Armstrong Supports Plans To Help People Manage Pensions

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has supported plans to make it easier for people to manage their pensions and plan for the future.

The Communities spokesperson voted to support the passage of the Pension Schemes Bill Legislative Consent Motion at the Assembly, a move that will also make it clearer how money is being invested in climate related sustainable funds.

The Pensions Schemes Bill, extends to Northern Ireland the provisions of the Pension Schemes Act 2017, as laid in GB. Previously the extension was blocked due to the suspension of the Assembly.

She said: "It is time the Northern Ireland Assembly ensured people who have work place pensions are covered by the same protections as elsewhere in the UK.

"The change also allows ‘Master Trusts’ to be introduced – multi-employer pension schemes, picked by employers for their staff, rather than having to set up their own scheme – building on the criteria they have to meet.

"A key positive from this change is the requirement for all Master Trusts to provide reports on how money is being invested in climate related, sustainable funds. This will further society's move towards a lower carbon economy with the target of zero emissions."

Reform Of NI's Alcohol Licensing Laws Welcomed

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the introduction of legislation, to reform Northern Ireland's outdated alcohol licensing laws.

The Foyle MLA has said that the legislation should also go further to provide the opportunity for breweries and craft distilleries to sell their products on-site.

He said: "The liberalisation of the North's antiquated licensing laws is long overdue and the SDLP has been pressing for reform for some time. This legislative change will provide vital support for the hospitality industry, which is needed now more than ever, as it deals with and seeks to recover from COVID-19.

"It is also welcome that the Minister has made clear that we must balance the modernisation of this sector, while recognising the impact of alcohol on public health. We must all play our part in tackling addiction, alcohol misuse and promoting responsibility consumption.

"The local hospitality industry supports thousands of jobs, contributes £1.2bn every year to our economy and is a key cornerstone of our growing tourism industry. Modernising our licensing laws is critical to the continued growth in this key sector. But it also speaks to our values as an open, modern society."

Frederick Douglass Statue To Be Erected In Belfast

Sinn Féin Party Group Leader in Belfast City Council Ciaran Beattie has welcomed support for his party's proposal to erect a statue dedicated to anti-slavery activist, Frederick Douglass.

Councillor Beattie said: "I am delighted that my proposal to erect a statue in Belfast City Centre dedicated to anti-slavery activist, Frederick Douglass, has passed its final stage in Council.

"The project will now move to the stage of design, and how we can create a creative and innovative tribute to a magnificent man and anti-racism trailblazer.

"The statue will be located in Rosemary Street where Frederick Douglass addressed crowds in 1845 on the suffering of slaves and the need to abolish slavery.

"This statue will not only be a tribute to Douglass, but also to the anti-racism movement in Belfast and across Ireland."