been refused due to the failure of assessors to understand the disability."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2021
Ministers Welcome Progress Of New Autism Bill
A new Bill to improve support for people with autism has passed the second stage in the Assembly. South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
Ministers Welcome Progress Of New Autism Bill
A new Bill to improve support for people with autism has passed the second stage in the Assembly. South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
29 September 2023
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
09 March 2022
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
