Minister's Answer The Belfast Trust have a dialysis co-ordinator who assists patients to make arrangement for dialysis if they travel to the Republic of Ireland. They often direct patients and their families to Irish Kidney Association or Freedom, dialysis holiday specialists who can help identify suitable units close to holiday venue and assist in arranging holiday dialysis. The dialysis coordinator can assist patients in making arrangements with that particular centre once

Minister's Answer Recycling offers many benefits to our local economy. It supports our circular economy, keeps materials in use, reduces reliance on raw virgin materials and provides opportunities for companies to handle, process and reuse materials. However, those recycling benefits can only be realised if we accept that the quality of the recyclate is as important as the quantity, and quality relies on reducing contamination through the separate collection of some core mate

Minister's Answer The speeding up justice programme is a five-year programme of work driven by the Criminal Justice Board and aimed at reducing avoidable delay across the criminal justice system. The programme is part of the Executive's Programme for Government delivery, specifically with regard to the safer communities priority and underpinned by the reform and transformation of public services priority. The programme comprises five projects: out-of-court disposals; early en

Community groups and other organisations in East Antrim can now apply for the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme, offering grants up to €100,000 (approximately £87,000) for local projects that build cross‑community or cross‑border connections. The programme has been shaped to make funding easier to access, with clear guidance and one‑to‑one support for applicants. The first general funding round closes in June for 2026, so please register your interest today . Find out

Minister's Answer The inquiry will open as soon as possible after the relevant primary and secondary legislation comes into force. In my initial answer, I outlined how the time frame for the primary and secondary legislation is progressing well at this stage.Victims and survivors have been at the heart of the process from the beginning. There are many things that they would like. We need to ensure that every aspect is independent so that they and, indeed, wider society can ha

Minister's Answer The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 - Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes, has been endorsed as applicable to Northern Ireland. Subsequently, I supported the establishment of a clinical working group to work with relevant stakeholders across Health and Social Care to develop a five-year implementation plan, outlining an appropriate timescale for rollout. Similar to other nations, service del

Minister's Answer Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools. The introduction of part-time 20mph zones at schools across the north is a significant intervention that has helped to ensure that children, parents and staff feel

Minister's Answer Relevant guidance is kept under regular review as to its continuing effectiveness.

I share the concern of consitutents regarding the timing of roadworks on the junction of the Old Carrick Road and the Monkstown Road, Newtownabbey, that start on Monday 2nd March. However after an in depth conversation with DfI, I have been made aware that these are essential works as the traffic light loops are in shallow ground and are breaking up, which is reducing the efficiency of the junction. The work will start on 02/03/26 and will finish on 24/03/26 and will be limit

Recently several parents have been in touch with me regarding overdue childhood vaccinations, and the process of receiving these via their GP. I have written to the Minister to ask what the process is. Childhood vaccinations are provided by GPs to children registered with their practice. However, I have been made aware of cases where children have waited many months, with parents struggling to get clear information, timescales, or a plan. Practices are regularly informed by C