Category Archives: This Week at Stormont

Beggs welcomes Whiteabbey Hospital selection as Rapid Diagnosis Centre

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party representative Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed an announcement by his Party colleague Robin Swann MLA, Minister of Health, that Whiteabbey Hospital has been selected as one of two prototype “Rapid Diagnosis Centres.” Roy Beggs MLA said “It is welcome news that Whiteabbey Hospital has been selected as one of these specialist centres as part of the 10 year cancer strategy publication. Whiteabbey hospital will play an important role alongside the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon by serving patients from across Northern Ireland.” Work will now begin on making the plans a reality, with a view to welcoming their first patients later this year. Ends

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P&O has brutally cast its workforce aside – Roy Beggs MLA

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA, has questioned the Economy Minister in relation to P&O redundancies and asked that he contact the UK Government so that nothing like this can ever expose NI again. Speaking at Stormont Roy Beggs MLA said “P&O has brutally cast its workforce aside in a Dickensian fashion. There was no consultation or notice, and the company delivered a live message by video link. Will the Minister clarify whether the P&O redundancy announcement is covered by maritime law, Northern Ireland employment law or GB employment law? There seems to be a variety of thoughts on that. Regarding disruption to trade, our supply chain is exposed because no replacement crew has been approved to operate that passenger vessel safely. Will the Minister get in touch with Her Majesty’s Government so that nothing like that can ever expose Northern Ireland again? Mr Lyons: The Member … Continue reading

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Beggs calls for DP World limited owners to step in

Roy Beggs MLA who has been astonished by the gross mismanagement by P&O Ferries Senior Executives has called on DP World limited to reinstate P&O staff so that the Company can recover from the PR disaster as a result of P&O’s heavy handed sacking of all ferry staff. Roy Beggs said, “DP World Limited are the ultimate owners of P&O Ferries and they are spending £10’s millions of pounds in sponsorship of Golf’s European Tour which will be known as the DP World Tour tournament. However, the company’s reputation in in tatters as a result of P&O Ferries abuse of their staff which they sacked without notice via video call. The European Golf Tour are in danger of being tarnished by their linkage. I would call DP World Limited to sack their Senior Executives and reinstate ferry staff as a first step to recovering the viability of the Company. Larne … Continue reading

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Beggs Queries Infrastructure Department Pothole Repair Policy

East Antrim UUP representative Roy Beggs MLA has questioned the Infrastructure Minister on her Departments pothole repair policy, during Question Time at Stormont. Roy Beggs MLA, UUP Infrastructure Spokesperson said: “I acknowledge that it is important that there are widespread resurfacing schemes, but it is equally important that potholes are repaired on a timely basis to remove the risk that they present to road safety. Along with that, there is the significant cost of having to repair such a deep gouge in a road and the possible cost of damage to vehicles. What assessment has been made of the overall cost of allowing potholes in rural roads to get to 50 millimetres before they are repaired?” Minister Mallon MLA responded stating “The Member knows, particularly as he is a member of the Infrastructure Committee, that the Barton report, which was carried out a number of years ago, identified a minimum … Continue reading

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Beggs supports reduction in fuel duty and VAT for petrol and diesel

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs, who serves as Party Spokesperson for Transport, has written to the Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA asking “ What discussions he has had with the UK Government to identify the feasibility of reducing fuel duty and VAY for petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland.” The UUP MLA added “I believe there needs to be a concerted effort across the UK to address the cost of living crisis, as inflation continues to soar. A temporary reduction in fuel duties and VAT for petrol and diesel would be a starting point. I have pressed the Finance Minister on this idea and I will be a taking a keen interest on Wednesday as Chancellor Rishi Sunak presents his Spring Statement to the House of Commons. We need to be doing more to support households! In response to East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs, the Finance Minister … Continue reading

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