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22/06/2023
Other News In Brief
Alliance Raise Concerns Over Dept For Communities Budget
Alliance has raised concerns over the budget allocated by the Department for Communities, which MLA Kellie Armstrong has said will "reduce support for the most vulnerable in our society".
The Alliance Communities spokesperson was speaking after the Department announced its allocations for the forthcoming financial year. She said it would take support away from people who are homeless, people with disabilities, people needing to access addiction services and victims of domestic abuse.
Ms Armstrong said: "I appreciate the Department has attempted to limit the impact of cuts as much as they have but this budget will reduce support for the most vulnerable in our society.
"It reduces the amount of money for new homes, meaning more people will not be able to access housing. It increases the amount of money being spent dealing with the homelessness crisis instead of investing in prevention measures. The Supporting People portion of the budget – used to help those with disabilities, care leaver, those with addictions or those fleeing domestic abuse – has been retained at the same level but that does not take into account the increase in the cost of living or rate of inflation.
"I will be meeting the Department's Permanent Secretary later this week to question him on the budget position and I will be seeking clarification on what income-generating measures are being proposed to the NIO.
"I understand finances are tight across the board but we have a duty of care to the most vulnerable in our society. If we are to help them, build the necessary new homes or manage culture, arts and sport, then we need a working government. The DUP needs to end its boycott and stop adding to the pain being experienced by people here."
SF Condemn Legacy Bill At Council Of Europe
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has condemned the British Government's 'Legacy' Bill during a debate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Senator Gavan was speaking during a debate in the parliament on British reform of its human rights legislation.
The well-attended sitting saw critical contributions on the British Government's legislative plans from a wide number of member states.
The parliament then voted overwhelmingly in favour of a report calling on the British Government to ensure that it did not pass legislation that could place Britain in breach of its international obligations with regard to human rights.
Leading the debate for the United European Left Group, Senator Gavan said: "This Bill of Shame would, uniquely in the world, and against all principles of domestic and international law close down all routes to justice for people bereaved during the conflict.
"There is not one single political party anywhere in Ireland that supports this atrocious Bill, and it should be scrapped without further delay.
"I urge the British delegation to listen to the concerns of families, civil society groups and politicians from all parties, citing the dangers that the Bill poses to the human rights protections as set out in the Good Friday Agreement."
Senator Gavan also called on the British Government to halt its Illegal Immigration Bill.
He added: "Anyone who arrives into Britain irregularly seeking refuge or sanctuary from war, oppression or climate disaster will have their right to seek asylum deemed 'inadmissible'.
"Human beings could be detained indefinitely and then removed either to their own country or a so-called 'safe third country' i.e. Rwanda.
"This flies in the face of the European Convention of Human Rights and every value of the Council of Europe. This Bill is a badge of shame for Britain amongst the international community."
New St Comgall's Community Facility Opened By Joe Kennedy
Joe Kennedy, the US Envoy to Northern Ireland, has officially opened the new St Comgall's community facility in west Belfast.
The project saw the transformation of a former school building into multi-use centre and was jointly funded by The Executive Office and Belfast City Council.
Comprising new offices, a café and spaces for events and exhibitions, the Grade B1-listed building at Divis Street was restored on behalf of Falls Community Council.
Speaking at the official opening, Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady said: "The transformation of this former school building is a remarkable achievement. It is clear to see that the significant investment has delivered real benefits for the local community. The new facility also showcases what can be achieved by central and local government working with communities. This new facility will enhance and improve economic, educational and social structures of west Belfast for many years to come."
St Comgall's was a Social Investment Fund (SIF) project which was delivered by Belfast City Council as the lead partner on behalf of SIF.
Funding for the project included £3.65 million from the Northern Ireland Executive's Social Investment Fund under its Delivering Social Change Framework and £3.5 million from Belfast City Council.
Speaking at the event, Joe Kennedy described the redeveloped St Comgall's facility as "an extraordinary asset": "With this dedication today Belfast is launching a new era for St Comgall's. With space for offices, community meetings, art shows, café, historical exhibits of Belfast, St Comgall's will serve local residents, artists, businesses and even draw a few tourists. New investments like this are central elements to Belfast's prosperous future and speak to the promises made in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement."
Alliance has raised concerns over the budget allocated by the Department for Communities, which MLA Kellie Armstrong has said will "reduce support for the most vulnerable in our society".
The Alliance Communities spokesperson was speaking after the Department announced its allocations for the forthcoming financial year. She said it would take support away from people who are homeless, people with disabilities, people needing to access addiction services and victims of domestic abuse.
Ms Armstrong said: "I appreciate the Department has attempted to limit the impact of cuts as much as they have but this budget will reduce support for the most vulnerable in our society.
