Economy Minister Urged To Deliver New Decade, New Approach

The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has been urged to deliver on the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) commitments relating to employment rights.

Speaking after raising the issue during Question Time in the Assembly, Green Party MLA Rachel Woods said: "The NDNA agreement stated that the Executive should commit to becoming a Living Wage employer, ban zero hours contracts, and introduce an Age, Goods and Facilities and Services Bill to ensure that no worker is discriminated against because of their age. But nearly two years on, the Executive has thus far failed to deliver on these promises.

"At the moment, a 17-year-old only has to be paid £4.62 an hour by their employer, whilst a 24-year-old doing the same job has to be paid at least £8.91 an hour. This is unjust, and the promised pay equality legislation is long overdue. I call upon the Economy Minister and the Executive parties to keep to their word, and introduce the employment rights legislation which they have committed to."

O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Small Scale Energy Bill

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd has welcomed progress on his proposed Small Scale Energy Bill. The legislation will support individuals to generate their own renewable energy which can then be sold back to the grid.

The Upper Bann MLA said: "I am delighted that my Small Scale Green Energy Bill has been progressed at today's economy committee.

"This legislation will be a real win in the fight against climate change and delivering a just transition.

"Energy production is a very live issue at present as the rising costs of fossil fuels are hitting workers and families hard.

"My bill will give ordinary people and community groups the ability to generate their own renewable electricity, which can then be sold back to the grid, this will help energy users to become energy suppliers and will help us move away from fossil fuels.

"I look forward to the Committee scrutinising my Bill over the coming weeks and hopefully the Bill passing all legislative stages so that we can deliver real benefits to workers and families."

Under Sea Gas Storage Green Light 'Devastation Blow' For Local Area

A decision by Environment Minister Edwin Poots to green light plans for under sea gas storage at Islandmagee have been described as a 'devastating blow', by Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson.

Speaking after the Marine Construction Licence for the Larne Lough area was granted, Mr Dickson said it was time for all local representatives to come together to stop the plans.

He added: "This move, which Minister Poots seems to have slipped out overnight, is a devastating blow for the area and all those who have kept this campaign at the forefront of people's minds.

"The reverberations for the environment and wildlife could be considerable and yet it seems neither this, or the lack of local support for the issue has been taken into consideration.

"It is now time for local campaigners to regroup, to assess what can be done next and to come together to ensure our voice against this plan is strong. This must include all local representatives - this is about uniting to protect our wonderful area for future generations.

"This decision is only part one of the many hurdles those behind the scheme need to overcome before it can go ahead. Clearly today's decision will be appealed, so there is still no certainty that this project will ever go ahead."