Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a public consultation on draft guidance governing the use of physical restraint and seclusion in Northern Ireland schools, marking a significant step toward formalising safeguards for vulnerable pupils. The proposed framework aims to reduce reliance on restrictive interventions and introduce mandatory recording of serious […]
The Department for Infrastructure has announced that Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) for vehicle MOT tests will be extended for a third consecutive year, allowing thousands of motorists to delay their annual inspections until new testing centres finally open. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed the scheme will continue through 2026-27, affecting
The Justice Minister has issued a fresh call for volunteers to join the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) as Northern Ireland’s prison system grapples with rising population levels and increasing scrutiny of conditions behind bars. Applications are now open for ordinary citizens to take up these statutory oversight roles across all
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published a summary of public responses to its consultation on the draft Remediation Strategy for the Mobuoy site, marking the next step toward addressing one of Europe’s largest illegal waste dumps. The consultation, which ran from June to October 2025,
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that St Patrick’s Day will now be treated as a non-charge day for on-street parking in Northern Ireland’s Controlled Parking Zones, ending years of inconsistency where drivers previously faced fines on 17 March while parking was free on other public holidays. The change takes
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has opened a 12-week public consultation on an ambitious 15-year rural development strategy aimed at reshaping how government supports Northern Ireland’s rural communities. The draft policy, titled Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026-2041, seeks to replace previous frameworks with a co-designed approach that places rural voices
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has reappointed Edgar Jardine as Chair of the Stranmillis University College governing body, extending his tenure at the helm of one of Northern Ireland’s key teacher training institutions. The appointment, which runs from 1 January 2026 until 31 July 2027, comes as the college navigates
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a new social media campaign to challenge widespread misconceptions about rape and sexual assault, warning that harmful myths continue to prevent victims from reporting crimes and allow perpetrators to escape justice. The initiative, titled “Rape Myths = Real Harm,” forms part of the Department
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has embarked on a high-profile visit to the United States this week, targeting California’s tech and entertainment hubs to secure fresh investment, trade partnerships, and tourism growth for Northern Ireland. The ministerial delegation, including senior Invest NI officials, will officially open a new agency office
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have marked International Women’s Day 2026 by hosting a celebration at Stormont for women from voluntary and grassroots organisations. The event highlighted the “often-unseen work” of community volunteers, aligning with this year’s global theme of “Give to Gain” — a
