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Monthly Archives: January 2017
Beggs condemns shooting at house in Carrickfergus
East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has condemns a shooting in the Woodburn Avenue area of the town, when a man aged in his 70’s and 2 young children where in the house at the time. Mr Beggs, a member of Stormont’s Justice Committee said “I condemn the shooting at a property on Woodburn Avenue; guns should not be on our streets. I am relieved that the gentleman and 2 young children who were in the house at the time of the attack were not injured. It also raises the question of where the funding is from the Fresh Start Agreement to combat paramilitarism which could give additional funds for policing and also specialist undercover operations to catch paramilitaries in action?” “I would also encourage the public to provide any information directly to the PSNI by calling 101 or alternatively on a confidential basis to Crime Stoppers 0800 … Continue reading
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Up-date on Provision of GP Services, Glenarm
East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs has recently been given an update by the Health and Social Care Board regarding the Antrim Coast Medical Practice. HSCB have advised, “Elected representatives will be aware of the upcoming retirement of Dr Glover in Antrim Coast Medical Practice in Glenarm. The Health and Social Care Board has met with neighbouring GP practices in an effort to secure General Medical Services in Glenarm. Consultation with these practices is continuing and the Board will keep elected representatives and patients appraised of the situation. Dr Glover continues to provide GP services to patients of Antrim Coast Medical Practice and patients are encouraged to remain registered with this practice.” Roy Beggs MLA said “It is of concern that there are still no new arrangements for GP services as of yet, for the Antrim Coast Medical Practice patients. However, developments in the Bannview Practice, Portadown, must heighten concerns to … Continue reading
Bail scandal: DoJ silent over what it is doing – if anything
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has failed to say what – if anything – it is doing to review Northern Irish courts’ attitude towards bail for alleged paramilitiaries. The department, headed by independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden, was tasked during the summer with conducting a review into the granting of a bail “in respect of serious offences”. But whilst the Public Prosecution Service has told the News Letterthe department is “currently carrying out” this review, no-one from the DoJ itself has been able to provide any answers about it. The issue of bail for terror suspects was thrown into the public spotlight again last week when it emerged in court that Damien Joseph McLaughlin cannot be located. He is due to stand trial on February 20 on charges – which he denies – including aiding and abetting the murder of David Black. See here for details. The News Letter asked … Continue reading
Heating scandal: ‘Did ministers think Westminster would pick up tab?’
Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has asked if the reason why successive DETI Ministers avoided addressing the defective Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme was because they thought that Westminster would be paying for it rather than the Northern Ireland block grant. The East Antrim Assemblyman, a former deputy chair of the public accounts committee, said: “The public are quite rightly asking questions, including why ministers and officials failed to address the gaping flaws in the scheme. “One possible explanation may be that they thought the Westminster Government was picking up the tab rather than the Northern Ireland block grant.” However, Mr Beggs highlighted a letter sent to DETI in the summer of 2015 by Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, which stated: “I confirm my position that should you maintain a different policy … than in GB, the cost impact of that decision should not … Continue reading
MLA urges farmers to sign up for workshops
East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has urged local farmers to sign up for the new farm safety workshops under the Farm Families Key Skills initiative. Mr Beggs said: “This training is delivered to farmers throughout Northern Ireland and is free for farmers, members of the farm family and employees to attend. “Major injuries on local farms are up 10% on 2014 figures, but the causes of injuries and deaths on farms have remained the same and these risks can be dealt with by raising awareness and adopting safe practises.” The workshops cover, among many other things, the four main dangers associated with working on farms namely – slurry, animals, falls and equipment – known as (SAFE). The local MLA said that for further information or to register for a workshop at www.cafre.ac.uk/industry-support/farm-family-key-skills. Mr Beggs added: “With my family still involved in farming, I am only too aware of … Continue reading
