Monthly Archives: February 2015

Following the recent incident at Minorca area of Carrickfergus, Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed the actions of police officers in removing a weapon from the community. Roy Beggs said, “I am pleased that police officers have removed a weapon from the streets of Carrickfergus and will have contributed to creating a safer town for all.”

Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his disappointment at the creation of a paramilitary recruiting mural in the Glenfield area. Roy Beggs MLA said, “For the past number of years, the paramilitary groups had reflected the concerns that there were in the community about the effect of paramilitary murals on young people in particular and had removed some murals and intimidatory imagery.  I view the recent addition of a recruitment mural as a backward step. I would ask all young people and parents to take great care before young people considering joining such organisations.  All must be warned that leaving may not be as easy as joining.  Criminal records that may result from joining could have long term effects on their lives, reducing job prospects and the ability to travel.”

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, Roy Beggs, has warned that proposed cuts of just under 10% to the budget of the Northern Ireland Fire Service could potentially put lives at risk. Mr Beggs said: “I have nothing but respect for the men and women of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. They put their lives on the line to save others; there can be few more noble causes.  Cuts to their budget of around 10% are worrying for management and front-line staff.  It’s disappointing that the Health Minister does not view our Fire Service as an essential front-line emergency service. “Budget cuts must not compromise public safety. The Minister’s proposed cuts will impact on response times and will undoubtedly put lives at risk. “The worrying lack of clarity around the future of the Fire Service budget is making it extremely difficult for management to plan for next year. This is made even … Continue reading →

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has expressed his disappointment after the DUP blocked an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill that would have required the Department of Social Development to ensure that claimants had access to sufficient independent benefit advice. Roy Beggs said: “The Ulster Unionist amendment would have required the Department of Social Development to ensure that sufficient support was available to the advice sector and that no gaps existed in the delivery of future advice. “The right advice at the right stage can save huge sums of money by avoiding expensive appeals, as well as making sure people are submitting accurate claims in the first place. “I was disappointed that the DUP expressed their opposition to this and instead issued a Petition of Concern which meant that they themselves could override the view of the rest of the Assembly.  Defeat of the amendment would have been automatic. “During … Continue reading →