Alliance Raise Concerns Over Low Numbers Receiving Respite Care

The Alliance Party has described the lack of access to respite care as "absolutely unacceptable".

Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison made the comment after the Health Minister revealed that only 13 out of 85 people entitled to residential short breaks in the South Eastern Trust are actually receiving it.

He submitted a question to the Minister asking for details on the number of people assessed as requiring residential short breaks and how many were actually accessing it. This followed a BBC Spotlight Documentary and the Minister’s announcement of a £13 million investment into short break services in October last year.

Mr Mathison said: "The fact that 85% of those entitled to short-term respite are not receiving it is absolutely unacceptable. Many families face immense challenges in caring for children and young people with learning disabilities, and they deserve proper support from our health system.

"I have spoken to a great number of those who deal with these difficulties every day, and the stress they’re under is unimaginable. Short-term respite significantly eases this pressure on parents and carers, and for the children and young people themselves.

"The Minister announced a £13 million investment at the end of last year, but there has been no noticeable improvement in services. In response to a question I asked in January about what specific interventions would be delivered through this funding, he stated that the Trust aims to increase short break provision and enhance family support services.

"However, we need clarity on how exactly this money is being used and when families can expect real change.

"This figure of 85% only reflects those who have been assessed, but many young people are still waiting to be allocated a social worker. I have submitted a further question to the Minister to determine how many young people remain on this waiting list.

"This is a critical issue for families and young people, not least within in the South Eastern Trust. I will continue to press the Health Minister on the urgency of delivering this investment and ensuring these families receive the support they so desperately need."

SF Congratulate Kneecap Success And Impact On Irish Language

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA, Aisling Reilly, has congratulated rap group and film stars Kneecap following their successes at IFTAs and BAFTA:

"Liam Óg, Naoise, and JJ have revolutionised the Irish language, showcasing and putting An Ghaeilge at the forefront of the global stage," Ms Reilly said.

"Their work has helped make the language relevant to a new and growing generation, ensuring it is not just preserved, but celebrated.

"Through their art, they've opened doors to a worldwide audience, delivering a powerful message about language, identity, and culture.

"They have shown us how creativity can be a vehicle for preserving the language.

"This success is a testament to the power of art to promote cultural identity, and to build awareness of political and social causes, not just here at home, but also internationally including the struggle for freedom in Palestine.

"Last weekend's achievements marks another significant step in the ongoing resurgence of the Irish language, a language that continues to grow in strength, influence, and pride.

"Maith sibh a chairde, you make us all incredibly proud in west Belfast and across the island.

"Keep pushing the boundaries, keep raising the bar, and keep showing the world the incredible power of creativity, culture, and identity to deliver positive change across society."

DUP Accuse SDLP Of Prioritising 'Woke Ideology'

The DUP has accused the SDLP of prioritising "woke ideology" and having a "lack of common sense".

"The SDLP's reaction to the DUP's stance on woke diversity quotas once again highlights how completely out of touch they are with the majority view in Northern Ireland," East Belfast DUP MLA David Brooks said.

"Rather than engaging in a reasoned debate, they prefer to resort to cancel culture tactics against anyone who dares to challenge their narrow, ideologically driven priorities.

"Just last week, we saw how the SDLP responds to those who do not conform to their radical gender ideology when Sinead McLaughlin publicly criticised the Women's Rights Network Northern Ireland - an organisation that simply stands up for the rights of women and girls. This demonstrates the SDLP's intolerance for differing viewpoints and their determination to silence those who refuse to bow to their extreme agenda.

"The reality is that the SDLP has a fundamental issue with common sense. They continue to push policies that the vast majority of people simply do not support, whether it be woke diversity quotas or their broader obsession with identity politics. The people of Northern Ireland have had enough of these out of touch agendas. They want fairness and merit based opportunities, not forced ideological conformity dictated by the SDLP."