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20/06/2017
Talks To Restore Power Sharing In NI To Continue
Discussions to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland are to continue today, 20 June.
The government has given the parties a discussion paper setting out key areas for agreement and they have been given until this afternoon to respond.
Sinn Fein Northern leader Michelle O'Neill said: "We want to see an Executive in place which is dealing with health, education, housing, the economy and delivering for all citizens because that is what people are entitled to.
"They are also entitled to see their rights respected and protected. That includes language rights, marriage equality and their rights as European citizens.
"So there needs to be a step-change in how government is done here. Sinn Féin is up for that.
"There is also a particular onus on the new Taoiseach to step up and assert his government's role as co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
"It is fundamentally wrong that Irish citizens in the north should be denied the same rights as those living everywhere else on the island."
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "Our health and social care service should be top priority at the Stormont talks. All parties should state clearly they are behind the direction of travel outlined by experts from Maurice Hayes in 2001 to Rafael Bengoa this year.
"We should also seek an additional health transformation fund from the UK Government for the remainder of the Assembly term, should the Executive get up and running this month. This fund would free up existing devolved resources to go into immediate health and social care needs, while also enabling investment in the transformation we need over the coming years so the systems are in place to deliver a high quality, universal health service free at point of access for the next generation.
"In return, we would share our learning with other parts of the UK and Ireland, notably the areas also embarking on integration of health and social care such as greater Manchester. The outcome would be value for public money and a win-win for Northern Ireland."
"Alliance would prefer to see more resources already allocated to health and education by stopping waste elsewhere, notably in segregated services. However, those savings would be gradual through time, whereas the need for people on waiting lists is immediate."
(CD)
The government has given the parties a discussion paper setting out key areas for agreement and they have been given until this afternoon to respond.
Sinn Fein Northern leader Michelle O'Neill said: "We want to see an Executive in place which is dealing with health, education, housing, the economy and delivering for all citizens because that is what people are entitled to.
"They are also entitled to see their rights respected and protected. That includes language rights, marriage equality and their rights as European citizens.
"So there needs to be a step-change in how government is done here. Sinn Féin is up for that.
"There is also a particular onus on the new Taoiseach to step up and assert his government's role as co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
"It is fundamentally wrong that Irish citizens in the north should be denied the same rights as those living everywhere else on the island."
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "Our health and social care service should be top priority at the Stormont talks. All parties should state clearly they are behind the direction of travel outlined by experts from Maurice Hayes in 2001 to Rafael Bengoa this year.
"We should also seek an additional health transformation fund from the UK Government for the remainder of the Assembly term, should the Executive get up and running this month. This fund would free up existing devolved resources to go into immediate health and social care needs, while also enabling investment in the transformation we need over the coming years so the systems are in place to deliver a high quality, universal health service free at point of access for the next generation.
"In return, we would share our learning with other parts of the UK and Ireland, notably the areas also embarking on integration of health and social care such as greater Manchester. The outcome would be value for public money and a win-win for Northern Ireland."
"Alliance would prefer to see more resources already allocated to health and education by stopping waste elsewhere, notably in segregated services. However, those savings would be gradual through time, whereas the need for people on waiting lists is immediate."
(CD)
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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.
