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22/06/2018
Other News In Brief
Almost 50,000 Irish Passport Applications Made From NI In Last Five Months
Almost 50,000 Irish passport applications came from Northern Ireland between 01 January and 31 May this year, according to Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs.
In response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, the Department confirmed thousands of applications had been made from the six counties in just five months.
Senator Ó Donnghaile has now called on the Irish Government to open a dedicated Irish passport facility in the North.
"The clear and continuous rise in passport applications from the North warrants a review of how the government delivers their passport services speedily, efficiently and effectively, all across Ireland's thirty two counties," he said.
"The latest detail, which I have obtained through Parliamentary Questions, shows that 2018 is set to see yet another increase in applications from the North.
"The rise in the Six Counties is not happening in isolation, as revealed at today's Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, in just one day last month more than ten thousand passport applications were received by the Irish Passport Office; this led to the Department of Foreign Affairs secretary general admitting at today's meeting that staff are struggling with "unprecedented demand" and have shown "immense grace under pressure". I agree with this assertion and commend our staff, but we must see the burden eased and the necessary investment made.
"The way to do resolve these unprecedented challenges is to improve service infrastructure throughout the country, to ease the burden on staff through strategic investment and to meet the demonstrable need that's out there and to open this much needed and sensible resource in the North of Ireland."
First Ever International Futsal Matches To Take Place In Newry
The first ever international futsal matches are to take place this weekend in Newry.
Northern Ireland will play against Scotland at Newry Leisure Centre later tonight, Friday 22 June and then again on Saturday, 23 June.
The version of five-a-side football is played by millions of people across the Globe. And despite Northern Ireland having participated in two Home Nations Championships and travelled to San Marino and Gibraltar for fixtures, the upcoming games is Northern Ireland's first ever on home soil.
Head Coach Jonny Michael said: "Last time we played Scotland we felt we could have got more out of the game and didn't perform to our full potential.
"This time we have the added incentive of playing at home and we are confident that our performance will match the atmosphere."
SDLP Slam Latest ED Waiting Time Figures As 'Appalling'
The SDLP have hit out at the latest figures for waiting times in Emergency Departments, which show the number of waiting more than 12 hours has more than doubled in the past year.
Annual statistics on activity and waiting times at Emergency Departments in Northern Ireland state a total of 17,347 patients waited longer than 12 hours in 2017/18, compared to 6,494 in 2016/2017 and 3,109 in 2013/14.
SDLP Health Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan MLA, said the figure is "nothing short of appalling".
"Despite the dedication of hard working staff, working round the clock, our Health Service is continuing to be starved of political and strategic direction and this is impacting on the frontline," he said.
"The situation is simply unsustainable. The SDLP has long called for and supported an overall transformation of our Health Service and that is what is required to begin to really tackle the issues at the core.
"We should not accept rising waiting times as 'the norm.' What is needed is functioning institutions, Ministers in place and plans for transformation followed through on. Our people deserve more than being left to wait for hours in Emergency Departments and on being left trolleys in corridors.
"Enough is enough. It is time for this political brinkmanship between Sinn Fein and the DUP to end and for the Assembly and Executive to be established."
(LM)
Almost 50,000 Irish passport applications came from Northern Ireland between 01 January and 31 May this year, according to Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs.
In response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, the Department confirmed thousands of applications had been made from the six counties in just five months.
Senator Ó Donnghaile has now called on the Irish Government to open a dedicated Irish passport facility in the North.
"The clear and continuous rise in passport applications from the North warrants a review of how the government delivers their passport services speedily, efficiently and effectively, all across Ireland's thirty two counties," he said.
"The latest detail, which I have obtained through Parliamentary Questions, shows that 2018 is set to see yet another increase in applications from the North.
