25/02/2022
Other News In Brief
Bangor Roadworks Announced
A £190,000 footway reconstruction scheme in Bangor will commence on Monday 28 February 2022, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, has announced.
The streets receiving footway upgrades are Clandeboye Way, Monea Close, Monea Way, Loverock Way, Monea Drive, Rostrevor Way, Rostrevor Drive and Rostrevor Close. The works are expected to last four weeks.
Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment in upgrading the old flags with modern high quality footways will greatly improve usability of the footways for the benefit of all the residents in the area. I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while these much needed works are completed."
SDLP Welcome Bus And Train Station Defibrillators
The SDLP has welcomed the installation of life-saving defibrillators at bus and train stations across NI.
The scheme is funded by Minister Mallon's Department for Infrastructure and is being delivered in partnership with the British Heart Foundation and the NI Ambulance Service.
Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath said: "I cannot underestimate the impact these defibrillators will have for people right across the North – they will save lives. Today's announcement from SDLP Minister Mallon will result in a huge increase in the number of defibrillators available to help people when they suffer a cardiac incident and will greatly improve their chances of making a full recovery.
"The current survival rates of people in the North who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital are less than 10%. This shocking figure inspired me to bring forward my bill to ensure every young person in the North was trained to assist someone when needed. The department's adoption of my proposal, alongside the defibrillators provided by Minister Mallon will ensure that people have both the knowledge and tools to intervene in a medical emergency.
"This significant investment by Minister Mallon shows what we can achieve when we work together to improve the lives of people across the North. While other parties focus on internal battles and serving their own interests, the SDLP is determined to use every minute left of the current Assembly mandate to put people first and deliver on the issues that matter to them."
Green Party Welcomes Commencement Of Key Elements Of Domestic Abuse Act
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has welcomed the commencement of key elements of the Domestic Abuse Act, which came into force on Monday 21st February 2022.
MLA for North Down, who sits on Stormont's Justice Committee said: "This is arguably one of the most important pieces of legislation that the Northern Ireland Assembly has ever enacted. The measures that come into force today will save lives.
"We kept victims and survivors at the forefront of our scrutiny and deliberations on the Domestic Abuse Bill, which is why the Green Party brought forward crucial amendments to strengthen the law, and I welcome the fact that the Minister and her department are now implementing this work.
"Some of the measures coming into force today include enhanced sentencing to recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children. Green Party NI amendments will mean that where abuse is deemed to adversely affect a child, it will be taken into account.
"I especially welcome Section 28 coming into operation, secured through Green Party NI amendments, which will mean that victims and survivors of abuse will be eligible for legal aid in family law cases, and deliver extra support in a way that will prevent the courts being misused to perpetuate abuse.
"The legislation is not a silver bullet, and we still have much to do to tackle domestic abuse in our society, including recognising that it is also a workplace issue. My Safe Leave Bill to introduce statutory paid leave from work for victims and survivors will further enhance protections and support.
"I would urge all victims and survivors of domestic abuse to reach out and seek help. This new legislation means that victims and survivors now have stronger legal support and protection than ever before."
A £190,000 footway reconstruction scheme in Bangor will commence on Monday 28 February 2022, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, has announced.
The streets receiving footway upgrades are Clandeboye Way, Monea Close, Monea Way, Loverock Way, Monea Drive, Rostrevor Way, Rostrevor Drive and Rostrevor Close. The works are expected to last four weeks.
Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment in upgrading the old flags with modern high quality footways will greatly improve usability of the footways for the benefit of all the residents in the area. I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while these much needed works are completed."
SDLP Welcome Bus And Train Station Defibrillators
The SDLP has welcomed the installation of life-saving defibrillators at bus and train stations across NI.
The scheme is funded by Minister Mallon's Department for Infrastructure and is being delivered in partnership with the British Heart Foundation and the NI Ambulance Service.
Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath said: "I cannot underestimate the impact these defibrillators will have for people right across the North – they will save lives. Today's announcement from SDLP Minister Mallon will result in a huge increase in the number of defibrillators available to help people when they suffer a cardiac incident and will greatly improve their chances of making a full recovery.
