SDLP Calls For Intervention For Home Heating Oil Users

The SDLP has called on the Department for the Economy to outline its proposals to ease the cost-of-living crisis for households that use home heating oil.

Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has raised the issue following an announcement from the Consumer Council that home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have exceeded £1 per litre, more than twice the ten-year average price.

Ms McLaughlin said: "While much of the focus during the current cost-of-living crisis has been on those households and individuals that use gas, it's vitally important that we remember two-thirds of households in the North use home heating oil. I am not yet convinced that specific proposals have been made that will make a meaningful difference for these consumers.

"Families across the North are struggling to make ends meet and we risk leaving them completely out in the cold this winter. As we stare down the barrel of winter, I am becoming increasingly concerned that the Department for the Economy has no real strategy at all to address their needs.

"The news that heating oil now costs over £1 per litre will add yet more anxiety to people who are already struggling and will lead to yet more frustration that we are still without a government almost four months after the election. The DUP's behaviour cannot be excused- they are leaving people to fend for themselves in the worst energy crisis in living memory, despite having the means to help.

"I have written to the Economy Minister today to ask what specific interventions can be made to help those people who use home heating oil. The very least he can do for consumers is to outline what measures his department is considering to protect people in the months ahead."

Alliance Meets With Haemophilia NI At Stormont

The Alliance Party has restated its commitment to full compensation and recognition for victims of the Contaminated Blood Scandal, after a meeting with Haemophilia NI at Stormont.

Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "We are pleased to have clarification about some clear advances towards recognition for victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal across the UK, but we still have some way to go to ensuring that nothing of the like happens again and that full compensation is made available.

"We were happy to reassure all victims and survivors that we will continue to work to ensure recognition payments are made urgently and that Northern Ireland is not left behind as further steps are taken."

North Down MP Stephen Farry added: "I will work with colleagues to ensure that recognition proceeds swiftly but that it alone is far from the end of the story. What is required is a fully implemented system of compensation for victims and family members affected, as well as a clear assurance that nothing of this type may ever occur again."

DUP Leader Welcomes 'Moving Tributes' Exhibition

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has welcomed the launch of a new Orange Order exhibition, 'Moving Tributes', at Brownlow House, Lurgan on Orange Victims Day.

Following the launch, Sir Jeffrey said: "339 members of the Orange Order were murdered during the Troubles. Indeed, 47 years ago on this date at 10pm, 5 members were murdered in Tullyvalllen Orange Hall by the PIRA.

"There has been an attempt by the leadership of Sinn Fein to claim that 'there was no alternative' to the PIRA campaign of terror. This exhibition is a timely reminder that many people were murdered by terrorists simply because they were Protestant. It was sectarian.

"This exhibition also reminds us that terrorism left incredible heartache and ruined homes. Whilst Sinn Fein lauds the terrorists, families in every county of Northern Ireland have never been able to move beyond the empty chair or the mental trauma.

"I commend the Orange Order for remembering and I urge people to visit the exhibition.

"We owe it to those who died and bear the scars to ensure no one is allowed to rewrite our history. All terrorism was always wrong. There was always an alternative."

Entry to the exhibition is free.

Opening times are Thursday, 1st September - 12 noon - 9pm; Friday, 2nd September -10 am - 9pm; Saturday, 3rd September -10 am - 4pm.

Catering for groups is available during the exhibition and can be pre-booked for groups by contacting Brownlow House on 028 3832 6049.