Menu
14/11/2022
De-Facto Irish Sea Border On Energy Support Payments – SDLP
The SDLP has accused the DUP of creating a de-facto Irish Sea border on energy support payments for people in NI.
SDLP Cost of Living Spokesperson Matthew O'Toole said that by boycotting the Stormont institutions the party are making it harder to get energy support payments to families in the North that are being received in other parts of the UK.
South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "For all the DUP's talk about how people in Northern Ireland must be treated the same as those in the rest of the UK, they have proved time and time again how happy they are to throw that out the window when it suits them. No matter how hard they try to deny it, the fact remains that their boycott of the Stormont institutions is making it harder to get energy support payments out to families who desperately need them.
"People in England, Scotland and Wales received their first payment to help them pay their electricity bills last month, while those in the North have received nothing, with no clarity of when this money can be expected and suggestions it could even drag into next year. We have also seen a robust support package brought forward by the Irish Government in the South, which recognises the challenges people on this island are facing.
"Since the cost of living emergency began the SDLP has made protecting communities across the North our top priority, but despite the DUP sticking their heads in the sand on this issue, there is little we can do without an Assembly and Executive in place. All signs indicate that an agreement on the Protocol is edging ever closer and it's time for the DUP to do the right thing, return to the Assembly and Executive and work to ensure families in the North get the same support as those in every other part of these islands."
SDLP Cost of Living Spokesperson Matthew O'Toole said that by boycotting the Stormont institutions the party are making it harder to get energy support payments to families in the North that are being received in other parts of the UK.
South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "For all the DUP's talk about how people in Northern Ireland must be treated the same as those in the rest of the UK, they have proved time and time again how happy they are to throw that out the window when it suits them. No matter how hard they try to deny it, the fact remains that their boycott of the Stormont institutions is making it harder to get energy support payments out to families who desperately need them.
"People in England, Scotland and Wales received their first payment to help them pay their electricity bills last month, while those in the North have received nothing, with no clarity of when this money can be expected and suggestions it could even drag into next year. We have also seen a robust support package brought forward by the Irish Government in the South, which recognises the challenges people on this island are facing.
"Since the cost of living emergency began the SDLP has made protecting communities across the North our top priority, but despite the DUP sticking their heads in the sand on this issue, there is little we can do without an Assembly and Executive in place. All signs indicate that an agreement on the Protocol is edging ever closer and it's time for the DUP to do the right thing, return to the Assembly and Executive and work to ensure families in the North get the same support as those in every other part of these islands."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
27 May 2022
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.
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.
01 December 2022
'Outrageous' NI Has Not Received Energy Support Payments – SF
Delays to the payout of £600 energy support payments to people in Northern Ireland have been described as "outrageous" by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy. The Newry/Armagh MLA also said the DUP had been 'dishonest' in claims that people would have the money by November.
'Outrageous' NI Has Not Received Energy Support Payments – SF
Delays to the payout of £600 energy support payments to people in Northern Ireland have been described as "outrageous" by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy. The Newry/Armagh MLA also said the DUP had been 'dishonest' in claims that people would have the money by November.
02 November 2022
'Urgent Clarity' Needed On NI Energy Support Payments
Sinn Féin has called for "urgent clarity" on when and how energy support payments will be made in Northern Ireland.
'Urgent Clarity' Needed On NI Energy Support Payments
Sinn Féin has called for "urgent clarity" on when and how energy support payments will be made in Northern Ireland.
11 August 2022
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
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
-
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.