"The current survival rates of people in the North who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital are less than 10%. This shocking figure inspired me to bring forward my bill to ensure every young person in the North was trained to assist someone when needed. The department's adoption of my proposal, alongside the defibrillators provided by Minister Mallon will ensure that people have both the knowledge and tools to intervene in a medical emergency.
"This significant investment by Minister Mallon shows what we can achieve when we work together to improve the lives of people across the North. While other parties focus on internal battles and serving their own interests, the SDLP is determined to use every minute left of the current Assembly mandate to put people first and deliver on the issues that matter to them."
Green Party Welcomes Commencement Of Key Elements Of Domestic Abuse Act
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has welcomed the commencement of key elements of the Domestic Abuse Act, which came into force on Monday 21st February 2022.
MLA for North Down, who sits on Stormont's Justice Committee said: "This is arguably one of the most important pieces of legislation that the Northern Ireland Assembly has ever enacted. The measures that come into force today will save lives.
"We kept victims and survivors at the forefront of our scrutiny and deliberations on the Domestic Abuse Bill, which is why the Green Party brought forward crucial amendments to strengthen the law, and I welcome the fact that the Minister and her department are now implementing this work.
"Some of the measures coming into force today include enhanced sentencing to recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children. Green Party NI amendments will mean that where abuse is deemed to adversely affect a child, it will be taken into account.
"I especially welcome Section 28 coming into operation, secured through Green Party NI amendments, which will mean that victims and survivors of abuse will be eligible for legal aid in family law cases, and deliver extra support in a way that will prevent the courts being misused to perpetuate abuse.
"The legislation is not a silver bullet, and we still have much to do to tackle domestic abuse in our society, including recognising that it is also a workplace issue. My Safe Leave Bill to introduce statutory paid leave from work for victims and survivors will further enhance protections and support.
"I would urge all victims and survivors of domestic abuse to reach out and seek help. This new legislation means that victims and survivors now have stronger legal support and protection than ever before."
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07 July 2022
Ministers Publish New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Report
Health Minister Robin Swann and Justice Minister Naomi Long have launched a report on the outcome of a Call for Views launched earlier this year to inform the development of a new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. Welcoming the new report, Minister Swann said: "We received 91 written submissions and 661 online surveys were completed.
Ministers Publish New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Report
Health Minister Robin Swann and Justice Minister Naomi Long have launched a report on the outcome of a Call for Views launched earlier this year to inform the development of a new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. Welcoming the new report, Minister Swann said: "We received 91 written submissions and 661 online surveys were completed.
24 January 2024
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
05 October 2021
Domestic And Sexual Abuse Policy For Civil Service
A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy has been announced for Northern Ireland's Civil Service by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. Speaking after visiting Nexus, a charity which supports people affected by sexual trauma, with Head of Civil Service Jayne Brady, Minister Murphy said the policy aims to support staff affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Domestic And Sexual Abuse Policy For Civil Service
A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy has been announced for Northern Ireland's Civil Service by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. Speaking after visiting Nexus, a charity which supports people affected by sexual trauma, with Head of Civil Service Jayne Brady, Minister Murphy said the policy aims to support staff affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
05 September 2022
New Domestic Abuse Support Facility Opened In L'Derry
A new housing and support facility for women and their children who suffer from domestic abuse has been opened in L'Derry. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey have welcomed the opening of the new Foyle Family Justice Centre.
New Domestic Abuse Support Facility Opened In L'Derry
A new housing and support facility for women and their children who suffer from domestic abuse has been opened in L'Derry. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey have welcomed the opening of the new Foyle Family Justice Centre.
28 January 2020
Domestic Abuse Law To Progress Through Stormont
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister is to progress legislation to criminalise abusive behaviour in domestic and family relationships. The laws, being forwarded through Stormont by Naomi Long, will make it an offence for a person to engage in abusive behaviour on two or more occasions against someone they are personally connected to.
Domestic Abuse Law To Progress Through Stormont
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister is to progress legislation to criminalise abusive behaviour in domestic and family relationships. The laws, being forwarded through Stormont by Naomi Long, will make it an offence for a person to engage in abusive behaviour on two or more occasions against someone they are personally connected to.
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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.