Monthly Archives: May 2015

Roy Beggs has expressed concern at the implications for civil and religious liberty following the court judgement that a Christian-run bakery discriminated against a gay customer by refusing to make a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage. Roy Beggs MLA said, “this case has much wider consequences than the Gay Marriage cake including Bert and Ernie “Supporting Gay Marriage”.  Potentially it will have adverse implications for freedom of expression effecting wider society and not just the ability of those of faith to operate their business. I am disturbed that an individual could be forced to promote an issue that they personally disapprove of.   Will a baker on the Shankill Road now risk prosecution if he were to refuse a cake celebrating the Shankill Bombers or, a baker on the Falls Road if he refuses to make a cake glorifying Mad Dog, Johnny Adair? Will those involved in business have … Continue reading →

Having pressed for the end of the ban on new residents at local residential homes during Assembly Question time, East Antrim Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed the HSC Boards recommendation to the Trust to ensure a long term future for Lisgarel residential home T2. Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether he will take a fresh look at the statutory residential care homes issue and ensure that the ban on new permanent residents is removed in order that those homes can have some hope for the future, reflecting the vital role that they play in our community, particularly given that, tomorrow, the Health and Social Care Board is meeting to consider the five proposals from each of the trusts for the future of statutory residential care homes. (AQT 2502/11-15) Mr Hamilton: “I am well aware of the sensitivities about statutory care homes. I … Continue reading →

East Antrim Ulster Unionist party Assemblyman Roy Beggs has taken the opportunity during Justice question time to ask David Ford MLA about the impact of funding cuts on successful Jobtrack programme that was overseen by NIACRO. Mr Beggs said “ Will the Minister acknowledge that the Jobtrack programme run by NIACRO had very successful outcomes? However, as a result of loss of funding, some 36 experienced workers in the sector will have lost their job. What gives him confidence that that good work can be replicated by the further education colleges? Minister Ford said “A number of different strands go together. I fully acknowledge, and I repeat to Mr Beggs, that there are problems with the cuts that have had to be made, from a variety of different backgrounds, on organisations such as NIACRO. The direct work that is being done with employers and the work that will be taken … Continue reading →

East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs Jr has questioned the new Health Minister Simon Hamilton MLA on the topic of residential care homes and supported living at Lisgarel during question time at Stormont. Mr Beggs said “Does the Minister recognise the vital role that residential care homes play in providing local respite care and an additional facility in supporting our hospitals during the winter pressures when even more elective surgery would otherwise have had to be cancelled? Will he widen his guarantee to include supported living accommodation, such as the one attached to Lisgarel statutory residential home, whose residents were delivered letters a number of years ago saying that they would have to find a new home? Will he ensure that those residents will be able to live in the supported housing that is attached to the residential home for as long as they wish?” Health Minister Simon Hamilton said “I … Continue reading →

Roy Beggs said “I unreservedly condemn last night’s vicious attack involving a hatchet in Whitehead.  My thoughts are with the young man and his family and I wish him a speedy and full recovery – This sort of violent behaviour within our community must not be tolerated and I would urge members of the public to pass on any information that may assist the Police in apprehending this dangerous individual responsible.”