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18/10/2022
Other News In Brief
SDLP Accuse Education Minister Of Failing Childminders
The SDLP has challenged the Education Minister on her "failure to support childminders during the cost of living crisis".
It follows the Minister's response to Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin when asked what action her department is taking to support registered childminders through the current emergency.
In the response, Minister Michelle McIlveen said that registered child-minders are self-employed and do not fall within the remit of her department.
Ms McLaughlin said: "The Education Minister's failure to take forward any measures or consider any steps to help support registered childminders through the cost of living crisis is a damning indictment of her inability to grasp the scale of the challenge facing people. The pressures faced by childminders are a cross-cutting issue and they need to be supported by a range of departments, however, Minister McIlveen is taking forward the Childcare Strategy and childminders form a significant part of that sector. Childminders cannot be ignored or dismissed and we need a comprehensive approach to support all providers to ensure that services are sustainable and that families receive the childcare they need and deserve.
"I have recently met with representatives of childminders who are crying out for support as they provide vital childcare for parents across the North. It’s particularly shocking that the Minister is now washing her hands of responsibility towards childminders when she previously extended the Covid-19 childcare Temporary Closure fund which provided support to childminders.
"As childminders struggle to cope with rising energy costs in their homes, I would expect the Minister to be able to detail at least some engagement that she has had with representatives of childminders, or any steps she is taking to listen to their concerns and work with her Ministerial colleagues to tackle those challenges. I am shocked that the Minister can dismiss the plight of childminders and her indifference to the challenges they face will have a significant impact on the sector."
SF Urge DUP To Support Businesses
Business need support not empty DUP promises, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.
Speaking after the DUP met with business groups, the East Derry MLA said: "Businesses are struggling to pay their bills and keep the shutters up. They need support now, not empty promises from the party that is blocking them getting support.
"Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work with others, and support workers, families and businesses during this cost-of-living crisis.
"If they are serious about supporting businesses, the DUP will get back to work now to protect jobs and help our traders to keep the lights on."
DUP Raise Passport Issue In Westminster
DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has led a debate in Westminster Hall regarding access to British passports for people born in the Irish Republic but now living in Northern Ireland.
Mr Campbell said: "This issue unites people of all backgrounds in Northern Ireland with the DUP, SDLP, Alliance, Conservatives and Labour all agreed that it needs resolved. It is uncontroversial with everyone except, the Home Office. It was first raised by me in 2005 via a private members bill which had insufficient parliamentary time but remains unsolved.
"People in Northern Ireland can be British, Irish or Northern Irish. Residents in Northern Ireland can apply for an Irish passport with no additional cost or form filling, yet people born in the Republic of Ireland but have chosen to then live in Northern Ireland, cannot have similar access to a British passport.
"The law in the UK makes provision for anyone born before 1949 in the Republic of Ireland with associations with the UK to become a British subject.
"Those born in the Republic after 1949, even if they have lived in the UK all their lives since, paying UK taxes all their lives, voting in UK elections, sitting in the House of Lords, cannot avail of a British passport without going through the expensive procedure of applying for naturalisation, current cost around £1,330.
"It is incredible that no naturalisation fee is required to secure an Irish passport, yet it requires such a fee to secure a British passport. This is a disgraceful position to have left people in who demand to be recognised as British. The Minister needs to reassess the Home Office's approach to this and remedy a continuing wrong as a matter of urgency."
The SDLP has challenged the Education Minister on her "failure to support childminders during the cost of living crisis".
It follows the Minister's response to Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin when asked what action her department is taking to support registered childminders through the current emergency.
In the response, Minister Michelle McIlveen said that registered child-minders are self-employed and do not fall within the remit of her department.
Ms McLaughlin said: "The Education Minister's failure to take forward any measures or consider any steps to help support registered childminders through the cost of living crisis is a damning indictment of her inability to grasp the scale of the challenge facing people. The pressures faced by childminders are a cross-cutting issue and they need to be supported by a range of departments, however, Minister McIlveen is taking forward the Childcare Strategy and childminders form a significant part of that sector. Childminders cannot be ignored or dismissed and we need a comprehensive approach to support all providers to ensure that services are sustainable and that families receive the childcare they need and deserve.
"I have recently met with representatives of childminders who are crying out for support as they provide vital childcare for parents across the North. It’s particularly shocking that the Minister is now washing her hands of responsibility towards childminders when she previously extended the Covid-19 childcare Temporary Closure fund which provided support to childminders.
"As childminders struggle to cope with rising energy costs in their homes, I would expect the Minister to be able to detail at least some engagement that she has had with representatives of childminders, or any steps she is taking to listen to their concerns and work with her Ministerial colleagues to tackle those challenges. I am shocked that the Minister can dismiss the plight of childminders and her indifference to the challenges they face will have a significant impact on the sector."
SF Urge DUP To Support Businesses
Business need support not empty DUP promises, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.
Speaking after the DUP met with business groups, the East Derry MLA said: "Businesses are struggling to pay their bills and keep the shutters up. They need support now, not empty promises from the party that is blocking them getting support.
"Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work with others, and support workers, families and businesses during this cost-of-living crisis.
"If they are serious about supporting businesses, the DUP will get back to work now to protect jobs and help our traders to keep the lights on."
DUP Raise Passport Issue In Westminster
DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has led a debate in Westminster Hall regarding access to British passports for people born in the Irish Republic but now living in Northern Ireland.
Mr Campbell said: "This issue unites people of all backgrounds in Northern Ireland with the DUP, SDLP, Alliance, Conservatives and Labour all agreed that it needs resolved. It is uncontroversial with everyone except, the Home Office. It was first raised by me in 2005 via a private members bill which had insufficient parliamentary time but remains unsolved.
"People in Northern Ireland can be British, Irish or Northern Irish. Residents in Northern Ireland can apply for an Irish passport with no additional cost or form filling, yet people born in the Republic of Ireland but have chosen to then live in Northern Ireland, cannot have similar access to a British passport.
"The law in the UK makes provision for anyone born before 1949 in the Republic of Ireland with associations with the UK to become a British subject.
"Those born in the Republic after 1949, even if they have lived in the UK all their lives since, paying UK taxes all their lives, voting in UK elections, sitting in the House of Lords, cannot avail of a British passport without going through the expensive procedure of applying for naturalisation, current cost around £1,330.
"It is incredible that no naturalisation fee is required to secure an Irish passport, yet it requires such a fee to secure a British passport. This is a disgraceful position to have left people in who demand to be recognised as British. The Minister needs to reassess the Home Office's approach to this and remedy a continuing wrong as a matter of urgency."
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Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
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Illegal Child Care 'Warning' Issued
A local childcare charity has issued a stark warning to parents who use unregistered childminders. NICMA - the Childminding Association said today that the use of unregistered childcarers in Northern Ireland is all too common and is putting children's safety at risk.
Illegal Child Care 'Warning' Issued
A local childcare charity has issued a stark warning to parents who use unregistered childminders. NICMA - the Childminding Association said today that the use of unregistered childcarers in Northern Ireland is all too common and is putting children's safety at risk.
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UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
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22 November 2021
Two Childcare Support Funds Extended
The Covid-19 Childcare Temporary Closure Fund has been extended until 31 December 2021, Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced. The fund will provide continued support for childcare providers who have been forced to close temporarily due to a Covid-related incident within their provision.
Two Childcare Support Funds Extended
The Covid-19 Childcare Temporary Closure Fund has been extended until 31 December 2021, Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced. The fund will provide continued support for childcare providers who have been forced to close temporarily due to a Covid-related incident within their provision.
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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.
