Protocol Continues To Threaten Supply Of Medicines Into NI

The Protocol continues to threaten the supply of medicines into Northern Ireland, DUP Health Committee Members Pam Cameron MLA and Deborah Erskine MLA have said.

Having met with the British Generic Manufactures Association (BGMA), the DUP MLAs called on those championing the rigorous implementation of the Protocol to recognise the damage their actions are having.

They said: "Medicines from Great Britain constitute the majority of our medical supplies here in Northern Ireland. Last week we had the stark warning from the Health Minister that the Protocol was continuing to cause significant issues for the supply of medicines into Northern Ireland.

"Despite the claims by some that the proposals published by the European Union solved the issue, notices of intention to discontinue product sales into Northern Ireland still remain in place.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that medicines should not be available on the same basis to all patients within the United Kingdom. This basic freedom is in jeopardy as a result of the Protocol.

"The Protocol is undermining the health and wellbeing of all of our people and weakening the resilience of our health service, at a time when we can least afford it.

"The European Union and those cheerleading for its rigorous implementation need to take a serious look at the damage their actions are having.

"The Protocol's threat to our medicine supplies still looms large, serving as yet another reason as to why the Irish Sea Border must go."

SDLP Calls For Action On Public Apology For Abuse Victims And Survivors

The SDLP have said that victims and survivors of institutional abuse deserve a formal public apology from the heads of government after years of campaigning for recognition and redress.

Sinead McLaughlin MLA said that the First Minister's decision to resign displayed a callous disregard for the needs of people who suffered so much for so long.

SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA and Executive Office Committee Chair Sinead McLaughlin MLA met with victims of Historical Institutional Abuse at Stormont.

Nichola Mallon MLA said: "Victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse have been campaigning for decades for recognition and redress. Throughout their long fight for justice, they demonstrated immense dignity, courage and resilience.

"Political leaders have failed to meet the needs of these victims for far too long. This is an issue which has been pushed from pillar to post for well over 20 years. And now, when people thought they were finally going to get a formal apology from our heads of government, the First Minister pulls out leaving them in the lurch once again.

"Political self-interest has been put ahead of people who need this to help heal the wounds of their past. It's politically and morally wrong. I have expressed my sincere regret today and I have committed to doing everything I can to support these victims."

Sinead McLaughlin MLA said: "There is a deep sense of hurt, anger and betrayal among victims and survivors at the prospect of the official state apology they have spent years fighting for being cancelled for the sake of political games. These people have been through so much over the years, they have had numerous false dawns and the idea that this too will be taken from them makes me feel sick to my stomach.

"It is far beyond time that their needs were put first."

New Legislation Restores Funding For Racecourses

New legislation has been passed to reinstate funding to NI's two horse racecourses, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, has announced.

Welcoming the change to the legislation, Minister Poots said: "The Horse Racing Fund was set up to support horseracing at Northern Ireland’s two racecourses. As a result of a change in the management at Down Royal, the new operator has been ineligible for support since 2019, as it was not specifically named in the legislation. Payments to Downpatrick have also been suspended since 2019, as to only support one racecourse could have created unfair competition.

"I am grateful to the AERA Committee and Assembly Members more widely for their support for this legislation, and for ensuring its timely passage through the Assembly. I am pleased that the Act has been enacted and that payments can now resume immediately to both Downpatrick and Down Royal, and therefore help ensure the two courses can continue to provide top quality racing in Northern Ireland, and at the same time support many businesses in their areas."