Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes Latest Payment To HIA Redress Scheme

The Alliance Party has welcomed the confirmation that a contribution to the Redress Scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of Children (HIA) has been received from the Diocese of Down and Connor.

While welcoming the contribution, the party's Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA warned, however, that there is work still to be done on redress, both financially and in the broader sense.

The South Belfast MLA stated: "I welcome the payment made by the Diocese, relating to homes jointly managed with the De La Salle Order. Although this is long, long overdue, it does show that there is now momentum towards recognising the urgency of these contributions.

"Redress is fundamentally about an acknowledgement of responsibility for the appalling harm and suffering caused by historical abuse of children. It is about reflecting on the lasting impact abuse had on victims, and enabling some kind of healing.

"There is still much work to be done on the financial aspect of redress, but just as importantly other aspects of redress including a proper memorial need to be addressed with similar momentum and urgency.

"We remain some way from the truly victim-centred process the victims deserve, but these payments do offer some hope."

SF Welcomes £350m Health Service Funding

Sinn Féin has welcomed the announcement of £350 million worth of funding for health which has been allocated by Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald. This means the majority of available funds will go to the health department.

The party's health spokesperson, Liz Kimmins MLA, said: "Today's announcement that £350 million will be going to the health department is welcome news. "We have been calling for fairer funding from the British government to enable us to get on with transforming our health service, and although there is more work to be done, this is an important step forward.

"The health minister must now prioritise fair pay for workers, cutting waiting lists, improving respite services and GP access, as well as better funding for primary care including pharmacies and mental health services.

"Also, it's vital that we see progress on the delivery of an all-island mother and baby unit to support women who are struggling with their mental health post-pregnancy.

"This is a significant piece of investment and underlines the Executive's commitment to investing in our health service and ensuring it is accessible to all."

DUP Welcomes South Armagh Cigarette Seizure

The DUP has welcomed the news of a major seizure of non-duty paid cigarettes in South Armagh.

Newry & Armagh DUP MLA William Irwin said: "I commend the dedication and efforts of the officers who conducted this major operation in South Armagh, leading to the seizure of over 11 million illicit cigarettes and the arrest of four individuals. This is a significant victory against organized crime and sends a strong message that illegal activities of this nature will not be tolerated.

"The illicit tobacco trade not only damages our economy and local businesses, but it also poses serious health risks to the public. This kind of criminal activity undermines lawful trade and weakens our communities, and I am grateful to all those involved in this operation for their commitment to protecting our society from these harmful activities.

"We stand firmly with the agencies of law and order in tackling organized crime and illegal trade. I urge all relevant agencies to continue with such proactive enforcement efforts to ensure that South Armagh and Northern Ireland as a whole remain safe, lawful, and supportive environments for our citizens and businesses."