"The rise in the Six Counties is not happening in isolation, as revealed at today's Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, in just one day last month more than ten thousand passport applications were received by the Irish Passport Office; this led to the Department of Foreign Affairs secretary general admitting at today's meeting that staff are struggling with "unprecedented demand" and have shown "immense grace under pressure". I agree with this assertion and commend our staff, but we must see the burden eased and the necessary investment made.
"The way to do resolve these unprecedented challenges is to improve service infrastructure throughout the country, to ease the burden on staff through strategic investment and to meet the demonstrable need that's out there and to open this much needed and sensible resource in the North of Ireland."
First Ever International Futsal Matches To Take Place In Newry
The first ever international futsal matches are to take place this weekend in Newry.
Northern Ireland will play against Scotland at Newry Leisure Centre later tonight, Friday 22 June and then again on Saturday, 23 June.
The version of five-a-side football is played by millions of people across the Globe. And despite Northern Ireland having participated in two Home Nations Championships and travelled to San Marino and Gibraltar for fixtures, the upcoming games is Northern Ireland's first ever on home soil.
Head Coach Jonny Michael said: "Last time we played Scotland we felt we could have got more out of the game and didn't perform to our full potential.
"This time we have the added incentive of playing at home and we are confident that our performance will match the atmosphere."
SDLP Slam Latest ED Waiting Time Figures As 'Appalling'
The SDLP have hit out at the latest figures for waiting times in Emergency Departments, which show the number of waiting more than 12 hours has more than doubled in the past year.
Annual statistics on activity and waiting times at Emergency Departments in Northern Ireland state a total of 17,347 patients waited longer than 12 hours in 2017/18, compared to 6,494 in 2016/2017 and 3,109 in 2013/14.
SDLP Health Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan MLA, said the figure is "nothing short of appalling".
"Despite the dedication of hard working staff, working round the clock, our Health Service is continuing to be starved of political and strategic direction and this is impacting on the frontline," he said.
"The situation is simply unsustainable. The SDLP has long called for and supported an overall transformation of our Health Service and that is what is required to begin to really tackle the issues at the core.
"We should not accept rising waiting times as 'the norm.' What is needed is functioning institutions, Ministers in place and plans for transformation followed through on. Our people deserve more than being left to wait for hours in Emergency Departments and on being left trolleys in corridors.
"Enough is enough. It is time for this political brinkmanship between Sinn Fein and the DUP to end and for the Assembly and Executive to be established."
(LM)
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04 May 2022
Irish Passport Applications Higher Than British For First Time
More people in the north have applied for an Irish passport than a British passport for the first time on record, according to figures released to the Irish Times under a Freedom of Information result.
Irish Passport Applications Higher Than British For First Time
More people in the north have applied for an Irish passport than a British passport for the first time on record, according to figures released to the Irish Times under a Freedom of Information result.
11 July 2014
SF Calls For NI Irish Passport Office
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called on the new Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan to open an Irish passport office in Northern Ireland. Mr McElduff said: "My office in Omagh has been inundated with calls in recent weeks from people looking for assistance with Irish passport applications.
SF Calls For NI Irish Passport Office
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called on the new Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan to open an Irish passport office in Northern Ireland. Mr McElduff said: "My office in Omagh has been inundated with calls in recent weeks from people looking for assistance with Irish passport applications.
02 September 2005
Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased in the last three months by almost 6%. The figures published by the Department of Health revealed that the number of patients waiting for an initial outpatient consultation had risen by 9,385 to 176,523, an increase of 5.6% on the previous quarter.
Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased in the last three months by almost 6%. The figures published by the Department of Health revealed that the number of patients waiting for an initial outpatient consultation had risen by 9,385 to 176,523, an increase of 5.6% on the previous quarter.
05 December 2002
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
03 January 2018
Record Number Of Irish Passport Applications From UK
Up to 20% of the total number of applications for Irish passports last year were received from Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Record Number Of Irish Passport Applications From UK
Up to 20% of the total number of applications for Irish passports last year were received from Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
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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.
