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15/03/2022
Other News In Brief
SDLP Urge Parties To Support Period Poverty Bill
The SDLP has urged all parties to back a Bill aimed at providing free period products in schools, colleges and public buildings.
The bill, brought forward by Lagan Valley MLA Pat Catney in response to the shocking levels of period poverty in Northern Ireland, will have its consideration stage in the Assembly today, Tuesday 15 March.
Mr Catney said: "As we get closer and closer to getting this bill over the line I would urge MLAs from all parties to support my efforts to tackle period poverty in Northern Ireland. We have an opportunity here to change people's lives for the better, to end the stigma around period poverty and to provide access to vital products for those who need them.
"While preparing this legislation I met with numerous groups and heard directly from women and girls about their experiences. They told me how they had been forced to take time off work and missed school or social events as a result of period poverty. It's heartbreaking to think that people were forced to use dangerous alternatives because they simply could not afford these products. Not having access to period products can have a significant impact on someone's physical and mental health.
"These products are not optional, they are needed and it's unfair to expect people to shell out large sums for them. Families across the North are struggling with rises in the cost of food, heating, fuel and everything else. This bill will ensure that while people are plunged into crisis, they will always have access to free period products.
"By working together on this we can put people first and deliver for our local communities. I hope MLAs will speak with one voice and do the right thing in ensuring period products are available for everyone who needs them."
Police Attacked During L'Derry Security Alert
Police officers attending a security alert in L'Derry have come under attack, with a number of missiles being thrown at officers.
Police were attending the discovery of a number of susp objects in the Fahan Street area of the city.
It is understood that a number of police vehicles were damages after officer came under attack while dealing with the incident.
The PSNI have described the incident as "disappointing".
According to reports, a number of homes in the area were evacuated while Army bomb disposal experts examing the suspicious objects. They were eventually removed from the scheme for further examination.
Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to contact police.
Review Of NI Taxi Fares Underway
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that a review of taxi fares in Northern Ireland is now underway, as part of ongoing efforts to help rebuild the industry following Covid-19 restrictions.
Minister Mallon said: "Taking account of views expressed in a targeted consultation on taxi fares and the rise in fuel at that time and other running costs I announced a 7.6% increase in the maximum fare.
"I also committed at that time to initiating a further fare review in Spring 2022, based on updated data, and am pleased to announce that my Department has now initiated a 2022 fare review. The targeted consultation process on the proposals from the taxi fare review will go forward in the new Assembly mandate.
"I am committed to helping the industry recover from the pandemic and also to operate during these current difficult times."
The Department will continue to engage with the taxi industry to advise them of this progress and to assist with their recovery.
The SDLP has urged all parties to back a Bill aimed at providing free period products in schools, colleges and public buildings.
The bill, brought forward by Lagan Valley MLA Pat Catney in response to the shocking levels of period poverty in Northern Ireland, will have its consideration stage in the Assembly today, Tuesday 15 March.
Mr Catney said: "As we get closer and closer to getting this bill over the line I would urge MLAs from all parties to support my efforts to tackle period poverty in Northern Ireland. We have an opportunity here to change people's lives for the better, to end the stigma around period poverty and to provide access to vital products for those who need them.
"While preparing this legislation I met with numerous groups and heard directly from women and girls about their experiences. They told me how they had been forced to take time off work and missed school or social events as a result of period poverty. It's heartbreaking to think that people were forced to use dangerous alternatives because they simply could not afford these products. Not having access to period products can have a significant impact on someone's physical and mental health.
"These products are not optional, they are needed and it's unfair to expect people to shell out large sums for them. Families across the North are struggling with rises in the cost of food, heating, fuel and everything else. This bill will ensure that while people are plunged into crisis, they will always have access to free period products.
"By working together on this we can put people first and deliver for our local communities. I hope MLAs will speak with one voice and do the right thing in ensuring period products are available for everyone who needs them."
Police Attacked During L'Derry Security Alert
Police officers attending a security alert in L'Derry have come under attack, with a number of missiles being thrown at officers.
Police were attending the discovery of a number of susp objects in the Fahan Street area of the city.
It is understood that a number of police vehicles were damages after officer came under attack while dealing with the incident.
The PSNI have described the incident as "disappointing".
According to reports, a number of homes in the area were evacuated while Army bomb disposal experts examing the suspicious objects. They were eventually removed from the scheme for further examination.
Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to contact police.
Review Of NI Taxi Fares Underway
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that a review of taxi fares in Northern Ireland is now underway, as part of ongoing efforts to help rebuild the industry following Covid-19 restrictions.
Minister Mallon said: "Taking account of views expressed in a targeted consultation on taxi fares and the rise in fuel at that time and other running costs I announced a 7.6% increase in the maximum fare.
"I also committed at that time to initiating a further fare review in Spring 2022, based on updated data, and am pleased to announce that my Department has now initiated a 2022 fare review. The targeted consultation process on the proposals from the taxi fare review will go forward in the new Assembly mandate.
"I am committed to helping the industry recover from the pandemic and also to operate during these current difficult times."
The Department will continue to engage with the taxi industry to advise them of this progress and to assist with their recovery.
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12 October 2021
New Period Products Bill To Be Introduced Into The Assembly
A new Period Products Bill, which aims to address period poverty across Northern Ireland by making free period products available in schools, colleges and all other public buildings, is to be introduced into the Assembly. The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
New Period Products Bill To Be Introduced Into The Assembly
A new Period Products Bill, which aims to address period poverty across Northern Ireland by making free period products available in schools, colleges and all other public buildings, is to be introduced into the Assembly. The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
03 October 2023
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
29 April 2024
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
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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.
