Menu
16/12/2004
Minister gives green light to Sure Start programme
Health Minister Angela Smith today announced that the temporary suspension on funding for Sure Start projects in Northern Ireland has been lifted.
Ms Smith said that the Sure Start schemes, which are aimed at helping the early development of children in deprived areas, were “a key plank in the Government’s strategy to give children a better start in life”.
“We know that what happens to children at the beginning of life can greatly affect the way they develop later on,” the Minister said. “For that reason, I believe it is vital that all our children have the best possible start in life. Their earliest experiences must be positive ones.
“I really welcome the fact that now that the in-year budget situation is clearer, I can lift the temporary hold on Sure Start sooner than anticipated. I was very keen that in particular, the two new important projects should go ahead as planned.
“These projects will be based in North Belfast and South Armagh and will bring a range of valuable services to local people.”
Sure Start was introduced in Northern Ireland in July 2000 with a budget of £4 million, which allowed the creation of 15 projects. This has now grown to 25 projects with an annual budget of £8.8 million.
The Department of Health recently imposed a temporary hold on the commencement of new services until the overall financial position becomes clearer, however this hold has now been lifted following today’s announcement.
(MB)
Ms Smith said that the Sure Start schemes, which are aimed at helping the early development of children in deprived areas, were “a key plank in the Government’s strategy to give children a better start in life”.
“We know that what happens to children at the beginning of life can greatly affect the way they develop later on,” the Minister said. “For that reason, I believe it is vital that all our children have the best possible start in life. Their earliest experiences must be positive ones.
“I really welcome the fact that now that the in-year budget situation is clearer, I can lift the temporary hold on Sure Start sooner than anticipated. I was very keen that in particular, the two new important projects should go ahead as planned.
“These projects will be based in North Belfast and South Armagh and will bring a range of valuable services to local people.”
Sure Start was introduced in Northern Ireland in July 2000 with a budget of £4 million, which allowed the creation of 15 projects. This has now grown to 25 projects with an annual budget of £8.8 million.
The Department of Health recently imposed a temporary hold on the commencement of new services until the overall financial position becomes clearer, however this hold has now been lifted following today’s announcement.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
02 November 2011
Sure Start Conference Gets Underway
The early years of a child’s life have a powerful influence on the rest of their lives and are important in shaping their intellectual, emotional, social and physical development.
Sure Start Conference Gets Underway
The early years of a child’s life have a powerful influence on the rest of their lives and are important in shaping their intellectual, emotional, social and physical development.
14 March 2022
Allstate NI Invests In South Belfast Community Support Group
NI's largest IT firm, Allstate NI has announced it has invested £20,000 in a group providing support for families and young children in south Belfast as part of the planning approval process for its headquarters at May's Meadows.
Allstate NI Invests In South Belfast Community Support Group
NI's largest IT firm, Allstate NI has announced it has invested £20,000 in a group providing support for families and young children in south Belfast as part of the planning approval process for its headquarters at May's Meadows.
19 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
-
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.
