Menu
14/04/2023
Stormont Stalemate Failing People 'From Cradle To The Grave'
The Stormont stalemate is failing people from the cradle to the grave, Green Party NI Councillor Anthony Flynn has said.
Northern Ireland will become the only UK region not to provide every baby with free books after the Department for Education withdrew £75,000 per annum funding towards the scheme.
Cllr Anthony Flynn said: "The culling of funding for the Book Start Baby programme is the latest in a long line of cuts and culls due to financial pressure experienced by Departments. Yet, the Stormont stalemate continues, the DUP's boycott remains intact, representing a shameless dereliction of leadership and duty from locally elected MLAs who refuse to form an Executive.
"The politics of refusal is failing people from the cradle to the grave. The ending of the Baby Start Book programme means that our youngest children will miss put on the cognitive development benefits, improved language skills and bonding experiences brought about by the scheme."
Cllr Flynn continued: "Meanwhile other UK regions continue with the scheme and their babies and families will see its benefits as they progress through childhood. Where is the outcry about a books for babies border down the Irish Sea?"
Northern Ireland will become the only UK region not to provide every baby with free books after the Department for Education withdrew £75,000 per annum funding towards the scheme.
Cllr Anthony Flynn said: "The culling of funding for the Book Start Baby programme is the latest in a long line of cuts and culls due to financial pressure experienced by Departments. Yet, the Stormont stalemate continues, the DUP's boycott remains intact, representing a shameless dereliction of leadership and duty from locally elected MLAs who refuse to form an Executive.
"The politics of refusal is failing people from the cradle to the grave. The ending of the Baby Start Book programme means that our youngest children will miss put on the cognitive development benefits, improved language skills and bonding experiences brought about by the scheme."
Cllr Flynn continued: "Meanwhile other UK regions continue with the scheme and their babies and families will see its benefits as they progress through childhood. Where is the outcry about a books for babies border down the Irish Sea?"
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Another bright day with sunny spells and occasional wintry showers, particularly over northern counties. Chance of hail and thunder. It will feel cold in the brisk northwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:For many places a dry and clear night allowing a hard frost to develop. Wintry showers continue near the North Coast. Minimum temperature -4 °C.
