NEWS

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has hailed “real and meaningful change” across Northern Ireland’s health service, as new figures show major progress in cutting some of the longest waiting times for care under the Department of Health’s Reset Plan. Since April 2025, more than 100,000 red flag or time-critical patients have been seen, diagnosed, or treated across Health and Social Care Trusts (HSC), including through partnerships with the independent sector. The Department expect

the Asian hornet The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed further sightings of the Asian hornet in the Dundonald area of Belfast, just days after the first confirmed identification of the invasive species in Northern Ireland. The latest reports, confirmed by NIEA officials, suggest that a nest may be present in the area, raising concerns over the potential establishment of the species, which poses a serious threat to native honeybees and pollinators. The i

L-R: Siobhan Martin, Clare Wilson, Charlene McLaughlin, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Eileen Dolan, Dr Mary McDaid, Sarah McElholm and Margaret Ferris Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to clinicians working within the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s specialist Autism Early Intervention Service (EIS) as part of World Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Day celebrations. World AHP Day is an annual event dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of Allied

All photos: William Cherry/Presseye A royal visit to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been hailed as “a proud and unforgettable day for our Service” by Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the organisation’s new state-of-the-art Learning & Development College, located outside Cookstown in County Tyrone, where they met with firefighters, trainees, and staff to learn more about how the Service protects commu

Invasive species: The Asian hornet, otherwise known as a yellow-legged hornet was discovered for the first time in Northern Ireland. South Antrim MP Robin Swann has written to DAERA Minister Andrew Muir seeking urgent clarification on Northern Ireland’s response to the confirmed presence of an Asian hornet, warning that the invasive species poses a serious threat to local honeybees, pollinators, and biodiversity. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed last w

The Asian Hornet, also yellow-legged hornet The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first-ever record of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland, following the capture of the invasive insect in Dundonald, Belfast, on 10 October. The insect, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, was reported by a vigilant member of the public, triggering a swift response from NIEA officials. Originating from East Asia, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was first recorded

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly’s support for the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, which aims to reduce the financial burden of school uniforms for families. The Bill, introduced by Minister Givan in February 2025, has now passed its Final Stage and will come into effect for the 2026/2027 academic year. It marks a major policy shift in how schools across Northern Ireland manage uniform requirements, with new statutory

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Olympic Medallist, Hannah Scott, MBE unveiling a boat named in her honour. Communities...

Marking Prisons Week (13-18 October), Beverley Wall, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, visited Maghaberry Prison...

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has called for a “radical reconciliation”...

On World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2025, the Health and Education Ministers of Northern Ireland launched an innovative digital...

Alliance MLA for East Antrim, Stewart Dickson , has delivered a powerful appeal in the Northern Ireland Assembly for increased research...

Finance Minister John O’Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with Sands representatives Rachel McGonigle and Kelly Barnes wearing their...

Inset: Justice Minister Naomi Long Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged the public to “keep fireworks fun” this Halloween by applying...

Closed for repairs: Kilrea Bridge Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will contact the Infrastructure Minister to discuss potential...

Pictured at the opening of Northern Regional College's £55million Ballymena Campus are (L-R) NRC Ballymena Campus Chief Executive and...

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is pictured with Gary Hazlett and Carla Marriott, K9tergarten and Caorlan McAllister from Halfway House...

Sinn Féin Principal Deputy Speaker, Carál Ní Chuilín, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston In a tense...

Pictured with Finance Minister John O’Dowd are Ulster University students Caitlin Lowry (Left), who is studying Marketing, and Lewis Orr,...

Disease control measures have been implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) following a...