Menu
23/08/2021
Other News In Brief
Call For Govt To Halt Plans To Cut Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Sinn Féin has launched a position paper demanding that the government halt incoherent and ill-timed plans to cut the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The cuts are due to begin on 07 September, and Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Transport, Darren O’Rourke TD, today said this move will impact negatively on taxi drivers.
He said: "Taxi drivers continue to be overlooked by this government.
"Although taxis can operate, many rely heavily on the international tourism, nightlife and entertainment sectors for business, and because these industries remain stifled, taxi incomes are literally non-existent or, at best, remain much lower than normal.
"Despite this, the government is insisting on ploughing ahead with unfair cuts to the PUP in just over a fortnight.
"The cuts to the PUP and the plan to transition people from the PUP to Jobseekers on 7th September must be scrapped.
"These cuts are punishing people who cannot return to work and/or whose business remains unusually quiet due to the pandemic and its associated restrictions.
"This is now a matter of urgency. There must be certainty for workers such as taxi drivers about the future of the financial supports they will receive."
McIlveen Must Take Responsibility For General Teaching Council Shambles - SDLP
SDLP Education Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said the latest revelations around the General Teaching Council (GTCNI) has only further enforced his view that the body is beyond repair.
Mr McCrossan was speaking after it was announced that up to 500 new teachers have not yet had their registrations fully processed by GTCNI.
The West Tyrone MLA said: "When the GCTNI appeared before the Education Committee in May it became clear it was riddled with dysfunction and I expressed the view then that this body is beyond repair. We have heard time and time again how it has disintegrated into a shambles.
"At that point, there were issues around child safeguarding. Today's announcement confirms my view that they cannot perform their duties to the standard required. Key aspects of their job involve processing registrations and keeping children safe. They are not doing either efficiently or effectively."
Call For MOT Testing Capacity To Be 'Ramped Up'
Following the inability of customers to be able to book MOT tests, Roy Beggs MLA, member of the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee, has continued to press the Minister and officials to ramp up MOT testing capacity or offer further MOT extensions to meet demand from customers.
East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs said: "I was shocked to be advised that no tests were available to book before the end of October. An MOT test is a service that customers pay for and an absence of an MOT can cause difficulties in getting to work, taking children to school and for local businesses. It adversely affects the rural community in particular. The DVA does not require additional public funds as it is a self-financing service, paid by drivers. If DVA cannot adequately meet the needs of local drivers or businesses, the use of the private sector must now be considered.
"I have written to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA, outlining local problems that have been brought to my attention. One such example was when one person tried to book MOTs for 3 SORNED vehicles, only to be told that no slots were available until the end of October and that it was not possible to book beyond that date."
Sinn Féin has launched a position paper demanding that the government halt incoherent and ill-timed plans to cut the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The cuts are due to begin on 07 September, and Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Transport, Darren O’Rourke TD, today said this move will impact negatively on taxi drivers.
He said: "Taxi drivers continue to be overlooked by this government.
"Although taxis can operate, many rely heavily on the international tourism, nightlife and entertainment sectors for business, and because these industries remain stifled, taxi incomes are literally non-existent or, at best, remain much lower than normal.
"Despite this, the government is insisting on ploughing ahead with unfair cuts to the PUP in just over a fortnight.
"The cuts to the PUP and the plan to transition people from the PUP to Jobseekers on 7th September must be scrapped.
"These cuts are punishing people who cannot return to work and/or whose business remains unusually quiet due to the pandemic and its associated restrictions.
"This is now a matter of urgency. There must be certainty for workers such as taxi drivers about the future of the financial supports they will receive."
McIlveen Must Take Responsibility For General Teaching Council Shambles - SDLP
SDLP Education Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said the latest revelations around the General Teaching Council (GTCNI) has only further enforced his view that the body is beyond repair.
Mr McCrossan was speaking after it was announced that up to 500 new teachers have not yet had their registrations fully processed by GTCNI.
The West Tyrone MLA said: "When the GCTNI appeared before the Education Committee in May it became clear it was riddled with dysfunction and I expressed the view then that this body is beyond repair. We have heard time and time again how it has disintegrated into a shambles.
"At that point, there were issues around child safeguarding. Today's announcement confirms my view that they cannot perform their duties to the standard required. Key aspects of their job involve processing registrations and keeping children safe. They are not doing either efficiently or effectively."
Call For MOT Testing Capacity To Be 'Ramped Up'
Following the inability of customers to be able to book MOT tests, Roy Beggs MLA, member of the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee, has continued to press the Minister and officials to ramp up MOT testing capacity or offer further MOT extensions to meet demand from customers.
East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs said: "I was shocked to be advised that no tests were available to book before the end of October. An MOT test is a service that customers pay for and an absence of an MOT can cause difficulties in getting to work, taking children to school and for local businesses. It adversely affects the rural community in particular. The DVA does not require additional public funds as it is a self-financing service, paid by drivers. If DVA cannot adequately meet the needs of local drivers or businesses, the use of the private sector must now be considered.
"I have written to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA, outlining local problems that have been brought to my attention. One such example was when one person tried to book MOTs for 3 SORNED vehicles, only to be told that no slots were available until the end of October and that it was not possible to book beyond that date."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
30 October 2002
Minister calls for introduction of MOT disc
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith has announced proposals for the introduction of an MOT disc for motorists in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the MOT disc, like the tax disc, will act as a reminder to motorists when their MOT test is due.
Minister calls for introduction of MOT disc
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith has announced proposals for the introduction of an MOT disc for motorists in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the MOT disc, like the tax disc, will act as a reminder to motorists when their MOT test is due.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
01 December 2003
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
08 August 2019
Police Issue Warning Over MOT Tests
Police have issued guidance relating to MOT appointments as drivers remain unclear on where they stand amid the current appointment backlog. Officers said they are constantly inundated with messages and calls about driving on the roads without an MOT.
Police Issue Warning Over MOT Tests
Police have issued guidance relating to MOT appointments as drivers remain unclear on where they stand amid the current appointment backlog. Officers said they are constantly inundated with messages and calls about driving on the roads without an MOT.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
