Greens Slam Exploitative Core Grant Cuts

The Department of Health's Core Grant scheme has come under fire for drastically reducing funding for community wellbeing services. Only 25 of 259 applicants were successful, securing a total of £1.8 million for 2025/26. This represents a significant cut from the £3.6 million previously available, a reduction that the Green Party NI says demonstrates the government's disregard for the sector's vital work.

Green Party NI Councillor Lauren Kendall described the funding cuts as "exploitative," highlighting the government's reliance on voluntary groups while simultaneously slashing their resources. "This is an abusive relationship, taking advantage of goodwill in a mental health and homelessness crisis," she stated.

The Green Party NI expressed particular concern about the impact on essential services, given the community and voluntary sector's role in alleviating pressure on state services. They are demanding the immediate restoration of funding to properly resource community providers.

Alliance Raise Concerns Over Disparity In Cancer Death Rates

Alliance Party Health spokesperson, Danny Donnelly MLA, has expressed concerns over the significant disparity in cancer death rates between Northern Ireland's most and least deprived areas.

The East Antrim MLA was responding to a recent Cancer Research UK report revealing cancer mortality rates are approximately 45% higher in the most deprived regions, resulting in around 630 additional deaths annually linked to socio-economic inequality.

"These statistics are deeply troubling and highlight a pressing health inequality in our society," said Mr. Donnelly.

"It's unacceptable individuals in our most deprived communities are disproportionately affected by cancer, leading to nearly two additional deaths each day. "The strong correlation between smoking rates and lung cancer deaths in deprived areas underscores the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control measures and public health education. Preventative strategies must be prioritised to address these avoidable risk factors. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently passing through Westminster, which the Assembly endorsed recently, is one of the most important decisions we can take in this respect. These measures would not lead to an unsustainable additional spend, instead they would save money by reducing pressures on our health service, and more importantly they would save lives.

"Early detection is crucial in improving cancer survival rates. I urge the Department of Health to work to ensure the introduction of a lung cancer screening program in Northern Ireland, in line with the UK National Screening Committee recommendations that lung cancer screening is extending to high-risk individuals aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or have a history of smoking. This could lead to the early detection of approximately 140 additional lung cancer cases annually. We cannot afford to lag behind other regions, proactive measures are essential to reduce these stark inequalities.

"Tackling socio-economic deprivation is fundamental to improving health outcomes. A holistic approach, encompassing education, employment, housing, and tackling poverty, alongside health-specific initiatives, is necessary to bridge this unacceptable gap in cancer mortality rates. This will require a cross-departmental input, with co-operation between Health, Education, Economy and Communities.

"Alliance is committed to advocating for equitable outcomes in our health and social care service and will continue to press for immediate actions to address these critical public health concerns."

Latest Avian Flu Outbreak 'Will Cause Great Concern – DUP

A further outbreak of avian flu in County Tyrone will cause great concern to the local poultry industry, Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan has said.

Calling for DAERA to continue to support the industry to combat the risk posed by the disease, Keith Buchanan said: "I am deeply concerned to learn of a further outbreak of avian flu in a flock near Pomeroy, the second such outbreak in County Tyrone in as many weeks. My thoughts are with the farmers affected, who now face an incredibly challenging period as they deal with the financial and emotional strain this will bring.

"Avian flu poses a significant threat to Northern Ireland’s poultry industry, a multi-million pound sector that plays a crucial role in our economy. It is vital that every possible measure is taken to minimise risk and disruption.

"The spread of this disease must be halted to protect livelihoods and ensure the long-term stability of the industry. DAERA must also continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to those affected during this difficult time.

"I urge all farmers and bird keepers to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to biosecurity measures to help prevent further outbreaks."