Category Archives: Health Committee

Mr Beggs is a Committee member of the Health Committee (DHSSPS).

Beggs welcomes ban on smoking in cars carrying children coming into effect

East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs said: “Today sees us take an important step in protecting the health of children. The ban on smoking in cars carrying children – which came into effect yesterday (1st February 2022) – will safeguard them from the damaging effects of second-hand smoke. We know the dangers of second-hand smoke and the role it plays in conditions like asthma so I am pleased that this ban has come into force. “This is exactly the type of proactive preventative measures that are needed to create a healthier society. I am glad to see such policies being implemented under Robin Swann’s leadership of the Department of Health. The knock-on effect of this policy will be lessening the normalisation of smoking around children which we hope will see fewer young people in turn taking up smoking themselves.” Ends

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Medicines issue should be addressed by implementation of UK Government Command Paper – Beattie & Beggs

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA alongside East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs, has stated that the problems created for the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland should be addressed by their immediate removal from the Protocol. Doug Beattie MC MLA said: “It has become patently obvious that EU proposals to fix the debacle created by the Protocol over the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland are not good enough. Time is running out fast and it needs fixed in double quick time. “The best way round this is to immediately implement the UK Government’s proposal in its Command Paper and remove medicines from the Protocol completely. “The British Generic Manufacturers Association has stated that the EU’s plan to fix the problems won’t work. Pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Republic of Ireland say that the Protocol could destabilise the supply of medicines there and yet the EU still seem … Continue reading

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Beggs concerned at increase in transport and supply costs as a result of NI Protocol

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Infrastructure spokesperson has expressed concern at the increase in transport and supply costs as a result of the NI Protocol, as indicated in a recent survey by Manufacturing NI and by concerns being expressed by pharmaceutical suppliers. Manufacturing NI Survey · 77% said they have experienced a negative impact on their business · 36% believe the difficulties are likely to persist · 86% of firms have increased input costs on transportation Roy Beggs MLA said: “Just over a year ago we had the Alliance Party, SDLP and Sinn Fein writing to Boris Johnson trying to ensure the full implementation of NI Protocol. But it is adding costs to local businesses and will make them less competitive. “This week we learned that the NI Protocol impacts on medicines and medical devices used by our Health Trusts and pharmacists. There are already concerns about the implication … Continue reading

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Beggs welcomes Covid-19 vaccine roll out and urges uptake

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed news of the Covid-19 vaccine roll out which is being led by GP practices and will enable prioritised at risk groups to be offered the protection by vaccination. In the interim, he advises the “community to follow the hands, face, space guidance until their GP works through the highest risk groups and are able to offer you a Covid-19 vaccine.” Roy Beggs MLA continued, “I think it is wise to offer protection to our healthcare workers first given the risks they take on our behalf. This will also reduce the numbers of staff that might have to self-Isolate and would be unable to treat patients. There is clear evidence of the high risks of our elderly citizens in our residential and nursing homes and it is right that they have been offered early vaccinations. I am also aware that in NI, … Continue reading

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Coronavirus wont take a break over Christmas – Beggs

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has urged constituents to remain on guard and carefully choose who you visit and interact with over the Christmas period, when restrictions are temporarily relaxed. Roy Beggs MLA said “Coronavirus doesn’t know of Christmas, so please think carefully what you choose to do. Just because you can do something as a result of relaxed restrictions, does not necessarily mean that you should. If you can, I would urge you to take steps now to limit your community contacts in the lead up to Christmas bubbling, to keep loved ones safe. We all need to restrict our activities and when we go out, do what we can to protect ourselves, our family, our community and in the process help the NHS.” Ends

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