"It reduces the amount of money for new homes, meaning more people will not be able to access housing. It increases the amount of money being spent dealing with the homelessness crisis instead of investing in prevention measures. The Supporting People portion of the budget – used to help those with disabilities, care leaver, those with addictions or those fleeing domestic abuse – has been retained at the same level but that does not take into account the increase in the cost of living or rate of inflation.
"I will be meeting the Department's Permanent Secretary later this week to question him on the budget position and I will be seeking clarification on what income-generating measures are being proposed to the NIO.
"I understand finances are tight across the board but we have a duty of care to the most vulnerable in our society. If we are to help them, build the necessary new homes or manage culture, arts and sport, then we need a working government. The DUP needs to end its boycott and stop adding to the pain being experienced by people here."
SF Condemn Legacy Bill At Council Of Europe
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has condemned the British Government's 'Legacy' Bill during a debate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Senator Gavan was speaking during a debate in the parliament on British reform of its human rights legislation.
The well-attended sitting saw critical contributions on the British Government's legislative plans from a wide number of member states.
The parliament then voted overwhelmingly in favour of a report calling on the British Government to ensure that it did not pass legislation that could place Britain in breach of its international obligations with regard to human rights.
Leading the debate for the United European Left Group, Senator Gavan said: "This Bill of Shame would, uniquely in the world, and against all principles of domestic and international law close down all routes to justice for people bereaved during the conflict.
"There is not one single political party anywhere in Ireland that supports this atrocious Bill, and it should be scrapped without further delay.
"I urge the British delegation to listen to the concerns of families, civil society groups and politicians from all parties, citing the dangers that the Bill poses to the human rights protections as set out in the Good Friday Agreement."
Senator Gavan also called on the British Government to halt its Illegal Immigration Bill.
He added: "Anyone who arrives into Britain irregularly seeking refuge or sanctuary from war, oppression or climate disaster will have their right to seek asylum deemed 'inadmissible'.
"Human beings could be detained indefinitely and then removed either to their own country or a so-called 'safe third country' i.e. Rwanda.
"This flies in the face of the European Convention of Human Rights and every value of the Council of Europe. This Bill is a badge of shame for Britain amongst the international community."
New St Comgall's Community Facility Opened By Joe Kennedy
Joe Kennedy, the US Envoy to Northern Ireland, has officially opened the new St Comgall's community facility in west Belfast.
The project saw the transformation of a former school building into multi-use centre and was jointly funded by The Executive Office and Belfast City Council.
Comprising new offices, a café and spaces for events and exhibitions, the Grade B1-listed building at Divis Street was restored on behalf of Falls Community Council.
Speaking at the official opening, Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady said: "The transformation of this former school building is a remarkable achievement. It is clear to see that the significant investment has delivered real benefits for the local community. The new facility also showcases what can be achieved by central and local government working with communities. This new facility will enhance and improve economic, educational and social structures of west Belfast for many years to come."
St Comgall's was a Social Investment Fund (SIF) project which was delivered by Belfast City Council as the lead partner on behalf of SIF.
Funding for the project included £3.65 million from the Northern Ireland Executive's Social Investment Fund under its Delivering Social Change Framework and £3.5 million from Belfast City Council.
Speaking at the event, Joe Kennedy described the redeveloped St Comgall's facility as "an extraordinary asset": "With this dedication today Belfast is launching a new era for St Comgall's. With space for offices, community meetings, art shows, café, historical exhibits of Belfast, St Comgall's will serve local residents, artists, businesses and even draw a few tourists. New investments like this are central elements to Belfast's prosperous future and speak to the promises made in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 June 2005
Government give go-ahead for John Lewis development
The Government has confirmed that leading retailer John Lewis is to open up its first Northern Ireland store at Sprucefield Park, near Lisburn.
Government give go-ahead for John Lewis development
The Government has confirmed that leading retailer John Lewis is to open up its first Northern Ireland store at Sprucefield Park, near Lisburn.
02 October 2018
Cost Of East Belfast Bonfire Removals Revealed
The cost of removing two contested bonfires in east Belfast has been revealed as almost £190,000. A "significant policing operation" was needed on 11 July as armed police in riot gear protected contractors as they dismantled and removed bonfires from Bloomfield Walkway and Cluan Place.
Cost Of East Belfast Bonfire Removals Revealed
The cost of removing two contested bonfires in east Belfast has been revealed as almost £190,000. A "significant policing operation" was needed on 11 July as armed police in riot gear protected contractors as they dismantled and removed bonfires from Bloomfield Walkway and Cluan Place.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
01 November 2002
Vote of confidence for NI news services
A study of television and other news sources in the UK has found that only 4% of Northern Ireland viewers are dissatisfied with the provision of local news services. The research carried out by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) found this was the lowest dissatisfaction rate in the UK.
Vote of confidence for NI news services
A study of television and other news sources in the UK has found that only 4% of Northern Ireland viewers are dissatisfied with the provision of local news services. The research carried out by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) found this was the lowest dissatisfaction rate in the UK.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
