Minister Kimmins Praises Armagh Rural Transport on 25th Anniversary

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has congratulated Armagh Rural Transport (ART) on 25 years of dedicated service. During a visit to ART's headquarters in Armagh, the Minister met staff, volunteers, and service users. ART, an independent charity, provides affordable and accessible transport, including Dial-a-Lift and Disability Action Transport schemes, vital for connecting communities in rural and isolated areas. Last year, Department for Infrastructure funding enabled ART to undertake 7,735 trips. Minister Kimmins has also offered increased funding for 2025/26 to support enhanced services. She acknowledged the challenges facing the sector and expressed commitment to continued support for safe and dependable local transport.

Minister Long Praises Early Intervention Service for Sexual Violence Survivors

Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has paid tribute to counsellors delivering an essential early intervention recovery service to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Following a visit to Nexus NI headquarters, Minister Long saw first-hand the benefits of the pilot Crisis De-escalation Service, jointly funded by the Department of Justice and Health. The service provides crucial counselling to survivors, aiming to reduce long-term psychological harm and alleviate pressure on general practice, mental health services, and emergency departments. Mrs Long stated that early intervention is key to ensuring survivors receive safe, stable, structured, and survivor-centred care during a critical time in their recovery process.

DUP MLA Criticises £800k Gender Identity Service Funding

DUP MLA Diane Dodds has heavily criticised Health Minister Mike Nesbitt's decision to allocate £800,000 for a gender identity service, arguing it reflects misplaced priorities amidst a health service crisis. The DUP Health Spokesperson stated that patients face long waits for treatment and GP services are overwhelmed, making the diversion of "scarce resources" into this service concerning. Dodds also cited the recent UK Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, arguing it should guide public policy. She has written to the Chair of the Health Committee at Stormont, requesting officials be brought before the Committee to provide details and rationale for the decision, stressing that the health service focus should be on evidence-based care and urgent frontline needs.