SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment

The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty".

Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.

The amendment removed a call on the Communities Minister to produce a plan to remove the cap by the end of 2024.

South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "The SDLP used our second Opposition Day this week to shine a spotlight on the poverty that afflicts many communities across the North. We worked closely with anti-poverty organisations to bring forward reasonable and affordable proposals with clear costings, that were within the remit of the Executive and could be implemented quickly to help those who need it most. Campaigners were clear that these plans had the potential to make a real difference to thousands of families and urged the Executive to back them.

"Prior to the restoration of Stormont, Executive parties were making lots of claims about what they would do if the institutions were restored, chief among them Sinn Féin and Alliance. These two parties are quick to put forward their credentials on social issues like this when it suits them, but today, faced with the chance to support proposals that would really help people, they sided with the DUP. Indeed, many of their MLAs couldn't even be bothered to turn up to the debate today, showing contempt for everyone impacted by the issues discussed.

"So far all we have had from these parties are non-binding motions on issues which the Executive has the power to do something about. Repeatedly we are told that a budget or Programme for Government are issues for tomorrow when families need action today. Warm words won't heat cold houses, pull children out of poverty or help parents who can't afford spiralling childcare bills.

"It is hard not to be cynical about an Executive that won't commit to action on child poverty at the first opportunity and I know that many among the public feel rightly aggrieved by the lack of progress since Stormont's return. The SDLP Opposition is determined to be constructive and we will hold the Executive accountable for their failure to support our proposals today. People in the North deserve better than parties that make a shopping list of promises, only to run away when presented with the chance to act."

International Relations Strategy 'Outdated And In Need Of Replacement' – Alliance

The Executive's International Relations Strategy is "outdated and in urgent need of replacement", Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw, has warned.

The South Belfast MLA stated: "I am extremely concerned that the International Relations Strategy has not been updated for more than a decade, despite the significant changes to Northern Ireland's external relationships brought on by Brexit, the pandemic, the Ukraine War and other major geopolitical issues. The current Strategy even refers to NI-CO, an organisation which sadly no longer exists, as a key partner.

"The Executive's International Relations Strategy focuses on getting our 'message' out there, but it is unclear what our message is supposed to be. Remarkably, there is no sign in any Executive Office documentation of a clear sense of purpose to build on the obvious opportunities arising from Northern Ireland's unique dual market access for goods to both the EU and GB markets. There is also no meaningful targets for what 'engagement' is supposed to deliver in terms of concrete outcomes for people living and working in Northern Ireland.

"What we need to hear urgently from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is what their approach to a new International Relations Strategy will be, taking account of Northern Ireland's unique economic position for international investment, but also of key objectives around issues ranging from tackling climate change to promoting human rights, and encouraging peace-building in divided societies globally.

"Ten weeks on from restoration, it is time we saw concrete action on how the Executive Office is going to lead on international relations work which is up-to-date and fit for purpose."

SF Urge Health Minister To Urgently Abolish Hospital Staff Parking Charges

Sinn Féin have called on the Health Minister to urgently abolish hospital parking charges for health workers.

Speaking after legislation was moved in the Assembly on Tuesday delaying the abolition of hospital parking charges, the party's health spokesperson MLA Liz Kimmins said: "It's deeply disappointing news for patients and health workers that abolishing hospital car parking charges will be delayed for up to two years.

"Abolishing hospital parking charges is about removing financial barriers to patients when accessing health services and receiving treatment, for health workers going to work and families visiting loved ones.

"The health minister and his department must now work quickly to put the necessary infrastructure in place to abolish these unfair charges."